Tincture Guide: Benefits, Dosing, and Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis tinctures are concentrated cannabis products in liquid form that are made using an alcohol solvent as an extraction method. The word “tincture” may also refer to oils infused with cannabinoids (common ones are hemp seed oil, MCT oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil). They are available at various potencies and blends. They offer many benefits unique from other consumption methods, like the ability to dose with precision and use discreetly and easily throughout the day.

What Are the Benefits of Tinctures?

Tinctures Make Dosing Simple

One of the many benefits of cannabis tinctures is that they make dosing precise and straightforward. Because they are in a liquid form and are administered using a measured dropper, tinctures offer cannabis consumers a way to administer an accurate dose every time easily.

Different tinctures all have different potencies and therefore will have different milligram amounts of cannabinoids in each serving — but no matter the strength of the product, tinctures offer an uncomplicated way to deliver the perfect dose every time.

Minimum Effective Dose (MED)

Because they are so easy to dose precisely, tinctures are a great way to determine the minimum effective dose (MED) of cannabinoids needed for consumers to feel the effects of their product and receive the therapeutic benefits for their condition. Tinctures allow the consumer to measure out small doses of product and slowly increase the dosage until they feel the desired effects. This can be especially helpful for new cannabis consumers who may be unsure about the correct dosage.

You’ll Feel the Effects Quickly

There are three main ways to administer tinctures: sublingually (under the tongue), through ingestion (either by swallowing or infusion into food or beverages), and topically (applied directly on the skin). Applying your tincture sublingually (i.e., directly under your tongue and letting it dissolve for about 30 seconds) allows the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream faster than if you were to swallow it like any other edible cannabis product — this why you will feel the cannabinoids’ effects faster when it is consumed this way.

You Can Consume Tinctures Discreetly

As mentioned above, there are three main consumption methods for tinctures: swallowing, dissolving under the tongue, and applying to the skin topically. These convenient and straightforward consumption methods make tinctures an excellent option for anyone looking to medicate discreetly and conveniently throughout the day.

Tinctures Have a Long Shelf Life

When stored properly, cannabis tinctures can remain shelf-stable for years — making them an excellent choice for new or non-regular cannabis consumers. However, there are several steps you will need to take to make sure your tinctures are protected from degradation. Make sure to store your tincture in a cool, dark place with the lid or seal closed tightly.

Cannabis tinctures and cannabis-infused oils offer several benefits not provided by other products or consumption methods. Simple dosing, the ability to use discreetly, and the long shelf life of tinctures are all reasons why you might choose one over another concentrate or edible cannabis product. Talk with your budtender about which tinctures might work best for your needs and desired effects.