Cannabis Tinctures
Tinctures are especially great for first-time cannabis users and those looking for an easy way to consume it.
Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be consumed in the form of tinctures, cookies, chocolates etc, in this form they are called as edibles. For the people who are new to marijuana consumption, the best way to consume it is in the form of tincture for both medical and recreational purpose. Recreational marijuana is legal in some states and it is seen that it has turned out to be beneficial to the economy. People have also encountered many benefits of consuming marijuana tinctures.
What Is CBD Tincture, And How Is It Made?
A tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking one substance in another substance. We know that’s a pretty general definition, so allow us to clarify by first focusing on the second substance. The most common liquid used to make tinctures is alcohol.
If we were making a THC tincture, we would choose a high-THC strain like Fruity Pebbles or Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. In the case of a CBD tincture, the substance we would choose is a high-CBD/low-THC marijuana strain like Charlotte’s Web or Cannatonic.
Once the alcohol and marijuana plant matter are combined, the alcohol dissolves the trichomes, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other chemical goodies and holds them in solution (kind of like mixing up a batch of Kool-Aid).
And to be clear, tinctures aren’t just restricted to the marijuana plant. Any plant, combination of plants, or even animal material can be used to make a tincture. In fact, common medicinal tinctures include sage, hyssop, and garlic.
How to Use Cannabis CBD Tincture
CBD is best known for its pain relieving and inflammation reducing benefits, but it can also help with sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and nausea, to name a few.
To take the CBD tincture, start by putting a few drops under your tongue and seeing how you feel after an hour or two. It can have different effects for different people, and the strain of cannabis you use can cause differences as well. Gradually up the dose until you feel some relief.
Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures
Drop-by-Drop Dosing. By allowing you to dispense a single drop or two, tinctures allow you to titrate precisely the right dose. Concentrates, flower and baked goods are generally harder to titrate because they can’t be administered drop-by-drop.
Minimum effective dose. Tinctures offer a great way to learn your minimum effective dose (MED), or the smallest amount of cannabis that is effective for managing your condition. Learning your MED saves money, lowers your cannabis tolerance, helps you select products with the correct potency, and can result in more effective treatment. We recommend that patients begin with 2.5-5mg of THC, then titrate up drop by drop until you reach your MED, waiting at least 60 minutes between doses. Keep in mind that multiple doses throughout a day can be cumulative in effect, and may result in a more potent experience.
Discreet sublingual application. By taking tinctures directly under the tongue and holding for 15 seconds, cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the sublingual artery. This administration method is also preferable for those seeking a discreet way to consume cannabis, without the odor created by smoking or vaping. We recommend testing one drop of tincture under the tongue first to gauge the strength of the alcohol. Repeated use of alcohol held under the tongue can lead to irritation–for those who do not like the taste or sensation of alcohol, tinctures can be diluted in a little water to make them more palatable.
Low-calorie. Unlike many cannabis edibles, tinctures are low calorie—a great solution if you’re actively managing your weight. The average tincture made with 140 proof alcohol is about 7 calories/ml, whereas most baked goods are around 100-200 calories.
Long shelf-life and flexibility. Tinctures can last for years if kept in a cool, dark place, and can be added to a wide variety of foods including juices, smoothies, soups, sauces and more. Just be sure to keep your tinctures capped tightly to prevent evaporation, and shake well before consuming because separation may occur over time.
