- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Let’s Talk about Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for medical and recreational purposes for centuries. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, the most well-known of which is THC. THC is the cannabinoid that causes the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use. CBD is another cannabinoid found in cannabis that has been shown to have medical benefits. Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, eating, and drinking.
What is a Tincture?
A tincture is a liquid solution that is made by extracting certain chemicals from the cannabis plant, most often THC and CBD. Tinctures are typically applied under one’s tongue or mixed with food or drink. The cannabinoids are then absorbed into the bloodstream via the tissues in your mouth. This method is common because it allows the cannabinoids to enter your body quickly.
What is a Cannabis Tincture Used For?
Tinctures are often consumed as a form of pain relief, but can also treat other symptoms including anxiety and depression. Tinctures are typically used in lieu of smoked or vaporized cannabis products because they do not produce a noticeable smell that may be offensive to others, and the effects of ingesting them happen more slowly than smoking or vaping. This gives one more time to adjust their dosage if necessary before the full effects come on, though many find ingesting a tincture is easier than administering an inhalation dose.
How Does a Cannabis Tinctclure Work?
When administered under the tongue, usually using a dropper, the tincture’s cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly reach the brain. The cannabinoids then bind to cannabinoid receptors, which are found in abundance throughout the body, including in the brain, spinal cord, and immune system. This interaction between the cannabinoids and receptors is thought to be responsible for many of the plant’s therapeutic effects.
Are Cannabis Tinctures The Same As Mushroom Tinctures?
Many people see a huge resemblance between cannabis tinctures and mushroom tinctures. Cannabis tinctures work pretty much like mushroom tinctures, with closely similar effects, such as energy boost, relaxation, and increased focus, but with different constituents.
When it comes to the route of administration, both are taken under the tongue or sublingually. Cannabis tinctures are made from cannabis extracts, whereas mushroom tinctures are pure liquid extracts created from fungi soaked in water or alcohol.
Essentially, both cannabis and mushroom tinctures are food supplements. They don’t have marked psychedelic effects and are widely available in the market. Many consumers use them to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental focus. Learn more about mushroom tinctures at reputable online resources, such as Mushroom Revival.
Are There any Risks Associated with Cannabis Tinctures?
There is little risk associated with using cannabis tinctures. However, as with any other form of cannabis, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed until you find the dosage that provides you with the desired effects. It is also important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, so finding the right dose and strain can take some time.
For those who are new to using cannabis, again, a low dose is typically recommended. Some side effects include feeling lightheaded or dizzy, having a dry mouth, or feeling tired. These side effects are usually mild and only last for a short amount of time. However, if you experience any adverse or long-term effects after taking a tincture, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
Is Smoking or Vaping Better Than Consuming a Cannabis Tincture?
Users respond differently to different administration methods of cannabis products. Some find that vaporizing or smoking provides them with the relief they seek without overwhelming effects that may come when ingesting it orally, while others find that smoked and vaporized forms of cannabis do not work well for their symptoms.
If you’re interested in trying out smoking or vaping in order to relief from the same ailments your cannabis tincture helps, consider asking your doctor how it might interact with any other medications you are on.
Can I Get High from Ingesting a Cannabis Tincture?
Tinctures are not typically used recreationally because of their limited psychoactive effects, but some users do report feeling slightly buzzed after administering an appropriate dose. However, the main difference is that while ingested cannabinoids take longer to enter one’s bloodstream, they remain in your body for several hours.
On the other hand, inhaled cannabinoids only last about three hours before wearing off completely. This means that if you’re looking for pain relief throughout the day without having to manage dosages multiple times per day, ingesting cannabis may be the better option for you.
How Do I Consume Cannabis Tinctures?
Most commonly, users drop the extract under their tongue and leave it there for around 30 seconds before swallowing any remaining product. The extract can also be mixed with food or drinks if desired, but will not provide any immediate relief like administering it under the tongue does since cannabinoids enter your body’s bloodstream more slowly when digesting them.
Once absorbed by your mucus membranes in your mouth, the cannabinoids reach your brain quickly where they immediately start binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout your system. This provides an immense amount of pain relief that lasts up to several hours until another dose is needed.
What Are Some Good Recipes to Make My Own Cannabis Tincture at Home?
If you’re interested in making your own cannabis tincture, there are a few recipes to choose from. One popular recipe calls for decarboxylating ground cannabis flower before mixing it with high-proof alcohol such as Everclear or vodka.
While there are many different types of alcohol that can be used to make tinctures, high-proof alcohols are recommended because they have a lower water content, allowing for better extraction. The mixture is then left to soak for anywhere from two weeks to a month before straining and bottling the extract.
Another recipe simply calls for soaking ground cannabis in olive oil or coconut oil for up to two weeks before using a dropper to administer the oil under the tongue.
The high concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis tinctures mean that it’s important to use non-PVC plastic or glass containers when making or storing your extract. This is because the presence of alcohol can cause some plastics and/or paints used on some types of plastics to leach out and contaminate the tincture.
Remember to store your tincture in a cool, dark place to help maintain its potency.
Cannabis is typically harvested in the fall when the flowers are more mature and contain higher concentrations of terpenes and cannabinoids. To help increase cannabinoid extraction, consider curing your cannabis for a few months after it has been harvested.
Conclusion
Cannabis tinctures provide relief from a variety of conditions, both chronic and acute. Some find that they provide better symptom relief than smoked or vaporized cannabis, and that the effects last longer. Tinctures are also an discreet way to administer cannabis, which is important for those who need relief throughout the day but don’t want to be obvious about it.
Additionally, tinctures can be taken while on the go without any noticeable psychoactive effects. This makes them a good choice for those who want the benefits of cannabis without having to experience the “high” that often comes with it.
Cannabis tinctures are available for purchase at dispensaries across the country. You can also find them for sale online from various retailers. If you’re not sure where to start looking, try searching for “cannabis tincture” on Google or your favorite online search engine.
How we reviewed this article:
- Mushroom Tincture Collection
https://www.mushroomrevival.com/collections/mushroom-tincture
Current Version
December 6, 2021
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
