Cannabis Tinctures Guide: How To Make And Use Them
Do you want to learn more about Cannabis Tinctures? Are you curious about what they are, how they’re made and used? Looking for a simple way to add some cannabis into your diet or feed it to yourself in discretion? Cannabis tinctures allow users to access the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke or ingest edibles.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what cannabis tinctures are, why they can be so useful when compared with other methods, as well as take you step-by-step through the process of making and using these easy DIY extracts.
So let’s get started and explore everything there is know about cannabis tinctures!
Key Takeaways – Cannabis Tinctures
- 🌱 Cannabis tinctures are a liquid extract of cannabinoids that can be taken orally for medicinal or recreational purposes.
- 🤫 They offer convenience, discretion and flexible dosing as well as fast acting effects due to the full spectrum of cannabis compounds found in tinctures.
- 💧🍶 Tictures can be made with various base liquids like alcohol, glycerin, or oil and dosages can easily be adjusted according to individual needs and preferences.
- ❄️ The freezing method is an alternate way of making cannabis tinctures where cannabis is placed in solvent such as alcohol or oil before being put into the freezer for several days.
What is a Cannabis Tincture?
A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, that can be taken orally for therapeutic or recreational effects.
Definition
Cannabis tinctures are liquid, cannabis-infused products made by soaking cannabis in a food-grade solvent, such as alcohol or oil. During the process of making the tincture, cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the plant material, resulting in a concentrated form of cannabis that is easy to dose and administer.
The base liquids used can range from food-grade ethyl alcohol (like vodka), vegetable glycerin, olive oil, or coconut MCT oil. Each base liquid brings different qualities to the extraction process but all provide an effective delivery system for bringing relief to various ailments or simply providing relaxation benefits.
Brief history
Cannabis tinctures have been used for thousands of years in ancient cultures for both medicinal and spiritual purposes. Ancient texts detail how tinctures were made from cannabis to treat many ailments including pain relief, seizures, inflammation, depression, and insomnia.
The term “green dragon” is sometimes used to describe cannabis tinctures due to their green color and potent effects. Cannabis tinctures were widely available at local pharmacies until the 20th century when regulations and restrictions following concerns about recreational use lead to them becoming less commonplace.
Recently there has been a resurgence in interest surrounding these extracts with the cannabis industry focusing on quality control and standardized testing for cannabis tinctures allowing consumers access to safe dosage levels of specific cannabinoids like THC or CBD.
Types of tinctures (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, isolate)
- Full – spectrum tinctures contain all the compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC and other cannabinoids. This means that these tinctures will have some of the effects that are associated with THC, such as euphoria and relaxation. They are often derived from hemp plants grown for medical or recreational purposes.
- Broad-spectrum tinctures differ from full-spectrum in that they contain various terpenes and cannabinoids (in addition to CBD) but exclude THC, so there will be no psychoactive effects when taking these products. As with full-spectram product, broad-spectrum tincture is also typically derived from hemp plants.
- Isolate tinctures only contain pure CBD and do not contain any other compounds found in cannabis such as terpenes or cannabinoids like THC. These products can be derived from either hemp or marijuana plants, depending on where they’re sourced from; however since they don’t include any other cannabis constituents than CBD, isolate doesn’t carry any risk of legal implications due to its low levels of traceable ingredients beyond cannabidiol itself
Advantages of Using Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures boast convenience, discretion and flexible dosing as well as fast-acting effects due to their wide spectrum of benefits.
Convenience
Cannabis tinctures offer a discreet and odor-free way to consume cannabis. They are also incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for rolling papers, torches, or other accessories that can be required with smoking or vaping.
As an added benefit, they’re also fast acting compared to edibles and other forms of ingestion because it is absorbed directly into your bloodstream sublingually through the capillaries in your mouth.
In addition, users have more control over their dosage as tinctures come packaged with droppers which allow you to measure out smaller doses by the milliliter if needed. All these factors make them one of the most popular choices for medical marijuana patients who require measured doses and discretion when consuming their medicine.
Discretion
Cannabis tinctures offer the benefit of being able to keep their use discreet. Unlike other forms of cannabis such as buds or edibles, tinctures are virtually scentless and can be easily carried and concealed.
This makes them a popular choice for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without drawing unwanted attention from those around them. Additionally, tincture doses are easy to adjust according to one’s own needs and preferences with just a few drops at a time.
Their fast-acting effects make it easy for users to accurately manage their dosages so they never get too much – or too little!
Flexible dosing
Using cannabis tinctures is a great way to precisely and accurately adjust your dose. This allows you to tailor the effects of your medicine accordingly, which can be beneficial for those looking for an individualized treatment plan or simply wanting to experiment with different doses.
With tinctures, it’s easy to make small adjustments in dosage from one day to the next until you find the perfect amount for your needs and preferences. This kind of control also enables patients with chronic conditions that require frequent dosing changes or microdosing capabilities, something that other forms of THC consumption don’t offer so seamlessly.
