Marijuana has been used for centuries for a variety of medical and mental wellness purposes. It also has a long history of being used for recreational reasons. No matter why you use or want to try marijuana, it's best to choose the right product to meet your needs. One such product is cannabis extract in a tincture form. What is a tincture and what can it do for you? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. 

What are Tinctures?

Herbal tinctures are liquid extracts from a plant, in this case, cannabis, that is often extracted with some type of food-grade alcohol. Tinctures have been used for centuries as a way to take advantage of the varied benefits of herbs. They are generally absorbed rapidly and are easy to use. But, you should know what to expect before you get started so that you can get the most out of the cannabis tincture you choose. A tincture is a great smoke-free alternative and one of the methods of consumption that is gaining in popularity as more states legalize marijuana. 

Cannabis Tincture Facts

As explained above, a cannabis tincture is made up of the liquid extract from the cannabis plant. The finished tincture may be made of cannabis flowers, fresh leaves or other parts of the plant, which are extracted via high-proof alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, or some type of glycerin mixture. The glycerin or alcohol works to extract active chemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, resulting in a highly concentrated liquid that contains the same compounds found in the marijuana that some people smoke.

Making a Cannabis Tincture

There are several steps in the tincture-making process. It's always best to purchase your products from a licensed and reputable marijuana retailer so that you can take advantage of its medicinal compounds without safety risks. 

• Decarboxylation - this step involves heating the marijuana plant, which activates its compounds, including THC and CBD. This heating process removes a carboxyl group from the plant's chemical makeup, which produces the potential health benefits the tincture may provide. 
• Choosing a Solvent - as mentioned above, the most common solvents used for cannabis tinctures are high-proof alcohol of glycerin. Using alcohol generally produces a more potent tincture with a stronger taste, while glycerin results in a milder potency with a lower concentration.
• Mixing the Cannabis and the Solvent - next, the cannabis and the solvent are combined in glass bottles. The ratio can be varied to create the desired potency. It may also be altered, based on the strain of cannabis being used. 
• Extraction - once in the tincture bottle, the mixture is allowed to rest for several weeks. It may occasionally be shaken to fully extract the compounds. During extraction, the alcohol or glycerin absorbs the compounds from the cannabis plant. 
• Straining and Storing - after extraction is complete, the mixture is strained to remove all plant matter. What's left is the liquid tincture, which is bottled and stored for use. 
• Labeling and Testing - finally, the tincture is tested to determine the content of THC and CBD, as well as other compounds. This allows for accurate labeling of the product before it is sold and used. 

Cannabis Tincture Varieties

Just as with other cannabis products, there are several types of tinctures. Understanding their properties and uses ensures that you choose the right one for your needs so that you can take advantage of the health benefits of cannabis without the risk of adverse effects. Some of the most common types of tinctures are listed below. 

• Full spectrum - contains a variety of active compounds, cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC and CBD. This type of tincture is ideal for reaping the benefits of all of the compounds, which work together for enhanced therapeutic benefits. 
• Broad spectrum - similar to full spectrum tinctures, with the exception of THC, which is removed from broad-spectrum products, making them a good option for someone who doesn't want the psychoactive effects of cannabis. 
• Isolate - an isolate tincture is one that contains only one cannabinoid, be it THC, CBD or another one. This type of tincture makes it easier to control your compound intake. 
• High THC - as the name implies, this tincture contains more THC than other types. Often used for recreational purposes, this type is also ideal for pain relief and to manage the symptoms of other health issues. 
• High CBD - much like a high THC tincture, a high CBD product is rich in CBD, making it a great choice for its potential health benefits without unwanted side effects like those produced by psychoactive THC. 

Using Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures, much like other cannabis consumption methods, have a certain degree of versatility, which makes them easier to use, as well as making them more accessible to a variety of users. Using them properly ensures the best results, whether you're using them recreationally or for medicinal purposes. 

• Sublingual - this administration method involves placing drops of the cannabis tincture under your tongue and allowing them to sit for 30 seconds to one minute before you swallow. This is perhaps the most common method of tincture use because it's rapidly absorbed, producing faster effects.
• Oral use - if you prefer, you can add tinctures to food or drinks, which helps mask the taste, but takes longer to produce effects since the compounds must pass through your digestive system before onset.
• Topical - topical administration allows for rapid absorption of the cannabis compounds through your skin and is most often used for chronic pain management or to reduce inflammation. Keep in mind that there's always the risk of an allergic reaction with this method.
• In recipes - you can also use tinctures in baking, creating your own edibles at home. The onset and benefits are similar to those listed above in the oral use section. 

