How to use a cannabis tincture

Marijuana tinctures date back to the nineteenth century, when they were reportedly prescribed to Queen Victoria of England to treat menstrual cramps. Today, they are widely used to manage many types of pain and other ailments. Learn how to select and use a cannabis tincture that serves your needs in Leafwell’s complete introductory guide.

What is a cannabis tincture?

Cannabis tinctures, aka marijuana tinctures, are cannabis extracts diluted in food-grade alcohol or plant-based oils like MCT oil. They typically contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and are often used for pain relief, anxiety, or insomnia. Some formulas may contain cannabidiol (CBD) extract, which is non-intoxicating, and equally rich in therapeutic benefits.

A growing number of medical users choose to consume marijuana tinctures because they offer a smokeless way to experience the plant’s numerous health benefits. Indeed, tinctures are consumed orally, often through the sublingual method (placed beneath the tongue). However, some people prefer to use a tincture as a topical, similar to how you would apply a CBD cream or oil to the skin.

You may opt to consume a low-calorie marijuana tincture “raw,” meaning without any added flavors or foods. Alternatively, you may incorporate a tincture into a favorite soft recipe like ice cream, soup, or mashed potatoes. Tinctures are easy to measure, as they come in a dark glass bottle with a dropper typically marked in increments of 0.25 milliliters (though measurements may vary by product).

You should store your cannabis tincture in a cool, dark place, and expect a shelf life of anywhere from three months to two years depending on the chemical components of the tincture.

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What are the benefits of cannabis tinctures?

In addition to providing a smoke-free way to consume cannabis, tinctures boast other benefits. Here are a few ways that cannabis tinctures may help you:

Pain relief: CBD tinctures may be especially useful for those suffering from chronic pain, according to animal studies and patient anecdotes. CBD oil may address a broad spectrum of pain conditions, including minor issues like tension headaches and major concerns like nerve pain in cancer patients.
Insomnia relief: Cannabis oils containing a combination of THC and CBD may improve symptoms of insomnia, including sleep time and sleep quality, according to a study performed by the Journal of Sleep Research.
Relief from anxiety, PTSD, and depression: Cannabis may improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), when consumed orally.
Benefits for people with epilepsy: Pediatric researchers in the United Kingdom found that CBD oil reduced symptoms of epilepsy in children, by decreasing the frequency of seizures.

What is the best cannabis tincture for me?

Today’s medical cannabis users have more options to choose from than ever before. Cannabis tinctures come in a wide variety of milligram strengths, formulations, flavors, and beyond. Keep in mind that you should always consult a medical professional to be sure that you’re taking the best formula for your needs.

One matter of personal preference is flavor. While there are unflavored tinctures, many brands infuse flavoring into their formulas, including chocolate, mint, coconut, or citrus. Ideally, these flavoring ingredients should be naturally derived and food-grade.

Of course, regulation of marijuana tinctures is important, as unregulated cannabis products may contain heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. Always purchase a cannabis tincture from a licensed dispensary to ensure that it meets standard quality control procedures. Ask your local dispensary if their cannabis products have a COA (certificate of analysis), which verifies that a product has been tested by a third-party laboratory.

Other things to pay attention to when looking for a tincture include:

The base strain: Some tincture companies sell formulas in different strain options. If you prefer some strains over others, look for a tincture in the strain that best suits your needs.
Cannabinoid content: Some tinctures contain multiple cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, CBD and cannabinol (CBN), or THC and CBN. Different cannabinoid contents can produce different results.

Dosing cannabis tinctures

cbd tincture dosing chart guide

When it comes to using cannabis tinctures, dosing needs to be carefully considered. The dosage that’s best for you depends on the severity of your symptoms, your personal cannabis tolerance, and your preferences. A healthcare provider can give you more personalized guidance.

Keep in mind that for most, taking a tincture under the tongue works faster than consuming an edible. Some users report feeling the effects of a tincture in as little as 15 minutes. Naturally, this fast-acting delivery method can be helpful if you’re seeking immediate relief. However, the speed and potency of your tincture will largely depend on the dosage.

