By Michelle Ann Rizzio
Last week we explored edibles as a method of consuming cannabis, and how it influences your body and behavior. This week we will be exploring sublinguals and tinctures. On the market currently, there are many variations of sublinguals available. Tinctures are made by introducing infused decarboxylated cannabis, which has been activated to release THC, to a base liquid such as coconut oil, or an herbal blend. Most tinctures are created through an alcohol base, but there are also brands which do not use alcohol base extracts. Tinctures can be taken sublingually–under the tongue–, topically on points of pain, as well as in food items to infuse juices, soups, ice creams and more. Tinctures are rapidly absorbed through the arterial blood supply under your tongue. This area absorbs THC very rapidly. If placing your tincture into a food item, be aware that the influence it will have on you will mimic similar feelings of an edible due to it being metabolized through your liver. Onset may be slower.
Tinctures are a wonderful option for individuals looking for the wellness benefits of cannabis but perhaps cannot smoke or do not want to smoke. They are also a perfect option for the smoker when they want or need to be more discreet about their dosing. Sublinguals are different from edibles because the direct application to the mucus membranes in the mouth allows accurate and rapid administration of the dose of your choice. With sublinguals you can also enjoy the full spectrum of cannabis benefits from the entire spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Tinctures also provide a longer duration of the wellness benefits of cannabis vs smoking, or vaporizing, although it does not exceed the duration of edibles.
A sublingual dosage of CBD, or THC rich tincture will feel like immediate relief with no negative health drawbacks, insures an accurate dosage and full experience of the entourage effect. You’ll feel the benefits of wellness or psychoactivity depending on the type of tincture you purchased. On the market you can find various brands that focus on wellness, mood, CBD only, and more.
Interested in making your own tincture? Well, get your favorite greens together and follow the instructions below. Happy dosing!
- Decarboxylate your cannabis. The easiest way to do this is to use your oven. Set your oven to 220-235, grind your material, place it on a parchment paper and a baking tray. Bake the cannabis for 30-45 minutes.
- Mix the decarboxylated materials into a mason jar with a high proof alcohol.
- Close the jar and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking it once a day.
- Within three weeks, filter your mixture with a coffee filter and start with a small dose to assess the potency of your product.
