Everything You Need to Know About Tincture: What It Is and the Benefits
Tinctures have been a trusted herbal remedy for centuries, dating as far back as 1000 AD. They have long been used to alleviate an array of health concerns including both mental ailments and physical ones.
When it comes to medical marijuana, consuming it in the form of the age-old formula of tinctures is a great way to incorporate natural medicine into your wellness journey. Read on to find out everything there is to know about this herbal remedy.
What is a Tincture & How Does It Work?
Tinctures are made by soaking specific parts of plants in food-grade alcohol for several weeks. A herbal extract is thus produced by the effects of the alcohol drawing out the active ingredients of the plant over a period of time. Tinctures can be made from a variety of plants, and are a nature-based medicinal remedy being opted for by an increasing number of people.
Often, our livers filter out essential components of ingestible medicines before they can take effect by entering our bloodstream. So, medicating using tinctures by placing a few drops under your tongue, is a great way to bypass the digestive system and get medicinal compounds straight into your bloodstream through the mucus glands present in your mouth.
This allows your body to fully benefit from the properties of the plant in your tincture, and to heal more holistically – especially if you’re using medical marijuana. But before you can consume medical marijuana, it’s important to first comply with your state’s guidelines. Contact us to learn about the affordable and efficient MMJ licensing services we offer in your state.
Benefits of Using Tinctures
People often opt for tinctures over other forms of medical marijuana treatment for 4 primary reasons.
Convenience
What makes this method popular is the accessibility and convenience of simply placing a few drops of tincture under your tongue and going about the rest of your day. It is simple to measure the exact amount you need using droppers. Tinctures also come with the added benefit of no-hassle storage in tiny bottles.
Discretion
Using tinctures offers more discretion than the traditional ways of consuming cannabis products. For example, smoking marijuana draws attention and can only be done under certain conditions or in smoking-friendly zones. Tinctures, on the other hand, can be used fairly simply and easily when you need them. What makes them a preferred method for consuming medical marijuana is their efficient storage, discreet administration, and medicinal appearance.
Flexible Dosage
You won’t have to worry too much about taking your prescribed dosage at a specific time or getting the wrong amount because taking medical marijuana through a tincture makes it simple to measure and administer safely. In fact, it is also possible to conveniently alter your dosage under the guidance of your physician, over a period of time.
Quick Effects
Since tinctures placed under the tongue allow your bloodstream to absorb the extracts almost immediately, the effects are nearly instantaneous and are much faster than other methods of medical marijuana consumption, including edibles.
But what is essentially a pro of tinctures can quickly turn into a con if you accidentally take too much – which is why we recommend consulting your doctor for the right dosage. As always, when in doubt, start slow.
Different Types of Tinctures
There are many types of tinctures ranging from different plants, home-brewed versus dispensary-bought, or alcohol and non-alcohol-based. Contrary to common opinion, it is possible to make non-alcoholic tinctures without compromising the potency and stability of the extract.
Technically, the term ‘tincture’ refers to alcohol-based extracts, whereas replacing the base liquid with a non-alcoholic one classifies it as an ‘infusion.’ Water, vinegar, and glycerin are common and effective non-alcoholic solvents. Like alcohol, they also extract medicinal compounds from plants.
Regardless of what your reason is for avoiding alcohol, a non-alcoholic tincture is a useful alternative that allows you to remain consistent with your health without compromising on your principles or wellness. You can either make these at home or purchase them from a nearby dispensary.
Marijuana Tinctures
Two of the most common cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana-based tinctures can be made from either and each has its own benefits.
- CBD tinctures – These tinctures are made using a high concentration of cannabidiol and contain less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means that they are unlikely to give you the sensation of being high. These tinctures are federally legal. Patients looking for relief from things such as pain and anxiety are going to see the most benefits.
- THC tinctures – These tinctures contain more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and hence often lead to psychoactive effects after consumption. These are only legal in some states. These tinctures are good for patients who are looking for stronger effects to help with sleep problems, nausea from chemotherapy, and more.
Although tinctures are a great way to consume medical marijuana since they can be made at home with just a few ingredients, it is important to start with a low dose. Consuming too much of a cannabis tincture without pacing yourself can lead to uncomfortable side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and an increased heart rate. We recommend speaking to your doctor and arriving at an appropriate dosage to treat your relevant symptoms accordingly.
Consuming Medical Marijuana Tinctures
Since tinctures are relatively easy to produce and boast a long shelf life, they are a popular and much more convenient option for medical marijuana consumption, particularly for anyone who doesn’t want to smoke it.
Placing tinctures under the tongue allows the concentration to bypass the digestive system. This is what leads to direct absorption into the bloodstream and a shorter wait time for effects to occur when using tinctures. The process of placing drugs under the tongue is called ‘sublingual’ administration.
Other methods of consumption include oral consumption, mixing tinctures in beverages, or even in food. These methods can be used if the taste of the tincture is too strong for your preference since they do contain powerful extracts.
How to Get a Marijuana Tincture
In order to acquire marijuana tinctures, you first need to apply for a medical marijuana license in your state.
Getting a medical marijuana license is simple with Ozark MMJ Cards. If you meet the qualifying health conditions, you can submit a free Medical Marijuana Application Form for your state. Our 100% money-back guarantee on certification costs ensures that you can apply without burning a hole in your pocket – even if you don’t get certified.
After getting your certification, you’re all set to complete your application for a medical marijuana card from your state. Our Patient Care Team will gladly guide you at every step of the process or if you have any other questions about safely accessing medical marijuana.