Cannabis Tinctures 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Sublingual Consumption

Cannabis tinctures are one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption. They’re potent, work fast without the usual smoke and smell, and they’re both discrete and convenient. Whether you’re looking for something to help with anxiety, pain, sleep, or just want to experience some of the many benefits of cannabis, a cannabis tincture can be the perfect option.

What is Cannabis Tincture?

Tinctures are highly effective potent liquid extracts made from cannabis plants by soaking the flowers in alcohol or glycerin to extract the active cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable compounds. The resulting tinctures contain THC and/or CBD cannabinoids in various amounts and potencies.

How to Consume Cannabis Tincture

You take cannabis tincture sublingually, meaning you place it under your tongue where it’s absorbed by the mucous membranes. This allows the active components in the tincture to bypass your liver and enter your bloodstream directly for more immediate effects. A small glass dropper delivers the tincture, so you can accurately control the amount you take, down to the exact milliliter.

Cannabis Tincture vs. Edibles

When looking at cannabis tincture vs edibles, there are several key differences:

• Absorption time: Cannabis tinctures take effect quickly (15–45 minutes). Edibles take 30 minutes to several hours as they pass through the liver before entering the bloodstream.
• Dosing: Tinctures offer more precise dosing compared to edibles.
• Duration of Effects: Edibles provide longer-lasting effects (2–4 hours) than tinctures, which can last 1–3 hours, depending on the potency and dosage.
• Versatility: Edibles have more product options, like cannabis-infused drinks, gummies, etc. Tinctures are alcohol or oil based.
• Cost: Tinctures are costlier because they’re not mass-manufactured like many edibles and use concentrated cannabis for more precise dosing and effects.

Cannabis Tincture Benefits

Here are key cannabis tincture benefits:

• Discreet consumption method: For non-smokers or those who dislike the smell of cannabis, a tincture is a more subtle option.
• Convenient: Everything you need is in one bottle with a dropper. Other consumption methods require several components, like dried flower, grinders, rolling paper, a pipe, etc., which can be cumbersome and messy.
• More accurate dosing: When consuming edibles or smoking, it’s challenging to know how much THC or CBD you’re actually getting. Tinctures contain precise amounts of THC or CBD mixed in the solvent evenly. You know the exact milligrams in each drop, so you can easily modify your dosage depending on the desired effects.
• Fast-acting: You absorb sublingual tinctures quickly under your tongue for almost immediate effects.
• Longer shelf life: Tinctures have a longer shelf life than other cannabis products, like dried flower. Alcohol-based tinctures can last up to 10 years, while oil-based tinctures can be effective for several years.
• Therapeutic Uses: Research shows both THC and CBD have therapeutic properties and benefits for such ailments as Chronic pain, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Chemotherapy related nausea, Sleep, Epilepsy, and Anxiety.

How to Make Cannabis Tincture

You can make cannabis tincture using high-proof, food-grade alcohol or oil, like coconut oil. You can also use different cannabis strains with varying CBD and THC content. To activate the cannabinoids and ensure your tincture is effective, the cannabis must be decarboxylated. One way to decarb cannabis is baking it:

1. Preheat oven to 230°F (110°C).
2. Roughly grind about 14 grams of cannabis (half an 8-ounce Mason jar).
3. Spread ground cannabis evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake 30 minutes. Make sure it’s dry and slightly toasted.
5. Let cool sufficiently

Cannabis Tincture Recipes

Cannabis tinctures are a versatile and discreet way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Whether you’re seeking a THC-rich tincture for relaxation or a CBD-dominant option for wellness, making your own tincture at home allows you to control potency and tailor the experience to your preferences. Below are two popular recipes that offer easy, step-by-step instructions to help you create high-quality cannabis tinctures from the comfort of your kitchen.

Alcohol-based Cannabis Tincture (A.K.A. Green Dragon Tincture)

1. Put ground cannabis in your 8-ounce Mason jar.
2. Add 190-proof grain alcohol (food-grade EtOH) to cover (about 1–2 ounces (30–60 ml).
3. Place jar in cool, dark area for no less than three weeks.
4. Shake daily to help infuse the cannabinoids.
5. After 3–4 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean jar.
6. Transfer the liquid into a dark-colored tincture bottle with a dropper.
7. Store in a cool, dark area.

Coconut-oil Based Cannabis Tincture

1. Place decarbed cannabis and 1 cup coconut oil in a crockpot.
2. Heat on low, simmering for 2–6 hours (longer=more potent).
3. Once cooked, strain through cheesecloth.
4. Store in a cool, dark area.

Where to Buy Cannabis Tincture

If you’re in the Denver, CO area and searching for “cannabis tincture near me,” stop by AMCH and speak to one of their expert budtenders. They will guide you through the menu to find the right cannabis tincture for your specific needs. Be sure to check out their other quality cannabis products and accessories!