Cannabis Tinctures: A Comprehensive Guide
Written by Chris Weatherall on Jun 30, 2023
Cannabis tinctures are a special type of extract in a concentrated liquid form. In a typical tincture, cannabis plant matter is used to infuse alcohol, glycerin, or a plant-based oil with terpenes and cannabinoids (i.e., the THC, CBD, and other compounds that give cannabis its beloved psychoactive and medicinal properties).
Tinctures, and extracts in general, may seem to represent a new, emergent part of the cannabis market in some areas as high-test extracts skyrocket in popularity. The reality, however, is that cannabis tinctures have been around longer than anyone reading this. Perhaps more so than any other form of cannabis, tinctures have a long history of use in traditional medicine in some parts of the world.
A Brief History of Cannabis Tinctures
Tinctures have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years as a means of preserving the medicinal properties of herbs, plants, fungi, and other natural matter that contains medicinal compounds. Since we know the medicinal properties of cannabis were also discovered centuries ago, it should be no surprise that cannabis tinctures have been around for a long time.
In fact, cannabis tinctures were available at the local pharmacist until the 20th century, when various factors (notably the push for cannabis prohibition in mainstream American politics) led to their decline. However, with the recent legalization movement, tinctures are making a major comeback and are now accessible to more people than ever.
Before you jump in, however, it’s important to understand that there are several different types of cannabis tinctures available. The one that’s right for you will depend on your individual preferences and goals. We’re here to help you understand tinctures so you can make a confident purchase with our friendly, knowledgeable staff at Kind Meds.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
We’ve already given a bare-bones definition of a tincture and explained that cannabis tinctures are a unique subcategory of cannabis extracts, but let’s dig into what all of that actually means for you as a cannabis consumer or curious shopper.
To reiterate, cannabis tinctures are liquid preparations that contain cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, or a blend of both. They are typically created by infusing a solvent like alcohol, glycerin, or plant-based oil with cannabis flower.
In the modern retail cannabis market, a tincture product will typically be sold in a small, sealed glass bottle that comes with a dropper attachment in the cap for easy measurement and dosing. All tinctures should be tested and labeled in accordance with the law, like any other cannabis product.
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Extracting Cannabinoids
The tincture-making process involves using a solvent to extract cannabinoids from the raw cannabis plant. This can be done using a few different mediums, however.
Simple, alcohol-based tinctures are made rather easily by soaking the plant material in alcohol and then straining off the infused liquid. If you’re planning to DIY (which is typically not recommended for any type of extract production) do not make the mistake of soaking your favorite strain in your favorite liqueur. This method requires the use of extremely high-proof alcohol.
Glycerin-based tinctures are similar in concept but use glycerin rather than alcohol as the solvent.
There are also oil-based tinctures that are, in some ways, more like the classic cannabutter you might make for a batch of “special” brownies than they are to an alcohol tincture. Oil-based tinctures are typically produced using a plant-based oil with a palatable flavor, such as olive oil or coconut oil. This way, they can be dosed orally or added to food with ease.
The Potency of Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures offer the same cannabinoids and terpenes as other cannabis products in concentrated form. In that way, they are like high-end oil and wax extracts on the market and are similarly potent and effective. Take care not to confuse these two completely different categories of products, however. Concentrates like shatter, budder, and hash are designed to be vaporized in a dab rig or electronic vape device or added to smokable flower, while the tinctures we’re describing are fit for oral consumption.
In fact, tinctures are preferred over other consumption methods by some cannabis enthusiasts not just due to their serious potency but also their convenience, discrete nature, and precise dosing. A quick drop or two under the tongue is all it takes to get your desired amount of THC or CBD.
Types of Cannabis Tinctures
We already mentioned the three main types of cannabis tinctures: alcohol-, glycerin-, and oil-based. Now, let’s look a bit closer at each to explore their unique attributes so that you can decide which cannabis tincture products are right for you.
Alcohol-Based Tinctures
Alcohol-based tinctures are a common type of cannabis tincture. They are known for their fast-acting effects and long shelf life, but they do have a strong taste that may be unpleasant to many. You also must consider the fact that they are made of alcohol, which not everyone likes to ingest. However, they do mix well with water-based foods and drinks.
You may have read that creating alcohol-based tinctures at home is actually quite simple. While this is reasonably true, it’s not recommended because, unlike a professional retail cannabis operation, you will not have access to state-of-the-art testing so that you know the exact strength and cannabinoid levels of your DIY tincture. For that reason, it’s recommended to purchase from a reputable adult-use dispensary like Kind Meds when you’re in the market for an alcohol-based product.
Oil-Based Tinctures
Oil-based tinctures use plant- or nut-based oils as the medium, resulting in a more viscous product and much milder taste as compared to alcohol-based tinctures. Oil tinctures are a popular choice for individuals looking for an option that mixes well with buttery or creamy foods. Oil-based tinctures are sometimes known to take slightly longer to take effect but can also have a longer duration of action to make up for it.
