What is a Cannabis Tincture and How Do You Use It?

Cannabis tinctures are becoming increasingly popular for their discreet, convenient, and versatile use. They allow for precise dosing and offer fast-acting effects, making them a favorable option for both recreational and medical cannabis users. This blog explores what a cannabis tincture is, how to use it, and the benefits of incorporating it into your cannabis routine.

What is a Cannabis Tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of cannabis. Traditionally, tinctures are made by soaking cannabis flowers in high-proof alcohol. The alcohol serves as a solvent, pulling out the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the plant. This method has been used for centuries as a way to create potent plant-based medicines. However, modern tinctures may also be made using oils like MCT or glycerin, especially in CBD products ​(Marijuana Doctors, Leafly).

Tinctures can be formulated with either THC, CBD, or a combination of both. They come in various ratios to meet different needs, ranging from pure CBD tinctures to high-THC options for those seeking more psychoactive effects ​(Silver Therapeutics).

Why Use Cannabis Tinctures?

Cannabis tinctures offer several advantages over other consumption methods:

1. Discreetness: Unlike smoking or vaping, tinctures do not produce a noticeable odor, allowing users to consume cannabis without drawing attention. This makes them ideal for individuals who prefer to medicate in public settings without anyone noticing ​(Herb, Silver Therapeutics).

2. Convenience: Tinctures are portable and easy to use. They typically come in small bottles with droppers, making it simple to measure out precise doses. You don’t need additional equipment like pipes, grinders, or rolling papers ​(Herb).

3. Fast-acting Effects: When taken sublingually (under the tongue), tinctures are absorbed through the mucous membranes, delivering effects much faster than edibles. This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly​ (Leafly).

4. Precise Dosing: One of the key benefits of tinctures is the ability to control your dose precisely. Most tincture bottles come with a dropper, and the product label will indicate how many milligrams of cannabinoids are in each milliliter of liquid. This allows users to start with small doses and adjust as needed​ (Marijuana Doctors, Leafly).

How to Use Cannabis Tinctures

There are a few different ways to use cannabis tinctures, depending on your preferences and desired effects.

Sublingual Administration

The most common way to use a tincture is by applying it sublingually. This involves placing a few drops under your tongue and holding it there for 30–60 seconds before swallowing. The sublingual tissue absorbs the cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, resulting in effects that can be felt within 15–30 minutes​ (Marijuana Doctors, Herb).

This method is ideal for those who want fast-acting relief without having to inhale smoke or wait for an edible to digest. It’s also more efficient since the cannabinoids don’t need to be processed through the liver, which can reduce their potency ​(Leafly).

Adding Tinctures to Food and Beverages

Cannabis tinctures can also be added to food and drinks, though this method will result in a slower onset of effects, similar to edibles. Since the cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for effects to kick in ​(Leafly).

This method is perfect for those who don’t like the taste of tinctures when taken sublingually or for anyone looking to incorporate cannabis into their daily meals. You can add tinctures to smoothies, soups, coffee, or even bake them into edibles​ (Herb).

Dosage Guidelines for Tinctures

Finding the right dosage for cannabis tinctures depends on several factors, including your tolerance, the cannabinoid content of the tincture, and your desired effects. As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you achieve the desired effect​ (Marijuana Doctors).

For beginners, a dose as low as 2.5–5 mg of THC is recommended to start. More experienced users may opt for doses ranging from 10–25 mg, while medicinal users seeking stronger relief might require even higher doses​ (Leafly).

Most tinctures come with clear dosing instructions. For instance, a typical bottle might contain 300 mg of THC in a 30 mL solution, meaning each full dropper (1 mL) would contain 10 mg of THC. If you’re unsure about your dosage, consult with a healthcare professional or start with a small amount and wait to assess the effects ​(Marijuana Doctors,Leafly).

The Different Types of Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures come in a variety of formulations, and understanding the differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs.

1. THC Tinctures: These tinctures contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a “high.” They are typically used by recreational users or by medical patients looking to relieve chronic pain, nausea, or insomnia ​(Herb).

2. CBD Tinctures: CBD tinctures are made from cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that has been shown to provide relief from anxiety, inflammation, and other conditions without producing a high​ (Silver Therapeutics).

3. Full-Spectrum Tinctures: Full-spectrum tinctures contain the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. This provides what is known as the “entourage effect,” where the different compounds work together synergistically to enhance their effects​ (Leafly).

4. Broad-Spectrum Tinctures: Broad-spectrum tinctures contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes but have all the THC removed. This makes them a good option for people who want to avoid THC while still benefiting from the other components of the cannabis plant ​(Silver Therapeutics).

5. Isolate Tinctures: These tinctures contain only a single cannabinoid, usually CBD or THC, and no other compounds from the cannabis plant. They are ideal for people who want to experience the effects of a specific cannabinoid without the influence of others​ (Silver Therapeutics).

The Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures offer several benefits, especially for users who value convenience, discretion, and precise dosing.

• Discreet Use: Because tinctures don’t produce a strong odor, they are a great option for people who want to use cannabis without drawing attention​ (Herb).

• Quick Relief: When taken sublingually, tinctures deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream quickly, providing faster relief than edibles ​(Leafly).

• Long Shelf Life: Tinctures have a long shelf life compared to other cannabis products. As long as they are stored properly—away from light, heat, and air—they can last for several years without losing potency ​(Silver Therapeutics).

• Precise Dosing: Tinctures allow users to control their dose down to the milligram, making it easier to find the perfect amount for their needs​ (Marijuana Doctors).

How to Make Your Own Cannabis Tincture

Making your own cannabis tincture at home is a relatively simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some patience. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
• 500 mL of high-proof alcohol (like Everclear) ​(Herb)

Directions:

1. Decarboxylate the cannabis: This is a crucial step to activate the cannabinoids. Bake the cannabis at 220°F (105°C) for 30–45 minutes​ (Leafly).

2. Combine cannabis and alcohol: Place the cannabis in a mason jar and pour the alcohol over it until the plant material is fully submerged ​(Leafly).

3. Store and shake: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark, cool place for a few weeks. Shake the jar daily to help with extraction ​(Silver Therapeutics).

4. Strain and bottle: After a few weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the plant material. Pour the liquid into a dropper bottle for easy use ​(Silver Therapeutics).

Conclusion

Cannabis tinctures are a versatile, discreet, and easy-to-use option for both medicinal and recreational cannabis users. Whether you're looking for fast-acting relief, precise dosing, or an alternative to smoking, tinctures offer a unique way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. As with any cannabis product, it’s important to start with a low dose and adjust as needed to find what works best for you.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis for medical reasons.