Cannabis Tinctures 101: The Beginner’s Guide
Tinctures are a quick, easy way to get your cannabis consumption on the go. While vaping or burning can be more convenient, tinctures are the most privacy-centric way to consume marijuana. Tinctures come in many varieties: from those designed for pets to medicinal tinctures, and everything in between. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of tinctures, storage methods, extraction methods, dosage amounts, and safety precautions when using them. Keep reading to learn more about what a tincture is and how they’re made.
What is a Tincture?
Tinctures are alcohol-based liquids made from the whole, or nearly whole, flowers of cannabis. This means that the tincture’s primary ingredient is the cannabis plant, not any additional ingredients like flavoring or preservatives. These tinctures can contain anywhere from 10% to 90% alcohol. The use of tinctures dates back thousands of years. Early cultures recognized the medicinal benefits of tinctures and used them to treat a wide range of ailments. The Chinese and Egyptians were especially fond of using tinctures to treat pain, cough, and other ailments. Tinctures are still used today by people desiring the health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects of smoking or vaporizing.
How Are Tinctures Made?
The whole flower of the cannabis plant is used to make a tincture. The flowers are typically pressed to produce a tincture. While there are many different ways to create a tincture, the most common method is through solvent extraction. Solvent extraction uses a number of different techniques to extract the cannabinoids out of cannabis, such as using ethanol as an extraction solvent, or using an oil like hexane (used in cannabis oil manufacturing) or CO2 (used in CBD-only products). Typically, a chemical solvent like ethanol or propylene glycol is used to extract the cannabinoids from the plant. This process is not considered 100% chemical-free, but has a higher chemical grade than other processes that use solvents like CO2 extraction. When using chemical extraction, the cannabinoid content is lower than when using CO2-extracted cannabis.
Dosing Information for Cannabis Tinctures
The dosing amount for cannabis tinctures is fairly specific. The general rule of thumb is to take 1 tsp of tincture 30 minutes before eating. This allows the cannabinoids in the tincture to be fully absorbed into the digestive tract. The type of tincture may also affect how you take the tincture. If you’re consuming an alcohol tincture, it’s best to take it cold. A cold tincture will have a better effect, since an alcohol tincture is absorbed at a much lower rate.
Safety Precautions When Using Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are one of the safest ways to consume. Tinctures are typically made from the whole flower, so you know exactly what you’re getting. The amount of alcohol in a tincture is also enough to get you buzzed, but not enough to cause harm to yourself or others. One of the biggest safety concerns when consuming tinctures is how to store them. Most tinctures come in glass bottles that can be easily broken or cracked. Store all cannabis tinctures in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. If you plan on gifting someone cannabis tincture, it’s best to store the tincture in an opaque bottle like a medication bottle to avoid confusion. Additionally, it’s wise to explain to your recipient how to take the tincture safely.
Final Words
Tinctures are an easy, plant-based way to consume cannabis. They’re typically made with ethanol or glycerin as an extraction solvent, and can come in glycerin or ethanol. When consuming, take one tsp 30 minutes before eating. Make sure to store your tincture in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. If you want to try tinctures, visit MMJExpress.cc online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
