6 Best Tasting CBD Flavors Available in Tinctures
Ever since their legalization, the use of CBD has increased immensely. CBD tinctures are especially becoming more and more popular. They are favored for the relaxing and calming effect, which is why most people use them recreationally to relax. Others use it medically as well for issues like anxiety and to relieve them from pain. With that said, CBD tinctures have a great number of benefits.
They are also the best way of using hemp without having to smoke it or experience the psychoactive effects of THC. One downside, however, is the taste of CBD tinctures, especially when taken directly. They tend to have a strong earthy flavor that not everyone is a fan of. For that reason, most manufacturers add flavorings, sweeteners, and/or essential oils to mask the taste of the tincture.
About CBD
As you may know, CBD is just one of the many compounds found in a hemp plant. Unlike THC it's highly unlikely to get you "high", nor will you experience any psychoactive effects like hallucinations or an altered perception of time. Instead, you'll get a relaxed and calming feeling when you take any CBD products, or experience pain relief if in any pain. That is why CBD is considered to have many healthy and medical benefits.
It is also the most common and legal way of using hemp in most states in the US and other places like Canada. Even in places where hemp is completely illegal, you're less likely to fail a drug test after using a CBD product. That is because most drug tests look for traces of THC and CBD products have less than 0.3% of THC if any at all.
To make CBD tinctures, generally, CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, either from the flowers, leaves, stems, or trims. The extract is then dissolved in a solvent, mostly high-proof ethyl alcohol. Although, you could use vegetable oil or food-grade glycerin if you're making it from home. The result will contain highly potent CBD that would give you the same effect as if you smoked it instead.
How to choose the best CBD Flavor for You?
As with any product, it is very important to ensure the quality, safety, and transparency of CBD tinctures before purchasing them. This is especially important because it’s a product you’re introducing into your body. Luckily, some indicators on the product help you establish how safe the tincture is for use.
First, look for proof that the CBD tincture has undergone third-party testing from an ISO17025 compliant lab. Also, ensure that the hemp used to make the tincture was grown in the US. Another important indicator is that the product should have a CAO certification of analysis. The certificate should state that the product has 0.3% THC at most. It should also indicate that the product has passed pesticide, heavy metal, and molding tests. All these indications are an assurance of quality and that the product is safe for use.
Other things to consider when choosing the best CBD tincture, other than flavor, are ingredients used, and the potency of the tincture. You can also investigate the brand's reputation by looking at customer reviews, any unsupported health claims, or warning letters from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Price can also be a deciding factor. Most flavored tinctures are priced between $30-$60, although you may find some that are cheaper or more expensive.
Difference Types of CBD Flavors
There are many different flavors to choose from today when it comes to CBD tinctures. You have choices like orange, lemongrass, and mint, among many more, depending on the brand. To help you decide on what flavors to pick, we have created a list of six of the best flavored CBD tincture you can try:
Penguin Cookies and Cream CBD Oil
This is an oil-based broad-spectrum product that comes in 4 different potencies. That is, 2500mg, 1000mg, 600mg and 250mg. According to Penguin, the hemp used is grown from Oregon with no chemicals and produced in small batches to maintain freshness. Other flavors you can get from the same brand, aside from cream and cookie, are strawberry, mint, and citrus.
FOCL CBD Drops Orange Cream
This is another broad-spectrum product that comes in two potencies, that is, 1000mg and 200mg. It's advised to first start with 20-40mg per day, especially for beginners. The company also claims that this product is purely organic, including the hemp and flavorings used to make it. Other flavors to choose from are cherry and mint flavors.
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract, Chocolate Mint
This is an oil-based full-spectrum product that contains all chemical components of the hemp plant, including essential fatty acids. It has a potency of 500mg in a 30ml bottle and does not use any chemical additives. That means that the flavor used is organic. Based on its reviews, the product is great when using it alone or mixing with other flavors.
Joy Organics Organic CBD oil, Fresh Lime
This is a broad-spectrum oil-based product, although you may find some traces of THC. You can examine the lab report from the manufacturer's website to be sure. It comes in different potencies including, 1350mg, 900mg, 450mg, and 225mg. It is USDA certified as an organic product, that uses organic hemp extract as well as key lime and MCT oils. Other available flavors include orange bliss, mint, and summer lemon. You can also get it in its natural flavor.
CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil, Mango.
This is another full-spectrum oil-based CBD product by CBDistillery. It's made using hemp that's been certified by the US Hemp Authority. Its potency is 1000mg in a 30ml bottle. Based on reviews, its flavor adds to the great natural taste of the product. What's more, you get a 30% discount if you're a veteran, military officer, police officer, EMT, or firefighter.
Kanibi CBD Pure Isolate, Skittles.
