Good news: Between meditation apps, dietary adjustments, and herbal remedies, these days, there are a ton of products and practices that promise to calm anxiety naturally. In terms of the latter of these, there's probably nothing more buzz-worthy than CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, the non-addictive, non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant. And with so many variations of this new wellness star, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. When it comes to CBD tinctures vs. gummies, you might be surprised to know that these products aren't all created equally, and knowing their differences might help make your choice a bit more clear.
Due to its alleged ability to treat everything including anxiety, inflammation, and pain, CBD products are seemingly everywhere you turn, including beauty products like massage lotion and hair care. But one of the most popular uses of this wellness trend is internally, by way of vape pens, soft gel capsules, edibles, and tinctures. So what's the advantage of the internal (vs. external) use of CBD? "In general, CBD provides a sense of overall calmness and well-being when consumed," explains Mills Miller, founder of Mineral, a line of full spectrum hemp products. And as for why you'd opt not to vape, the answer is two-fold. "Edibles and tinctures are much more discreet and have longer-lasting effects than vaping, and do not add stress and fatigue to the lungs," he says.
So once you do determine you'd like to try CBD in an ingestible form, how do you know which one to choose? One thing to consider is how quickly you want it to work. If you want to feel the effects ASAP, a tincture might be your best bet. As William McAuliffe, founder and CEO of Hemptivate, explains, "The sublingual tincture method is not subject to metabolic breakdown, and therefore more of the active CBD is available to reach the target destination in the body quicker. Typically, the effect from tincture taken under the tongue has an onset of around 15 minutes."
And while both gummies and tinctures are great as a first foray into the CBD world, those who want to start to experiment with lower, more controlled doses might find that gummies are better suited for their needs. "Gummies are not only convenient, but also the easiest way to know exactly how many milligrams of CBD you are taking in a serving. Once consumed, they are broken down by the digestive system, which takes time to metabolize through the liver," Mc Auliffe says. "Eventually, the active compounds are sent to your bloodstream and circulated to the rest of the body. Typically, the onset of effects from a gummy will be anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours."
Besides this, some people just find gummies are a more approachable and tasty way to enjoy the use of CBD — but Miller argues that this method has not been proven to be more effective medically. "Many people like the taste of gummies over a tincture, but [they] do not have any medicinal advantages over a tincture," he says. "A tincture is definitely a more efficient way to ingest cannabis for a more precise and fast-acting experience."
Whichever way you choose to go, there are a ton of options on the market to try. Ahead, find a few that might just be the answer to your wellness needs.
*Readers should note that the regulations and data surrounding CBD are still developing. As such, the information contained in this post should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Always consult with your doctor before trying any substance or supplement.
