If you’re someone who lives with anxiety, you’ve probably at least thought about using CBD. There are a lot of people who deal with the symptoms of anxiety but don’t really want or need to take powerful anti-anxiety prescription medications like SSRIs.

They may treat their anxiety with therapy, or mindfulness, or CBT practices, perhaps a combination of all three. But they want a little something that can help get them through the stress of daily living. A safe and effective supplement. If you’re one of these people, read on to find out more about how you can use CBD gummies or tinctures to potentially help minimize the symptoms of anxiety, and which one might be right for you.

Using CBD For Anxiety

CBD is shorthand for cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is one of the cannabinoids, a series of similar compounds. THC is the most well-known of these cannabinoids, but while CBD is related to THC, it doesn’t share its psychoactive properties. CBD doesn’t get you high, but it may help calm you down.

Among the many benefits of CBD that are currently being studied, is its use for anxiety and insomnia. At this time there isn’t a lot of research behind the claims, but anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies look promising.

Animal studies have been shown CBD to have a positive effect on general anxiety disorder. Several human trials have shown it to be helpful in improving symptoms of PTSD, especially in conjunction with CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). It has also shown promise in treating anxiety-driven insomnia.

While the research continues, more and more anxiety sufferers are giving CBD a shot. It has a good safety profile, and has only a few mild potential side effects such as:

• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Dry mouth

Every person’s experience is different, but enough people experience relief that CBD is worth a shot, especially since it’s such a safe alternative to traditional prescription medications. But the question remains–what is the best way to take CBD? There are several ways to ingest it, but two of the most popular are gummies and tincture. Let’s compare and contrast the two.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies typically taste just like regular gummies, and come in a variety of flavors. Of course, because each has a specific dose of CBD, you won’t eat them like typical gummies. Generally one or two will do the trick. Why take CBD gummies?

Benefits of Gummies

Gummies are a great way to take CBD if you don’t like the taste or texture of oil. CBD tinctures are generally in oil form, and some people are not a fan of even the flavored versions. Gummies are tasty, and can even make taking a dose of CBD a fun treat.

If you are giving CBD to a child, gummies may also be the best way to go. Children will likely prefer taking a gummy to having CBD oil squirted under the tongue. From reputable companies, CBD gummies are perfectly dosed so you can take just the amount recommended.

So in shorthand, CBD gummies are:

• Tasty
• Fun
• Easier to give to children
• Easy to dose

Disadvantages of Gummies

Speaking of children, that brings us to the first of the disadvantages. You’ll need to lock up, hide, or otherwise make CBD gummies inaccessible to small kids. There’s no way to distinguish these as any different from regular gummies in a child’s eyes, and you want to prevent them from taking too many.

For hippie granola types, CBD gummies may have too many ingredients. There are fairly clean versions, but all will have added sweeteners, flavors (natural or artificial), and a gelling agent (gelatin, agar, or other gums). Some prefer their supplements a little more pure.

So summing up, CBD gummies may:

• Not be safe to have around kids
• Have added ingredients
• Go through more processing than tinctures or oils

CBD Tincture

A CBD tincture is usually hemp extract that is added to carrier oil. This can be coconut oil (very common), hemp seed oil, or other oils. This tincture comes with a measured dropper so you can take a sublingual dose (under the tongue). There are even flavors available for those who don’t like the taste of hemp. So why take a tincture?

Benefits of Tincture

CBD tincture is the purest form of CBD. It is almost always just the hemp extract, carrier oil, and in the case of flavored versions flavored essential oils and a touch of sweetener. It’s also very easy to dose, with a measured dropper to pull your preferred amount.

This may be preferred by those who don’t like sweets, or just want a more pure form of supplementation.

So the benefits of tinctures include:

• Purest form
• Easy to dose
• Good for those who don’t like sweets

Disadvantages of Tincture

CBD tincture can taste a little nature. Hemp has a very strong and distinct flavor. It’s not necessarily bad–some people actually enjoy the taste. But others don’t like it and can’t handle even the flavored brands. Also, there’s the question of oil texture. Again, personal preference dictates that some just don’t like swallowing oil.

So, simply put CBD tinctures are:

• Difficult to swallow for some
• Not always a preferred taste

Which Should I Take – CBD Gummies or Tincture?

With both benefits and detriments to either type of CBD, the only answer to this question is: Whichever way you will take it regularly. CBD can only work if you take it, and if you are choking down tincture that you don’t like, then you’re going to struggle. In that case, switch to gummies.

On the other hand, if you don’t care for sweets, or you don’t like blurring the line between treat and supplement, then of course the tincture is best. Both of these methods of consuming CBD work, because ingesting cannabidiol will get the CBD to the bloodstream where it will interface with CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The important thing in the question of CBD gummies vs tinctures is that you get your preferred product from a reputable and quality source. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about dosing (this is especially important if you are using it for children).