11 of the best CBD tinctures for 2023

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

A quick look at 11 of the best CBD tinctures

CBD is one of over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD has become a popular alternative treatment for numerous medical conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.

This article explains what a CBD tincture is and how it differs from a CBD oil. It also covers 11 CBD tinctures available online and discusses how consumers can choose a high quality CBD tincture.

People often use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably. However, although these products have similar appearances and uses, they are different.

Despite these differences, most companies within the CBD industry use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably.

Packaging

Both CBD oil and tincture are thick liquids that contain CBD, a naturally occurring compound derived from the C. sativa plant.

Both products come in tinted glass bottles with droppers, allowing people to use CBD sublingually by dropping it under their tongues.

Ingredients

Traditionally, the main difference between CBD oil and tincture has been their composition. CBD oil contains CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hempseed oil.

CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are typically glycerin- or alcohol-based solutions. To make them, manufacturers soak cannabis in high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol. Then, they either dilute or suspend the resulting CBD extract in carrier oil.

When choosing a CBD tincture, we recommend that people look for products that:

• contain no more than 0.3% THC, per the Agriculture Improvement Act
• have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
• pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
• pass product potency evaluations and safety testing

Reputable manufacturers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all of their products. A COA is a document that shows that an unbiased laboratory has tested a CBD product. People can find COAs on product websites or by scanning a QR code on the product.

A COA contains the following information:

• the content of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
• the content of terpenes
• the results of safety tests for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and chemicals

In addition to laboratory test results, people should consider:

• CBD potency
• price
• the reputation of the retailer and manufacturer
• customer reviews

All of the products discussed in this article have undergone third-party testing and come highly recommended by previous customers.

Read our complete buyer’s guide to CBD.

Below, we look at 11 of the best CBD tinctures available on the market in detail.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.

Best for a CBD tincture that contains humulene: Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture

• Price: $40.00
• CBD content: 1,500 milligrams (mg)
• Flavors: strawberry lemonade
• Why it is a top pick: contains humulene
• COA: available online

This high-potency CBD tincture contains 50 mg of CBD per milliliter (mL). The CBD comes from a full-spectrum hemp extract suspended in organic hemp seed and coconut oils.

The dropper has markings at every 0.25 mL for precise dosing. Lazarus Naturals recommends starting with 25–50 mg and slowly increase their dosage as necessary.

The COA on the company’s website shows that this tincture contains a terpene called humulene. According to a 2020 review, humulene has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to CBD, this tincture contains up to 0.187% THC and other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol, cannabichromene, and cannabinol.

Reviews

The Lazarus website lists customer reviews for this product. It has an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Positive reviews state that the product works well. The website does not allow someone to filter to find negative reviews, so these can be difficult to find. However, some negative reviews mention not being sure if the product helps, a mix-up on the discount, and an unpleasant taste.

Learn more about Lazarus CBD.

Best for relieving discomfort: CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture

• Price: $70.00
• CBD content: 1,000 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: easily accessible COA
• COA: available online

This product contains 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD, and each serving is equivalent to 33 mg.

Other ingredients in this tincture include coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and flavonoids. It also has traces of THC.

Anecdotal reports suggest that this product promotes relaxation and reduces discomfort. However, there is no medical evidence to support these reports.

The company says it uses a carbon dioxide-based method to extract CBD oil from industrial hemp that is not genetically modified.

CBDistillery recommends starting by putting 5–10 mg of the tincture under the tongue and holding the liquid there for 10–20 seconds before swallowing. People can adjust their dosages as necessary.

Reviews

Customers have awarded the product an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews frequently mention positive customer experience and product effectiveness.

There are limited negative comments, and it is worth noting the company may be able to filter negative reviews. Some negative comments mention an unpleasant taste, lost orders, and that the bottle cap does not fit well.

Learn more about CBDistillery.

Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.

