Tinctures and oils are concentrated liquid extracts of cannabis, often used for discreet and precise dosing. They offer an alternative to smoking or vaporizing, with effects typically felt within 15–45 minutes and lasting for several hours. This guide provides a brief overview of these popular products.
What are Tinctures?
A cannabis tincture is typically made by soaking cannabis flowers or trim in a high-proof alcohol (like food-grade ethanol) to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. The resulting liquid is potent and can be consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drinks.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Carrier | Alcohol (often ethanol) |
Potency | Highly concentrated |
Consumption | Sublingual, added to beverages/food |
Onset Time | Faster if sublingual (15-30 minutes) |
Cannabis oils are produced by extracting cannabis compounds and dissolving them into a carrier oil, such as Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. They are often flavorless or come in flavored varieties.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Carrier | Edible oil (MCT, hemp seed, olive) |
Potency | Concentrated, varies by product |
Consumption | Sublingual, mixed into food, ingested directly |
Onset Time | 30-90 minutes (depends on method) |
One of the main benefits of tinctures and oils is the ability to precisely measure a dose using the included dropper.
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose (e.g., 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC) and wait for the full effect before taking more.
- Sublingual Method: For faster onset, hold the liquid under your tongue for 30–60 seconds before swallowing.
- Ingestion: When swallowed directly or mixed into food, the effects will take longer to appear, similar to edibles.
Storage Recommendations
To maintain the quality and potency of your cannabis tincture or oil, store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. The typical storage location is a kitchen cabinet at home.