Explore the World of THC & CBD Tinctures
THC and CBD tinctures are one of the oldest and simplest ways of consuming cannabis. You can find them at your local dispensary as thick liquid contained in small glass bottles. Tinctures are often interchangeably referred to as oils because their packaging looks similar. But, tinctures and oils are very different products.
THC and CBD tinctures use alcohol as a solvent (often ethanol) to extract the cannabis plant’s properties and then mixed with alcohol as the carrier. To verify if you’re looking at a tincture or oil, read the label to check if the product is alcohol-based. Tinctures can only be used orally, by adding a few drops under the tongue, while oils can either be administered in the same way or used topically. Tinctures can also be added to foods or beverages. We do not recommend cooking with them because the high heat would render their properties ineffective.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about THC and CBD tinctures. Discover how you can incorporate them into your cannabis-loving lifestyle.
What are Tinctures?
Tinctures are made by soaking the entire cannabis plant in a solvent to extract its cannabinoids. This method protects against oxidation. It is a laborious process because of the amount of filtration and refinement required to make the finished product. A tincture in its purest state also tastes bitter, so many brands add flavorings like sweeteners to try and mask any unpleasant kick. By using the whole plant, tinctures are full of a wide variety of chemical compounds besides THC and CBD. These extracts work together to bring you a myriad of benefits.
There are many reasons to choose tinctures over other cannabis products. They are easy to use since all you have to do is put a few drops under your tongue and wait for 30-90 seconds before swallowing. Because the solution is quickly absorbed into your mucus membranes, the onset effect is fast compared to other products like edibles that have to go through your digestive system. Plus, if you want to stay away from the harmful effects of smoking, a tincture is the way to go.
You can personalize your experience by dosing according to your needs. If you are sensitive to oils or have difficulty taking pills or capsules, a tincture could be a better option for you. The packaging is also an appealing feature if you want discretion. The small dropper bottle resembles other wellness products and doesn’t stick out as a cannabis product.
What’s the Difference Between THC & CBD?
THC is extracted from the cannabis plant, while CBD comes from hemp or the cannabis sativa plant. Legal hemp can contain a little bit of THC, but not in concentrations exceeding 0.3%.
These two cannabinoids affect your mind very differently.
CBC is mainly used for its medicinal benefits, without the mind-altering effects of THC. CBC will not get you high.
When shopping for a THC or CBD tincture, consider the effects you are looking for. THC tinctures can help with pain, low appetite, anxiety, insomnia, and glaucoma to name a few. Reach for CBD if you’re looking for help with inflammation, nausea, migraines, depression, or PTSD. If you’re curious about treating a medical condition, consult with your doctor to find the best solution. Browse for tinctures based on your specific needs and have fun exploring the different flavor profiles.
Your desired effect will influence how you dose your THC or CBD tincture. For example, if you need help falling asleep, a single large dose could do the trick. If you’re looking to boost your well-being throughout the day, many small doses every few hours could be better. Once administered, tinctures take about 15-30 minutes to take effect. They are a convenient way to achieve the benefits you’re looking for.
Types of THC Tinctures
THC tinctures come in a variety of “strains,” although many in the industry are moving away from this term in favor of chemovars AKA chemical varieties. Strains are blanket terms that don’t take into consideration the chemical makeup of the plants. Chemovars highlight the individual cannabinoid and terpene content. This makes it easier for you to understand the possible effects.
But, since many tinctures are still classified by different strains, it’s useful to have a basic understanding of their potential usage. Don’t rely solely on the type of strain listed on the tincture bottle, and read the labels to get the information you need to choose according to your needs.
Indica Strains
Indicas are typically made up of a higher CBD content but still have THC. They tend to be associated with full-body relaxation and deep sleep. This strain is used to wind down. A trick to remembering the effects of this strain is to think of indica as “in-da-couch.”
Sativa Strains
Sativas provide an energizing effect that boosts creativity and focus. Sativa strains are better for socializing and daytime use when you want to heighten your well-being.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrids combine both indica and sativa parent plants. Their effects will depend on the dominant plant’s chemical composition.
Types of CBD Tinctures
CBC tinctures are classified as either full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or as isolate products. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant, which include small amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum and isolate products don’t have any noticeable traces of THC. Choose for your comfort level with ingesting THC products.
CBD tinctures have many medicinal benefits and can help treat several conditions. They can ease symptoms of neurological conditions such as seizures, muscle stiffness, and even epilepsy. They are useful for athletes needing pain relief or inflammation treatment. They can also provide relief from depression, inflammatory bowel disease, social anxiety, nausea, and more.
If you’re looking for a simple, convenient way to enjoy CBD, tinctures are a great solution. And, with the wide variety of brands available today, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find the one that best suits your needs. Keep track of how each tincture makes you feel and hone in on your favorites. Have fun, and if you have any questions, make sure to ask your friendly local budtender for advice.
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Now that you know a little more about cannabis flower, what it is, the endless varieties, and how it is transformed into various products, you can feel more confident next time you walk into your local dispensary. There are no right or wrong questions, only curiosity, and willingness to learn. Enjoy the trip!