Fortunately, cannabis tinctures offer more precise dosing than almost any other type of consumption method. The eyedropper-style bottle makes it easy to measure your dosage in small, incremental amounts. Here are a few tips for finding the ideal dose:

Try taking your first tincture dosage in the evening, at home, when you have a clear schedule. This way, you can monitor its effects in a comfortable environment.
Opt for the lowest recommended dosage on the product’s label, especially if you’re sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC. If you’re not feeling the effects after an hour, you can opt for the next highest dosage amount the next time.
If you’re a beginner, stick to one dose per day, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. As your tolerance builds, you can increase the frequency as needed.
If you want to use a tincture topically for localized relief, apply the suggested dosage amount directly to the affected area, and massage it into the skin until the oil is fully absorbed.

These guidelines offer a basic blueprint for dosing cannabis tinctures. Note that we have not recommended exact measurements. While 2.5 to 5 milligrams is a standard beginner’s dose, only your doctor can determine what works best for you.

If you are a beginner, be sure to monitor how you feel after using a cannabis tincture. If you experience side effects like dizziness, anxiety, or impairment, you may want to bring your dosage down until you build up a tolerance to THC.

Determining the amount of CBD or THC in a cannabis oil dose

Every bottle of cannabis oil has a milligram strength, meaning the total number of milligrams of pure cannabis extract in the formula. The average tincture dropper can hold 1 mL of oil or roughly 20 drops.

To determine how many milligrams of CBD or THC are in each dropper of oil, just divide the total milligram strength by the number of mL in the bottle. For example, if your cannabis oil contains 1000 mg THC, and the bottle contains 30 mL of product, you’ll end up with about 33.3 mg THC per serving.

Other factors to consider when using marijuana tinctures

Before starting a cannabis oil routine, consider these important factors.

Understand product labels

For the best results, read the cannabis tincture’s label to know what you’re getting. Most marijuana product labels include:

Total active cannabinoids (TAC) per serving and bottle
Suggested serving sizes
Cannabinoid strength and ratio
Dosing suggestions
Complete ingredient list
Safety warnings
Potential allergens
Laboratory test results

Use caution with other medications and supplements

Cannabis interacts with some medications, including:

Alcohol
Sedatives
Opioids
Some types of antidepressants

If you’re concerned about cannabis’s impact on your prescription drug regimen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Consider your tolerance

Cannabis tolerance occurs when your body adjusts to your cannabinoid intake. Recurring or prolonged cannabis use can reduce sensitivity to its effects. Your genetic makeup may also influence tolerance levels.

New and infrequent consumers who are unaccustomed to the effects of cannabis should use increased caution when consuming products containing THC.

If long-term cannabis use has weakened its effects, consider a tolerance break of at least 48 hours to reset your endocannabinoid system and improve your sensitivity to THC.

The bottom line: Cannabis tinctures can be effective when dosed properly

Under the guidance of an experienced physician, tinctures can provide a discreet and effective way to benefit from the therapeutic properties of cannabis. The doctors at Leafwell are on call to help you apply for a medical marijuana card and unlock access to tinctures and other cannabis products. Reach out today and we’ll get you started on the path to finding relief.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use cannabis tinctures?

The most common way to use a CBD or THC tincture is through sublingual absorption. This means pouring the desired amount below the tongue. Allow the tincture formula to sit below the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.

Is CBD oil legal?

While marijuana tinctures are illegal under federal law, CBD oil is federally legal, as long as it’s derived from hemp.

When is the best time to take my tincture dose?

Most people find that tinctures take effect after 15-30 minutes, and last for about 3-4 hours before the effects start to wear off. Time your dosage according to when you’d most benefit from those effects. For example, if you’re using cannabis for insomnia, it’s best to take your dose shortly before bedtime.

For those who need daytime as well as nighttime relief, they may choose to utilize CBD during the day and THC at night. Others may prefer different THC:CBD ratios, depending on the time of day, tolerance, condition, and personal preference.

How much tincture oil should I take?

That depends on your needs, preferences, and how your body responds to cannabis. Most people start with 5 to 10 milligrams and slowly increase their dosage amount as needed and tolerated. Your doctor can offer more personalized guidance.

Should I take a cannabis tincture every day?

You can take a tincture once a day, or even twice a day, if it’s benefiting you. People might take a tincture daily for daytime pain relief, for post-workout muscle recovery, or an evening unwind. There’s no right or wrong time to take your cannabis tincture, and taking it once a day may help you effectively manage your health condition.

Resources

Quality Control of Traditional Cannabis Tinctures: Pattern, Markers, and Stability: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5064247/
A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7204604/
Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36539991/
Medical cannabis for severe treatment-resistant epilepsy in children: a case series of 10 patients: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8689159/

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