Marijuana tinctures: What are they and how are they made?

Over the last decade or so, as marijuana acceptance has steadily increased, consumers have had more options from which to choose as far as consumption methods go. Nowadays, many cannabis consumers can simply take a stroll into their local dispensary and be greeted by a smorgasbord of edibles, cartridges, extracts and tinctures.Although they’re relatively new to most cannabis consumers, tinctures are actually one of the oldest ways of ingesting marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In fact, records reveal that before cannabis was deemed illegal in the U.S., it was a fairly common treatment for both people and pets.Thanks to the growing acceptance of medicinal marijuana, people are also becoming more open to tinctures as a method of pain relief. Both CBD and THC tinctures in the U.S. have proved popular methods for both relieving pain or simply relaxing. From the way they’re made to how they’re used, marijuana tinctures are probably far from what people envision when they think about weed.

Marijuana tinctures are typically alcohol-based cannabis extracts, although sometimes they’re made with vegetable glycerin and oil. They’re made by grinding down the bud, then decarboxylating it by heat.

Afterwards, the grounded, dried, bud is soaked in high-proof alcohol, in a jar-tightened lid. After it’s been stored, it ideally sits in a cool, dark area for a couple of weeks being periodically being stirred or shaken.

Before use, any remaining flower can be filtered out using a coffee filter. Once the grounds have been filtered, it gets transferred into a medicine bottle with a dropper for easy use.

How to take marijuana tinctures

One of the great things about cannabis tinctures is the fact that there’s really no wrong way to take them. They’re also a relatively discrete method of consumption.

While it’s common for consumers to simply use tinctures sublingually (underneath the tongue), it’s also common for them to be injected into foods, drinks and desserts. Even though there’s no right or wrong way of ingestion, taking tinctures with food may provide a different sensation than taking them on its own. That’s partly why it’s recommended that consumers who are new to marijuana tinctures may be better off starting with a lower dosage.

Effects of cannabis tinctures

Marijuana tinctures are typically felt within the first 15 minutes or so after ingesting them sublingually. The physical effects should last anywhere from a half an hour up to three hours. When taken with food, it’s common for consumers to feel similar effects to that of eating an edible.

One of the reasons it’s suggested that newer consumers start by taking a lower dosage is because a higher one could lead to unwanted side effects such as paranoia and anxiety. By starting off with a lower dosage, consumers can always go back and take more if they’re after a stronger sensation.

Tinctures are a great way for cannabis consumers to partake in all of the relief marijuana may provide without the smell or the need for things like lighters and ashtrays. Taking that into consideration, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more medical cannabis users trying tinctures as an alternative to smoking or vaping.