If you want a completely THC-free and pure CBD product then you should try this isolate product by Kanibi. It comes in two potencies, that is 1500mg and 750mg. The hemp used is organically grown based on Kanibi's claims. It also offers discounts for veterans and you can get it in another flavor, that is cinnamon.
What type of CBD is in it?
When deciding on the flavor you want for your CBD tincture, you should also consider the type of CBD in the tincture. As you may know, there are three main types of CBD used in making a tincture. It depends on the effect you’re going for when using the tincture. The three main types are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD means it contains all the chemical components of the hemp plant, including THC. The levels of THC are, however, very low. So, you're unlikely to hallucinate or experience other negative psychoactive effects. It is the best choice if you're looking to experience the entourage effect. That is the positive effect that comes about when all the chemical compounds synergize.
Isolate CBD is the complete opposite. It contains only pure CBD extract. It's a great option if you don't want the THC or entourage effects. It's great for calming your nerves, relaxing your body, or relieving pain. It is also the safest product to take, especially if you might undergo a drug test later.
The broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is a middle ground between full-spectrum and isolate CBD. It contains all other components of the hemp plant without THC. It's a great option if you want to experience the entourage effect without risking the negative psychoactive effects of THC. Even with that, keep in mind that some broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products may contain some traces of THC, however, negligible.
How to Use CBD Tincture?
When it comes to using CBD tinctures, you need to be mindful of the dosage. Normally, it comes with a dropper with a 1ml marking to help you calculate the dosage of each drop you administer. Your ideal dosage may differ from others especially due to weight. Luckily most brands include instructions on dosages. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully. Beginners should always start with the lowest dose possible for them, and gradually increase it depending on the strength of the CBD on them.
Once you've grasped what your ideal dosage is, there are two ways to take the tincture. The most direct and fastest way is by placing the correct dose underneath your tongue. Wait for about 30 minutes at most to ensure the tincture has been fully absorbed directly into the bloodstream. After that, you're allowed to swallow. You should start to feel the effects in about 10 minutes at most.
Another way is by ingesting the CBD tincture in food. You can add the right dose of CBD tincture to any food, the easiest ones are like ice-cream, tea, soups, or salads. The best food is fatty foods. Because the CBD will have to go through the digestive tract first before reaching the bloodstream, this method takes longer. You may feel the effects after an hour at least. It's however, the best way of taking naturally flavored tinctures as the food's flavor will help mask the taste.
The absorption rate and strength of the effects, however, also depend on other factors like weight and overall potency of the tincture. The quality of the product matters too. Either way, whichever method you choose to take, the effects normally last for at most 10 hours from when you first feel them.
Medical Benefits
There are very many benefits involved when it comes to using CBD tinctures. Research has shown that there are even some medical benefits included. These benefits are not affected by the flavors added to the tincture. The main benefits include:
Epilepsy.
According to research, the use of CBD has been observed to reduce the number of seizures hence help a patient in handling their epileptic condition. The relationship between epileptic seizures and CBD usage is still being studied to further understand how it works. The FDA has, however, approved a CBD-based drug for managing Epilepsy called Epidiolex. The drug is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy including, Dravet syndrome, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex in children.
Chronic Pain and Inflammation.
Studies have also shown the success of using CBD in reducing inflammation and relieving pain. It especially helps patients suffering from arthritis, spinal cord injuries, and other inflammatory conditions.
Anxiety and Depression.
These are the most common emotional disorders people experience. They are mostly affected by the chemical serotine and how the brain responds to it. Researchers believe that using CBD alters the brain's reception and response to this chemical. As a result, a person feels calmer and more at ease after using CBD. It's also a great way to manage or relieve yourself of stress. You also get better sleep when your body is in a relaxed state.
Side Effects
CBD is considered to be the safest component when it comes to hemp. CBD tinctures are the best way to use CBD since it does not affect the lungs with smoke. Like every product, however, there are bound to be some side effects. They are however not too serious and mainly occur when it's the first time using CBD or when the dosage is changed. In such cases, the body views the substance as foreign and reacts to it, resulting in what we perceive as side effects. The most common ones you're likely to experience are as follows:
- Dry mouth or cottonmouth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Stomach discomfort
- Change in appetite and weight.
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
Keep in mind that CBD tinctures are very potent, and the side effects may indicate an overdose. Ensure you seek medical attention when the side effects are too uncomfortable. Also, discuss with your doctor before starting to use CBD tinctures. This is because the CBD might react with other medications you may be on. Overall, when using CBD tinctures, ensure you eat light and stay hydrated throughout.
Conclusion
CBD tinctures are a great and safe way of using hemp. They are the best if you’re looking for a way to relax or get restful sleep. You can also get them in many different flavors. Be careful about the dosages and the quality and safety of the product.