Glycerin-Based Tinctures
Glycerin-based tinctures are an intriguing third option, as they are alcohol-free, liquid rather than oily, offer a sweeter taste compared to other tinctures, and mix well with beverages. And while they come with a touch of sweetness, they’re actually sugar-free. A downside is that glycerin-based tinctures typically have a shorter shelf life when compared to alcohol-based tinctures, so they’re best for folks who are going to use their cannabis tincture regularly enough that they go through their supply before it goes bad.
Cannabis Tinctures vs. Other Cannabis Products
Hopefully, you know a lot more about tinctures now than when you started reading. Let’s keep going and put tinctures in context by comparing them directly to your other favorite forms of cannabis consumption. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each route of consumption through the lens of how they stack up to tinctures.
Edibles
“Edibles” refer to cannabis-infused food or drink products that can come in as many different forms as there are different foods. They are consumed orally and are metabolized in the digestive system.
Edible cannabis products have a lot of similarities to tinctures, as both involve the oral consumption of cannabis (although tinctures can also be absorbed under the tongue). In fact, tinctures are often used to create DIY edibles. Both offer a long-lasting and potent effect that is fairly discreet and accurate to dose, but the onset time can be slower with edibles than it is with tinctures.
One drawback of edibles that some fail to consider before it’s too late: for users looking for a more controlled experience, an edibles experience can sometimes last too long.
Vapes
Discreet vape pens are an extremely popular product with many of today’s cannabis users. They provide fast-acting cannabis effects and can be used rather discreetly. However, your dosing won’t be as precise as it would be with a tincture dropper.
Topicals
Other types of cannabis oils and extracts can be derived using various solvents, but the ones we’re talking about here are then mixed into topical products like salves and creams. In fact, you can find just about any type of health and beauty product with either CBD or full-spectrum cannabis in it these days, not just topical lotions.
Full-spectrum topical cannabis products are great for targeted relief of aches and pains, but for full-body cannabis effects, you’ll need to stick to tinctures or another method. Absorbing cannabinoids through the skin is simply not going to hit your system in quite the same way.
Smoking
Good, old-fashioned cannabis smoking involves inhaling combusted cannabis flower or concentrates. It provides near-immediate effects but does not allow for very accurate dosing. It can be harsh on the lungs and therefore is not suitable for individuals with respiratory issues. Conversely, you can ingest tinctures quickly, discreetly, and without a cloud of smoke.
Suggested Reading: Which Form of Cannabis Is For Me? – Quiz
How to Use Cannabis Tinctures
Now let’s get to the practical stuff—how do we actually use cannabis tinctures?
The “correct” starting dosage for experimenting with tinctures can vary quite a bit from person to person, depending on your:
- Personal use goals
- Individual body chemistry
- Tolerance to cannabis
- Situational factors
Tincture Administration Methods
There are three basic ways to use cannabis tinctures, regardless of what type of solvent they’re based on:
- Oral Administration – With this method, your drop(s) of tincture essentially becomes a very small edible – you squeeze the dropper into your mouth and ingest the tincture—nothing could be simpler. Keep in mind that you’ll need to digest the dose, which will delay onset time anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
- Sublingual Administration – For sublingual use, you place a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and hold it there for a minute or two. This allows for rapid absorption through the sublingual mucous membranes, which means a much faster onset of effects than orally consumed cannabis that has to be processed through your gastrointestinal system.
- Mixing with Food and Beverages – One of the great things about tinctures is that they can be mixed with food or beverages, so try adding your favorite tincture to smoothies, juices, or tea to make a quick custom edible. Again, keep in mind that the onset time will be delayed compared to sublingual administration when the tincture needs to pass through the digestive system.
Suggested Reading: The Many Ways to Enjoy Cannabis
Cannabis Health, Safety, and Best Practices
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when you’ve decided it’s time to try out cannabis tinctures for yourself:
- Always follow the dosing instructions provided with the tincture, as well as any advice you’ve received from a medical cannabis professional or dispensary staff.
- Be aware of the potential side effects of high doses of cannabis, such as temporary dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, or unpleasant anxious effects. Try to maintain a good mindset, drink a lot of water, and remember that any unpleasant side effects will pass with time.
- If you have any underlying health conditions, it can be a good idea to consult directly with a healthcare professional before using cannabis tinctures.
- Store tinctures in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency and shelf life.
Kind Meds AZ – Quality Cannabis Products
Cannabis tinctures provide a potent and versatile option for cannabis consumption with precise dosing and maximum discretion, making them an appealing alternative to smoking and edibles for many users. While advice on making DIY alcohol-based tinctures at home is prevalent online, it’s important to choose tinctures that have undergone third-party lab testing to ensure product quality and safety so that you don’t end up having an unpleasant experience.
As cannabis research continues to advance, we will only see advancements in tincture formulations, leading to improved taste, higher potency, and faster onset of effects. Innovations in extraction methods and delivery systems are constantly enhancing the efficacy and convenience of cannabis tinctures. The future of retail cannabis tinctures is a bright and exciting prospect.
To purchase legal, high-end, quality cannabis products, visit Kind Meds of Mesa, AZ. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to help you find the perfect products to suit your cannabis use goals.
