Key takeaways
- Most CBD tinctures are actually CBD oils. Here, we detail the difference between the two.
- Our testers found these full-spectrum CBD tinctures effective for pain relief, sleep, and relaxation.
- According to our editor, the best full-spectrum CBD oil is the Aspen Green Bliss Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil.
Some people find that taking CBD in tincture form helps it absorb faster than eating a CBD gummy or applying it topically. If you’re in the market for a full-spectrum CBD tincture, you have options.
This article shares what makes full-spectrum CBD potentially more beneficial than other types and how we arrived at our list of the best CBD tinctures.
Oil vs. tincture
Tincture
ingredient (CBD) has been soaked in high proof alcohol, which extracts active compounds
Oil
compounds are extracted from ingredient (CBD) and mixed with a carrier oil, like coconut or avocado oil
So, are CBD oils really tinctures?
CBD companies often call a product a “tincture” even though no alcohol is used.
Instead, many of these products only use a carrier oil to extract the compounds. This officially makes them CBD oils, despite what the label says. But, they still offer the same benefits.
We selected these full-spectrum tinctures based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the CBD oils that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test CBD products.
The entourage effect is a theory that CBD works better when it’s combined with other parts of the cannabis plant. That can include other cannabinoids (like THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. While research is ongoing, some studies support this theory.
Full-spectrum CBD is unique because it’s the only type of CBD that contains everything found in the cannabis plant. That means it may be the best choice if you’re looking to reap the benefits of the entourage effect.
A 2022 animal study found that CBD and a terpene called beta-caryophyllene (BCP) work better together than alone to reduce pain and inflammation. When combined, they create a stronger pain-relieving effect without causing common side effects like drowsiness or coordination issues.
The study authors referred to this as synergy, which is similar to the entourage effect, where different compounds work together to enhance each other’s effects.
A
It is important to note that the results of this test do not suggest that CBD is an effective treatment for depressive behavior in humans, and you should not replace mental health treatments or care with CBD without first speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
CBD is generally considered safe. But it’s still important to take precautions and discuss any medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking with your doctor. Some medications can negatively interact with CBD.
You may also wish to avoid ingesting CBD with higher-fat meals. A 2025 study found that consuming CBD with a high fat meal significantly increased the amount of CBD absorbed into the bloodstream by up to 17 times. This may increase your chances of side effects.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, do not take CBD.
The FDA states that the risks CBD can pose
- liver injury
- drug interactions
- sedation and drowsiness
- fertility problems in people with penises
- stomach upset
- mood changes
- changes in alertness
Plus, full-spectrum CBD oil typically contains THC. This means that anyone wanting to avoid THC should not use full-spectrum CBD, as it can show up on drug tests.
CBD exists in various forms. You’ve probably seen it in oils, tinctures, creams, pills, and gummies.
While pills and gummies are pretty self-explanatory, tinctures and oils can be a little more mystifying. But don’t worry—they’re easy to use. You can add them to food or drinks, or place them under your tongue and hold them there for up to 1 minute before swallowing.
Dosage
Figuring out the right dosage for you will depend on:
- your body weight
- the concentration of the CBD you’re taking
- the reason you’re taking it
Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to be cautious and take the smallest dosage recommended. Once you understand how your body reacts to this amount, you can gradually increase it over time.
Since full-spectrum CBD includes all of the cannabis plant compounds, experts believe it offers the most of CBD’s beneficial effects, including pain relief, help with sleep, relaxation, and mood improvement.
Though time frames vary from person to person, some people find CBD starts taking effect as quickly as 15 minutes after taking.
Placing the tincture under your tongue and keeping it there for around 1 minute before swallowing helps it absorb into your bloodstream instead of going through the lengthier digestive process.
Broad-spectrum CBD tincture includes additional therapeutic cannabis plant compounds and cannabinoids, but it generally avoids THC (though some products can still contain trace amounts of it).
Like full-spectrum CBD tincture, it can help with sleep, pain, mood, and more, but it may not offer these possible benefits to the fullest extent like full-spectrum CBD tincture.
Our editors’ favorite brand for full-spectrum CBD oil is Aspen Green. Our expert tester rated it highly for its strong effects, and we also like its vegan formula and popularity with customers.
A 1,000 mg dose of full-spectrum CBD may make you feel relaxed or sleepy, as it’s a strong dose that won’t be suitable for beginners.
Whether you’re taking CBD for the first time or have experience, it’s helpful to be well-informed about the products you buy. Look for a tincture that comes with clear, comprehensive results from third-party testing.
If you take any medications, be sure to consult your doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.