What are Cannabis Tinctures & How Do You Use Them?

A tincture is a plant extract or herb that has been soaked in a solution, and, in the case of cannabis tinctures, it is a time-honored way of consuming the active compounds in marijuana. Herbal tinctures have been around for thousands of years,¹ and today they are known as a discreet and versatile option for both medical patients and recreational cannaseurs alike. 

What is a Cannabis Tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a solution that contains extracts of the bioactive and psychoactive compounds in the cannabis plant. These products are made by soaking marijuana flower in food-grade alcohol, oil, or glycerin for at least two weeks. The plant material is then pressed and the liquid is strained to create the finished tincture.¹  

How Do You Use Cannabis Tinctures?

Tinctures can be taken orally or sublingually, and some can even be applied topically to the skin.³

• Oral: If you swallow a tincture or mix it with food, it will be digested and metabolized through your liver. This means the onset time will be longer, taking approximately 30 minutes to one hour before effects are felt.¹ 
  
  
• Sublingual: Many consumers apply tinctures sublingually, holding the liquid under their tongue for about 30 seconds before swallowing. Taken sublingually, some report that tinctures usually take effect in 10 to 30 minutes. It’s important to remember that you may have another onset around two hours later as the rest of the swallowed THC goes through your digestive system, similar to oral consumption.²
  
  
• Topical: Applying a marijuana tincture to your skin doesn't produce a psychoactive effect, as the cannabinoids are not absorbed into your bloodstream. However, topically-applied cannabinoid solutions are being studied for potential effects on skin and other organs.⁴

How Do You Dose Tinctures?

Tinctures give you the freedom to customize your dose. You can ingest a small amount and discover its effects–from microdoses to stronger doses–in order to discover what's right for you. How you'll absorb the various cannabinoids in the tincture will depend on if you've consumed food or if you mix the tincture into food. Cannabis experts recommend starting with a low dose of 2.5 milligrams and gradually increasing.⁵

How much THC tincture is considered a strong dose? This dosage chart* gives approximate ranges, but remember to start low and slow if you are a beginner.¹ 

Tincture Dosage Chart

*Based on a 30 milliliter tincture bottle containing 300 milligrams of THC.¹ Please note that individual responses to marijuana dosage may vary, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before altering your consumption habits. 

What Are The Different Types of Tinctures?

Tinctures can be flavored or unflavored, and can also include full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extracts of the cannabis plant, including THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.⁷

Full Spectrum Tincture

Full spectrum tinctures include the full range of chemically-active compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are typically made using alcohol to extract the terpenes and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.⁷

Broad Spectrum Tincture

Broad spectrum tinctures include a specific, broad range of chemical compounds contained in the cannabis plant. This category is most-often found in CBD tinctures as opposed to THC tinctures. A broad spectrum CBD tincture will contain no THC.⁸

Isolate Tincture 

Isolate tinctures contain only specific cannabinoids. For example, there can be THC-only isolate tinctures as well as CBD isolates.⁸

THC vs CBD Tincture

THC tinctures contain psychoactive THC as well as other cannabinoids, including CBD. A CBD tincture will contain CBD and minimal to no amounts of THC, but it may also contain other cannabinoids. Both types of tincture can contain terpenes and flavonoids. Each tincture may provide different effects, but CBD tinctures are bioactive, not psychoactive.⁹

Comparing Cannabis Tinctures to Other Products

Tinctures are one of the oldest methods of ingesting any plant-based compound and they have their own appeal when compared to other cannabis products. Here are some examples of how various cannabis products compare to tinctures:

Tinctures vs Edibles: Tinctures often contain no sugar or artificial sweetener, which appeals to various consumers. When taken sublingually, they can also take effect more rapidly than edibles.¹

Tinctures vs Sublinguals: You can take a tincture sublingually, but there are other products that can also be placed under the tongue, including lozenges.

Tinctures vs CBD Oil: THC tinctures contain THC as well as CBD, while CBD oil is an extract which contains CBD and potentially other cannabinoids, but minimal to no amounts of THC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tinctures purchased at a dispensary are quite a bit different than what you may pick up at your local health store. Here are a few questions we get, but always feel free to chat with one of our expert budtenders.

How long do tinctures take to work?
When taken sublingually, tinctures can take effect in 15 to 30 minutes, and when taken orally, approximately 45 minutes to one hour.¹

Are tinctures more potent than edibles?
Tinctures have the same potency as edibles with an equivalent amount of THC.¹

How long should I hold the tincture in my mouth? 
If you are taking the tincture under your tongue, hold it there for 35 to 45 seconds.¹

Purchasing Cannabis Tinctures

Visit your dispensary and speak with a budtender about the different options you have in tinctures and discover the types of tincture that are right for you.