Medical Marijuana Tinctures

Tinctures have a rich history as one of the oldest ways to consume cannabis. Fast forward to 2022, and tinctures still remain a popular choice for patients seeking a simple and effective way to medicate.

When shopping for a tincture, you’ll notice products with a wide variety of terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, and carrier agents. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know what kind of tincture is best for your needs. 

What are Tinctures?

In essence, a tincture is medical marijuana-infused liquid that is typically packaged in a dropper-top bottle. The terpenes and cannabinoids are extracted from the plant using a solvent such as alcohol. The final product is a highly potent concentrate with an ethanol percentage between 25 and 60%. 

In the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is the preferred solvent because it effectively breaks down all plant components while stabilizing and preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. Other solvents may be used, such as alcohol. However, MCT oil is currently the most popular solvent for tinctures in the PA market.

Tinctures are typically available in 1 fl oz (30 ml) glass bottles with droppers for administering precise and consistent doses, making tinctures the most effective form of consumption for microdosing.

While tinctures may not appear as exciting or novel as a traditional edible or a concentrate, they provide numerous benefits for patients seeking relief from their medical conditions without the need for inhaling vapor or smoke.

How Do I Consume Tinctures?

When you purchase a tincture from a dispensary, the packaging will include dosing instructions. It should be noted that the dosing instructions are a general recommendation, however. Your ideal dose will be determined by your tolerance and the purpose for which you take the tincture. The general rule is to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it to achieve the desired effects.

There are a few different ways you can administer your desired dose:

Drops: the most straightforward way to consume a tincture is to drop it directly into your mouth and swallow. 

Sublingual: for more immediate effects, tinctures can be consumed sublingually. The sublingual glands beneath your tongue allow phytocannabinoids to quickly enter your bloodstream, making it the most fast-acting way to consume medical marijuana. Simply place a drop under your tongue and wait 30 seconds before swallowing. This method is more effective with alcohol-based tinctures rather than MCT oil-based tinctures, as alcohol is more effectively absorbed into the bloodstream.

With Food: Another popular way to consume tinctures is to mix a few drops in with your food or drink. This is an excellent option for those who may not like the taste of a tincture on its own.

What are the benefits of tinctures?

Tinctures have a few distinct advantages over other medical marijuana products, such as flower. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.

Ease of use: Tinctures contain everything you need to consume concentrated doses of medical marijuana in a single bottle. There is no need for other accessories like batteries, vaporization devices, etc.

Discretion: Tinctures have no odor and provide a good level of discretion. They are especially useful for taking on the go!

Accurate dosing: With other consumption methods, it can be difficult to know how much cannabis you’re actually consuming. With tinctures, the dropper-top provides a precise measurement for dosing, giving the patient more control depending on their specific needs or desired effects.

Healthy Alternative: Because tinctures are taken orally, they’re considered to be a healthier alternative to vaping or smoking.

To browse Restore’s selection of tinctures, click here!