What is a Cannabis Tincture?
By Danyal Swan December 7, 2022
Different forms of cannabis provide greater ease of use and an accessible experience for cannabis patients. Depending on their symptoms and preferences, patients may smoke flower, consume edibles, use topical products, vaporize cannabis, or explore the world of tinctures.
Tinctures may not be as well-known as other options in today’s cannabis market, but they were once one of the most common forms of medicinal cannabis in the US, before cannabis prohibition laws. For those who would like a simple, accurate method for cannabis consumption, tinctures may be a perfect fit. Let’s dive into the world of tinctures.
Cannabis Tinctures
A tincture is a concentrated liquid made by soaking plant matter in high percentage alcohol as the solvent. This solvent extracts the desired terpenes and cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from the rest of the plant material. This process is similar to that of extracting cannabis oils for concentrates.
Modern cannabis tinctures are commonly available in glass bottles with droppers. This makes tinctures one of the best methods of consumption when it comes to precise dosing. The full effect of a tincture varies on the method of consumption. It may be used sublingually (under the tongue), orally, or infused into different foods and beverages. Sublingual use tends to provide the fastest-acting effects, but all tinctures tend to activate faster than typical edibles. Due to absorption through the lining of the mouth.
Tinctures are a popular option for those who prefer a simple method of use that is easily measurable and works quickly. Tinctures are also great for those who want to experiment with different food and beverage recipes to create a cannabis-infused concoction.
How Cannabis Tinctures Are Made
The process for making tinctures is rather simple, though it does take time. First, tinctures are made with cannabis flower that needs to be decarboxylated to ensure that the desired chemical compounds are active. If this process is skipped, the tincture will not have its desired effects. Next, the decarbed flower is soaked in the solvent, strained, and stored. Tinctures can be made at home, or purchased as a ready to use item from a reputable dispensary.
Purchasing Cannabis Tinctures
While making your tincture may be a fun DIY adventure, purchasing a professionally created tincture is certainly much easier, and typically tastes better. What’s more, you’ll have peace of mind that the final product has achieved the desired quality and potency.
Tincture Options From A Dispensary
Creating the perfect tincture for cannabis patients is a top goal of any reputable dispensary. As a result, when purchasing a tincture, you’ll have a variety of options. This allows you to pick the perfect tincture to fit your needs. Options vary from THC tinctures, CBD tinctures, and RSO strain-specific tincture options.
THC Tinctures
THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant best known for creating euphoric effects for the patient. THC may also be an effective remedy for treating pain, muscle spasms, and nausea. These tincture options, such as MÜV THC Tincture, can provide patients with a convenient, accurate way to achieve their desired dose. This tincture is water-soluble, which means it mixes well with other liquids. This option may be used sublingually or infused with food or beverages.
CBD Tinctures
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that provides a wide range of medicinal benefits. It differs from THC in that it does not produce any psychoactive effects unless the two are used together. CBD may help treat inflammation and pain, as well as anxiety. CBD tinctures like MÜV CBD Tincture provide all the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the euphoric high. This makes CBD tinctures one of the most popular options for patients looking to treat symptoms without the high.
THC/CBD Blends
Blends are a great way to enjoy the combined benefits of the cannabinoids THC and CBD. These tinctures, such as MÜV Cannabis 1:1 THC/CBD Tincture, provide a balance of both cannabinoids known as the Golden Ratio—the ideal blend of THC and CBD. This provides relief from a variety of physical and psychological ailments while also providing less potent psychoactive effects that are common with THC-heavy cannabis products.
RSO Strain-Specific Tinctures
Another popular option for cannabis patients is the astounding variety of strain-specific tinctures. This type of tincture differs a bit from traditional tincture. Strain-specific tinctures use a blend of MCT oil (an easily digestible oil made of medium-chain triglycerides) combined with Rick Simpson Oil. RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis product that is typically available in syringes for use orally or topically.
RSO is made using a solvent as well, but the process also differs a bit from other tinctures, providing a difference in both taste and effects. These popular options, like MÜV Strain-Specific RSO Tincture, provide a tincture that is more readily absorbed into the GI tract. This option may also be twice as potent. Since these tinctures are strain-specific, you have the ability to choose a strain option that exactly suits your needs—including strains that are better for daytime or nighttime use.
