Drop Into the World of Cannabis Tincture
The increasing legalization of cannabis in the U.S. has led to a flood of new cannabis products, from vapes to concentrates to infused beverages. With so many interesting new products on the market, it’s easy to overlook classics like joints, brownies, and cannabis tinctures.
What Is Cannabis Tincture?
A cannabis tincture is a type of cannabis extract with an alcohol base, made by soaking cannabis in an alcohol solvent. The alcohol pulls compounds like THC and CBD from the cannabis plant and imbues the compounds into the solvent. Cannabis tinctures are commonly sold in small fluid-ounce bottles with droppers for administering consistent doses.
The History of Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures have a long history of use in the United States. Cannabis tinctures first appeared in the United States Pharmacopeia—a compendium of medical drugs, their effects, and usage instructions published annually—in 1851, where they remained for almost a century. It wasn’t until 1942 that cannabis was removed from the U.S. Pharmacopeia, their expulsion coming in the aftermath of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which levied such a punitive tariff on cannabis products that they were essentially outlawed.
Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures
Although cannabis tinctures are one of the older methods for consuming cannabis, they still offer today’s cannabis consumers a handful of advantages over other products.
Cannabis Tinctures Are Convenient
Cannabis tinctures don’t require grinders, papers, or lighters like smoking joints or rolling blunts. Nor do they need accessories like a pipe, bong, or dab ring. All you need to consume cannabis tincture is found in the tincture bottle. The small containers that tinctures are often packaged in also make them extremely portable—they fit easily in everything from a pocket to a purse.
Cannabis Tinctures Are Discreet
The small, nondescript bottles that cannabis tinctures commonly come in are unlikely to attract much attention, which makes them a fantastic option for stealthily consuming cannabis. And since doses are administered using a dropper, there’s no tell-tale smoke or unmistakable aroma.
Cannabis Tinctures Are Fast-Acting
When taken sublingually (under the tongue), cannabis tinctures produce effects faster than edibles, which require digestion before entering the bloodstream. While tinctures don’t kick in quite as fast as smoking or vaping—tinctures are absorbed into the bloodstream through the tissue in the mouth—tinctures provide longer-lasting effects.
Cannabis Tinctures Are Long-Lasting
Cannabis tinctures have a very long shelf life thanks to their alcohol base which helps preserve plant compounds and ensure effectiveness. A properly stored tincture can last for years.
Cannabis Tinctures Are Easy to Dose
Cannabis tinctures make it very easy to control dosage and greatly reduce the odds of overconsuming. Cannabis tinctures are labeled to show the amount of THC or CBD they contain per liquid milliliter., and most tincture bottles are sold with a dropper with liquid milliliter measurements printed on them.
Cannabis Tinctures Are For Everyone
Cannabis tinctures don’t produce any irritating smoke nor do they contain any ingredients that people may have an allergy to (like sugar, gluten, gelatin, or food coloring). Tinctures also contain minimal calories—the average tincture made with 140 proof alcohol is about 7 calories per milliliter—making them a good choice for those watching their weight.
There are also different types of cannabis tinctures—the two most notable are THC and CBD. THC tinctures are normally made from marijuana and produce psychoactive effects. THC tinctures are further divided into those made using sativa and indica strains. Sativa is known for its energizing effect while indica has a reputation for producing a relaxed and euphoric feeling.
CBD tinctures are generally made from hemp, have little to no THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), and are used to relax, ease anxiety, and improve mood.
How to Consume Cannabis Tincture
There are two primary methods for consuming cannabis tincture: sublingual and oral.
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Sublingual: When taking tincture sublingually, drops are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve (not swallowed). Sublingual consumption allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream and a more instant effect.
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Oral: When consuming tincture orally, the drops are simply swallowed. Oral tincture consumption results in a more delayed effect, as it requires digestion before entering the bloodstream.
It’s also common to add cannabis tinctures to foods and beverages such as pudding, yogurt, coffee, tea, and juice. The result of adding tincture to foods and drinks is an effect similar to that of edibles.
Tincture Tips
Following a few simple practices will make your cannabis tincture experience more enjoyable:
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Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes or more after taking a tincture
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Avoid touching the dropper with your mouth or bare hands
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Store tincture in a cool place away from direct light
Lastly, keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to start low and go slow with any cannabis product. That is, start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over time until you achieve the desired effect. Remember, you can always consume more tincture, but once it’s in your system it will pass on its own time—normally, anywhere from two to eight hours.
Plant Dispensary
Plant Dispensary stocks a wide array of cannabis tinctures to ensure you’ll find a product that meets your needs—whether you’re looking for a high-energy boost or help sleeping through the night. Check out our online menu to see what we have in stock or stop in and let one of our expert budtenders guide you through our huge selection of cannabis products.
