Individuals who suffer from pain and symptoms of disease and disability are finding hemp-based therapeutic products to be effective in treating the symptoms of their ailments.
But before we dig into that, let’s first be clear: the FDA doesn’t allow us to claim that CBD can treat, prevent or cure any disease…and we’re not saying that it does.
However, the medical community’s stance on the benefits of CBD is quickly changing to one of positivity. As new research continues to emerge demonstrating the potential role of CBD as a medical treatment or complementary tool to traditional medicine, we’re seeing more doctors adopt the use of CBD as an alternative to harsh pharmaceuticals.
In fact, as of the date this article is being written, the FDA has approved the first ever CBD based pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of epilepsy.
Why is CBD an Important Therapeutic Consideration?
As medical cannabis use becomes more widely available and accepted, patients turn to products high in the cannabinoid known as CBD which shows a lot of promise in treating many conditions.
And unlike the famous (or infamous) cannabinoid THC, also derived from the cannabis plant, CBD doesn’t produce the "high" that cannabis products are often associated with. CBD, when free from THC, will not impact your reaction time, consciousness, perception, behavior or sensory awareness. It can even be used by children. -
In addition to treating patients with physical symptoms, CBD has also been used to treat mental health patients with anxiety disorders, and in treating the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some studies suggest that CBD administered orally via oils or tinctures is more effective than other forms of dosing for conditions such as social anxiety disorder.
About CBD tinctures
What are Tinctures anyway?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, CBD oils and tinctures are not always the same thing. While oil can be consumed via a vaporizer, CBD tincture is designed for oral consumption.
Other Forms of Administration
CBD can be administered in many forms. Patients can choose to smoke a cannabis strain that is high in CBD. CBD can also be consumed in edibles like candies and baked goods. Other options for CBD administration include gels, ointments, vaping CBD oils and other topical products. Researchers have found that administration of CBD by way of oral dosage (i.e. tinctures) to be a particularly effective method of dosing.
How are tinctures made?
CBD tinctures are made of a potent liquid that delivers the effects of the cannabinoid molecules without smoking. Instead, the CBD is infused from hemp or cannabis flowers into a high-proof grain alcohol which is then boiled off.
Essentially, a CBD tincture is concentrated, and therefore designed to be taken in small doses. Purchased tinctures typically come with a built-in dropper that allows patients to carefully measure quantities.
Why are CBD tinctures so popular?
Given the potency, purity and ease of use, tinctures are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for consumers and patients alike to take their CBD doses. As compared to other products, tinctures and concentrates are the purest applications of CBD, with less processing and preparation needed on the manufacturing side of things.
While CBD oils can take 45 minutes to work, patients typically begin feeling the therapeutic effects of a CBD tincture within about 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion. One of the most noticeable differences between a CBD tincture and oil is that the tincture seems to work much faster, though this can vary depending on how empty your stomach is at the time. Tinctures are also less thick and viscous than their oil counterpart, making them easier to consume. Effects tend to last anywhere between four to six hours.
Properly Using CBD Tinctures
You can easily add CBD to your meal by mixing a few tincture drops into your pasta, or mix with coffee or a soft drink. Tinctures can also be taken by placing the drops directly underneath the tongue.
Dosage can range from 100mg-1000mg, so it’s important that you do your own research on what strength you choose.
Since a tincture is known to be most effective by not swallowing the liquid right away. Hold the drops under your tongue and along the cheeks for as long as you can, or about 2-54 minutes.
Some brands even add a little flavor to their tinctures, which makes it easier (and more enjoyable) for customers to take. This method of delivering CBD tincture is common in epilepsy treatments and also found effective in treating anxiety.
Dosing with CBD tincture
Determining the correct CBD tincture dosage depends on what symptoms you are hoping to eliminate. A CBD tincture dosage for pain will not be the same for anxiety. When learning how to use a CBD tincture, you should adhere to the age-old medical mantra of seeking the ‘minimum effective dose.
CBD tinctures are typically available in several potencies. A strong option might have 2,000mg of CBD per 30ml bottle which means each ml of the tincture contains 66.66mg of CBD. You would have to consume 20ml of the 100mg version to get the same amount of CBD.
For chronic pain you might take 2.5 – 20mg but it may take 200 mg to treat an epileptic seizure. For MS symptoms you could be taking 2.5 – 120mg plus the same amount of THC.
Closing Thoughts About Tinctures
There is an increasing body of research which suggests that a CBD tincture can provide relief from pain and inflammation, improved mood, a reduction in nausea. Proponents of CBD routinely praise its ability to reduce or even eliminate pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation.
An increasing number of people are starting to rely on CBD tinctures to help wean them off harmful pharmaceutical drugs. Possible negative side effects of CBD tincture are minimal, and include dry mouth, drowsiness and lightheadedness.
Author, Freelance writer