Best for relieving pain: Leaf Remedys 60 mL Broad-Spectrum CBD Tincture

• Price: $59.99
• CBD content: 1,000 mg
• Flavors: natural
• Why it is a top pick: gluten-free
• COA: available online

Leaf Remedys’ product contains broad-spectrum CBD and is available in three strengths: 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg.

Other ingredients include medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and hemp extract. It also features natural flavors but no food fillers or additives. This product is suitable for people with gluten-free diets.

According to the company’s website, products undergo a subzero extraction method that ensures the removal of unwanted substances.

Some reviewers say that this tincture helped them manage migraine episodes and knee pain.

Reviews

This product has a 5 out of 5-star rating online. Most of the reviews on the company website award the product 4 or 5 stars. These comments frequently mention effectiveness and a good taste. Negative comments state that it did not help with pain, has vague instructions, and difficulty opening the bottle.

• Price: $69.99
• CBD content: 2,000 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: high concentration
• COA: available online

Extract Labs has made this tincture with CBD isolate. It contains no THC and no other cannabinoids beyond CBD.

The brand notes that the CBD isolate in this product is flavorless, but the coconut oil gives the product a slight coconut flavor.

Each mL of Extract Labs Daily Support Tincture contains 66 mg of CBD, making it the highest-concentrated product on this list.

Reviews

Extract Labs allows users to add customer reviews about the product. Positive comments mention effectiveness, minimal taste, and good customer service. However, negative reviews mention that the product does not work for everyone.

Best for childproof packaging: Absolute Nature Full Spectrum CBD Tincture

• Price: $99.99
• CBD content: 1,000 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: cGMP certified
• COA: available online

This CBD tincture features just two ingredients: full-spectrum CBD and MCT oil.

The product has Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification from the FDA.

There is 33 mg of CBD in each mL. The dropper comes with clearly marked measurements to help people correctly portion each dose.

Absolute Nature says that each of its products comes with childproof packaging. This can be important for protecting children and pets.

Reviews

Positive comments on the company website mention quick delivery times, the effectiveness of the product, and a pleasant taste. Some negative comments complain about the product’s strong, earthy taste, and that the oil has an unpleasant odor.

Best flavored CBD tincture: cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

• Price: $89.99
• CBD content: 1,500 mg
• Flavors: unflavored or chocolate mint
• Why it is a top pick: hemp that is not genetically modified
• COA: available online

This CBD tincture comes in natural and chocolate mint flavors. Many reviewers, but not all, say that they enjoy the taste. Customers report beneficial effects, such as improved sleep quality and a sense of calm.

The brand produces its products in the United States with hemp that is not genetically modified. This tincture contains full-spectrum hemp extract and MCT oil. The chocolate mint flavor also contains natural chocolate flavor and peppermint oil.

The product is available in strengths of 1,500 mg, 3,000 mg, and 6,000 mg. Each comes in a 30-mL bottle with a dropper to help people measure doses.

Reviews

The customer reviews on the cbdMD website give the product an average of 4.2 out of a possible 5 stars. Positive reviews mention the product is effective and they had a successful experience with customer service. Negative comments mention an unpleasant flavor, the product did not always work to reduce pain, and some customers did not find the oil as effective as CBD gummies.

Best organic CBD tincture:Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Tincture

• Price: $69.95
• CBD content: 900 mg
• Flavors: tranquil mint
• Why it is a top pick: USDA-certified organic
• COA: available online

This tincture is available in a tranquil mint flavor. It is USDA-certified organic and contains just three ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, hemp extract, and peppermint essential oil.

The tincture contains broad-spectrum hemp.

Dosage options include 450, 900, 1,350, or 2,250 mg per bottle. Each bottle contains 1 ounce of the formula.

Reviews

The average customer rating for this product is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Positive reviews on the company website frequently mention that the product is effective and the customer service team is easy to work with. However, the website does not show any reviews that give a rating of fewer than 5 stars.

