What is a tincture?

A tincture is a liquid infusion with medicinal qualities. A tincture’s cannabis oil is extracted using a variety of methods, but the most potent medicine uses oil that comes from the whole plant, which includes the resinous flowers. Products made from full plant extracts preserve the full chemical integrity of the strain’s terpene profile and results in maximum therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC. So, when shopping for a tincture look for the words “whole plant” or “full plant” extract on the bottle. It’s also a good idea to look for batch numbers, which indicate that the tincture has been lab-tested for purity and quality.

Why use a tincture?

Like flowers and other concentrates, tinctures can help soothe a wide range of symptoms that impact physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The most appropriate tincture will vary depending on the intended use. Alison Ettel, founder and CEO of Treatwell Health says, “A higher CBD ratio works very well for many patients with migraines and anxiety, an indica-dominated THC strain of cannabis with high levels of myrcene will be help best for sleep. If you have nerve related pain or concussions, then the acids like THCA may be best to try.”

How do tinctures work?

Every living person has an endocannabinoid system, which is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, molecules and metabolic enzymes, that regulates appetite, pain, mood, and memory. Without getting into all the granular details, one of the reasons CBD alleviates conditions like anxiety is because it creates “endocannabinoid tone.” This results in the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, that just-rightplace of wellbeing.

What’s the deal with ratios?

When selecting a cannabis-rich tincture, you have a lot of options. For maximum symptom relief, research shows that synergy between CBD and THC makes a difference. The alchemy of their interaction is often referred to as the “entourage effect.” A higher THC:CBD ratio, like 3:1 or 1:1, alleviates inflammation, pain, and may have some mood-altering psychoactivity.

Don’t miss the rest of our reviews of tinctures for anxiety.

On the other hand, a higher CBD:THC ratio, like 20:1 or 15:1, results in a functional focus that’s appropriate for daytime use. There’s little to no psychoactivity, though CBD-rich tinctures often facilitate an energetic boost. These ratios are perfect for anxiety, stress, and any other mood-related issues. CBD also helps with managing chronic conditions, like pain, inflammation, muscle spasms and more.

Dosing Recommendations

To determine correct dosage, check the tincture’s packaging for how many milligrams of CBD and THC is in each dropper. For instance, a standard dropper of 1:1 tincture will be 5mgs of THC and 5 mgs of CBD. One person may only need 2.5 mgs, which is 8-10 drops, while another may need a full 10 mgs.

Main Benefits of Tinctures

  • Easy titration: Self-titrate by starting with 1-2 drops, and increase as needed. Most makers of tinctures recommend a dose of half a dropper, but every body’s chemistry is different. You want to find the minimum dose needed with the maximum effects.
  • Fast-acting: Effects from most tinctures will kick in between 15 – 60 minutes. The tincture is absorbed more rapidly when taken sublingually.
  • Long-lasting: Once you have calibrated the right dose for your body, tincture effects will last anywhere from two to six hours.
  • Long shelf life: When stored in a cool, dry place and a tincture can last years.
  • Versatile non-smokable option: Tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or in a beverage like juice, coffee, smoothies, or even plain water. They can also be added to a cannacocktail or infused in a meal (just don’t cook them, because heat destroys the plant’s chemical bonds.)
  • Sustainable: There are many high-quality tinctures available that are derived from chemical-free, non-GMO, organic and sun-grown cannabis.
  • Centuries-old medicine – Tinctures have been around for more than 200 years. They only disappeared from folks’ homes during prohibition in 1937. But now, they are one of the fastest-growing segments in dispensaries.
  • Alternative to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
  • Can be used to treat topical issues like cuts, burns, scrapes, acne and promotes healing while reducing pain.
  • Mild enough to be given to pets!

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