Flexible dosing makes it possible to easily find the ideal level of relief from pain, relaxation, improved sleep quality, and reduced anxiety and inflammation among many other therapeutic benefits offered through cannabis tinctures.
Fast-acting
Cannabis tinctures are known to act faster than many other methods of cannabis intake. This is because the active compounds found in cannabis tinctures are absorbed more quickly when they come into contact with mucous membranes, such as those inside your mouth and beneath your tongue.
By taking a few drops underneath your tongue (known as sublingual administration), these compounds can enter directly into the bloodstream – providing almost instantaneous effects! The relatively quick absorption rate also makes them especially useful for those who need immediate relief from their symptoms or pain – unlike edibles which usually take up to two hours before showing their full effect.
Full spectrum benefits
Full spectrum cannabis tinctures contain all the compounds found in cannabis, including terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD and THC. These compounds work together to create an “entourage effect” that can lead to stronger medicinal benefits than any single component by itself.
For example, CBD is associated with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipsychotic effects while THC has a more psychoactive effect. However, when used in conjunction with other compounds from the cannabis plant—many of which also have medical properties—their combined effects can be greater than those of each compound individually.
Furthermore, research suggests that full-spectrum products are generally less likely to cause adverse side effects since they offer a more balanced approach than isolated forms such as CBD isolate or broad spectrum tinctures.
How to Make and Use Cannabis Tinctures
Gather the necessary equipment and ingredients, such as alcohol or glycerin, cannabis flower, cheesecloth and jars, then follow the easy steps to make a tincture at home.
Ingredients and equipment
- Cannabis: a half ounce of cannabis is needed to make a tincture.
- Solvent: you can use alcohol, glycerin, or a plant-based oil as a solvent.
- Jar: you will need a jar to store the cannabis and solvent.
- Strainer: you will need a strainer to strain out the sediment when making the tincture.
- Dropper bottle: this is used for easy and precise dosing of your tincture once it’s made.
Step-by-step process
- 🌿 Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment for making a cannabis tincture, which includes cannabis, the desired solvent (alcohol, glycerin, oil), and something to strain it such as cheesecloth.
- 🌡️ Preheat your oven to around 240°F and spread out ground cannabis on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour to decarboxylate and activate the compounds in cannabis.
- 🏺 Place decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar filled with the desired solvent of choice (alcohol, glycerin or oil). Seal it tightly and store somewhere dark at room temperature for 4-6 weeks. Shake it now and then during this time period to ensure proper absorption of compounds into the solution.
- 🍵 Once done, strain the mixture using cheesecloth or filter paper over a container and discard the plant material that remains after straining – this is referred to as “the marc”.
- 🍾 Transfer liquid to clean amber colored glass bottle with tight lid for storage purposes; if storing glycerin based tinctures keep them in refrigerator due to their relatively shorter shelf life of 6-8 months when compared with alcohol-based tinctures, which make retain potency up to two years when stored correctly.
- 👅 For fastest absorption effects, administer drops of the tincture directly onto or under your tongue; if unable to do this use beverages or food for oral consumption purposes; start off slow here and adjust according dosage according needs and results achieved.
Freezing method
The freezing method is an alternative way of making cannabis tinctures. Known as the “quick wash ethanol extraction” or “QWET,” this method involves submerging the cannabis in alcohol or a chosen solvent and placing it in the freezer.
The jar should be shaken once a day before returning it to the freezer and thawed with regular rotation for several days. The process takes patience, as you will need to thaw the oils repeatedly.
The advantages of using this method are that it helps retain terpenes and cannabinoids, provides clear and highly potent tinctures that also have full spectrum benefits. Additionally, with this approach there is no need for heat or boiling.
Choosing the best base (alcohol, glycerin, oil)
When making cannabis tinctures, the choice of base depends largely on the intended purpose and personal preferences. Alcohol-based tinctures have a fast-acting effect that makes them great for acute pain or when one would like to feel relief quickly.
They also have a longer shelf life compared to other bases, although their taste can be harsh for some people. Glycerin-based tinctures are usually used due to having a sweeter taste than alcohol-solutions and alcohol being avoided either due to health reasons or personal preference; however, it may take longer for its effects to manifest than with that of an alcohol based formula.
Finally, oil-based tinctures can provide lasting relief as they may take longer for their effects to kick in but last much longer once absorbed into the system; this type is ideal if you’re looking for something you don’t need your full dose right away but will still offer efficacy hours later.
Proper dosing and administration
It is essential to properly dose cannabis tinctures for a safe and effective experience. The general rule of thumb when dosing cannabis tinctures is to start with a low dose and adjust as needed until the desired effects are achieved.
Having accurate measurements helps ensure consistent doses each time you use your tincture. To measure out an appropriate amount, fill the provided dropper with your desired amount before administering.
Proper administration involves placing the measured dose under your tongue and allowing it to be absorbed sublingually for immediate effects rather than swallowing it, which could take longer for you to feel any benefits from using it.
