Cannabis is a versatile plant taken in various forms for different purposes in the body. From its medicinal to therapeutic benefits and pleasure, cannabis is an all- round plant. You already know that you can consume weed in different forms like pills, dabs, joints, edibles, blunts, bongs, and tinctures, among others.
But did you know that tinctures happen to be one of the oldest and most effective ways you can consume cannabis and experience the high you’ve always wanted? This article looks at cannabis tincture, right from what it is and its benefits to how it is made and consumed.
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What are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tincture is alcohol infused with cannabis through a simple process. The process involves dissolving cannabis extracts in high-proof alcohol under low heat to infuse the marijuana isolates into the liquid. A tincture uses alcohol as its solvent to draw out terpenes, THC, and CBD from the marijuana plant.
It results in a potent concoction that gives you cannabinoid effects in just a few drops. Tinctures are sold in glass bottles that have droppers for ease of use. While alcohol is most preferred to make tinctures, glycerin and vinegar can also be used, although they’re less effective in extracting all CBD extracts from the cannabis plant.
Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures
Marijuana tinctures come with a whole load of benefits. They’re mostly a great deal for beginners. Here’s what makes tinctures your to-go form of cannabis.
Discretion. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to take cannabis, and no one notices through the smell? Marijuana works best for this. When packaged in its glass bottle, the tincture resembles any other supplement. The good thing is that it doesn’t have a cannabis aroma. You can enjoy it with less attention than you’d get if smoking.
Very effective. You’re likely to experience tincture effects faster than edibles. While you can take an hour before you feel the effects of cannabis edibles, you only take 15 minutes with tinctures. With this, you can quickly tell how you react to it.
Convenient. Tinctures are very easy to consume. You effortlessly use the dropper to administer a single or two drops, and within minutes you begin experiencing the thrill that comes with it.
Fewer calories. While tinctures and edibles serve the same purpose with similar experience, the former has fewer calories than edibles, which have sugar, fat, and added calories.
Easy dosage. A dropper gives you the ability to control the amount of serving to take in. You can always reduce or increase the amount according to your liking.
Easy Store. Tinctures can last for a long time if stored properly.
Pain relief. Apart from the usual “high” that comes with weed, Cbd tincture has pain-fighting properties that will most likely appeal to you. You can use tinctures to treat an array of issues like;
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Low appetite
- Artery blockage
- Muscle spasms
- Convulsions
- Bone degeneration.
How to Make Cannabis Tinctures
Marijuana tinctures are made through a simple process that involves dissolving the plant matter into the alcohol. The plant and all its chemical composition components like cannabinoids, terpenes, trichomes, and oils dissolve in the liquid. You can then take in the final product through the mouth.
Alcohol Vs. Glycerin
Like mentioned before, alcohol is the number one solvent for making tinctures. It highly breaks down the components of the marijuana plant to produce a highly potent product. Some people also prefer to use alcohol first, then add vegetable glycerin after carefully evaporating the former. The second method offers a thicker liquid due to the glycerin body.
When choosing alcohol for your tincture, go for a food-grade one with a high alcohol content to effectively dissolve the cannabis plant. Avoid products like isopropyl alcohol, which are harmful for consumption.
Here’s how you can effortlessly make tinctures at home.
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Cannabis flowers
- 750ml high percentage alcohol (Preferably Everclear)
- Mason jar
- Grinder
- Aluminum foil
- Gloves and oven- safe pan
- Sieve or Cheesecloth
- Glass dropper bottles
Method
- Similar to Kief, you need to decarboxylate the weed before you begin the process. How do you do this? Crush your cannabis into a fine powder, place in the oven pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven at 230F for one and a half hours.
- Place the decarbed marijuana into your mason jar and follow in with your alcohol. Make sure the alcohol completely covers the cannabis extracts.
- Freeze the mason jar for approximately two weeks. During this time, shake your jar once a day. Experts recommend freezing your contents since the cool temperate makes it easy for unwanted components like chlorophyll to separate from the tincture.
- After two weeks, take out your chilled jar and carefully strain your products through the sieve or cheesecloth into a separate container. If you have an extra product, be sure to leave it in the mason jar to use later. Store your final product in a cool, dark place.
Cannabis Tincture Consumption and Dosage
The best thing about tinctures is that they’re convenient and easy to use. Most people prefer to enjoy it through sublingual consumption. You’ll only need to squeeze out a few drops of the solution from the eyedropper under the tongue. Close your mouth and let the solution get absorbed into the bloodstream. You can ideally wait for about 30 seconds before you swallow it.
This is a safer way of consuming cannabis since it doesn’t interfere with the digestion process. The drug also quickly gets to the brain, making you high instantly.
When it comes to tincture dosage, it depends on the strength of your solution. You can consider starting with 1ml under your tongue and give it some time to get absorbed. If you’re impressed with the results, that’s it. Gradually increase the number of drops until you’re happy with the experience.
When making another batch of the tincture, be sure to keep in mind your previous strength so that you maintain your dose. Remember that different strengths of the tincture mean different doses for each. Be consistent with your ingredients, and you’ll have an easy time consuming your cannabis.
You can add marijuana tinctures into drinks and meals like soups, juices, salads, and ice cream, among other foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tinctures have a burning effect under the tongue?
The mode in which tincture is consumed is one of the safest ways you can take in cannabis. A small percentage of users claim to experience a slight burning sensation after taking in a few drops. The leading cause of this problem could be high alcohol concentration.
If you continuously experience this problem, consider making your tincture using vegetable glycerin. Better still, you can add your tincture into foods and drinks.
What are the side effects associated with marijuana tincture?
Just like any other form of cannabis, the side effects vary depending on an individual. While some users may experience adverse side effects, others seldom experience anything. THC tincture is said to have more pronounced side effects compared to CBD tincture.
With THC, you’re likely to experience Paranoia, euphoria, munchies, and anxiety, while CBD mainly causes a dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. Taking tincture together with some medicines may interfere with the efficacy of the medicine. You should, therefore, seek medical advice before incorporating CBD into your routine.
How do I completely evaporate alcohol when making my tincture at home?
Studies show that pure ethanol (alcohol) evaporates at about 78°C. In this case, our alcohol isn’t pure since it has been mixed with cannabis plant extracts. The molecules and substances introduced into the alcohol will probably change its boiling point.
To be on the safer side, you can evaporate the alcohol in three different ways, as explained below.
In the microwave
Evaporating alcohol in the microwave takes a few minutes. Place the extract in a microwave-safe container, add some water, and microwave the dose until the water boils.
Cool the mixture to evaporate away a large percentage of alcohol in the mixture.
Evaporate in a cup
Measure out a small amount of the solution into a cup. Add in boiling water, and give it a few minutes to cool. Most of the alcohol will evaporate out in the process.
It’s a convenient method if you’re taking the tincture with tea or water.
Evaporate in a bottle
If you’re planning to consume the whole jar of tincture in a few days, you can choose to evaporate the whole amount at once.
You can do this with a double boiler and water such that you boil your extracts together with water in the double boiler. Boiling the mixture for about 40 minutes allows the alcohol to evaporate from the mixture.
Conclusion
Tinctures are cannabis extracts incorporated into alcohol. They’re a good option for cannabis smokers who prefer to take in their weed without smoke. They offer a simple way to experience marijuana’s medical benefits without smoking it. Be cautious enough when making tincture since the alcohol is highly flammable. If you can’t make your tincture at home, you can easily purchase one at any dispensary at a relatively cheap cost.
Sources:
https://honestmarijuana.com/marijuana-tinctures/
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