Cannabis Tinctures + How to Make Your Own!
If you are unsure of what dosage and method is best for your condition, you may want to consider our Cannabis Tinctures!
As you know all the various ways to consume cannabis is quite dizzying to the novice and the experienced alike. Cannabis tinctures may sound new and overwhelming, but actually, it may be the oldest method (it’s been used for thousands of years)!
What is a tincture?
A tincture is an alcohol based extract.
Many drugs have been discovered by dissolving plants in alcohol then testing the contents for its actions on the body. Dissolving cannabis in alcohol was commonplace in homes prior to prohibition. WHY? It worked and is safe!
What are the benefits of using a cannabis tincture?
From a Pharmacist standpoint the dosage control allowed by tinctures is invaluable. Modern pharmaceuticals are a 1 size fits all. NOT tinctures. Tinctures allow the patient to use a few drops or a few milliliters. Everyone is different-with tinctures the patient has full control of dosing.
What all is in the tinctures?
Fiddler’s Green carries various concentrations -some heavy in THC and some CBD dominate and everywhere in between. The bud-tenders can help you decide.
Tinctures are also low in calories compared to edibles and much easier to store. Plus NO smoke is involved with tinctures. Tinctures are easy to carry with you anywhere and can be easily used unnoticed by other people at any time.
How do I use tinctures?
Tinctures generally come in a glass bottle with a dropper. The best way to use a tincture is sublingually(under the tongue) or buccally (in the cheeks).
These methods result in rapid absorption -bypass the liver which avoids further metabolism . Plus tinctures are a great way to start low and go slow- a few drops to start then increase as needed.Generally effects should be seen within 15 minutes with sublingual or buccal use.
More ways to use tinctures…
Tinctures can also be added to food or drinks. The advantage is you can mask the taste this way. One disadvantage is the onset of effects is much slower with food or drink-but on the other hand the effects will likely last longer.
NOW THAT IS SOME GOOD INFO ON TINCTURES- BUT THERE IS MORE GOOD NEWS!
You can make your own tincture!
You might be asking-Why would I want to do that?
Making your own tincture might save you a little money --
But even better- you can choose the flower you want and get benefits from the whole plant!
I know you’re probably thinking “I bet it is hard to make tinctures!”
But the good news is that it's fairly simple! Many of the first users in the last 30-40 years made their own tinctures, because it is so simple and effective.
DO NOT USE ALCOHOL FROM THE PHARMACY OR BIG BOX STORE.
Do not use rubbing alcohol! Use alcohol- always an alcohol safe for consumption.( I recommend pure grain alcohol from the liquor store-like Everclear.)
For every ounce of cannabis use 750ml alcohol. (This is a good start. If you want the end result more concentrated use less alcohol.)
Step 1. Decarboxylate the cannabis by placing in an oven at 240 degrees F for 1 hour. Use a mason jar or glass oven proof container.
Step 2. Grind the cannabis flowers.
Step 3. Mix ground flower and alcohol in a mason jar.
Step 4. Close the jar and let it set a few weeks. Shake daily. Or if you don’t want to wait, shake frequently all day.
Step 5. Strain through a coffee filter. The active cannabis is dissolved in the alcohol. With each batch try a small sample for the first dose.