How to Identify the Right Cannabis Tincture for You

Tinctures are a great way to ingest cannabis for people who don’t want to inhale at all, but require a consistent dosage. While I love the idea of readily available edibles, it has been my experience that dosage has been inconsistent. Additionally, because of THC being fat soluble, I found that many edibles demanded a very high caloric intake — which is why I turned to tinctures. There are many options for tinctures out there, and it’s important to understand how they can work for you. Your tincture choice will be dictated by whether or not you want THC, what sort of base your tincture should use (and that’s dictated by how you plan to use your tincture).

No-THC vs. THC

As with any medication, it’s very important to understand the effects you are seeking before you determine if you want the psychoactive THC in your tincture or not. Are you looking to minimize anxiety? Then try a CBD-only tincture at first. Are you looking for relief from physical symptoms? Often THC tinctures create a nice ‘body buzz’ feeling that helps me with many of my chronic pain issues.

Alcohol vs. Non Alcohol

The menstruum, or base of the tincture will be clearly listed for tinctures you purchase (I’m working on another article regarding how you select a base for a tincture you make at home). There are two major schools of thought around what your tincture base should be. Basically, this is the solvent that is going to strip the THC from the bud, and you can use either alcohol (Everclear) or glycerin. Since I am a reformed alcoholic, I use food grade vegetable glycerin or MCT oil tinctures. I find that this question is largely dictated by how I plan to use the tincture — sublingually, or in food or drink.

Sublingual vs. Food / Drink enhancement

Be wary of placing alcohol tinctures under your tongue. My husband I used a tincture from a favored brand here in Oregon and I thought I chemically burned a hole in my tongue. I did try again, but only with MCT or glycerin based tinctures, which work very well under the tongue (and glycerin is pretty sweet, to boot). When I take tinctures sublingually it takes them longer to effect me than vaping or smoking does, but is still nearly instant, so there’s no long wait like there is with an edible. You can also ingest tinctures as part of food or drink — I have added my tincture to tea (a favorite at bedtime) or sometimes as part of a curry, but only after the food has been prepared and not as a part of the cooking as the compounds we are seeking are sensitive to temperature. It seems that alcohol tinctures are the easiest to purchase locally to me (Oregon)and I know many of my friends use the alcohol tinctures in their drinks (water, iced tea, etc.).

Hopefully this helps brings the product you are seeking into focus so it’s easier to find!