CBD Capsules vs Tincture, Is There a Difference?

With more and more options available for consuming CBD from vapes and gummies to creams and balms along with oils and tinctures, it can seem like there is too much variety to choose from and it may seem overwhelming. Don’t worry though, because at the end of the day it is essentially all still CBD, just in different forms.

Two of the most popular methods for consuming CBD, and the two that you are likely going to encounter when taking CBD, are going to be CBD capsules, and CBD oil tinctures. But is there a better option? Is it better to consume CBD capsules vs oil?

Here is the rundown of these two methods of CBD consumption, the pros and cons of each of them, along with some tips on finding high-quality CBD capsules too.

What Are CBD Capsules?

CBD capsules can come as either soft-gel or hard-shell capsules that are filled with a specific dosage of CBD. It is important to note here that capsules may contain either a CBD isolate, which is a refined and purer form of CBD, or full-spectrum CBD, which contains CBD along with a mixture of other cannabinoids.

There are pros and cons to both, with the CBD isolate only containing CBD without cannabinoids such as THC (even though it’s in low levels) which may be picked up in a drug test or may simply be off-putting to CBD consumers, while full or broad-spectrum CBD contains a host of other cannabinoids, including THC, along with beneficial terpenes found in the cannabis plant.

While CBD isolate has no flavor or odor and allows users to consume higher concentrations of CBD without risking failing a drug test due to the presence of THC, full-spectrum THC provides additional health benefits from a full range of cannabinoids which have been shown to work better when taken together in a study which you can find here.

What Is a CBD Oil Tincture?

A CBD oil tincture is CBD which has been mixed with a diluting agent, like coconut oil or another edible oil, which can then be taken by using a dropper that allows you to place the CBD oil directly under the tongue (sublingual). By taking your CBD sublingually, it is able to be absorbed much faster into the body for much more immediate effects like in the case of sudden period cramps or other sources of pain that pop up.

And like with CBD capsules, you also have the option of choosing between CBD tinctures made with either CBD isolate, or full-spectrum CBD. Since you will be putting these tinctures directly into your mouth and therefore will be able to taste them, a full-spectrum CBD tincture that contains additional cannabinoids and terpenes can give a nice, earthy flavor which can be enjoyed by both cannabis enthusiasts and first timers alike. CBD isolate on the other hand has no flavor, although you will still be able to taste the oil that it is mixed with to dilute the solution.

What Are the Benefits and Downsides of CBD Capsules?

As we said above, whether you choose CBD capsules vs tinctures or vice versa, you will still be consuming CBD. With that being said though, there are some slight differences in how these delivery methods introduce the CBD to your body.

The main benefit to using CBD capsules is that they are extremely convenient and easy to use since each capsule will have an accurately measured amount of CBD and won’t easily lead to a mess. And because they are in pill-form, they are also much more discrete for when you need to take CBD at work or out in public. Additionally, if you are not interested in or are put off by the flavor of CBD as well as the oils that are used to dilute it, then a capsule can avoid the flavor making it much easier to take.

The downside however is that a capsule will take the CBD into your digestive system, where it can take over an hour for the effects to be felt and where stomach acids may actually breakdown the CBD, meaning less of it enters the bloodstream.

What Are the Benefits and Downsides of CBD Oil Tinctures?

The most attractive benefit of CBD tinctures is that we can take them sublingually, or underneath the tongue, where they can be quickly absorbed through the skin and can enter our bloodstream quickly. This completely bypasses the digestive system and allows the CBD to take effect almost instantly, perfect for sudden surges in pain or anxiety that may need attention right away.

And although some tinctures do come with an earthy or oily taste and texture, there are many options on the market that have added flavors so that you get a better taste in your mouth whenever it is time to take a dose.

The downside is that because you will need to do this with a dropper, it is not as discrete as using capsules and you are in control of the dose. If you are careless or simply not able to pay attention, there is a small chance that your doses can be inconsistent, either being too little or two much. A higher dose of CBD may cause things like drowsiness and fatigue which will be the last thing that you want in the middle of a big day at work or with the family, and there is also the risk of spilling your tincture when taking it out of the bottle or if you knock the bottle over. 

Which Is Better? CBD Capsule vs CBD Tincture Oil

The truth of the matter is that realistically, there isn’t a clear answer on whether CBD capsules or CBD oil tinctures are better than the other. It all depends on your unique needs. Capsules will likely be a better option for you if you require a discrete and simple dosing method or simply don’t like the taste of the CBD tinctures. Tinctures, on the other hand, are great for speeding up the amount of time it takes the CBD to enter the bloodstream and take effect. It really comes down to personal preference on this one.

Where Can I Buy CBD Capsules and Tinctures?

At Bespoke Extracts, we have put together a great list of high-quality CBD capsules and tinctures that you can find in our online store by clicking here. Here you will be able to find 50mg CBD capsules along with our range of different tinctures containing between 1000mg and 2000mg of CBD. Each option is designed for a particular purpose, from our Recovery, Active, and Comfort formulas with some containing full-spectrum CBD while others have CBD isolate, giving you the option to choose what works right for you.