Tincture

Cannabis tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that combine the precise dosing of edibles with the faster onset of inhalation, making them one of the most controlled cannabis delivery methods. Tinctures originated in 19th-century pharmacy when cannabis extracts were standard medical treatments listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1850-1942. The standard production methods: (1) Alcohol tincture — decarboxylated cannabis flower or trim is soaked in high-proof food-grade alcohol (Everclear or 95% ethanol) for 2-8 weeks, then filtered to produce a green-tinted alcoholic extract; (2) Oil tincture — decarboxylated cannabis is heated in MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, coconut oil, or olive oil at 180-200°F for 2-4 hours, then strained; (3) Glycerin tincture — gentler extraction using vegetable glycerin; less potent but suitable for alcohol-sensitive users. Sublingual administration: 0.5-1ml dropper held under the tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. The mucous membranes under the tongue absorb cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism and producing onset in 15-45 minutes (vs 30-90 minutes for swallowed edibles). Effect duration is 2-4 hours, between the short duration of inhalation (1-3 hours) and the long duration of edibles (4-8 hours). Standard dosing: most commercial tinctures are formulated at 10-30mg THC per ml, with droppers calibrated to deliver 0.25ml per drop. Starting dose is 2.5-5mg THC; titration up by 2.5mg every 2-3 days. Tinctures excel for medical applications requiring precise consistent dosing — pediatric epilepsy treatment, anxiety management, chronic pain, sleep support. Storage: alcohol tinctures stable indefinitely in dark glass bottles; oil tinctures stable 12-24 months; both should be refrigerated for maximum shelf life. Tinctures can also be added to food and drinks for slower edible-style effects.