Tincture Vs Edible Products
As you’ve probably noticed, there are many different types of oral products available on the market today. This method of delivery is popular because it can provide the most accurate dosage amounts when compared to other forms of consumption, such as inhalation. While both tinctures and cannabis edibles are consumed orally, it is helpful to understand the differences between the two categories.
A tincture is a liquid that has been created through a solvent process. Ingestion commonly relies on using a dropper to get the desired dosage. A tincture may be placed directly under the tongue, immediately swallowed, or infused in a wide variety of foods and beverages. A tincture may start affecting the patient within 15-30 minutes, if used sublingually.
While tinctures are technically edible products that can be ingested orally, they are often not included in what cannabis patients casually refer to as “edibles.” Edibles are products that go through the first-pass effect. Since tinctures are taken more often sublingually, they go directly to the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. From chocolate bars, desserts, soft chews, mints, and more, these edibles are created in the image of your favorite snacks and desserts and come prepackaged in your dispensary with clear dosage labeling. As mentioned, tinctures can also be used to create your own edibles by mixing a tincture product with your favorite food or drink.
Edibles must be digested first and may take much longer than smoking or vaping to create any effects. Typical edibles range from 30 minutes to 2 hours to achieve desired effects.
How Do Tinctures Work?
The way tinctures work depends on your desired method of use. As we already mentioned, when you use a tincture sublingually, the medicine is absorbed quickly and enters your bloodstream. On the other hand, if you ingest the tincture, either from the dropper or mixed with other ingredients, the effects will typically take longer because the medicine has to first go through our digestive system.
No matter your method of consumption, the tincture’s cannabinoids will eventually enter your bloodstream and continue on to interact with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. This system plays an important part in many of your body’s major systems, including the nervous system. Cannabinoids interact with this system, providing you with effects like modulating appetite, aiding in sleep, reducing pain, and more.
How To Use Cannabis Tinctures
Sublingual
The first method is sublingually, or the “under the tongue” method. This method is ideal for those who want the effects to occur as rapidly as possible. Begin by carefully measuring out your desired dose and dropping it under your tongue. It is suggested you wait 30 seconds, then swallow. This allows the dose to absorb through the lining of your mouth and into the bloodstream faster. Most patients will feel the effects within 15 minutes.
Oral Consumption
The next method is to simply drop your desired dose into your mouth and swallow immediately. As mentioned, if you use this method, you may take longer to feel effects, as the tincture must travel through your digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream.
Mixing With Food Or Beverage
You can also drop your desired dose of water-soluble tincture into any food or beverage. Using tinctures with your favorite food or beverages is a great way to experiment with different fusion techniques. Tinctures make a great addition to soups, sauces, salad dressings, juices, and more.
How Much Tincture Oil Should I Take?
Tincture oil may be quite potent. Tolerance levels also vary among cannabis patients. For that reason, we recommend that you start small. Start with .25 mL and gradually move up from there if you aren’t achieving the desired effects. This allows you to get a better understanding of how tincture oil will affect you.
Remember: it is much easier to increase your dosage than to wait out the effects of taking more than you should have.
Benefits Of Using Tinctures
Tinctures are a great option for new and experienced patients alike. Tinctures offer the benefit of discretion, as they are easy to carry and conceal. They also don’t have any potent odors that may be associated with smoking cannabis flower and even some edibles.
Tinctures also provide a fast onset when it comes to activation time. Unlike most edibles, where you may have to wait close to an hour to experience effects, tinctures can activate in as little as 15 minutes. This may help you plan your day and cannabis regimen accordingly.
Tinctures are also a great choice for those who prefer a smokeless option\. Noworrying about carrying around extra tools or devices, Or having to charge anything. Give yourself an accurate dose on demand easily with tinctures.
Give Cannabis Tinctures A Try
If you are looking for a new way to enjoy cannabis, give tinctures a try. Tinctures are a versatile way to get the dosage amount that you desire. Tinctures come in a variety of options to meet the needs of the patient.
Looking to explore different consumption methods? Check out our quiz to see what cannabis hardware is right for your needs.
Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Contributor for Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.
