Cannabis tinctures (pronounced “tink-chur”) are a type of cannabis extract that is created by dissolving cannabis in alcohol. They have been used for centuries to treat ailments such as headaches, inflammation, anxiety, and menstrual cramps. They can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or orally (mixed with food, water, or other drinks). When taken sublingually, a tincture enters your bloodstream faster than other methods of ingestion. This allows you to feel the effects almost immediately. The dosage varies depending on what ailment you are trying to treat and how much THC content the product has.
What is a tincture?
Tinctures are made by soaking cannabis flowers or leaves in alcohol. The mixture is strained and then bottled after it has been left to sit for the appropriate time period. They can be made from many different types of plants. In fact, though you may or may not be familiar with the term “tincture,” there are certainly many that you have heard of. Vanilla extract, for example, is a tincture. Other common examples include:
- Arnica
- Benzoin
- Iodine
- Propolis
- Elderberry
- Turmeric
- Coconut (aka MCT oil)
- Echinacea
Each tincture oil has its own holistic and medicinal benefits. If you are curious, we invite you to research other types. Since we are a dispensary, we are going to focus here, of course on cannabis tinctures.
What is a cannabis tincture?
Essentially, a cannabis-infused tincture is created by infusing alcohol with marijuana-based substances and other ingredients.
Similar to the process of extracting oil from cannabis, a tincture uses alcohol as a solvent and extracts cannabinoids, THC and CBD, and terpenes from the plan. While alcohol is used as a solvent in tinctures, it also serves as the main ingredient. This makes it different from other cannabis oils.
Until the 1930s, tinctures were the primary form of cannabis-based medicine. This use continued until the United States outlawed cannabis use in 1937. Medical and recreational cannabis use has made a resurgence in the past few years, with tinctures having an especially impressive comeback.
Although many people make DIY tinctures at home, most consumers choose professionally formulated cannabis extracts over those made at home. Homemade cannabis tinctures are difficult to make and can be inconsistent in quality.
Get started with tinctures
If you are new to the tincture world, you likely have a few questions about how they work and what benefit they provide over other methods of consuming marijuana.
Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures
When you choose to consume cannabis products, get the most out of it by shopping for top-quality cannabis from a reputable dispensary like Frost Denver Dispensary. From there, it’s just about trying different methods of consumption and seeing what you prefer.
Tinctures cannabis offer a number of benefits, all making them an increasingly favorite method for trying cannabis. Depending on your lifestyle, you may find one or more of the benefits of cannabis that tinctures offer.
- Convenience: When you’d rather not inhale or eat cannabis, tinctures are the way to go. Droppers deliver drops of concentrated cannabinoids to your body with minimal effort.
- Discretion: Unlike other forms of cannabis, a tincture doesn’t have an easily detectable aroma. They are generally packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper top and appear similar to other supplements or medications. And they are especially convenient for those who would prefer not to draw attention from others. This makes it a great option for medical marijuana patients.
- No smoke: Not everyone prefers smoking cannabis, and for those who don’t, a cannabis tincture might be the perfect solution.
- Precise dosing: Because droppers let you control your dosage, it can be tailored to fit your liking.
- A faster high: Sublingual consumption of your cannabis tincture may produce immediate and more intense effects.
- Fewer calories than edibles: Tinctures give you a similar feeling to edibles but without the sugar, fat, and calories.
How do I choose the right tincture?
Tinctures with less THC give you relaxation benefits with a less intense or no “high.” Varieties with greater levels of THC supply similar benefits with stronger psychotic effects. Do the correct dosage of tinctures from a specific dose and according to your goals. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions and makes recommendations for the effects you are interested in.
THC vs. CBD Tinctures
One of the most important things to know about tinctures is the types, which are categorized according to their cannabinoid make-up.
CBD and THC, the most commonly consumed cannabinoids, each have their own unique effects. The specific ratio of cannabinoids in the tincture for you will depend on your desired experience. There are many types of cannabis tinctures available, which can be broken down into three categories:
THC tinctures
Tinctures primarily concentrated with THC for recreational use, can be used in place of smoking and vaping as a way to attain marijuana’s psychoactive effects. In other words, use this one if you want to get high.
CBD tinctures
A CBD tincture is derived from the hemp plant rather than the marijuana plant and is ideal for those who do not enjoy THC effects. CBD is believed to have many of the same health and relaxation benefits as THC, minus its psychoactive effects.
THC and CBD Tinctures
In between these options, tinctures made with a blend of THC and CBD are also on the market. People often prefer a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD to keep their minds clear and their bodies relaxed, but many other ratios are available.
When comparing THC and CBD tinctures, the key differences are their expected effect, dosage, and legal restrictions.
The Final Toke
If you’re looking for a discreet way to medicate, tinctures are your best option. Whether it’s the effects of THC or CBD that you wish to achieve, cannabis tinctures provide relief without unwanted side effects and with convenience like no other form of marijuana consumption. If you have any questions about how to use our products, stop by Frost Denver Dispensary dispensary. Our budtenders have got the answers to your tincture questions!
