If you haven’t tried a cannabis tincture yet, your knowledge base is about to change for the better. Precise, discreet, and versatile, these cannabis-infused products make consistent dosing a snap. More than just a medical option, they’re a great cannabis delivery system for medical and recreational consumers alike.
For both newcomers and those coming back to the cannabis scene, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to use a cannabis tincture effectively and safely. Follow along as we dive into the nitty-gritty and answer all your burning questions.
What To Know About Using Cannabis Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts taken under the tongue or mixed into food and drinks. They’re smoke-free, fast-acting, and easy to dose, making them ideal for beginners and experienced consumers alike. Available in THC, CBD, or balanced formulas, tinctures are often used for relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep with precise, consistent results.
Start low (2–5 mg) and increase slowly to find your comfort zone. Taken sublingually, tinctures work within 15–45 minutes; mixed into food, they take longer but last longer too. Store them in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness for up to a year. Portable, discreet, and versatile, tinctures are one of the simplest and most reliable ways to enjoy cannabis.
Why Choose a Cannabis Tincture?
If it sounds strange to take cannabis in the form of a drop, think again. Weed tinctures are fast-acting, discreet, and a smoke-free alternative to vaping or edibles. And since it comes in a tiny bottle, infused tinctures are highly portable and ready to roll wherever you are.
They also offer extremely precise dosing with no odor—an excellent option for beginners, or those who want to try microdosing.
Many also choose tinctures to support wellness goals such as managing stress, discomfort, or sleep challenges, thanks to their exact dosing and fast-acting potential. When CBD tinctures entered the picture, some even chose them for managing symptoms of epilepsy. They can be taken sublingually for a quicker onset or added to food and drinks for a slower, more gradual effect.
How to Use a Cannabis Tincture
There are various methods for taking cannabis tinctures, but whichever one you choose, remember to shake the bottle gently before use. You can use the dropper to measure out the amount of cannabis tincture in milligrams, as indicated on the label. Now, let’s get started:
Sublingual Technique
One of the most effective ways to use a cannabis tincture is by taking it sublingually, which is the act of placing it under your tongue for fast absorption. Here’s how to do it:
- Dispense your measured dose directly from the dropper under your tongue.
- Wait 30 – 60 seconds before swallowing the tincture. Thanks to the network of blood vessels there, the cannabinoids will be absorbed far more rapidly than if swallowed—typically within 15 – 45 minutes.
That’s it! You’ve successfully taken a weed tincture sublingually. Many find this is a distinct advantage over edibles, which typically take longer to take effect.
Mixing Into Food or Drinks
Alternatively, you can add a measured dose of tincture to your favorite food or beverage. However, there are a few things to remember when you’re learning how to use a cannabis tincture this way:
- The onset will be slower, typically between 30 and 90 minutes, and may last up to 2 hours.
- The effects will be longer-lasting than with sublingual application. How long do tinctures last? Between 4 and 6 hours, in some cases even more.
- Finally, it’s best to mix tinctures with foods or beverages that are at room temperature or cool. Why? High heat can degrade the cannabinoids in a tincture.
This method is ideal for those who prefer a slower onset and a longer-lasting experience, with the added benefit of blending seamlessly into your daily routine.
Dosing Tips for Beginners
Since cannabis tinctures have a delayed onset compared with inhaled cannabis, remember to follow the “golden rule” of cannabis dosing: start low and go slow. You can always take a second dose, but we recommend waiting at least two hours before doing so in order to fully gauge how your individual body responds, especially on your first try. This added caution can significantly cut down the risk of having more cannabis than you intended to and experiencing a less-than-pleasant session.
What’s the right cannabis tincture dosage for you? While everyone’s a bit different, you can break down dosages this way:
- 2–5 mg THC or CBD: A typically recommended starting dose for first-time users and microdosers.
- 5–10 mg: This is considered a moderate dose and will impart noticeable psychoactivity from THC.
