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Cannabis Tinctures – A Complete Guide For Beginners
Nov
Last Updated on May 19, 2023
If you’ve ever thought about purchasing CBD oil, you’ve probably come across tinctures. CBD tinctures are nothing new, and they have been used for decades. But what’s hidden inside those little bottles?
What is a Tincture?
Tinctures are herbal extracts. They have played a huge role in medicine for centuries. Tinctures are highly-concentrated extracts that are made by soaking herbs in high-proof alcohol or glycerin.
Tinctures are taken sublingually, so you’ll have to drop them under your tongue. Unlike the other ways of taking CBD (edibles, inhalation, topical), cannabis tinctures are fast-acting.
This means that you’ll feel the effects after 15-30 minutes of taking the dose. To ensure this, you’ll have to wait up to a minute before swallowing after you’ve taken a dose.
Cannabis tinctures have become more popular lately. Whether used recreationally or medically, tinctures are much more secrete than other options.
What are the Advantages Of Using Cannabis Tinctures?
There are many advantages to using cannabis tinctures, including their fast-acting effects, ease of use, and versatility.
Quick and effective absorption
Cannabis tinctures are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, making them a popular option for those seeking fast-acting relief. The effects of a tincture can be felt within minutes, making it a good choice for those who need immediate relief.
Precise dosing
Tinctures allow for precise dosing, making it easier to find the right dosage for your needs. You can easily adjust the dose by increasing or decreasing the number of drops you take.
Easy to use
Using a cannabis tincture is easy and convenient. Simply place a few drops under your tongue, hold it there for a few seconds, and then swallow. It’s also easy to add tinctures to food or drinks, making them a versatile option.
Discreet consumption
Cannabis tinctures are a discreet way to consume cannabis. They don’t produce a strong odor, and they look like any other liquid supplement, making them easy to use in public without drawing attention.
Versatile
Cannabis tinctures can be made with a variety of strains, making it easy to choose the right one for your needs. They can also be added to food or drinks, making them a versatile option for those who prefer not to smoke or vape.
How To Make Cannabis Tinctures?
There are two different ways to make cannabis tinctures: The Cold Method and The Hot Method.
Cold Method
The cold method involves soaking decarboxylated cannabis in high-proof alcohol for an extended period of time, typically several weeks. This method produces a milder, less bitter tincture that is easier to dose. Here are the steps to make a cannabis tincture using the cold method:
- Decarboxylate the cannabis as described in the previous answer.
- Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar and pour enough high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear) to cover it.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks, shaking it every day to ensure that the cannabis is fully infused into the alcohol.
- After two to three weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the plant material.
- Bottle the tincture and store it in a cool, dark place.
Hot Method
The hot method involves heating the cannabis and high-proof alcohol together in a double boiler for several hours. This method produces a stronger, more potent tincture that may be more difficult to dose accurately. Here are the steps to make a cannabis tincture using the hot method:
- Decarboxylate the cannabis as described in the previous answer.
- In a double boiler, combine the decarboxylated cannabis and high-proof alcohol.
- Heat the mixture on low for several hours, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can damage the THC and CBD.
- After several hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the plant material.
- Bottle the tincture and store it in a cool, dark place.
What Does a Tincture Do?
CBD tinctures are used for stress relief and pain alleviation. They also stimulate appetite. But, like every other CBD product, the research available doesn’t offer us a good view of its actual benefits.
Some studies have shown that people who consume CBD products, including CBD tinctures, have overcome substance abuse and mental disorders. CBD is also said to have anti-tumour effects.
That being said, CBD tinctures have a few side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal problems. But, their severity is different from person to person.
How Long Does Tincture Last in Your System?
The effects of tinctures (if you’re taking THC tinctures) last longer than most other consumption methods. Depending on the dose that you take, their effects may last up to 8 hours.
A general rule of thumb is that THC and CBD stay in your system for a month. The same is true for tinctures. But, people have tested negative two weeks after taking the last tincture dose.
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to get rid of tinctures faster. THC and CBD tend to attach to fat, which makes them reasonably unmovable.
So, the only real tips that we can give are exercising, drinking plenty of water, and having a healthy diet. This might clean up your body of THC and CBD faster, but it’s not guaranteed.
Is Tincture Legal?
Tinctures are legal to make and purchase. But, the legal status of CBD is complex. In the US, any cannabis product that contains more than 0.3% THC is deemed illegal.
So, most stores will have legal tinctures. However, if you decide to make your own tinctures, you’ll have to ensure that the flower doesn’t have more than the legal THC content.
How Much Does a Tincture Cost?
Tinctures are usually sold in 15mL or 30mL bottles. Depending on the contents of the tincture (strain and liquid), the price can be as low as $50 or as high as $150.
That being said, 100 drops of a cannabis tincture are generally worth around $20. So, assuming that you take single-drop doses, this comes out to $0.50 per dose.
If you were to make your own tincture, the price would be much lower.
Is Tincture the Same as CBD Oil?
CBD tinctures are different from CBD oil. CBD oil is taken orally, whereas tinctures are taken sublingually. This is why tinctures are absorbed much faster than oil.
Their essential difference is the taste. Tinctures have a strong taste of alcohol, while oils are more pleasant.
Conclusion
Tinctures are a popular herbal medicine method used to deliver plants’ medicinal properties in a highly concentrated and convenient form.
These tinctures are versatile and can be used topically or ingested orally, making them a popular choice for people seeking natural remedies for a variety of ailments. They are also highly customizable, allowing individuals to choose the plant material, alcohol or glycerin base, and the best dosing for their specific needs.
While tinctures can be a safe and effective form of herbal medicine, it’s important to be cautious and start with a low dose to avoid any potential side effects. As with any supplement or medication, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating tinctures into your wellness routine.
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