While most everyone has heard of smoking marijuana or cannabis-infused edibles, tinctures are just beginning to be fully appreciated. Surprisingly enough, tinctures are one of the oldest forms of medicine. They have been used by Chinese emperors and healers in ancient times. Queen Victoria used cannabis to treat menstrual cramps. By the time of the Civil War, indica tinctures were a household drug. Apothecaries made their own tinctures until the pharmaceutical company took over and began branding cannabis tinctures. Today, there are hundreds of strains of tinctures categorized as indicas, sativas, hybrids and CBD. They offer a variety of cannabinoids, including high THC levels and equal THC and CBD ratios.
The unique beauty of tinctures is the versatility. A dose of a tincture can be placed under the tongue for sublingual absorption and quick onset of effects. The tincture can also be swallowed or added to foods and drinks such as smoothies and yogurts for the delayed effects of an edible. A tincture avoids the high calories of cannabis-infused edibles and because they are an extract offer a long shelf-life. When stored in a cool, dark environment, a tincture can remain fresh and potent for years. The compact packaging makes cannabis tinctures easy to slip into a purse, pocket or backpack for portability.
The included dropper allows for precision dosing to the milliliter. Consuming tinctures requires no specialized knowledge or equipment. They don’t create any odors, mess, ash or smoke. There is even the possibility of applying tinctures directly to the skin to treat conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. There is a growing market for pet tinctures.