- 10–20 mg+: This dosage is best for experienced cannabis consumers, or those with very high tolerances.
Keep in mind that while dosages and onset times usually fall within the ranges we shared, they can also be longer or shorter. How a specific cannabis tincture dosage affects us depends on certain variables, including an individual’s age, weight, metabolism, and recent food intake.
Onset Time and How Long Tinctures Last
Cannabinoids in cannabis tinctures take longer to take effect, so timing is an important concern with this form of cannabis. Here are some guidelines to help you plan your tincture use:
- Sublingual: 15 – 30 min onset; lasts between 2 – 6 hours.
- Swallowed/mixed: 45 – 90 min onset; lasts between 4 – 8 hours, in some cases even longer.
It’s essential to pace your doses to avoid overconsumption, as weed tinctures take longer to take effect than inhaled cannabis. Remember to wait at least two hours before taking a second dose.
And, as with any cannabis product, there is the potential for side effects. These may include dry mouth, red eyes, lethargy, difficulty in coordination, and, in extreme cases, anxiety or even paranoia. In the majority of cases, these sensations aren’t actually dangerous, but if you find they’re persisting for hours, you may want to seek medical advice just in case.
How to Store Cannabis Tinctures
Many of our dispensary guests ask, “How long do tinctures last?” Like all cannabis products, heat, light, and oxygen are the enemies of potency and freshness. With proper cannabis tincture storage, this format is extremely shelf-stable, with some forms able to retain their potency for several years. To preserve your tincture:
- Store it in a cool, dark place—like a cabinet or drawer, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep the cap tightly sealed to limit air exposure.
- Avoid storing tinctures near heat sources, including stoves or windowsills.
- Refrigeration isn’t required, but it can help extend freshness, especially for oil- or glycerin-based formulas.
Do tinctures expire? If the odor has changed or the liquid has separated or grown cloudy, it’s time to toss it. Alcohol-based tinctures are the most durable, often lasting 12 months or more when properly stored. Oil- or glycerin-based tinctures, on the other hand, typically last between 6 – 12 months.
Ready to Try a Quality Weed Tincture? Just Think Mission
Portable, discreet, and extremely user-friendly, a weed tincture may be the miracle worker of the cannabis world. With precise and easy-to-use dosing, they’re a great option for cannabis beginners, those exploring microdosing, or those who prefer the effects of cannabis without the smoke or vapor.
Want to know more about the world of cannabis tinctures, or even how to make a cannabis tincture at home? We’ve got you covered! And if you’re ready to try a cannabis tincture for yourself, begin the journey at your nearest Mission dispensary, where you can explore THC and CBD tinctures along with expert, personalized guidance.
FAQs About Using Cannabis Tinctures
Do tinctures get you high?
Yes, if a cannabis tincture contains the cannabinoid THC, it will get you high, though the effects will take longer to start than with inhaled cannabis. If you’re trying to avoid psychoactivity, consider trying high-CBD or all-CBD tinctures instead.
Can I cook with tinctures?
Yes, cannabis tincture can be added to foods or beverages, but it’s important to note that high heat can degrade its potency. That’s why it’s better to add them to cool or cold products, where there’s no chance of affecting their potency.
What’s the difference between THC and CBD tinctures?
THC is the dominant cannabinoid in cannabis, and it’s the one most directly responsible for that psychoactive high. By comparison, CBD imparts at most a gentle cerebral “buzz”—most people find CBD tinctures to be more calming.
Do cannabis tinctures expire?
Weed tinctures have an extremely long shelf life, up to two years if stored carefully. To maintain optimal potency, we recommend storing it in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight.
How long does it take for tinctures to kick in?
If you consume a cannabis tincture by swallowing it or adding it to a food or beverage, you can expect it to take effect within 30 to 90 minutes. If you take it sublingually, or under the tongue, the effects will generally take between 15 and 45 minutes to become noticeable.