People often ask questions about tinctures like whether you can smoke one, how long it takes to feel the effects, if they can be used in cooking and more – all of which we’ll answer in this section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Tinctures
What are cannabis tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are concentrated forms of cannabis extract made by soaking the plant’s leaves, flowers or buds in alcohol such as vodka or brandy.
The result is a high-potency liquid which can be easily ingested and provides quick relief from various ailments.
What are cannabis tinctures good for?
Cannabis tinctures are commonly used for various purposes such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, managing symptoms of certain medical conditions, and providing a discreet and convenient method of cannabis consumption.
Can you smoke a tincture?
No, you cannot smoke a cannabis tincture.
Unlike other forms of cannabis consumption which can be smoked or vaped, tinctures are designed to be ingested orally in order to make the most of their effects.
If one attempts to smoke a tincture it is unlikely that they’d get any desired effect from doing so as the active compounds fail to combust and evaporate when heated— making smoking an ineffective delivery method for them.
The discreet nature of using tinctures differs significantly from more traditional smoking habits which can often draw attention due its distinctive smell and make it difficult to consume cannabis inconspicuously.
Tinctures provide convenience too; allowing users to adjust dosages quickly and easily while also guaranteeing fast-acting results due their easy absorption into the bloodstream via mucous membranes beneath your tongue or within your cheeks.
How long does it take to feel the effects?
Cannabis tinctures are a fast-acting consumption method, as they enter your bloodstream via the sublingual artery under the tongue. In general, when tinctures are held under the tongue, effects can be felt in 30 minutes or less.
However, it is important to note that variants such as THC-dominant tinctures may take up to 90 minutes for onset of effects. Factors such as dosages and individual tolerance also play major roles in determining how long it’ll take for you to feel the effects; consuming more will likely cause an increased intensity within a shorter timespan.
Additionally, using cannabis oil topically won’t provide psychoactive relief from cannabinoids like THC due to limited absorption into blood vessels near skin level – so if you’re seeking these type of results seek out additional methods (e.g., smoking or vaporizing).
Can tinctures be used in cooking?
Yes, cannabis tinctures are extremely versatile and can be used in any recipe calling for an oil or alcohol. Tinctures offer a precise way to incorporate cannabis into any dish; instead of an unpredictable dollop, you’ll know exactly how many milliliters of your chosen concentration has been added.
You can use them as simple replacements for traditional cooking oils, adding them to sauces while sautéing vegetables or creating dressings. Half-dropper to a full dropper is usually enough to infuse most dishes with the desired effect.
Additionally, baking recipes with cannabis tinctures work great and just require careful attention when heating—because THC evaporates at fairly low temperatures (364°F/182°C)—to avoid burning off all its potential benefits in the final product.
How to properly store tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures should always be stored in airtight, opaque containers. When storing your cannabis tincture, you’ll want to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight for optimum freshness.
Storing the tincture in the freezer can help maintain its potency and lengthen its shelf life. If kept there, remember to remove the container from the freezer once a day to give it a good shake so that all of the compounds are evenly distributed throughout.
Additionally, never store your cannabis tinctures with other medicines or food products as cross-contamination could occur resulting in an unpredictable effect when using your tincture.
How to choose the right tincture for your needs?
Choosing the right cannabis tincture for your individual needs can be a difficult task, but it does not have to be. When selecting a tincture, it is essential to consider several factors such as desired effects, potency and personal preferences.
THC and CBD ratios play an important role in deciding which type of cannabinoid-based product may best suit you – including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate tinctures. Moreover choosing tincture from a reputable source ensures that safety procedures have been rigorously followed by the manufacturer as well offering better quality control standards resulting in more consistent experience over time.
Considering all these factors while evaluating available options of cannabis tinctures will help you make an informed decision before purchasing or using them to get the most out of this unique delivery system.
Is tincture stronger than edibles?
No, tinctures are not necessarily stronger than edibles. The strength of a tincture or an edible depends on the concentration of the active ingredient (such as CBD or THC) in the product, rather than the form it takes. The potency can vary based on factors such as the dosage, the quality of the ingredients, and the manufacturing process. It’s essential to check the label or consult with the manufacturer to determine the strength of a specific product.
Can tinctures get you really high?
Tinctures can contain high levels of THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can cause a “high” feeling. Therefore, consuming a tincture with high THC content can potentially get you really high.
How long does a high last from a tincture?
The duration of a high from a tincture can vary depending on factors such as dosage, potency, individual tolerance, and metabolism.
However, generally speaking, the effects of a tincture can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours.
Conclusion
Cannabis tinctures are a convenient, discreet, and fast-acting way to medicate with cannabis. With proper dosing and administration methods, users can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits provided by these potent tinctures.
They also offer maximum versatility for ingesting or adding to foods and beverages if desired. All in all, cannabis tinctures provide medical marijuana patients with an easy, reliable option when seeking relief from their symptoms without compromising on the potency of their medicine.