Finding the best CBD Tincture is no easy task. With so many products and brands to choose from, it’s important to understand the aspects and specifications of CBD products, so you know which Tincture will work best for you and your health needs.

Do you have a specific way you like your coffee in the morning? How about the music on your personal playlists? What about the clothes you choose to wear? The hobbies you enjoy spending your time on? The type of exercises you like to incorporate into your workouts? Everyone is different, and everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to their lifestyle. So it only makes sense that we have preferences when it comes to the brands and products we shop for, especially when it comes to our health.

Since the federal legalization of Hemp products in 2018, CBD has become a health trend that has not slowed down. As the industry has grown, the number of brands and options to choose from has increased exponentially, yet many consumers struggle to navigate the new market. With more options comes more choices, and with a range of new terminology and concepts, it becomes difficult to make educated decisions when looking for a CBD Tincture. We’re here to help with a step-by-step guide on choosing the right CBD Tincture in the new, and overwhelmingly complex market. 

When it comes to health supplements, you can find many different forms to get your daily dose. There is a straightforward capsule or tablet, but there are also other options such as gummies, drinks, and tinctures. Each type of product has their place in the market by catering to various consumer desires. For example, fruit flavored gummies can be a great option for first time use because they are reminiscent of gummy bears or candy; however, some people prefer capsules or tablets for their pure form. Drinks have increased in popularity as more and more brands are introducing tasty infused drink options which can give a fun twist on health supplements. Tinctures, on the other hand, have some additional benefits.

With capsules, tablets, gummies, and drinks you will start to feel the effects in about 30 to 90 minutes depending on metabolism and other factors, whereas with tinctures you will feel the effects within 15 to 60 minutes. This is largely due to the fact that with most ingestible products, the CBD has to go through digestion to be absorbed into the bloodstream, but for tinctures the absorption site is underneath the tongue (sublingual) so it bypasses digestion. Additionally, since you lose some of the CBD in digestion, the CBD in tinctures will absorb at a higher rate, so you won’t have to take as much to feel the desired effects. 

Finding the Best CBD Tincture for You

While there are plenty of minor differences, and various brand appeals, when it comes to shopping CBD Tinctures, these are the key things to look for: 

• Cannabinoid Profile
• Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate
• Potency and Dosing
• Carrier Oil, Terpenes, Plant Extracts and Other Ingredients
• A Trusted Manufacturer

After assessing these components, you can better understand and assess the various options for CBD Tinctures and other Cannabis or Hemp products. Especially in an emerging market where regulations and product development are still in their infancy, it is important to be an educated consumer to find a product that works best for you and your unique health needs. 

CBD and Cannabinoid Profile

To start off, let’s get familiar with some of the terminology associated with the Cannabis and Hemp industries. “Cannabinoid” is a term referring to the group of chemical constituents that are often referred to as the “active components” in the Cannabis plant. While CBD and THC are the most well known and most dominant, there are other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBG, and more than 100 other compounds that have been identified. Although more research is needed, we do know that each of these cannabinoids have a unique structure and interact with the body in different ways. THC is more known for its euphoric high, whereas CBD is more known for its balancing and relaxing properties.

While you may be specifically shopping for a CBD Tincture, it’s always good to consider your options, and perhaps opt for a Tincture with two or more dominant cannabinoids that combine to produce your desired effect. If you’re looking for something more calming and relaxing yet also uplifting, consider trying a Tincture with both CBD and CBG, or perhaps you’re looking for something to help with sleep, then you might want to consider trying a Tincture with CBD and CBN. While many people categorize Cannabis products into “Sativa”, “Incida”, or a hybrid of the two, the cannabinoid profile and other minor constituents of the plant is what plays the biggest role in the effects of a product. 

Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum vs Isolate

Perhaps you have heard of Full-Spectrum led lights, but what if you were told you can also find Full-Spectrum CBD products? First, let’s clarify what Full-Spectrum actually means. When it comes to lighting, Full-Spectrum light refers to the covering the full array on the electromagnetic spectrum which ranges from ultrared all the way to near-ultraviolet.

When it comes to Cannabis products, Full-Spectrum refers to a product that has the full array of cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in the plant. So, even though your product may have predominantly CBD as the active ingredient, a Full-Spectrum product would also contain trace amounts of other cannabinoids. For some cannabinoids, it only takes a small amount to activate its effects, and although research still needs to be done, many scientists theorize that some cannabinoids are more effective when paired with other cannabinoids, a concept also known as the entourage effect.

Sounds like Full-Spectrum is the best choice, right? Well not always – since Full-Spectrum contains the full cannabinoid profile, there can be trace amounts of THC. The legal limit for THC in Hemp products is 0.3% in the US, which is such a small amount that you would not feel the euphoric high that THC is known for. However, some people who are subject to drug tests or anyone who may be sensitive to THC might look for a specifically THC-free product. 

