Cannabidiol (CBD) usage is exploding worldwide. While many people self-medicate, it is also a common doctor-prescribed medicinal in areas where it is legal.
The legality of CBD in the United States, for example, depends on local and state laws. In many areas of the world, CBD has become acceptable by societal standards that used to frown upon the herb.
Part of the road to acceptance is understanding that CBD is not synonymous with marijuana. CBD can be derived from marijuana or hemp. The difference is the amount of THC, which has psychoactive properties. Hemp-based CBD does contain some THC, but at negligible amounts.
CBD oil can be ingested in several different ways. CBD softgels and CBD tinctures are the most popular methods of consumption.
Difference Between Softgels and Tinctures
Both softgels and tinctures are oil-based CBD products. The softgels are capsules infused with CBD oil. They are taken orally like any pill. CBD tinctures are applied using a dropper under the tongue. The effects of the CBD oil are felt more quickly when using CBD tinctures because the body absorbs the oil faster.
However, some people don’t feel comfortable using the dropper and tincture bottles. Or perhaps they don’t like the physical sensation of liquid placed under the tongue.
Some people report an unpleasant aftertaste from using tinctures. On the other hand, it’s also not uncommon to have difficulty swallowing capsules, even if they are softgels, so tinctures are preferred.
Which is Right For You?
Deciding between CBD softgels and tinctures comes down to personal preference. While tinctures can be used at any time, many use them at night. Softgels can be taken discreetly at any time, while tinctures are less discreet.
The body absorbs the CBD oil differently depending on which form is used. Both tinctures and softgels are absorbed, but at different rates, making the body’s reaction different. There’s no hard rule about which is best for your needs. The most effective way to decide is to try both and gauge your body’s reaction to each.
The truth is, two individuals will rarely have the same experience, whether it’s with CBD oil or an over-the-counter pain killer. It comes down to trial and error and listening to your body.
Benefits of CBD Use
CBD oil contains many medicinal benefits. The most common is that it helps ease pain using natural ingredients derived from hemp plants. Some of the benefits touted by CBD include:
- Eases anxiety and depression. In general, CBD oil has a calming effect on the body. This can help reduce anxiety, depression, and replace it with a sense of peacefulness.
- Helps with insomnia and trouble sleeping. Many people choose to use CBD oil at night to help them sleep and stay asleep. It takes some finagling to figure the correct dosage that keeps you calmly alert or helps you sleep.
- Reduces pain using natural ingredients. CBD oil helps reduce all types of pain. It can be used to ease headaches, muscle pains, and nerve pain, among other uses.
As the demand for CBD becomes more mainstream, the market continues to skyrocket. Forbes estimates that the CBD market will grow to $20 billion in the next few years. That includes softgels, tinctures, and other methods of ingesting CBD oil.
