If you are a part of Virginia’s medical marijuana program or have ever shopped at a licensed dispensary, odds are you have heard of a marijuana “tincture.” Many people have heard of them but few actually know what a tincture is!
When seeking pain management or relief from cannabis, it is extraordinarily important to know your options. Marijuana comes in various forms and each patient decides what works best for them when it comes to treatment.
Inarguably, marijuana is most famously known to be smoked out of either a bong, joint, or pipe, and for its effects. As cannabis becomes increasingly popular and is legalized throughout the country, an even larger variety of products are being created and purchased.
However, not everyone wants to smoke their medicine, and not everyone cares about having the newest, most innovative products. This is where tinctures can come in.
What Is a Tincture?
Most simply put, a tincture is a cannabis extract, which is made by infusing a liquid with marijuana. You would let a cannabis plant soak in liquid for a few days and then strain the mixture, and that’s all!
The type of liquid used can determine whether the product is called a “tincture” or an “infusion.” Technically, alcohol-based products are tinctures, and products made with oil or another liquid is an infusion. For the purposes of this article, we will use the term “tincture” as an umbrella term to capture all types of cannabis infusions.
Tinctures are tried and true cannabis products that have assisted many cannabis patients with pain management.
How Do You Ingest It?
Sublinguially. That’s right—with a dropper under your tongue. This delivery method is done without chewing or swallowing. Instead, the product is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Sounds Like An Edible to Me…
Although tinctures are technically taken orally, they are not the same thing as edibles, since you do not chew or swallow them. Edibles are usually in the form of a common food or dessert, which you would have to swallow.
Edibles require you to digest the medicine, which can take much longer than a sublingual application. However, edibles are processed in your liver. The enzymes in your liver can enhance the effects of THC, which can make the “high” associated with edibles a bit stronger than what you get when taking a tincture sublingually.
Sounds Like CBD Oil to Me…
Although tinctures have some similarities with CBD oils, there are a few very clear differences between the two.
Basically, the main difference is that CBD products won’t contain THC (usually). In essence, they won’t get you high.
CBD oil can be used as a topical, which means you can rub it into your skin to help with pain management in affected areas or can be taken sublingually, like a tincture. However, since tinctures are usually alcohol-based, they do not double as a topical.
Benefits of Tinctures
Although tinctures aren’t as popular or widely-known as other delivery methods for cannabis, they are one of the healthiest ways you can consume your medicine.
Here are only a few of the natural benefits you can enjoy when you use marijuana tinctures:
Since topicals are usually only made using the cannabis plant itself and the liquid to which it was bound, you won’t have to worry about allergens or other unhealthy ingredients in your medicine. Things like gluten, sugar, and gelatin are used in other forms of cannabis but not usually in tinctures!
Tinctures don’t look like marijuana and are much more lowkey than bringing a bong bag around. If you are looking for a more discreet way to enjoy your medicine, tinctures might be worth giving a try.
Tinctures are extremely fast-acting because sublingual ingestion is an incredibly fast method of delivery. The effects will also last longer than smoking.
One bottle can last you a very long time, depending on your dosage, which you can control down to the drop!
Tinctures also involve soaking the entire cannabis plant, which means patients can experience the benefits of all of the compounds in that plant!
Tell Me More!
Tinctures will kick in after about 15 minutes if you leave them under your tongue for 30 to 45 seconds. If you swallow it, the efficacy will be compromised.
If you choose to mix it with food, it may take a bit longer to kick in, but have more of an effect.
Try a Tincture Today!
If tinctures sound enticing, you will need your medical marijuana card to visit your local dispensary and try one out!
Medical marijuana dispensary employees are educated in all things cannabis, including which types, strains, and doses may work best for your condition and symptoms.
Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our experienced, compassionate cannabis doctors. You’ll meet with your new doctor via a telemedicine appointment, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
During the appointment, you will find out if you qualify for a Virginia Marijuana Card without even leaving the comfort of your home!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today! Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!