       

For those who are looking for a THC-free product, Broad-Spectrum could be a much more suited choice. When it comes to Cannabis or Hemp products, “Broad-Spectrum” refers to the full cannabinoid profile with one compound extracted, and almost always that extracted compound is THC. Even though you may not feel the effects of the trace amounts of THC, it could still potentially show positive on a drug test, especially when consumed frequently and over a longer period of time. It’s unlikely, but it is still possible – so why not play it safe with a Broad-Spectrum product?

With Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum being the most popular options, some Tinctures are made with isolate CBD which – just as it sounds – is when the CBD is extracted and isolated from the plant before being infused into a finished product. With isolate based products, you won’t get the entourage effect, so it may potentially be a less effective product, making it a less popular option for Cannabis consumers. However, there can still be a place for isolate-based products in the market. Some consumers prefer isolate based products because they are more consistent between batches, additionally some researchers are looking to isolate and test the properties of a specific cannabinoid. 

Potency and Dosing

Potency is a more widely understood term that refers to the concentration, or strength of a Cannabis product. Usually the potency is in terms of how many milligrams are in the product, but sometimes it can also be found as a percent concentration.

Now while the term may be more familiar, that is not to say it is not hard to differentiate potency when shopping for a CBD Tincture. With the regulations of Hemp manufacturing being handled more on a State level, there is a range of different labeling requirements that manufacturers have to comply to depending on which state they are located in. Additionally, products can be manufactured in one state, but sold in another which makes it difficult for consumers to clearly understand the potency of a given product, even when they are reading the fine print. 

Now what makes potency especially difficult to understand is that sometimes the potency is expressed milligrams per dose, and understanding this difference is essential to shopping CBD products. Total milligrams of CBD would be referring to the amount of CBD in the entire container, whereas CBD per dose is a much smaller number which is much more common for Gummies or Capsules. Why do they show the potency in different ways? Well there is no perfect answer to that. Some people prefer to read the potency in total milligrams per container because that is usually what affects the pricing of a product, but on the other hand potency as milligrams per dose can be easier to understand.

Savings Tip! Get a higher potency product for less cost per milligram, but take less of the CBD Tincture per dose… the Tincture will last longer and it will save you money! 

You can always find the total milligrams by multiplying the CBD per dose by the number of doses per container, or you can find the milligrams per dose by dividing the total milligrams by the number of doses in the container. Or, to make things simple, you can look at the “supplement facts” or “drug facts” panel which should clearly state both the serving size and number of servings per container with the amount of milligrams for each active ingredient. Keep in mind that some labeling requirements vary by state, so the “supplement facts” or “drug facts” may look different.

Now you may be wondering, okay so I know how to read the potency, but what potency should I get? Dosing can be difficult to give a definitive answer because when it really comes down to it, different potencies affect people differently due to a range of factors that may affect how much CBD you should take per dose. Depending on the unique features of your body such as metabolism, weight,  and body chemistry. It also can depend on what condition or purpose you are intending to use your CBD Tincture for.

Your dose may also vary depending on technical aspects of the product such as absorption rate, bioavailability, and other base ingredients which act as a “carrier” to deliver the CBD to the body to stimulate the Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that is interconnected with our other body systems, like our nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, etc. The ECS consists of receptors, molecules and cell signaling pathways that function to maintain our homeostasis, or balance within and throughout the body.

A good rule-of-thumb is to start low, and go slow! Or, if you’re looking for a recommendation based on your specific health goals, you can get an appointment with a Cannabis Doctor using Leafwell, a platform for navigating medical Cannabis use.

Carrier Oil, Terpenes, Plant Extracts and Other Ingredients

Carrier Oil is essentially just like any other ingredient, and sometimes there is more than one carrier oil, or even more intriguing sometimes the carrier isn’t even an oil. The term “carrier” refers to the delivery mechanism of the CBD, which historically has been oil based ingredients. So basically, the CBD binds to the oil which is then absorbed into the body. Usually the carrier oil is the most prevalent ingredient in your product, so it will be the first listed on the ingredients list of the supplement facts panel.

One of the most common carrier oils is Fractionated Coconut Oil, or liquid coconut oil, which is a great choice for CBD Tinctures because the CBD binds well to its long and medium chain triglycerides. Coconut Oil can also be a good carrier oil for topical products due to its thin, non-sticky consistency and moisturizing effects. Almond oil is another great option for both topical and ingestible products; however, for some people Coconut and Almond oil can be an allergen, so they might opt for a seed based oil such as Hempseed oil or Grapeseed oil.

