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  • CBD

November 29, 2018

The Difference Between CBD Tinctures & CBD Vape Juice

Estimated Read Time: 6 min

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By Valerie Orta on November 29, 2018

Despite similar names, CBD tinctures and CBD vape juice are very different. Join us as we take a look at the fundamental differences between these two popular products, starting with their ingredients.

Key takeaways:

  • Both CBD tinctures and CBD vape juice deliver CBD to your body’s circulatory system to promote overall balance.
  • CBD oil tinctures combine hemp CBD extract with other nutritious oils and are taken orally, under the tongue.
  • CBD vape juice combines CBD with some type of vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol base and is inhaled with the help of a vaporizer.
  • CBD tinctures cannot and should not be used with a vaporizer.
  • CBD vape juice should not be held under the tongue or swallowed.

With a nearly infinite variety of CBD products to choose from, sorting through the nomenclature can get a bit confusing – especially for newcomers to the CBD world.

As you look through Koi’s selection of CBD products, you may notice two seemingly similar products– CBD tinctures and CBD vape juices. Despite both providing CBD in liquid form, the two have distinct differences that influence how they’re used and their benefits.

So we’re not at all surprised that people often ask us, “What is the difference between CBD tinctures and CBD vape juices?”

Here we examine the fundamental difference between the two popular CBD products, including their varying ingredients, methods of use, and benefits.

CBD Vape vs CBD Tincture: Ingredients

CBD tinctures and CBD vape juices vary in what they’re made of.

Tinctures by definition consist of at least two ingredients:

  1. CBD oil
  2. A carrier oil

Our Koi Naturals CBD Tinctures, for example, combine broad-spectrum CBD hemp extract with coconut oil as a carrier oil, plus natural flavor extracts. Our Koi Complete Full Spectrum CBD Tinctures blend full-spectrum CBD hemp extract with coconut oil as a carrier, plus natural flavors and Stevia Extract for sweetness.

CBD vape juice consists of at least:

  1. CBD isolate
  2. A mix of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol

Our Koi CBD Vape Juices consist of 100% natural cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, food-grade vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavor extracts that vary with each product.

CBD Oil vs. CBD Isolate

A major difference between most tinctures and vape juices is their source of CBD.

CBD tinctures are largely made with CBD oil. While some tinctures on the market have CBD isolate, most contain either broad-spectrum CBD hemp extract or full-spectrum CBD hemp extract. In addition to CBD, these CBD oils contain other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, some of which include CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDa, and THCV. These naturally-occurring compounds have a synergistic effect, working together to produce a bigger impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Most vape juices, by contrast, are made with CBD isolate. Rather than the spectrum of cannabinoids, they provide isolated CBD compounds. So, you can more easily control your cannabinoid intake and gauge the effect while vaping.

How to Use CBD Tinctures Vs CBD Vape Liquid

The differences between CBD tinctures and CBD vape liquids don’t end with the ingredients. These two CBD products are administered differently and intended for specific applications.

Using CBD Tinctures

The most direct way to take tinctures is under the tongue, also referred to as sublingually.

Apply a dropper of the liquid under the tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. CBD absorbs through the mucous membranes of the mouth and into the body.

Tinctures can mix into foods or beverages. We have developed several recipes – such as CBD popsicles, CBD strawberry tres leches cake, CBD lemon olive oil cake, and CBD tarts – that show how Koi tinctures can be deliciously incorporated into your daily routine.

Using CBD Vape Juice

CBD vape juice is used in a vaping device, such as a vape mod or Koi Stik vape pen. Many types of vaping tools come with refillable vape cartridges so that once you have finished off one batch of vape juice, you can remove the cartridge, refill it, and you’re good to go.

People generally choose to use CBD vape juice because they want to inhale CBD or because they enjoy the act of vaping. Additionally, many people trying to kick habits like smoking cigarettes often switch to vaping.

Different Applications, Different Effects

CBD tinctures and CBD vape juice also vary in the time it takes CBD to start working.

Tinctures usually take about 14 to 45 minutes to begin working, and the effects can last as long as 5 or 6 hours as the CBD is slowly absorbed into the body through the digestive system.

Vaping tends to take effect much more quickly as the inhaled CBD is absorbed directly into the blood through the lungs. With vaping, CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream within a few milliseconds, and so the effects occur quickly.

FAQ About CBD Tinctures vs CBD Vape Juice

What is CBD tincture made of?

CBD tinctures contain a source of CBD (either CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD oil, or full-spectrum CBD oil), plus a carrier oil, and sometimes natural flavors and sweeteners.

What is CBD vape juice made of?

CBD vape juices contain CBD isolate, plus a mix of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol to allow the liquid to work with a vaporizer device.

Can you vape CBD tinctures?

No. You wouldn’t want to use a tincture in your vape device because the tincture oil will not vaporize properly, resulting in damage to your vaping device.

Can you take CBD vape oil orally?

While taking vape juice orally or under-the-tongue is possible, the flavor profile is unpleasant; the ingredients that give you a rich vaping experience don’t taste that great when taken directly.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for You

Whether you use CBD tinctures or vape juice is entirely up to you, your lifestyle, and your preferences for how to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. You maximize the benefits when you take CBD every day, particularly if you’re looking to receive CBD benefits for sleep.

At the end of the day, the most effective CBD product is going to be the one that you’re able to keep taking regularly. Some people find that different times of day call for different routes of administration and will utilize both products as part of their daily wellbeing routine.

In addition to tinctures and vape juices, there are many other products available for incorporating CBD into your daily routines, such as CBD gummies, CBD topicals, and more.

We encourage you to explore the benefits of CBD, how to use CBD for your needs, and the multitude of formulations that Koi CBD has to offer. And as always, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach through the Koi blog or contact Koi with any questions you may have!

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