THC Tinctures 

Cannabis tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts made by soaking plant material in alcohol or oil. They're usually taken by placing a few drops under the tongue, where they absorb quickly into the bloodstream. Tinctures are smokeless, easy to dose, and come in a range of THC and CBD strengths, making them popular for both wellness and recreational use.

What are cannabis tinctures?

Cannabis tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made by dissolving cannabinoids from the cannabis plant into a carrier solution. Most tinctures use alcohol-based extraction methods with ethanol or oil-based formulations featuring MCT oil or glycerin as the base solvent. This extraction process pulls the valuable cannabinoids — including THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and THCA — along with beneficial terpenes from the plant material.

The beauty of tinctures lies in their dual application method. Consumers can use them sublingually by placing drops under their tongue for faster absorption directly into their bloodstream or swallow them for slower, longer-lasting effects similar to edibles. 

THC tinctures and CBD tinctures offer different experiences based on their formulation. THC tinctures provide the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, while CBD oil-based tinctures focus on non-intoxicating benefits. Many products combine both cannabinoids in specific ratios to create balanced effects.

Cannabis tinctures come in dropper bottles, which makes them different from extract oils that typically come in syringes. While both are liquid cannabis products, tinctures are specifically designed for easy drop-by-drop dosing with their built-in dropper. In contrast, extract oils in syringes are more concentrated and designed to measure smaller amounts precisely.

The dropper bottle design gives a user precise control over their dosing, typically measured in milligrams per drop or milliliter. 

How to shop for cannabis tinctures

Tincture potency and dosing

Brands show their cannabinoid content as total milligrams per bottle and how much a user gets per dropper. Beginner friendly options usually have 2.5–5 mg per dropper, while stronger products can pack 20–50 mg per dropper.

Full-spectrum vs. isolated cannabis tinctures

Consumers have two main choices: full-spectrum (which includes all the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant) or isolated products that focus on specific compounds. .

Decarboxylation and active cannabinoids

Consumers should pay attention to whether the cannabis extract has been properly decarboxylated during manufacturing. This heating process turns THCA (the compound that won't get you high) into active THC (the compound that will).

Tincture flavors and taste preferences

Flavors run the gamut from straight-up cannabis taste to fruity, minty, or botanical options. Some people love that authentic cannabis flavor, while others prefer something to cover up the sometimes bitter taste.

Carrier oils and formulation types

The carrier oil affects both taste and how long your tincture lasts. MCT oil is popular because it's neutral and stable, glycerin-based ones taste sweeter, and alcohol-based tinctures last the longest, but can taste pretty medicinal.

Getting dispensary guidance

Consumers should definitely ask their budtender about their tincture lineup when you're at the dispensary — they usually know which ones are different and can point you toward something that fits your needs.

How to use cannabis tinctures

Sublingual application method

Consumers can drop their dose under their tongue and hold it there for 30–60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the cannabinoids to absorb directly into the bloodstream, so they'll typically feel effects within 15–45 minutes.

Oral consumption and mixing options

One can also just swallow tinctures straight or mix them into drinks and food. When users go this route, they work like edibles — taking 1–2 hours to kick in but lasting 4–8 hours depending on the dose and how the body processes it.

Starting doses for beginners

New to tinctures? Users should start with the lowest dose recommended and allow ample time to assess the effects before taking more, especially if you're swallowing it. 

Proper storage and shelf life

Users should keep their tincture in a cool, dark spot away from heat and sunlight. Stored properly, it will stay potent for 1–2 years (alcohol-based ones last longer than oil-based ones). And obviously, consumers should keep it away from kids and pets.

Tracking usage and effects

Consumers may want to keep notes on how different doses affect them and whether they're using them under the tongue or swallowing them — it makes a huge difference in timing.