Each ingredient has a unique role in a CBD Tincture, and you will find an array of different oils and ingredients as you browse the market, and every now and again you will find terpenes and other plant extracts as well. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in almost all plants, all over the world, and they are especially abundant in coniferous or citrus trees as well as in the Cannabis plant. These compounds are used by plants to repel predators or attract pollinators, and scientists have identified over 30,000 terpenes that can be extracted, isolated, and infused into various products.

Perfume and cologne often contain terpenes as a natural source of fragrance, and many cosmetics use terpenes for their scent as well. However, when they are infused into Tinctures, the terpenes are absorbed into the body and used for their therapeutic effects. 

Terpenes are also found in the Essential Oil of a plant or tree which are also commonly used in CBD Tincture blends. For both Terpenes and Essential oils, they are very concentrated so you only need a trace amount to feel the effects, and in some cases over-consumption with high concentrations can become dangerous. 

While CBD can help with many things, the cannabinoid profile, plant extracts and other ingredients can contribute or accentuate the desired effect. In more recent product development, manufacturers have begun to pair CBD with other adaptogens or active compounds to target a specific effect. For example, if you are looking for something that helps with hormone balancing, you might be interested in trying a CBD Tincture with Ginseng or other plant extracts such as Ylang Ylang or Rose essential oil. By having multiple ingredients that target something specific, you are also promoting the entourage effect and are more likely to feel the effects of the product. 

A Trusted Manufacturer

Now even if you find the CBD Tincture that fits all of your criteria, it’s important to also pay attention to the source of your product. With an emerging market, and while regulations are still being worked out, you may find a product that is not of high quality, or in extreme circumstances could potentially be unsafe to use. Best practices for a manufacturer would be to third-party test every batch of product that is produced. Some States require this from their licensed processors, some do not, so you need to be cautious when finding a reliable, safe product. 

In Ohio, Cannabis and Hemp cultivators, extractors and processors are required to test every batch to ensure there are no harmful ingredients such as mycotoxins or heavy metals. Some Tincture bottles have the testing results printed onto the packaging, or a scancode that connects to a digital copy of the testing results. If you aren’t seeing anything printed on the bottle, find the batch code which could be a combination of numbers and letters. Oftentimes manufacturers, or even some brands have the testing results posted to their website so you can reference the results that correlate with your batch code. 

The CBD Infusion Lab curated a range of Tincture blends for the most common uses – Featured Formulas, Common Uses, Terpenes and More

At the Primo Gardens Inc. CBD Infusion Lab, you will find the only made-to-order option out there. Everyone has unique preferences, health goals, desires, strengths and downfalls, so that means our journeys and paths are all different as well, right? Of course! There is only one you, so products should be made specifically for you and the areas you wish to target. 

We infuse custom blended products that are unique to you, your goals and your preferences. Build an entire product by choosing from a range of options for: 

1. Product Type
2. Potency
3. Spectrum
4. Carrier Oil
5. Natural Plant Extracts

While CBD may seem like a complex industry to navigate, the Custom Blend at Primo Gardens Inc. makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for in a product. 

First, choose your product type, and keep in mind what you intend to use your product for. A tincture is an ingestible that is circulated throughout the body, ideally used for its psychological or full-body balancing effects. You can also customize your own roll-on blend which is a topical, so the effects are more localized and emphasized on the overall essence. 

Next, you can choose your potency and spectrum which plays more of a role in the dosing and cannabinoid profile of your product. The potency options come in a wide range of 500mg-3000mg for Tinctures, and 300mg-1000mg for Roll-ons, so you can find the potency that works best for you. As far as spectrum, all potencies are available in both Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum, which are very similar, but if you are subject to drug testing, play it safe and opt for a THC-free Broad-Spectrum product. 

Find a carrier oil that works for you by choosing from Coconut oil or Hempseed oil options. While Coconut oil is a popular choice for CBD Tinctures, Hempseed oil can be more friendly to those with nut allergies. For topical products such as the roll-on, Coconut oil is a great option as it is a light weight, non-greasy oil that nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

Finish your Custom Blend with some all-natural plant extracts. Primo Gardens carries a wide range of Essential Oils and Terpenes to help you target a specific effect. Essential Oils are a concentrated extract derived from various plants, whereas terpenes are more so the isolated compound found within the plants. For example, Lavender essential oil comes from the Lavender plant, but it also contains a terpene called Linalool, both of which are known for their calming and relaxing properties.

If you are looking for a more simplified option, the CBD Infusion Lab has curated a handful of Featured Formulas that are intended for some of the most common uses for CBD. 

