Cannabis Tincture 101

Tinctures containing cannabis, when taken under the tongue or inside the cheek, may produce varying outcomes compared to when they're consumed directly, whether on their own or mixed into food or beverages. This is because when THC is ingested, it goes through the liver where it's transformed into a more powerful version of itself, known as 11-OH-THC. This process can lead to a more intense and enduring experience, even with the same dose.

Understanding THC Tinctures

Tinctures containing cannabis, when taken under the tongue or inside the cheek, may produce varying outcomes compared to when they're consumed directly, whether on their own or mixed into food or beverages. This is because when THC is ingested, it goes through the liver where it's transformed into a more powerful version of itself, known as 11-OH-THC. This process can lead to a more intense and enduring experience, even with the same dose.

How THC Tinctures Are Made

In order to get THC into a liquid form it needs be extracted from the plant. There are several methods used to do this, some by using solvents like alcohol or butane, and others by the soaking cannabis in oils.

The science behind how THC tinctures work in the body

Any time THC enters out body it's mission is to hook-up with our endocannabinoid system. It produces natural compounds called endocannabinoids, which are like the body's own cannabis molecules. These endocannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, helping to regulate various processes like mood, pain sensation, appetite, and immune response.

The importance of cannabis tincture bottles

Every brand of tincture has their own style of being packaged. Some have features like child-resistant caps and some have fancy droppers that are marked with precise dosing. But, for the most part, tinctures come in dark-colored glass bottles. Typically amber or cobalt blue because it helps block out any sun or UV exposure. These bottles are super convenient and very discreet making mid-day doses a breeze.

Benefits and effects of cannabis tinctures

The benefits that come with using cannabis tinctures are that it's quick to kick in, the effects are long-lasting, it's super discreet, no equipment or setup is needed, and you can consume it in multiple ways. If you need a better reasons than those, we're not sure they exist!

How THC tinctures make you feel

Just like with any other cannabis product, there is no one-size-fits-all description of the effects you can expect. But, there are 'in general' effects you may experience.

• Psychoactive effects: Thanks to any THC in the tincture, you will still get that high, euphoric, effect you get when you smoke cannabis or consume THC edibles.

• Body effects: Muscle relaxation, pain relief, and an overall chill vibe comes with a dose of any THC tincture. This is typically why so many people who deal with chronic pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms, are fans of this consumption method.

The onset of effects and how long they last

When you place the tincture under your tongue (sublingually) you can start to feel the effects within 15 minutes. The cannabinoids in tinctures are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth and enter your bloodstream pretty instantly. Your state of euphoria should generally last between 2 to 6 hours. Of course, this will depend on things like how big the dose is and your own body's metabolism.

Step-by-step guide on THC tinctures

THC tincture for beginners

Whether you are a newbie to just tinctures or new to the THC scene completely, a very low dose is will help you test the waters. To consume a tincture, hold the liquid under your tongue for a minimum of 30 seconds before swallowing. It's not the most enjoyable taste, but we will get to this later. You're better off waiting at least 45 minutes to an hour before you take another dose if the first one isn't doing it for you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

How to accurately dose a THC tincture

THC tinctures come in different strengths, typically measured in milligrams (mg) of THC per milliliter (ml) of liquid. For example, if you have a 30ml tincture bottle with 600mg of THC, each full dropper (1ml) will contain approximately 20mg of THC (600mg ÷ 30ml = 20mg/ml).

Why THC tinctures might not work for some individuals

It happens! Sometimes it happens to the best of us. Research has shown that some people can have an ultrarapid metabolism, meaning their body processes and flushes things out of it's system before the effects can even kick in.

Enhance the effectiveness of THC tinctures

Culinary Applications

It's an absolute game changer when you bring THC tinctures in the kitchen. Although adding foods into the metabolizing process of the THC will make the onset of effects take longer. Keep in mind that since THC tinctures are typically alcohol-based, they are best mixed with fatty ingredients. Think of recipes that contain oils, butter, or coconut milk. THC binds to these fats, making them disperse more evenly throughout the dish.

When cooking with a cannabis tincture, add it to the recipe last. High temperatures will degrade the THC and lower the potency. But, with fun concoctions like a THC-infused apple cider mimosa, just a little drop of your tincture and a stir of your straw is all you need.

Tips for improving the taste of weed tinctures

Yeah, it's like someone saying that cheap tequila tastes like water. THC tinctures aren't tasty like your edible gummies or chocolatey brownies. The whole enjoyment factor of tinctures is in the effects, not the actual consumption of it. So why do tinctures taste so gross? Well, it's more like THC tinctures taste like the specific strain of flower used to make the extract. Of course, flavors can be added to the product to make it tasty, but this comes with the risk of drastically lowering the potency of the product. If you want a tasty THC liquid, grab yourself an infused bevvy.

CBD Isolate Tinctures

This is a cannabis tinctures that is strictly, pure CBD. No other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant are extracted, just cannabidiol (CBD). Without any trace amount of THC, there will be no psychoactive effects, only the body calming effects.

Usage and benefits of CBD isolate tinctures

Taking a CBD isolate tincture can be done the same way as a THC tincture. A couple of drops under the tongue for a minimum of 30 seconds before swallowing. The majority of CBD isolate products are known for how well they help with sleep, managing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and potentially aiding your focus and clarity.