What does CBD oil taste like?

Extracted from both cannabis and hemp plants, CBD oil offers a multitude of potential benefits, but its distinct flavour can be an acquired taste for many individuals. Whether you're new to CBD oil or have been taking CBD to help treat your specific condition for months (or even years), understanding what to expect from its taste can help you better prepare for the sensory experience that accompanies CBD oil administration.

Have you found yourself wondering how to get past the natural taste of CBD oil and haven’t quite found a solution?

In the next few minutes, you will learn how to mask the earthy taste of CBD oil at home, without breaking a sweat.

First things first…

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a natural, plant-based product that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It is derived from both the hemp and cannabis plants. CBD oil contains significant amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound shown to offer numerous potential therapeutic benefits. It is often prescribed for relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other ailments. 

CBD oil does not contain the psychoactive component of marijuana, THC, so it does not cause a “high” or any other intoxicating effects. There are many types of CBD oil products on the market, including capsules, tinctures, topical creams and edibles. 

CBD oil itself is made by extracting the active compounds from the hemp plant, usually through a process known as CO2 extraction. This process preserves many of the beneficial compounds present in the plant and allows the oil to be safely administered. It can be a pure extract, or it may also be mixed with some type of carrier oil. 

CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are a liquid form of CBD oil that is typically taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures are made using ethanol or alcohol to extract the CBD and typically come in a glass bottle with a dropper for easy dosing. Tinctures are often flavoured to make them more palatable, and unlike pure CBD oil, can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) where they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. 

What does CBD oil taste like?

The taste of CBD oil is a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other supplements and natural remedies. Natural CBD oil has an earthy or herbal taste. The taste may vary slightly depending on the terpenes present and how the tincture was prepared. The strain that the oil was extracted from will also affect the taste of the tincture. Some fruity strains will offer enticing flavours to mask some of the earthiness of hemp or cannabis. 

But generally, the taste of unflavoured CBD tinctures is earthy, musky, or herbal. Some people claim that the natural CBD oil has a bit of an after bite, but again, this is not always the case.

How to mask the taste of CBD oil

In the UK market, you will find both flavoured and unflavoured CBD tinctures. And of course, most people tend to enjoy the flavoured varieties that don’t have a strong herbal flavour, especially newer patients that are not well versed in the flavour of cannabis or hemp. But if you happen to purchase unflavoured CBD oil and discover that you do not like the taste, worry not. There are a couple of tricks that you can employ to mask the taste of CBD.

The methods mentioned below are natural and easy to DIY at home. Chemical flavour additions have been linked to numerous health conditions in the nicotine vaping industry, so be aware of this and stick to natural flavours where possible.

Place some honey under our tongue

A simple way to fool your taste buds is to place some honey in your mouth together with CBD oil and swallow them together. This should effectively mask the herbal taste of CBD. Note that CBD drops need to be placed beneath the tongue if the effects are to be felt speedily. When applying this method (known as sublingual application), the cannabinoids reach an area richly supplied with blood vessels. Consequently, CBD can be taken up into the bloodstream within a short time.

Use mints or eat fruit afterwards

This is another simple yet effective trick that you can try out. Chewing gum, mints, or Tic Tacs will give you a refreshing breath after you take CBD oil. More often than not, the taste of the mint overwhelms the taste of the hemp. You can also choose to eat fruit with a sweet taste afterwards for a similar effect.

Wash away the taste immediately

Taking some water as soon as you have taken the CBD oil will take away the unpleasant herbal taste. Other than water, you can also use brewed coffee if it is within your reach. Because it has a rich aroma, it is likely to adequately mask the hemp flavour. Coffee may also enhance the beneficial effects of CBD; just make sure to exercise moderation to avoid the jitters from too much caffeine consumption.

Mix the CBD oil with your food

Mixing the CBD oil with your food will help to mask the taste of the CBD. Fatty foods work well in this regard. However, you should be aware that this can slow down the effects of CBD, meaning that you will have to wait anywhere between half an hour to two hours before you start to feel the benefits.

Brush your teeth before you take your drops

Toothpaste will mask the earthy taste and leave a residual clean flavour in your mouth. If you take CBD drops at night or in the morning, brushing beforehand can offset the herby taste of CBD oil.

Use Vcaps

These are empty capsules that can be used to deliver CBD oil. The capsule is digested by hydrochloric acid once it gets to the stomach and the CBD is released. Meanwhile, the tongue doesn’t get to taste the CBD. Simple, isn’t it? However, you should expect delayed effects when using this method because CBD has to go through the digestive process before it hits the bloodstream.

Conclusion

The handy tips mentioned above will ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of CBD oil without having to endure the dreaded herbal taste. Alternatively, you can always talk to your prescribing doctor about CBD oil that already comes flavoured from the manufacturer. There are plenty of options out there, although we advise sticking to natural flavourings where possible.

Releaf is committed to helping you access the benefits of a medical cannabis service. Our monthly packages are tailored to your cannabis prescription, and we offer specialist consultations for medical cannabis and a unique medical cannabis card for protection.