A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Tinctures: Uses, Benefits, & More

New to cannabis use or interested in something that’s discreet, easy to use, and simple for managing a microdose? Welcome to the world of cannabis tinctures at Sunrise Dispensary! These handy liquids infused with weed are a tried-and-true method for getting all the benefits cannabis offers in a super convenient form that is highly popular among weed aficionados. 

The handy guide we’ve put together here will help you think about cannabis tinctures and how they can help you. Remember, we’d love to chat with you at any of our convenient locations throughout Missouri to provide personalized recommendations.

What Is a Cannabis Tincture?

A tincture is a liquid form of cannabis made by soaking the flowers of marijuana plants in a food-grade alcohol, oil, or glycerin solution. Over time, the solution becomes infused with cannabis extracts. Then, the flowers are removed, and the mixture is run through a strainer and placed in a glass bottle with a dropper that allows you to give yourself small, consistent doses. 

Most people choose to apply tinctures directly underneath their tongue, where the cannabis can be absorbed right into the bloodstream through the mouth’s mucous membranes. The high kicks in pretty rapidly, but it can be gentler than the high you get from other methods. Tinctures make it easy to microdose and also to personalize your dose, which makes them a highly popular option.

A stylized vector illustration of a cannabis tincture bottle with a dropper, featuring the Sunrise Dispensary logo. The label includes a sunburst design with a cannabis leaf, set against a dark background for a bold, modern aesthetic.

Types of Cannabis Tinctures

Tinctures come in many types that you can choose from. Here’s a quick overview:

  • THC Tinctures

As the name indicates, these tinctures contain THC, the component in marijuana that creates a high, and they are good for easing pain, stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

  • CBD Tinctures

This option contains CBD, which doesn’t produce a high but does offer medicinal effects such as alleviating inflammation, soothing anxiety, and relieving pain.

  • Balanced THC/CBD Tinctures

Also called “full spectrum,” these tinctures contain both CBD and THC, as well as other cannabinoids, to produce the “entourage effect” that many people feel boosts the overall effects of cannabis for pain and stress relief.

Uses of Cannabis Tinctures

For people who want freedom from carrying gummies and want to say no to inhaling smoke, cannabis tinctures are an awesome alternative. They’re so flexible and versatile because they can be consumed in many ways depending on what you like most:

  • Beneath the Tongue

You’ll see this referred to in some resources as a “sublingual” application—and that just means “under your tongue.” Simply use the bottle dropper to place a drop or two underneath your tongue, and hold it there for about 30 seconds, then swallow. This allows it to sink in, get into your bloodstream, and go to work. You’ll see initial effects in about 10-30 minutes on average, and you may get another kick around two hours later, as what you swallowed is ingested through your digestive system.

  • Incorporated into Drinks

You can add tinctures to your favorite drink by simply adding the drops to the liquid and consuming them. Just like a gummy, a tincture mixed into a drink will need to be digested before it hits your bloodstream, so expect a somewhat longer delay before you feel the effects.

  • Added to Food

Adding tinctures to foods is a little more complicated. Because of how the cannabis is derived, the active THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids may not survive high heat—so you might not want to bake them into a brownie or add them to your omelet. But cannabis tinctures can be added to finished foods (like salad dressing).

Easy Dosing for Peace of Mind

One cool factor when you take in your cannabis through a tincture is the ease of ensuring an accurate dose. Cannabis tinctures come in liquid form, bottled with a dropper that gives you careful control over how much you use. You can easily measure out the same amount every time you partake—so you’re much more likely to enjoy consistent effects when the effects kick in. Plus, this precise dosing makes it simpler to avoid taking too much—lowering the risks of overconsumption.

Determining the Right Dose

To figure out the precise amount of drops to use, remember the trusted saying whenever you’re using cannabis — start low, and go slow. Start with just 1-2 drops at first (or 2.5 milligrams, depending on how the dropper measures the dose), and give the tincture plenty of time to begin working. Notice how your body reacts to this microdose to learn how you tolerate cannabis in this form.

If you feel a microdose isn’t delivering ideal results, you may gradually increase your dose, keeping in mind that everyone’s body is unique. You may need more time for a smaller dose to kick in, or you may have a higher tolerance. Base your dose on the smallest amount that works for you. Consider chatting with a professional cannabis expert or a medical professional with cannabis knowledge to further personalize your use of tinctures.

Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures can do a lot of good for your body and mind. Taking cannabis in liquid form, in small doses, is one of the safest approaches you can take, and it is an effective way to address many of the symptoms people desire to address—including pain relief, lessening of anxiety and stress, and help with sleeping. And there are other benefits too:

  • Discreet and easy to carry — Tincture bottles are small and look a lot like skincare products, so you can easily place them in your pocket, purse, or backpack without notice. Tinctures don’t have a telltale weed smell, and you can use them anywhere you go.
  • Quick to work and flexible to dose — If applied under your tongue, you’ll start to experience the calming vibes you’re craving within 15-45 minutes. Your doses can be as small as you want, so microdosing is a breeze. 
  • No sugar, additives, or inhaling needed — Unlike gummies and baked cannabis food products, tinctures don’t contain sugar, gluten, gelatin, or food coloring. This makes it better for those with food allergies, as well as those who want to keep their calorie count down. And since you don’t need to inhale, there’s no need to be concerned about health impacts from smoking or vaping—or any giveaway smell and smoke that might attract unwanted attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tinctures

  • When placed underneath the tongue, a cannabis tincture normally takes effect rather quickly—on average, within 14-45 minutes. The size of the dose, your personal metabolism, and whether you are placing the tincture directly into your mouth or mixing it into food or drinks will all play a role in how fast it kicks in.
  • As with any form of medication or herbal supplement, it is wise to use cannabis tinctures in as small a dose as you can and to pay attention to your own body and mind’s response to what you’re taking. CBD does not create the same kind of dependency as THC might, for example, but it is still important to take anything you use exactly as the usage guidelines indicate.
  • To preserve your cannabis tincture’s potency and freshness, store the bottle in a cool, dark place (such as the refrigerator). Keep the bottle firmly sealed, and be sure it’s not exposed to heat, air, or sunlight, which can break down the cannabis and make it less effective. Keep the tincture in its original container.

Finding the Right Tincture for You

Choosing the cannabis product that suits your needs and your personal metabolism may take a little time as you test tinctures to see which one you like best. Often, it’s best to chat with experts who can guide you in choosing what’s best for your individual needs. We’re here to make that process simple by talking with you and giving you personalized recommendations. Check out our FAQ guide to learn more, and let us know if we can answer questions for you!

Customized Choices & Quality Cannabis Products

Using the right cannabis tinctures or other weed products to ease your symptoms and bring sweet relief is all the easier when you shop in the right place. At Sunrise Dispensary, we provide top-quality products and experienced guidance to all your cannabis-related questions. Learn more about our team and our approach, and contact us anytime with questions. We’re here to help!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws. 

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