Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat is a Tincture?
Table of Contents
A tincture is a liquid form of cannabis extract derived by soaking cannabis flowers or isolates in a high-proof alcohol or vegetable glycerin solution.
Tinctures provide an alternative way to obtain the effects and health benefits of cannabis without smoking or vaping.
The Benefits of Using a Tincture
Tinctures offer several advantages over other consumption methods:
- Easy to dose and titrate effects
- Onset in 15 minutes or less when taken sublingually
- Longer 2-4 hours
- Smoke-free and odorless
- Sublingual absorption avoids first-pass metabolism by the liver
- Higher bioavailability than edibles
- Easy make at home recipes available
How to use a tincture?
The most common method is sublingual use – spray or place drops under the tongue and hold for 60-90 seconds before swallowing.
This allows faster absorption directly into the bloodstream. Tinctures can also be mixed into drinks and foods.
Dosage varies based on formulation; start low with a few drops or sprays and wait for effects before increasing as needed.
Be patient rather than increasing too rapidly.
How to make a tincture?
Making tinctures only requires high-proof alcohol, cannabis material, a glass jar, a filter, and storage bottles. Decarboxylate dried cannabis to activate THC.
Soak decarboxylated flowers in alcohol for weeks, shaking periodically. Strain the liquid and store it in bottles in a cool, dark place.
Dosage can be adjusted based on the potency of the starting material.
Vegetable glycerin can also be used instead of alcohol. Homemade tinctures provide DIY customization options.
