Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract dissolved in alcohol or oil, typically administered under the tongue for fast absorption.
A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract, traditionally made by soaking plant material in high-proof alcohol to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes. Modern cannabis tinctures are also made with oil-based carriers like MCT oil or olive oil. Tinctures are typically administered sublingually (under the tongue) using a dropper for precise dosing.
How Tinctures Work
When placed under the tongue, cannabinoids in tinctures absorb through the sublingual mucous membrane directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This produces faster onset (15 to 30 minutes) than edibles while offering more precise dosing than inhalation. If swallowed rather than held sublingually, tinctures behave more like edibles, with delayed onset and liver metabolism converting THC to the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC.
Advantages of Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the most versatile cannabis products available. They offer discreet, odorless consumption, precise milligram dosing, long shelf life, and the flexibility to use them sublingually, add them to food or drinks, or apply them topically. They are especially popular among medical patients and microdosers who need consistent, measurable doses. When choosing a tincture, check the label for per-dropper and per-milliliter cannabinoid content, and start with the lowest suggested dose to gauge your response.
Frequently Asked Questions
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