Best calming CBD tincture:CBDFx Calming Tincture

• Price: $69.99
• CBD content: 1,000 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: organic, vegan, and gluten-free formula
• COA: available online

This tincture from CBDFx aims to provide a sense of calm. It is unflavored and contains a blend of calming terpenes. The formula is organic, gluten-free, and suitable for vegans.

It is a full-spectrum product. Strength options include 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 mg.

It also contains 150–300 mg of cannabinol (CBN) per bottle. CBN is a cannabinoid that can make people feel calm.

The company states that its hemp is 100% organic and is made in the U.S.

Reviews

The product has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the company website. Positive reviews state that the tincture is effective, helps provide a sense of calm, and has a pleasant flavor. Although some of the reviews give the product 4 stars, there do not appear to be any negative comments on the website.

Best broad-spectrum CBD tincture: Lord Jones Royal Oil

• Price: $60.00
• CBD content: 1,000 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: two-ingredient formula
• COA: available online only with a batch number

This tincture from Lord Jones contains only two ingredients: pure grapeseed oil and broad-spectrum hemp extract. It does not contain any artificial flavorings, colorings, or additives.

It is available only in a 1,000-mg dose and comes in a 30-mL bottle. A person receives approximately 20 mg per dose.

Reviews

The company website has only five customer reviews. Three of these rate the product 5 out of 5 stars. These positive reviews mention that the oil is calming and helps them sleep. However, some negative comments mention that it does not appear to have the desired effect and that the smell and taste are strong.

Best-priced CBD tincture: LiftMode Hemp Pure CBD Isolate Oil Tincture

• Price: $33.68
• CBD content: 1,500 mg
• Flavors: mint
• Why it is a top pick: best price for lower budgets
• COA: available online, physical copy provided with the product

This tincture is available in mint flavor. It is the best-priced CBD tincture on this list at just over $30.

It contains 1,500 mg of CBD isolate and is THC free. It comes in a 30-mL bottle, and each serving contains 25 mg of CBD. It features coconut-derived carrier oil, natural mint essential oil, and medium-chain triglyceride oil.

Reviews

The company lists its Trustpilot reviews on the product page. Positive reviews claim the product is effective, has a good flavor, and delivery was fast. Negative reviews mention that the product did not work for pain management.

Best full spectrum CBD tincture:Dad Grass Classic Formula CBD Tincture

• Price: $65.00
• CBD content: 1,200 mg
• Flavors: unflavored
• Why it is a top pick: free from herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants
• COA: available online

This unflavored tincture contains 1,200 mg of full-spectrum hemp per 30-mL bottle. The company estimates there is 40 mg of CBD per serving.

Dad Grass states that its U.S.-grown hemp is 100% organic. It also says it is completely free from herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

Reviews

On the company website, the product has 17 reviews. Fifteen of these award the product 5 stars and the remaining two award it 4 stars. Positive comments frequently mention product effectiveness, though negative comments mention the high price.

The following table compares the CBD tinctures in this article.

CBD tincture is an easy-to-use and versatile product. People can ingest CBD tincture orally by placing one full dropper of oil under the tongue and holding the oil for about 30–90 seconds before swallowing.

People can also mix a dropper of CBD tincture into a warm or cold beverage. However, if the CBD tincture is oil-based, it will likely not mix well in liquid.

The dosage varies depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD tincture. People who are new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. Once they know how their body reacts to CBD, they can gradually increase the dosage.

It is important that people follow the directions and dosage information printed on the outside of the bottle.

CBD is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), unique to the cannabis plant.

CBD tinctures contain either broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, including very low THC levels and smaller organic molecules called terpenes.

Several studies suggest that combining CBD, THC, and terpenes is more effective than using CBD or THC alone.

In one 2018 study, researchers compared the antitumor effects of pure THC with a cannabis-derived drug containing CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. The combined effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes produced superior antitumor effects on breast cancer cell cultures and animal models.

In a 2018 meta-analysis of observational clinical studies, researchers found that CBD-rich extracts led to better therapeutic effects and fewer reports of mild and severe side effects than extracts that contained only CBD.

