We receive this question a lot from you guys. Which way is better to consume CBD? CBD Oil tinctures or CBD softgels?
Before we dig deeper, let’s understand what they are.
What is CBD Oil Drops?
CBD oil drops are also known as CBD oil tincture. The tincture is a form of liquid supplement or remedy. In the case of CBD, the oil is separated from hemp by using an extraction process like ethanol or super critical CO2. The extraction breaks open the trichomes and causes the hemp to exude CBD (and other beneficial phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBC, CBG, CBN and more).
From there, the hemp plants are strained from the product. In turn, you have a CBD-rich matter. CBD flavor on its own could be quite intense, that’s why so many CBD products are added with flavorings to their tinctures. What is used to flavor CBD tincture is very critical as it impacts its potency. Some CBD manufacturers would use synthetic flavors to take away the piquancy of a highly concentrated CBD product.
Make sure that they are using high quality plant-based flavorings such as essential oils when shopping quality CBD products. The reason to stick with essential oils is not only because they are an excellent source of flavorings but also because they also work really well with CBD as a whole by providing the benefits of terpenes.
Terpenes are the chemical compounds found in hemp and a lot of plants, trees, flowers and fruits. They are the ones who are responsible for the science of aromatherapy. The aromatic chemical compounds in essential oils can provide the soothing feeling (for example lavender) and increase our cognitive performance (for instance rosemary).
When these chemical compounds come into contact with other terpenes and phytocannabinoids of hemp, it actually enhances the benefits of the holistic product. This is what we called the “entourage effect.” Hence, a true high-quality CBD product should be flavored with a terpene-rich product such as organic essential oils.
When use an oil tincture, the most common method people use is called “sublingual method”. Basically, you drop the oil underneath your tongue and hold it for at least 45-60 seconds. Your mucus membrane tissue will absorb the oil and let CBD enter into your blood stream from there. Once you feel the oil is gone, you can then swallow the rest of the liquid. Sublingual method could give you a quick onset time for CBD delivery which is usually around 10-15 minutes.
What is CBD Softgel?
A softgel refers to a one-piece capsule which is made from gelatin mixed with glycerin or sorbitol. The gelatin used may be vegan or not, depending on the company’s policies and manufacturing methods.
The reasons that people might prefer using CBD softgels are:
- Won’t dissolve in your mouth while swallowing
- Are easier to swallow
- Don’t break up in the bottle
- Leave no bad aftertaste after consuming
What makes a softgel an easier way to supplement is what encapsulates it. In CBD products such as Joy Organics CBD Softgels, the phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil is plunged by gelatin.
The gelatin plays a very important role in preserving the integrity of CBD products. By encapsulating the liquid in a gelatinous matter, phytocannabinoids won’t disseminate as easily. The softgel holds CBD captive so that there are more cannabinoids for your body system to digest.
Softgels are found easier on the stomach than tablets and chewables. Because gelatin is a natural substance that our body is familiar with. The gelatin in all CBD softgels that we carry at our shop is derived from bovines so the body can absorb the CBD products with more ease.
By using a substance compatible to our genetics like gelatin, it increases the bioavailability of all the fatty acids and phytocannabinoids encapsulated inside the softgels.
CBD softgels are hermetically sealed. Nothing gets in the CBD and nothing gets out. The airtight environment keeps the phytocannabinoids safe from light and oxygen, which could potentially corrupt the potency of CBD products.
Meanwhile a lot of CBD softgels that we pick and carry at our shop are specially formulated to increase bioavailability. Using cutting-edge nanoemulsion technology, these CBD softgel products contain phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil particles as microscopic as 25 nanometers, making them easily absorbable. Comparatively, most common CBD softgel products on the market have particles up to 40 times the size.
Which is Better? CBD Oil Drops or CBD Softgels?
In terms of effectiveness, both CBD softgels and tinctures are pretty close. You will ultimately receive the benefits of CBD — it’s just the delivery method and how fast you feel the results.
When it comes to ease of use, CBD softgels might be more comfortable on the stomachs and easier for carrying to travel. We all know how to swallow pills. And the softgels won’t leave any funky aftertaste in your mouth and stomach.
Another point is the serving size for CBD softgels has already been figured out. The mg of CBD in each softgel is well noted on the packaging of the CBD products.
Some might find a CBD oil tincture a little too strong for their taste buds. However, this process for CBD delivery is quicker, so if you want the benefits of CBD in a very short time of period, a CBD tincture would be the most efficient option. Also, the CBD bioavailability in your bloodstream would be higher than softgels and other edibles when you use sublingual method to consume CBD oil.
So, which is better? CBD softgels or CBD oil tinctures? The answer honestly comes down to a matter of preference. For those who need quicker results, a CBD tincture with oil drops would be the way to go. For an easier way to take CBD especially when you are on the go, a CBD softgel may be a better option. Keep in mind, no matter what you decide or what you choose, both will provide you with high-quality CBD as long as you stick with the quality products.
Make sure you speak to a reliable CBD retailer and let them help you to decide what best suits you.