Dosage and Potential Effects

Individual response to a cannabis tincture may vary from another person. For that reason, it may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect dosage for your needs. Several factors play a role, including your body weight, the potency of the tincture, eating habits, hydration and your tolerance. 

In general, it's advised to start small. Use a low dose at first, then build upon it until you find the right amount for your needs. It's a good idea to keep a record of your dosage so that you can see where modifications may be necessary. Use the dropper that's typically provided with any type of herbal tincture so that you can be precise about how much you're using. You'll want to use one to three drops to start, then wait about an hour to determine the effects. From there, you can gradually increase how much you use until you find your sweet spot. 

How do you know you've found the magic number? You can get a sense by reading the dosing instructions on the label, which varies based on potency and strain. Many people find success by using a quarter or half the recommended dosage, particularly if you're new to cannabis use.

The delivery method also plays a role. Using the tincture under your tongue will produce results much more quickly and you may need less of the product than if you add it to food or drinks. 

Knowing what effects to expect from your dosage is also important when it comes to using cannabis medicine or recreational tinctures. Effects vary based on the person and the cannabinoid profile of the tincture you choose. 

• Pain relief - cannabis tinctures are used for pain management, including for arthritis, muscle soreness and other conditions that cause pain. 
• Stress reduction - one of the main benefits of cannabis is its relaxation properties, which makes it ideal for treating stress and anxiety.
• Better sleep - high CBD tinctures have the potential to help you get more sleep, as well as higher quality sleep. 
• Altered perception - tinctures are a fantastic alternative to smoking marijuana if you want to enjoy the euphoric effects that THC provides. For some users, this altered perception boosts creativity and energy.
• Anti-inflammatory - for people who experience inflammation as a result of health issues, cannabis tinctures can help. That includes irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis. 

Benefits of Adding Tinctures to Your Routine

If you've read this far, you probably have a pretty good idea of some of the benefits of cannabis tinctures. The wide range of potential perks are why more and more people are using marijuana in its liquid form. 

• Precise dosing - because you have control over the number of drops you use, you can enjoy the benefits without overdoing it. 
• Rapid onset - when you need quick relief, the sublingual use of tinctures will help. 
• Portable and discreet - a tincture in a small glass jar is easy to take with you and won't be obvious to those around you. 
• Longevity - when you store your tincture properly - out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures - you can expect it to last for quite a while. 
• Versatile - because a tincture can be used in a variety of ways, there are plenty of options for how you get the most out of it. 
• No harmful smoke - if you want faster absorption and to avoid the risks of smoking cannabis, tinctures are a great alternative. 

Potential Risks

While there are plenty of benefits that go with using tinctures, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of. This ensures that you are getting the most out of your product without the risk of adverse reactions. 

• Taste - some users experience a bitter taste when they use a tincture, particularly when the base liquid is alcohol. 
• Alcohol content - if you don't drink alcohol and want to avoid it, the content in a tincture may be more than you want to consume.
• Dosing amounts - it can be tricky to find the proper tincture dose and you may need to engage in a bit of trial and error to get it right. 
• Regulations - laws regarding the purchase and use of cannabis varies from state to state, so you need to be aware of what's legal and what's not where you live. 
• Possible dependence - while the risk is lower than with other substances, there's always the potential for dependence, so use caution as you find the right dosage. 

Safe and Legal Use

As mentioned above, you should know the laws about marijuana use in your area so that you can abide by them accordingly. Always purchase your cannabis tinctures from a reputable source that is licensed so that you can be sure you are getting what you pay for. Be sure to follow dosing instructions and keep track so that you can get the right amount for your needs, whether you're using it for fun or health reasons. 

In Summary

Tinctures are versatile and beneficial for many reasons. With their range of delivery methods and long list of potential benefits, many users find relief from their mental and physical health problems. Being sure to get the right dose and combine the use of your tincture with other prescribed treatments, you could find just what you've been looking for. Prioritizing safety and legality will help you get the most out of your tincture. 

Visit DC Collective for a whole range of high-quality cannabis products.