How much of a cannabis tincture are you supposed to take?

The right cannabis tincture dose depends on certain factors, including your cannabis tolerance and health needs. It’s usually best to start with a dose of 2.5 to 5 mg of THC or CBD and increase the amount slowly as needed. Consider using a cannabis tincture dosage chart or dosage calculator to help you get started.

How much is 1 mL in a tincture?

One milliliter (mL) of a tincture is approximately 20 drops. With cannabis tinctures, you’ll want to consider the strength of the formula in milligrams (mg) of THC or CBD to determine how potent 1 mL of a tincture will be.

How long should you wait between tincture doses?

The length of time you should wait between tincture doses depends on your cannabis tolerance, health concerns, and personal needs. Tinctures typically take effect in 15 to 30 minutes and last 4 to 6 hours. Ask your doctor to help you establish a tincture dosing plan that’s both safe and effective.

Tincture dosing guide: Chart and THC calculator

Cannabis tinctures are solutions that contain cannabis extract in a carrier liquid, such as alcohol, oil, or glycerin. They’re usually taken sublingually, which means they’re placed under the tongue.

Like other cannabis products, tinctures may offer certain health benefits for:

Tinctures come in dropper bottles for easy and precise dosing, but they vary in strength depending on how much cannabis extract they contain. If you’re just getting started with tinctures or trying out a new formulation, it can be challenging to determine the right dosage for your specific needs.

Read on for a guide to tincture dosing, including a helpful tincture dosage chart and dosage calculator.

Want to save 30% on cannabis tinctures?

Start your Leafwell Membership

Enjoy deep discounts at your local dispensary, in store and online. Why wait and pay more?

Get discounts!

Understanding how to dose tinctures

If you’re using a cannabis tincture to help with a health condition, finding the right dose is important. A dose that’s too low may not offer significant benefits, while a dose that’s too high may cause stronger effects than intended.

Cannabis tincture doses are measured by the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other helpful cannabinoids they provide in a single use. Cannabinoids are compounds in cannabis that interact with your body to produce therapeutic effects.

Your doctor can help you choose a dose that addresses your needs. You’ll want to consider:

Your cannabis tolerance
Whether or not you’re taking medications
Your unique health concerns

When calculating the dosage amount, you’ll first need to read the product label to find:

How many milligrams (mg) of cannabis extract are in the whole tincture, including THC and other cannabinoids
How many total milliliters (mL) are in the bottle
The size of the dropper (usually 1 mL)

With this information, you can calculate the number of mg of THC in each dropper. Simply divide the total amount of THC (in mg) by the total number of mL in the bottle. This gives you the amount of THC in 1 mL, a common dropper size.

For example, tinctures are typically sold in 1-ounce bottles, which contain approximately 30 mL. If the full tincture contains 300 mg of THC, a dropper that holds 1 mL would have 10 mg of THC.

Keep in mind that you can lower your dose by consuming only half or a quarter of the amount in a dropper. Not all manufacturers use a 1 mL dropper, so be sure to check your product’s packaging before taking the dose.

Tincture dosage chart

For a quick and easy way to determine your cannabis tincture dose, use this tincture dosage chart.

A chart showing different cannabis tincture dosage options

CBD tincture dosage

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis. Like THC, CBD can help with certain health issues, including:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Chronic pain
Inflammation

Some cannabis tinctures are made with CBD instead of THC. When determining your CBD tincture dose, simply follow the same guidelines as you would for a THC tincture: divide the total amount of CBD (in mg) by the number of mL in the bottle to find the amount of CBD per 1 mL.

You can use the tincture dosage chart above for more guidance.

Finding your ideal tincture dose

Consider the following tips when choosing the right cannabis tincture dosage:

Consult with a healthcare professional: Your doctor can help you figure out the right dose according to your personal needs. Tell them if you’re taking any medications, as some can interact with cannabis.
Start low and go slow: A good rule of thumb when using any new cannabis product is to start low and go slow. Cannabis tinctures that contain THC can cause intoxication, so it’s best to start with a low dose around 2.5 to 5 mg and increase the amount slowly until you reach the desired effects.
Read the product label carefully: The label on your tincture can tell you how potent the formula is and its cannabinoid content. For example, some tinctures contain pure THC, while others contain pure CBD or equal parts of both.
Store your tincture properly when not in use: Tinctures can lose their strength when not stored properly. It’s best to store them in a dark, dry, and cool area, such as a cabinet or drawer.

Want to save 30% on cannabis tinctures?

Start your Leafwell Membership

Enjoy deep discounts at your local dispensary, in store and online. Why wait and pay more?

Get discounts!

The bottom line: Choosing the right tincture dose can help you find relief

Finding the perfect tincture dose for your needs may take some trial and error. Ultimately, it’s best to start low and go slow until you begin to feel relief from your health symptoms.

If you require more personalized guidance on dosing with cannabis tinctures, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a Leafwell telepharmacist who can help you find a dosing plan that works for you.