Tincture

Definition: A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract of THC, CBD, or both, dissolved in alcohol or a carrier oil and sold in a small bottle with a dropper. You place drops under your tongue or mix them into food or drinks. Tinctures make it easy to measure small doses, but they can still deliver a lot of THC.

How Are Cannabis Tinctures Made?

Traditionally, tinctures were made by soaking cannabis in high-proof alcohol. Today many products labeled tinctures are really oils, with cannabinoids blended into a carrier like MCT oil. The plant material has to be decarboxylated first for THC to be active, since raw cannabis mostly contains THCA.

How Do You Use a Tincture?

Hold the drops under your tongue for about a minute before swallowing. Some of the dose may be absorbed in the mouth, but much of it is usually swallowed and processed like edibles, which take longer to kick in. Added to food or drinks, a tincture behaves like an edible. Start with a small dose, wait, and don’t redose too soon.

Tincture vs. Oil: What’s the Difference?

Strictly speaking, a tincture uses alcohol and an oil uses a fat. Brands use the words loosely, so check the ingredient list. CBD tinctures often come in full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate formulas.

Are Tincture Labels Accurate?

Not always. A 2017 JAMA study that tested CBD oils, tinctures, and vape liquids sold online found most labels were inaccurate. Buy tested products from licensed sellers and check the lab report.

Related terms: Cannabidiol (CBD), Edibles, Canna Oil, RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Cannabis (Marijuana); Bonn-Miller MO, et al. Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. JAMA, 2017 (PMC).

This entry is for general education and isn’t medical advice.