potential food allergens ( like some edibles ). It also allows you to be flexible with dosing , unlike some edibles , where the base dosage may be much higher . Additionally , since tinctures are made using the entire cannabis plant , you benefit from all the different cannabinoids present in the whole plant .
Cannabis companies operating in legal markets are required by law to include accurate dosing information for ingestible products . If you pick up a tincture from your local dispensary , it will have dosing information on the packaging . Most health and CBD stores also provide this , but THC-free tinctures don ’ t always go through the same degree of testing . Your ideal dose will depend on your tolerance as well as the goal of taking the tincture . If the tincture has been formulated to help with sleep , you may want a single high dose to ensure sedation .
If you intend to use the tincture for general daytime wellness , you may find that multiple microdoses throughout the day may achieve a more uplifting experience . As I have stated before , with anything cannabis related , you should start low and go slow . In a 1-ounce bottle , one full dropper typically equates to 1 ml , so I advise starting with a quarter dropper or less if you have a low tolerance or do not regularly consume high amounts of cannabis . You can go for half a dropper if you feel more confident . For maximum efficacy , use the dropper to deposit the tincture under the tongue and let it sit for 30 seconds before swallowing . The mouth has absorbent tissue called oral mucosa , essentially a mucous membrane that lines the inside of cheeks , lips , and under the tongue that helps fight disease and keeps our mouths healthy . It also absorbs tinctures and administers cannabinoids into the bloodstream directly without going through the stomach or liver .
On the left is ZEN Fresh Mint Sativa 4:1 Tincture ( 100mg ). Available at GreenLight $ 15 .
Tinctures typically take effect within 15-30 minutes if left to sit under the tongue for 30-45 seconds . Directly swallowing a tincture can compromise its efficacy as your body won ’ t absorb it the way it will an edible or food item . Tinctures mixed with food will take longer to take effect but may yield a more potent high .
Tinctures should include dosing information and onset time in their packaging . Be sure to go over this information with your budtender so that you are clear on what amount of cannabis you are ingesting with each dropper full of the tincture . As with other products , tinctures should have a testing label attached with information about the contents in the bottle .
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .
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