Cannabis tinctures are super-concentrated herbal extracts. They’re made by soaking herbs (in this case, cannabis) in alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or oil. There are various ways to prepare tinctures, and they also have a variety of uses.
Cannabis tinctures are usually either CBD tinctures or THC tinctures, more of which shortly. The most common method of ingestion is generally under the tongue or swallowing. They treat various conditions and can significantly benefit health and well-being. So let’s take a closer look.
A Background To Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures have a long history of medicinal use. They were in the United States Pharmacopoeia until 1942 and were favored to treat a variety of afflictions. However, it slowly began losing steam as a medicinal product during the mid to late 1900s.
This was primarily due to the development of other alternatives, including the hypodermic needle, water-soluble analgesics, and synthetic hypnotics. The fact that cannabis started becoming a recreational drug also contributed to the move towards other options.
The cannabis debate raged for many decades, and in the US, there were various legislative back-and-forths regarding the medicinal and recreational use of the drug. In recent times, laws have changed drastically regarding the use of cannabis. Cannabis tinctures have remained a popular way to use cannabis either medicinally or recreationally.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Tinctures are highly concentrated liquid extracts made by soaking cannabis in alcohol. They’re an excellent option for people who want to ingest cannabis without smoking.
Orally ingested tinctures and edibles have a similar pathway in the body in that they travel through the body and via the liver before showing any effects. If, however, the tincture is placed under the tongue, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream without traveling via the liver.
Since tinctures are administered via droplets, it is also a great way to dose consumption and carefully avoid any adverse effects of over-consumption.
CBD Tinctures VS THC Tinctures
The primary difference is that CBD is mainly sourced from hemp, not marijuana. THC tinctures, on the other hand, are derived from marijuana. It’s important to note that CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and are both present in hemp and marijuana. However, the difference is in the varying concentration of CBD or THC.
CBD tinctures have a minimal amount of THC, the psychoactive part of the marijuana plant, which gives users the “high” associated with ingestion. There must be less than 0.3 percent THC present to be labeled and marketed as a CBD product.
THC tinctures are often used for recreational purposes since they contain a significant THC level, a psychoactive substance. THC tinctures contain trace amounts of CBD, but it is a tiny percentage.
The choice between a CBD or THC tincture depends on the needs of the individual. CBD has a more therapeutic and medicinal function, and THC is mainly used for recreational and relaxation purposes. Tinctures can also be tailor-made with both or different proportions of either THC or CBD.
Making Your Own Tinctures
While it’s usually better to use the services of a certified cannabis supplier, tinctures are relatively easy to make yourself too. Before you begin, you need to check on the laws governing the production and consumption of marijuana products. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC. It is legal in the US to grow and consume hemp products. It gets a little trickier when it comes to higher levels of THC, which depends on the state where you reside.
You’ll need the following ingredients to make your tincture:
● A herb grinder
● An oven
● Cannabis flower
● Ethanol
● A filter
● A jar with a tight-fitting lid
● A medicinal dropper
First, you need to decarboxylate the flower. You can do this by heating it in an oven at 220 degrees for one hour. Next, soak the flower in ethanol with 3 to 5 parts alcohol to 1 part flower in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. You’ll need to store the jar in a cool and dark place for around 14 days and shake it two or three times a day to mix it properly.
Tinctures are consumed underneath the tongue or directly by ingesting, usually with food and drinks. The absorption will vary depending on the method. Always test the dosage first, and never exceed the recommended dosage. A 2.5 mg dose is recommended first, and you can gradually increase it if needed.
The Benefits Of Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures have many benefits compared with other cannabis dosage methods and health and wellness benefits. Let’s take a look at them.
● Precise dosing – As briefly mentioned, the liquid nature of tinctures and the fact that they’re dosed in droplet form make them an accurate and careful delivery method. This also makes it one of the best ways to start with the lowest minimum dose possible, which is always recommended.
● Discreet use – Unlike smoking and vaping, consuming tinctures is discreet and private and doesn’t interfere with anyone else. It is also convenient to carry with you and add to beverages or place a few drops under your tongue.
● Low Calories – Unlike edibles that are usually high in calories, tinctures can be directly ingested or dropped into tea or coffee. There is no need to mix it with food unless you prefer it, making it versatile for people looking to watch their calorie count.
● Long Shelf Life – Tinctures last long due to their alcohol base, so you don’t have to consume them within a specific period like many other cannabis products.
● Medicinal Usage – Cannabis tinctures have a variety of medicinal uses, including:
● Pain relief
● Management of depression and anxiety
● Reducing cancer-related symptoms
● Anti-tumor properties
● Neuroprotective properties
● Diabetes symptom relief
● Inflammation management
Cannabis tinctures are a popular, traditional, and safe way to consume cannabis. Hopefully, you’ve learned much more about it today, and remember always to be safe and obey the laws in your jurisdiction.
