Welcome to the world of cannabis tinctures! They’re one of our favorite ways to enjoy cannabis and are quickly becoming a go-to method of delivery for a reason. Tinctures provide fast and efficient dosage with minimal effort and can be used just about anywhere. If you’ve been wondering how to use this simple yet effective method of cannabis consumption, this article is for you.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts made by soaking flowers in a solvent. The process separates the terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant material, creating a solution that contains high levels of these beneficial compounds. The solvent also helps to preserve these compounds, giving tinctures a long shelf life.
So, why are tinctures so popular? Herbal tinctures have been used for centuries and are one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. They’re also the original way people used medical cannabis in the early 20th century before prohibition. Tinctures offer one of the easiest ways of enjoying the many benefits of cannabis and is one of the best methods for precise dosing.
The Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures
While tinctures are one of the simplest ways to use cannabis, their benefits go way beyond their ease of use. Here are a few of the greatest benefits when it comes to choosing cannabis tinctures over other consumption methods:
Discreet
Tinctures allow for quick absorption of cannabis without any clouds of smoke or vapor. They come in small bottles that can easily and safely fit into your purse or pocket. Tinctures don’t have a strong aroma and can be used at almost any time and setting without anyone needing to know about it. A few drops under the tongue (i.e., sublingually) and you’re good to go.
Fast Acting
Because tinctures are usually used sublingually, they are absorbed more rapidly than edibles. Tinctures can transmit their active components to the bloodstream quickly through the lining of the mouth, and the effects come on in 15-30 minutes.
Shelf Life
Most tinctures are made with an alcohol solvent, which acts to preserve the plant compounds. They stay fresh and effective for years when they are stored properly in a cool, dark place. Because tinctures are so concentrated, a little can go a long way, and your bottle of tincture will likely last a while.
Precise
It’s easy to go overboard with flowers and edibles accidentally. But tinctures come in a bottle that includes a measured dropper, which allows for very precise dosing to the milliliter. Many also come in precise THC:CBD ratios, so you know exactly what you are getting every time you use them.
Low-Calorie
Tinctures are a great low-calorie alternative to rich and delicious edibles.
How to Use a Tincture
There are many reasons to try tinctures, but one of the best benefits is how easy they are to use.
Sublingual consumption is one of the best ways to use a tincture if you want stronger, faster effects. Put the dose under your tongue and hold it there for 1 minute before swallowing. This method allows cannabis to hit your bloodstream quickly. You can also just drop the tincture into your mouth and swallow right away, but the effects will be more subtle and require more time to take effect.
For those who don’t like the taste or feel of a tincture in their mouth, there is another way to do it. You can simply drop the tincture onto your choice of food or beverage and enjoy it. This method will take the same length of time to kick in as edibles.
How to Choose the Right Tincture
Just like with any cannabis product, choosing the right tincture depends on the experience you want to have. Tinctures come in a variety of strengths and cannabinoid ratios. So, it’s important to always do your research or ask a budtender for help choosing something that will work for your goals. Tinctures that are higher in CBD and lower in THC will give you relaxation benefits with a less intense or no “high.” Varieties with larger amounts of THC will provide similar benefits with stronger psychoactive effects.
The dosage you take will play the biggest role in determining how a tincture will make you feel. So, remember that the right dosage of a tincture will vary from person to person, and depend on your individual goals.
If you are wondering how to choose a tincture that’s right for you, we’d love to help. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions and make recommendations based on the effects you are looking to achieve. Stop by San Diego dispensary and start enjoying all the benefits that cannabis tinctures have to offer!
