A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Tinctures and Edibles
Cannabis products have grown in popularity as people explore their benefits for both recreational and medicinal use. Among the most sought-after are tinctures and edibles. Both options allow for discrete, smoke-free consumption, while offering unique experiences and effects. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned user, understanding these two types of products can help you choose the option best suited to your needs. Let's break down tinctures and edibles, their benefits, dosing methods, and things to watch out for.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts of cannabis designed for easy and precise dosing. They’re typically made by infusing cannabis in food-grade alcohol, water, or other substances such as coconut or MCT oil. An added bonus? These extracts are stored in small, dark-colored bottles with droppers, making them perfect for discreet use.
Tinctures interact with our bodies through cannabinoid receptors, often producing effects within 15 to 30 minutes of application. This is a much faster onset time compared to edibles, which can take up to two hours to kick in. What makes tinctures particularly beginner-friendly is their precise dosing ability. The dropper allows users to measure exact amounts, making it easier to avoid taking too much.
How to Use and Dose Tinctures
Dosing cannabis tinctures is both simple and customizable, thanks to the measurement markings on most droppers. Here’s how you can start:
Start low and go slow: If you’re new, start with a low dose. For THC tinctures, as little as 2.5 mg or 0.25 ml on the dropper can be a good place to begin.
Sublingual administration: Place the tincture under your tongue for about a minute. This method allows cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, leading to quicker effects.
Gradually increase if needed: If you don’t feel effects after 30–60 minutes, try a slightly higher dose. Be patient and avoid taking too much too quickly.
Tinctures also come in various forms, such as alcohol-based or oil-based formulations, and may focus on either THC or CBD. For instance, CBD tinctures might include isolate (pure CBD) or broad-spectrum options (which also contain other cannabinoids and plant properties without THC). Full-spectrum tinctures, by contrast, include THC but in amounts lower than 0.3%.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles include everything from gummies and chocolate bars to brownies made with cannabis extract. Unlike tinctures, which are absorbed sublingually, edibles are digested and metabolized in your liver before reaching your bloodstream. This results in a longer onset time, usually between 30 minutes and two hours.
However, what edibles lack in speed, they make up for in potency and duration. Effects from edibles can last for 6 to 8 hours or more, making them an ideal choice for individuals managing chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
Dosing Edibles Safely
Getting the dose right with edibles can be tricky, especially since their effects are delayed and tend to be more intense than other methods of consumption. Follow these tips to have a positive experience:
Check the product label for THC and CBD content.
Start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5 mg THC, particularly if you’re a beginner.
Wait at least two hours before taking a second dose. If it’s your first time, stick with the initial dose to see how your body responds.
Always consume edibles in a comfortable, safe environment.
One thing to note is that edibles vary in their accuracy when it comes to labeling. A 2015 study by Johns Hopkins found that only 17% of edibles tested matched their labeled THC content. While manufacturing has improved over the years, it’s still wise to approach edibles with caution and rely on trusted dispensaries to ensure quality.
Key Differences Between Tinctures and Edibles
Aspect Tinctures Edibles
Onset Time 15 - 30 minutes 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration of Effects 1 - 4 hours 6 - 8 +
Potency Moderate High
Consumption Method Sublingual Eaten
Ease of Dosing High precision Less precise
Discretion Highly discreet Discreet
While both options have their pros and cons, a “start low, go slow” approach remains the golden rule for safely exploring either method.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any form of cannabis consumption, there are potential side effects to keep in mind.
Tinctures: Taking too high a dose can lead to drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness. Stick to small amounts at first, and consult your healthcare provider if you’re on medications, as CBD might interfere with liver enzymes that process certain drugs.
Edibles: Overconsumption is the most common issue due to their delayed onset. High doses can cause anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased heart rate. Start with a small serving, and remember that the effects can last hours.
If you’re new to cannabis, consider tinctures over edibles. They’re easier to dose and offer a shorter duration of effects, making them less overwhelming for first-timers. For extra caution, you can choose balanced or CBD-dominant products with ratios such as 1:1 or 2:1 CBD to THC to minimize intoxicating effects.
Making Cannabis Work for You
Cannabis tinctures and edibles present versatile consumption methods with benefits suited for different needs. Tinctures are ideal for those seeking precise, quick-onset effects, while edibles may better suit those needing long-lasting relief. Whichever you choose, take your time experimenting with different doses, listen to your body, and enjoy the process.
If you’re ready to start your medical cannabis journey but not sure where to begin, ElevateCareNP is here to help! Book an appointment today for a medical cannabis certification visit with our experienced team.
Sources:
Saint Louis, C. (2015, June 23). Edible marijuana labels often have potency wrong, study says. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/health/labels-for-edible-marijuana-often-err-on-potency-study-says.html
Williams, A. (2022, June 9). Cannabis tinctures 101: How to make, consume, and dose them. Leafly. Retrieved from https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-tinctures-101-what-are-they-how-to-make-them-and-how-to
ARCannabisClinic. (2024, July 9). Marijuana tincture vs edible: Which is best for you? Retrieved from https://www.arcannabisclinic.com/post/marijuana-tincture-vs-edible-which-is-best-for-you
Dad Grass Blog. (n.d.). Edibles vs. tinctures: Which is better for me? Dad Grass. Retrieved from https://dadgrass.com/blogs/dad-grass-blog/edibles-v-tinctures-which-is-better-for-me
THC Health. (n.d.). Understanding THC tinctures. Retrieved from https://www.thchealth.com/cannabis-products/tinctures/
The information in this post is intended for educational purposes only. This information neither substitutes for nor replaces professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No content on this site should ever be regarded as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
