What is Tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking cannabis flower, trim, or concentrates in high-proof alcohol or glycerin to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This traditional extraction method produces a potent, fast-acting product that's administered sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. Tinctures typically contain 100-1,000mg of total cannabinoids per bottle, with common concentrations ranging from 250-500mg. The alcohol-based extraction process can achieve cannabinoid extraction rates of 60-80%, making tinctures highly efficient delivery systems. Most commercial tinctures use ethanol concentrations of 190-proof (95% alcohol) during extraction, though the final product often has reduced alcohol content. The sublingual administration method allows cannabinoids to absorb directly through mucous membranes, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism. This results in onset times of 15-45 minutes, significantly faster than edibles which can take 1-2 hours. Effects typically last 2-4 hours, shorter than edibles but longer than inhalation methods. The U.S. cannabis tincture market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2022, representing about 4% of total cannabis sales. Popular formulations include 1:1 THC:CBD ratios for balanced effects, high-CBD formulations (20:1 CBD:THC) for wellness applications, and THC-dominant options ranging from 10-50mg per dropper. Tinctures offer precise dosing through graduated droppers, typically delivering 1-2.5mg of cannabinoids per drop. This precision makes them ideal for microdosing and medical applications. Storage in dark glass bottles at room temperature maintains potency for 3-5 years. Manufacturing involves decarboxylation of cannabis material at 220-240°F, followed by alcohol extraction and filtration. Some producers use CO2 extraction followed by alcohol dilution to create solventless tinctures. Quality testing ensures accurate cannabinoid profiles and absence of residual solvents, pesticides, and microbials. *Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult healthcare professionals before using cannabis products, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.*