Tinctures 101: What is Cannabis Tincture and How to Make it
These days, there are so many different types of cannabis products, from flowers to edibles, oils, vapes, and more. Cannabis tincture is yet another kind of cannabis product to try, but what exactly is weed tincture? How is it made and what are its benefits? Read on for all you need to know.
What is a Cannabis Tincture?
Before we look at how to make cannabis tincture or the benefits of tincture cannabis, it’s important to have a clear and simple definition. Cannabis tincture is a form of cannabis extract, typically made with alcohol or glycerin, although plant oils may also be used.
In other words, a tincture of cannabis is marijuana in liquid form. They’re most commonly made by soaking the cannabis plant matter in alcohol, before straining it, and they’re usually sold in little glass bottles with built-in droppers.
Tinctures have been used for centuries, and many people favor them, due to the fact that they offer a method of consuming cannabis without the need to smoke it.
Difference Between Tincture Cannabis and CBD Oil
Based on the definition, you might assume that a tincture of cannabis is very similar or even identical to CBD oil, which is also a liquid cannabis product. However, there are a couple of key differences.
Firstly, CBD oil is made in a different way to weed tincture, typically with the aid of a solvent of some kind. In addition, while CBD oil may contain only CBD or a mixture of other cannabinoids, tincture cannabis contains a whole host of compounds extracted from the cannabis plant, which can include THC.
THC and CBD Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures may contain either CBD, THC, or a mixture of both. Given that CBD and THC have such different effects, it’s important to understand the difference between THC tinctures and CBD tinctures to choose the right one.
- THC is the cannabinoid that is associated with euphoric sensations and the feeling of being high.
- CBD does not get people high and is often favored for its medicinal value, like its pain-relieving and stress-easing properties.
There are also legal differences between THC and CBD tinctures. THC is much more strictly controlled and illegal in many places, while CBD is usually much more accessible and easier to find in your local cannabis dispensary.
Benefits of Tincture of Cannabis
There are lots of advantages to choosing tinctures over other forms of cannabis, including:
- Easy to use – You can simply drop tinctures under the tongue or mix them with foods and drinks.
- Easy to store – Tinctures can be safely stored for long periods and won’t go bad as easily as flower or other cannabis products.
- Easy to dose – With the built-in dropper on each tincture bottle, it’s super simple to control your tincture dosage.
- No strong odor – Tinctures don’t tend to have the strong cannabis smell you would usually get with cannabis flower.
- Discreet – These cannabis oils are also very discreet to use and transport around with you.
- Can be mixed in food or beverages – As mentioned above, you can blend tinctures with your favorite foods and drinks.
- No food allergens – Unlike edibles, which may contain allergens like nuts and seeds, tinctures have no major allergen ingredients.
- Fast-acting – Tinctures take effect quickly, and users can start to notice the benefits after just half an hour.
- Full spectrum – It’s easy to find full-spectrum tinctures, containing all the key cannabinoids and compounds from the marijuana plant.
How to Make Cannabis Tincture
Now, let’s look at how you can make your own tincture.
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Up to half an ounce of flower
- Up to 12 fluid ounces of ethanol, glycerin or plant oil, like coconut oil (Alcohol is typically the best base for maximum effectiveness, while glycerin is less potent and plant oils are the least effective)
- Some mason jars
- Coffee filters
- A small glass bottle with a dropper
Instructions:
- Decarb your cannabis flower by heating it in the oven at around 240ºF for half an hour.
- Pour your alcohol or oil into a mason jar and mix in the flower. A good ratio is to blend 3 fluid ounces of liquid for every eighth of flower.
- Stir the mixture and seal it.
- Store in a cool, dry spot and shake daily. Wait for about a month. During this time, the cannabinoids and other compounds will seep out of the flower and into the base. The longer you wait, the more concentrated the tincture will be.
- When you’re ready, strain the oil through a filter into your little bottle(s).
Using Cannabis Tinctures: Right Dosage and How to Take
So, how do you take tincture? The easiest method is to simply drop it under the tongue. Try not to swallow for about 30 seconds. This lets the tincture pass through into the blood as quickly as possible, without entering the digestive organs.
Another option is to mix tinctures in with food and drinks. It’s best not to cook with it, but you can use a dropper to drip some into finished meals, smoothies, tea, and so on.
Whichever method you opt for, it’s best to start off with a very low dose – consider using a half or quarter dropper to get just a tiny amount of tincture to begin, and work up to higher doses if you need it.
Even at low doses, tinctures can provide various potential therapeutic benefits, soothing stress and pain, while promoting feelings of relaxation, joy, and contentment.
Proper Storage and Shelf Life of Cannabis Tinctures
The best way to store tincture is to keep it in its sealed bottle in a dark, cool, and dry location. Light and heat can damage the potency and flavor of a tincture, so storage is important.
In terms of shelf life, alcohol tinctures can last for five years or more, while those with glycerin or plant oils may last for a couple of years before going off.
If you’ve had a tincture stored away for a long time, check for any visual changes to the liquid before consuming it, and don’t use it if it looks
Safety and Legal Considerations
When consuming or making any kind of cannabis product, it’s crucial to keep safety and legality in mind. Laws around cannabis vary from state to state and region to region and may change at any time. Keep yourself updated and aware of the latest legal developments to avoid breaking the law.
In addition, even though cannabis products may offer medicinal and therapeutic benefits, they can also lead to certain unwanted side effects. It’s always important to be cautious when using these products, opting for low doses at all times, using them responsibly, and seeking medical assistance and guidance if you’re unsure about anything.
In conclusion, as we can see, tinctures are one of the best options to consume cannabis in a clean and smoke-free way. They can be very effective, fast-acting, and simple to work with, and they’re ideal for people who want to carefully control their dosage. Experimenting with tinctures can be a great way to experience cannabis benefits with minimal risk, but it’s always important to use these products responsibly and with great care. Contact us for additional details, or if you have questions.
