Cannabis tinctures are a versatile product category that is quickly becoming a favorite way to enjoy cannabis without smoking or vaporizing. Its discreet and portable nature make it a great option for those medicating on the go. For patients with dietary restrictions, tinctures provide a low sugar/ calorie option for medicating. In this blog, we’ll outline what cannabis tinctures are, how they’re made at Sira, as well as reviewing five convenient methods for consuming.
WHAT ARE CANNABIS TINCTURES?
Tinctures are cannabis extracts mixed with alcohol, glycerin solution, or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and packaged into small bottles. Tinctures have been around since the 1800s and were the main form of cannabis medicine until the prohibition. The droppers/ applicators paired with cannabis tinctures allow for one to customize and control their dose. This simple functionality allows one to dispense the cannabis oil directly into a food or drink, or simply straight under the tongue, where it will absorb directly into the bloodstream within a few minutes.
Compared to other cannabis delivery methods such as smoking flower, tinctures act as a great delivery method for patients who prefer to microdose or take their medicine discreetly. Tinctures have fast effects, a low-calorie count, and a long shelf life. Those with special dietary needs, may find great results with tinctures given their low sugar content.
At Sira, we create our tinctures using an ethanol based solvent extraction method. Through this process, we yield full-spectrum cannabis oil rich in CBD or THC. Next, we mix in medium-chain-triglyceride (MCT) oil and homogenizing the mixture of oils and to create either THC, CBD or 1:1 CBD:THC tincture varieties. Each bottle contains approximately 300mg of cannabinoids and dispenses about 1mg of cannabinoids per drop. Despite its low dose threshold, one should take caution when using and remember to start low and go slow before dosing further.
Top 5 Ways to Use Tinctures:
1) Sublingually
Using the dropper, simply dispense your desired dose directly under your tongue. It can be helpful to look in the mirror as you dose to ensure the drops fall underneath your tongue. This method allows for the quickest onset of effects.
2) Infused into a favorite beverage
Using the dropper, dispense your desired dose directly into a beverage and consume.
3) Infused into a favorite food or meal
Similar to the above method, dispense a preferred dose directly on to food. Keep in mind, this may add a slight cannabis flavor to your food.
4) Added to other edibles
Looking to increase to potency of an edible you already have? Simply put a few drops directly on top and consume.
5) Orally
Similar to sublingual method, however drops are placed into the mouth versus under the tongue. The effects of this method can take up to 2 hours to take effect.
