Tincture

A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract dissolved in a carrier solvent and dispensed by dropper, oral syringe, or metered pump. Traditional tinctures use high-proof ethanol; modern cannabis tinctures also use MCT oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, or vegetable glycerin. Typical concentrations run 10–50mg per milliliter, sold in 15mL or 30mL glass bottles with graduated droppers that allow titration as fine as 0.5mg. ⚠️ The sublingual-versus-swallowed distinction is often overstated. Consumers are frequently advised to hold tincture under the tongue for 60–90 seconds for "sublingual" absorption that bypasses the liver. Pharmacokinetic data from the oromucosal spray nabiximols show, however, that the 11-hydroxy-THC to THC ratio after sublingual dosing is similar to the ratio after oral dosing, indicating most of the dose is swallowed and metabolized in the liver regardless of hold time. Sublingual THC bioavailability is estimated at roughly 13% — only slightly above the 4–12% oral range. Practically, many tinctures function as oral edibles in dropper form, with a small portion absorbed through the oral mucosa. Onset reported in the field is 15–45 minutes, duration 2–4 hours when mostly mucosal, extending to 4–8 hours when swallowed. → See also: Sublingual, Oil (consumable), onset (Part 5). ---