Tincture Featured Formulas:

1. AM – Lemon, Tangerine, and Limonene

Start your day off shining with this citrusy, bright blend designed to uplift your mood, and promote a boost of energy. With the balancing effects of CBD paired with energizing plant extracts such as Lemon, Tangerine, and Limonene, you are bound to start your day off strong. Having a good morning routine and using all-natural products will help you embody a happy, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle.

2. Body ReLeaf – Clove, Peppermint, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Linalool

Ideal for systemic aches and soreness, this Body ReLeaf blend will be your new go-to remedy for post-workout recovery or to decompress after a long day on your feet. Formulated with Clove, Peppermint, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Linalool, this powerful blend is designed to help with full-body relief, but can also be paired with a CBD topical for optimal effects. If you’ve been looking for something that targets those hard to reach, deep-rooted discomfort, then look no further!

3. Hangover – Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint, and Beta-Caryophyllene

Enjoy a night out with friends, but without the next day thought of “I’m never drinking again.” Effectively target the aches and pains that come with those hard-to-beat hangovers with this infusion of CBD and the perfect balance of Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint, and Beta-Caryophyllene. Try ending your night with a dropper or take it first thing in the morning to skip the hangover and jump straight into your activities for the day. Never thought that you could be so productive the day after a wild night out, did you?

4. Peace of Mind – Bergamot, Orange, Ylang Ylang, and Limonene

Avoid the stress and decompress with this peaceful blend. Made with Bergamot, Orange, Ylang Ylang, and Limonene, this blend can help to calm down racing thoughts and bring you to a centered and relaxed state. Stress relief is one of the most common uses for CBD, and by pairing it with other relaxing ingredients, you can target and alleviate those unwanted feelings.

5. PM – Lavender, Linalool, and Myrcene

Do you struggle to wind down and sleep through the night? Getting enough sleep is important for a healthy lifestyle, not to mention preparing yourself to be rested and rejuvenated for the next day. CBD can help improve your sleep cycles by restoring and balancing your circadian rhythm, so by pairing CBD with Lavender, Linalool, and Myrcene, you can promote a restful and disruption-free night of sleep. 

Roll-On Featured Formulas:

1. Body ReLeaf – Clove, Lavender, Beta-Caryophyllene, Camphor, and Menthol

Take your Body ReLeaf on-the-go with a compact roll-on that helps target any specific areas that may be bothering you. Whether it be a headache, achy joints, or sore muscles, CBD can be a great all-natural solution to bounce back into your active lifestyle pain-free, especially when infused with Clove, Lavender, Beta-Caryophyllene, Camphor and Menthol adding to the effectiveness of the blend. Similar to the CBD Salve, the Body ReLeaf roll-on is a topical product, and most people feel the effects within 5 to 15 minutes, but sometimes even sooner.

2. Dreamzzz – Cedarwood, Lavender, Linalool, and Myrcene

Get in a relaxed mindset, and fall asleep to the blissful scent of the Dreamzzz Roll-On. With the essence of Cedarwood, Lavender, Linalool and Myrcene, this soothing blend calms the mind and body as you prepare for bed. Pair your Dreamzzz Roll-on with the PM Tincture to set the mood in your nighttime routine, and finally get that full night’s rest that you’ve been needing.

3. Energy Bolt – Lemon, Orange, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Limonene

Zap away your feelings of fatigue with a quick, on-the-go swipe of the Energy Bolt roll-on. With an overall spiced citrus essence, including Lemon, Orange, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Limonene, you’ll find yourself cruising through the day bright-eyed and ready for anything that comes your way. 

4. In The Zone – Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Alpha-Pinene

Level up your flow with the In The Zone roll-on, perfect for studying or as a workplace essential. Ideal for concentration, memory and productivity, this CBD blend is infused with Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Alpha-Pinene for an herbaceous essence to stay focused on your tasks at hand, helping you get more done in less time. Work smarter, not harder!!

5. Peace of Mind – Bergamot, Copaiba, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Linalool

Quiet the clutter of worry and stress in your head with the Peace of Mind Roll-on. With the essence of Bergamot, Copaiba, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Linalool you can finally put your mind at ease. Take a deep inhalation of the relaxing scent and feel your stressful thoughts simmering away. 

6. WomenCann – Bergamot, Clary Sage, Rose, and Linalool

This blend is designed to embody women’s health and wellness by promoting mood balancing and hormone regulation. The soothing blend of CBD with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Rose, and Linalool was made in partnership with WomenCann, an Ohio non-profit organization that supports women in cannabis, through education, advocacy and support.

Haven’t found the blend that’s right for you and your health targets? Customize a blend from scratch, with over a million different possibilities, you can build your own blend to fit exactly what you’re looking for. Check out the step-by-step guide for more information on how to choose the blend that’s right for you, and learn how to “Build Your Own Blend” at Primo Gardens Inc.