CBD Tincture vs. Gummies: Which Is Right for You?

If you’ve been considering cannabidiol (CBD) to support a specific health condition or promote better wellness overall, you have a lot of product offerings to choose from. CBD is available in an array of delivery systems, the most popular of which are gummies and tinctures.

But if you’re trying to choose between CBD tinctures vs. gummies, you’re likely wondering if one is more suitable than the other. There are a variety of important variables to consider.

Effects

Whether you opt for CBD gummies or a tincture, the general effects should be about the same. CBD is being studied for a wide range of conditions including, anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, pain and inflammation, and much more.

It doesn’t matter so much how you consume your CBD, although an argument can be made for using topicals for localized pain and discomfort. What matters is that the CBD is ingested so that it can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This is the system of receptors that responds to the presence of cannabinoids like CBD. So as long as you consume a product that’s rich in CBD, your gummies and tinctures are both suitable.

Onset of Action

When it comes to CBD delivery systems, there’s a bit of a tradeoff: products that take effect more quickly tend not to last as long, whereas products that take effect slowly tend to last much longer.

Tinctures take effect much more quickly than gummies because they don’t require digestion. The drops are placed under the tongue, and are absorbed sublingually, so they enter the bloodstream very quickly. In general, you might start to notice the effects within 20 to 30 minutes. On average, the effects will last you about four to twelve hours ( depending on your tolerance and the dosage).

Edibles such as gummies take much longer to kick in because they must be eaten, partially digested, and metabolized by the liver. You might have to wait an hour or two to feel the effects.

If you need quick relief, go with a tincture.

Bioavailability

The bioavailability of CBD tinctures vs. gummies can vary substantially depending on product quality. Some estimates have placed the bioavailability of gummies as high as 20% and tinctures as high as 50%. While these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, it’s definitely true that tinctures have much higher bioavailability than gummies because you’re getting a more efficient delivery system that enters your bloodstream almost immediately.

But to complicate matters even further, the digestion of CBD gummies causes the liver to release dozens of different CBD metabolites, some of which are more potent than CBD itself. So even if the cannabidiol is less bioavailable, the metabolism of CBD often results in an experience that’s as potent or more potent than a tincture. That’s why the effects tend to last much longer.

So what does this mean for the effects of CBD tinctures vs. gummies overall? Both are excellent choices. Don’t let the lower bioavailability of gummies dissuade you from trying them, as the body’s own metabolism process more than makes up for any cannabinoids lost during digestion.

Cost-Effectiveness

When weighing the cost-effectiveness of CBD tinctures vs. gummies, you have to do a bit of math. An average tincture of CBD contains 30ml of liquid. This roughly amounts to about 600 drops or 120 servings (typical serving size is five drops), with an average cost of about $50 to $200 (depending on the product quality and CBD concentration).

Gummies, on the other hand, typically come in a 30-count container and cost anywhere between $25 and $50 on average. So on the surface, it might sound like gummies are the more affordable option. But again, you have to consider the total mileage.

Based on the average costs here, you’re looking at roughly $1 per serving for a THC tincture or about $1.25 for gummies, a difference of 25%. Again, this will vary greatly depending on the product. So if cost is a prime concern, the important thing is to calculate the product’s actual value before you buy it—whether you opt for CBD gummies or tinctures.

Convenience

This one is a close call, as tinctures and gummies are among the most convenient delivery systems for CBD. However, gummies have a slight edge here because there’s zero guesswork with the dosage.

If you want to take a specific concentration of CBD when consuming a tincture, you have to calculate how to achieve the desired amount of cannabinoid content based on the concentration of CBD, the amount of liquid in the dropper, and the number of drops consumed. This is a minor inconvenience, as you can usually just follow the dosage recommendations on the bottle to get a full serving of CBD.

However, if you do have specific dosing goals, gummies are slightly easier to work with because there’s less math and precision involved. For instance, if your gummies each contain 20mg of CBD, and you want 60mg per dose, just take three gummies at a time.

The Verdict: CBD Tincture vs. Gummies

So when you break it all down, which is better? CBD gummies or tincture? It all comes down to personal needs and preferences. Tinctures are fast-acting, cost-effective, and convenient, while gummies are long-lasting and simple to dose. If you’re still curious about CBD tinctures vs. gummies, the best way to find your optimal product is to try them out for yourself.

Medverde carries premium full-spectrum CBD gummies, 1500mg CBD tinctures, and 3000mg CBD tinctures, so you can explore the different options and decide which gives you the results you’re looking for.

No matter which product you go with, the important thing is to look for a high-quality product from a trusted source. As long as you do that, you can’t go wrong.