Tinctures are one of the most well-known methods of concentrating plant chemicals in medicine. They’ve previously been utilized to extract the advantages of a wide range of plants, including cannabis. Traditionally, tinctures have been produced by soaking plant material in grain alcohol using the Folk Method. We combine organic cane alcohol with our CO2 cannabis extract to make a tincture with consistent cannabinoid content for accurate dosage delivery at CVD.
Did you know that the word “tincture” has its origin in the removal of alcohol as a solvent? While the term is sometimes used to describe cannabis oils infused with, it should be an “infusion.”
We’re sure you’re aware of all the typical ways to consume cannabis, such as smoking, vaping, dabbing, and eating edibles. What exactly are marijuana tinctures and why should you be concerned about them?
What Is Marijuana Tincture?
tinctures are a type of liquid medicine that has been used for centuries to maximize the benefits of plant products, including cannabis.
The term tincture is used to describe the process of extracting a substance with alcohol as a solvent. A tincture is sometimes misused to refer to marijuana oils that have been infused with cannabis. These are, in fact, infusions.
Until it was initially banned in 1937, tinctures, better known as “moonshine of marijuana,” were the most common type of cannabis medication. Dissolving sugar in water is a safe and simple process that is comparable to dissolving some sugar in water.
Plant material is extracted with an ethanol percentage from 25 to 60% yielding a solution from 50 proof to 120 proof. Since alcohol breaks down both the basic and acidic components of marijuana, you’ll end up with more of those precious cannabinoids in your dropper bottle.
With the plant matter dissolved and the oils, trichomes, terpenes, and cannabinoids all suspended in the solution, you simply administer the tincture sublingually or ingest it.
What’s the point of going to all this trouble, though? Surely you could just rely on the time-honored methods of smoking or go ‘twenty-first century’ with your dab rig?
You could, but tinctures come with a few distinct benefits.
Key Benefits of Marijuana Tinctures
- The effects hit home quickly and powerfully
- Dose control is straightforward, so you’ll get none of the uncertainty when trying to gauge dosage with edibles
- It is totally discreet, and you won’t need to worry about wielding a bong or reeking of weed in public
- You won’t experience any of the dangers associated with smoking
- Tinctures have an exceptionally long shelf-life
While THC tinctures deliver all the above and more, CBD tinctures can deliver a shower of medical benefits. From helping with a waning appetite to dealing with insomnia, reducing inflammation to soothing psoriasis, the list goes on.
Whichever tincture you choose, this tried-and-true method works. It might not generate the same amount of press as wax and shatter, but it’s a classic delivery method for good reason.
How about the less positive side of tinctures, though? Are there any side effects?
Methods of Cannabis Tincture Administration
Tinctures are versatile for a number of reasons. Not only can they be added to a wide variety of food and beverages, but they can also be administered in several different ways.
- Sublingual is the preferred method of administration because the tincture is rapidly absorbed through the sublingual artery. Sublingual applications avoid first pass metabolism in the gut or liver, because they transmit active ingredients into the bloodstream directly through the lining of the mouth. (Cannabinoids, as well as pharmaceuticals, can be lost or degraded when being metabolized in gut or liver, resulting in a smaller dose than expected.) Sublingual application allows for a rapid onset of 15-30 minutes with peak effects at around 90 minutes, which can be helpful for handling intense breakthrough pain.
- Ingestion. Alternatively, tinctures can be used like an edible: swallowed or added to food, the THC is converted to the more potent form 11-hydroxy-THC, which delays onset by around two hours and produces stronger, more sedative effects than sublingual application.
- Topical. Tinctures can also be used topically (like a liniment), however this application is more popular with WPCO and infused cannabis oils. The best topical applications for alcohol-based tinctures are those where a drying, astringent effect is beneficial, such as for acne, skin irritation or injuries deep below the surface of the skin. Do not apply to mucous membranes or wounds.
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.
Whether you’re searching for a low-profile, efficient approach to delivering cannabis or an easy method to determine your minimum effective dose, tinctures are a wonderful time to experiment. Make an appointment for Tincture Tuesday (any Tuesday in February) and get 10% off all tinctures!
How to Take Marijuana Tincture
A dropper bottle holds a tincture; you simply squeeze out a few drops under your tongue. Allow the tincture to enter your body via osmosis rather than swallowing it.
Ingesting cannabis is a great choice for those who don’t want to smoke it because it minimizes or eliminates the harmful components found in cannabis smoke, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The delta-9-THC (the psychoactive component) transforms into 11-Hydroxy THC when it passes through your liver if you choose to swallow it. The onset of effects is delayed by 15 minutes to two hours or more as a result of this process.
When you allow osmosis to occur, the cannabis tincture enters your brain in a matter of seconds. It is absorbed via the sublingual artery, which is near to your carotid artery, resulting in a quick-acting and efficient substance.
If you’ve been intrigued by marijuana tinctures after seeing this glimpse at cannabis tinctures, why not go to Cannabis & Glass? Our highly experienced staff will be delighted to continue the discussion while educating you about our extensive range of marijuana in all its forms.