A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Tinctures – Everything You Need to Know
With legalization growing globally, an increasing group of people are finding unique and innovative ways to consume marijuana. From edibles to concentrates to topicals, consumption methods are becoming more progressive and a lot more versatile.
Little did we know that one effective method of consuming marijuana has already been around for ages, and is making a resurgence in popularity. That method would be – cannabis tinctures. The conventional ways of cannabis consumption like smoking a joint or ripping a bong are typically on the recreational end of the consumption spectrum. On the flip side, cannabis tinctures are perfect for people looking to consume it for medicinal purposes.
With the general advancement of the industry, cannabis tinctures are becoming one of the most multipurpose and potent products available on the market. New to cannabis tinctures? This guide outlines everything you need to know about them, including their health benefits, consumption methods, and the best CBD/THC ratio for greater effectiveness.
What Exactly is a Cannabis Tincture?
A Beginner’s Guide To Cannabis Tinctures – Everything You Need To Know
Essentially, tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis liquid extracts that have the beneficial cannabinoids found in marijuana, or hemp plants infused into them. You might have seen tiny, dark-coloured glass bottles of medicine at your local convenience store, or dispensary. Cannabis tinctures come in similar bottles with a dropper for accurate dosage.
Prior to the criminalization of cannabis, marijuana-infused tinctures were often used instead of over-the-counter painkillers that are available these days. After a long-term prohibition on this type of pain relief medicine, cannabis tinctures are finally making a comeback.
Seemingly, this is a smokeless consumption method and is quite popular in older cannabis users because of how easy it is to use. Even making your own cannabis tinctures, is trending today due to its cost-effectiveness, and ease. If you have the right ingredients like cannabis shake, you can make them yourself quite simply.
How are They Made?
The tincture-making process involves taking high-quality cannabis flowers, hash, or kief and soaking it into safe-for-consumption, high-proof alcohol. Consequently, you must heat the mixture to allow the alcohol to extract all the beneficial compounds such as cannabinoids (CBD and THC) and terpenes from the plant. After the extraction is complete, straining the plant residue leaves behind a suspended solution with high levels of these cannabinoids present.
Types of Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures usually come in two different types – CBD tinctures and THC tinctures, each with a benefit of its own. Most of them have a specific ratio of both cannabinoids to give a versatile effect of the product. CBD dominant tinctures have medicinal significance, while their THC counterpart is known for its psychoactive effects.
How to Consume Cannabis Tinctures?
Consumption methods include ingesting the liquid or taking it sublingually, but what is the difference between each? For starters, you do not swallow the liquid when taking it sublingually. You instead hold it under your tongue for more than 15 seconds. On the other hand, ingesting a tincture is like swallowing any other liquid or food.
The effects of both methods are quite different since absorption rates vary for each. Sublingual consumption allows for rapid and efficient absorption of cannabinoids through the sublingual artery into your bloodstream, reaching the brain more quickly. Effects are similar to how you will feel if you smoke a bud.
Like edibles, orally administering cannabis tinctures means that the beneficial compounds must go through your digestive tract for absorption into the bloodstream, taking more time for the “high” to settle in. The acidic pH of your stomach can alter the effects of these compounds, which is why sublingual consumption is more efficient in retaining the purity of the product.
Cannabis Tinctures and Their Benefits
A Beginner’s Guide To Cannabis Tinctures – Everything You Need To Know
If you are new to using cannabis or avoiding inhaling or smoking, cannabis tinctures serve as a viable alternative. Here are a few reasons why:
- Easy and accurate dosage: Controlling the amount of your cannabis intake is far easier with infused tinctures. The dropper allows you to dispense only the right amount of extract needed, making dosage precise. This is ideal for consumers with conditions that require taking a specific quantity or ratio of cannabis for more effective relief.
- Sublingual consumption that is effective and discreet: Even though the smell of weed is quite captivating for some, there are others who want to stray away from the aromas. Cannabis tinctures serve as a discreet way of consumption for these unique consumers. Pour a couple of drops under your tongue, and no one will know the difference.
- A versatile product made for everyone: Regardless of age, gender, or condition, virtually any consumer can utilize cannabis tinctures. You can also add them to your favourite food and drinks, making consumption even more versatile.
- Low-calorie but higher effects: As compared to other edibles, tinctures are extremely low calorie and perfect for health-conscious people who are avoiding sugar, or watching their weight.
Tips on Choosing a Tincture Ratio
The dosage can vary from person to person depending on their need, their medical condition, or the type of cannabis tincture they are using. Determining the right CBD/THC ratio is crucial in getting better results. Here is a list of the most common and preferred ratios:
1:1 dosage
Using cannabis tinctures with equal amounts of CBD and THC has benefits all of its own. The psychoactive effects of THC, accompanied by the medicinal benefits of CBD, give a balanced feeling of healing and relief.
This ratio can be ideal for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, nausea, insomnia, etc. Users have reported feeling euphoric with the right amount of stress-relief. The Daily Blend tincture with 600mg CBD and 600mg THC is an example of a 1:1 dosage that delivers quality results.
Higher CBD levels: Lower THC Levels
Different combinations of both cannabinoids can provide varying effects. CBD dominant tinctures with lower levels of THC are perfect for relieving pain and elevating your mood while avoiding a more elevated high, that THC often provides.
If you have digestive problems, skin conditions or experience seizures, then this ratio is suitable for you. The Daily Blend tincture with 800mg CBD and 200mg THC is ideal for daytime use, when you are seeking comfort, while needing to function at normal levels.
Higher THC levels: Lower CBD Levels
Individuals seeking a consistent high with calming, pain-relieving effects of CBD should definitely opt for this ratio. CBD tends to minimize the psychoactive effects of THC, giving you the relief, you seek, without any intense side effects.
The Daily Blend tincture with 800mg THC and 400mg CBD can be effective for inflammation, muscle pain, anxiety, etc.
Cannabis Tinctures for Health Benefits
While cannabis tinctures might be an old-school method of consumption, like most things – what’s old is new again. The smoke-free, versatile nature of cannabis tinctures is ideal for a number of recreational, and medical consumers in the industry too. If you’re interested in trying tinctures for their wide array of benefits browse our top-quality goods available, at Greenz.market now.