It is also of note that both these studies looked at treatment-resistant epilepsy, which is further proof of CBD’s effectiveness in treating the said condition.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, cannabinoid-based drugs may help treat the following conditions:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people generally tolerate CBD well. However, scientists need to conduct more research to fully understand CBD’s role in treating conditions such as epilepsy and MS.

It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with certain medications. People who currently take prescription medications must talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.

According to the FDA, CBD can lead to the following side effects:

More severe side effects of CBD include:

• liver damage
• interactions with alcohol and other drugs that slow brain activity
• fertility problems in males

CBD tinctures may suit individuals who cannot take pills or capsules, as they use the dropper to place drops under their tongue.

They are convenient and may produce quick results. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person is more likely to experience the effects of sublingual medications within 15–45 minutes.

CBD tinctures contain a high alcohol content that can make them bitter in taste. As a result, some companies add sweeteners, vitamins, or herbal extracts to help mask this effect.

There is a wide selection of high quality, third-party-tested CBD tinctures available on the market. Many retailers listed in this article sell other CBD products, such as oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals.

CBD tinctures and oils are easy to use and versatile. People can use oils and tinctures alone or mixed in a beverage. Gummies and capsules are also for oral use. People can chew CBD gummies while they swallow capsules like a pill.

People may have less flexibility with the dosing when using CBD gummies and capsules. As a result, people may want to look for products containing lower CBD levels per serving.

Topical CBD products include CBD-infused creams, balms, and salves designed for external use only. Companies often market these products as spot treatments for muscle or joint pain. People can also mix CBD oil with carrier oil and apply the mixture to their skin.

It is important to carefully read the manufacturer’s label before using any CBD product. People should use these products only as directed by the manufacturer.

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about CBD tinctures.

Are CBD products safe for everyone?

CBD products are generally safe, but a person should always seek medical advice before taking them, as they may interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Some companies also manufacture products for pets, but it is best to ask a veterinarian for advice before giving CBD products to an animal.

How do you use CBD tinctures?

A person should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

However, many brands recommend adding the servings to food or drinks or placing them under the tongue and waiting for a few seconds before swallowing.

Do CBD tinctures cause side effects?

An older 2014 article notes that CBD is well-tolerated if a person uses up to a 600 mg dose.

However, in a 2017 article, researchers reviewed the effects of CBD in people with epilepsy and psychotic disorders. They found that the most common side effects that the participants experienced were tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight.

Who should not take CBD?

According to the FDA, individuals should not take any CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Animal tests show detrimental effects on male fetuses, while some chemicals and compounds may transfer to a baby through breast milk. Scientists should carry out further research to establish if the same effects are evident in humans.

What is the most trusted CBD brand?

A person should only purchase CBD products from companies that have third-party lab testing and easily accessible certificates of analysis (COA) for all products.

Third-party lab testing and COAs are two of the best ways to choose a reputable or trustworthy brand. People may also choose to look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot to read customer reviews before purchasing a product.

How do I choose a CBD tincture?

Alongside third-party lab testing and COAs, a person may also consider other factors when choosing a CBD tincture.

A person should always check the CBD potency and THC content when purchasing a product. People who prefer using CBD without THC may wish to purchase CBD isolate products.

Additionally, people may wish to consider their budget and whether the company offers a subscription that provides a discount.

Is CBD tincture as effective as CBD oil?

Companies formulate CBD tinctures for ingestion, whereas some forms of CBD oil are suitable for topical use as well as ingestion.

A person who wishes to use CBD topically may prefer to purchase products that are specifically for use on the skin.

CBD tinctures contain alcohol- or carbon dioxide-extracted CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hemp seed oil.

It is important to note that when buying CBD tincture or any other CBD product, people should only purchase from reputable retailers and manufacturers. Reputable sources provide transparent COAs for all of their products.

CBD is generally safe to use, but it can lead to potentially serious side effects if combined with alcohol and certain medications.

People who currently take prescription medications should consult their doctor before they start using CBD in any form.