Cannabis Tinctures for Beginners
What are cannabis tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are liquid, cannabis-infused products. The product is made by using a solvent like alcohol to pull the terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD and THC from the plant. The final product is essentially alcohol that is infused with the pertinent components of the cannabis plant. Cannabis tinctures are sold in glass bottles with droppers, so that the consumer can measure the amount they want to take.
How to consume a cannabis tincture
The general rule is to start out with a low dose, maybe about two milligrams, and adjust as needed to achieve the desired effects. Most people prefer to take tinctures by placing their dose under their tongue and waiting around 20 to 30 seconds before swallowing. This allows the cannabinoids to get into the bloodstream quicker; usually within 10 to 15 minutes.
Another option is to simply swallow the tincture, but keep in mind the effects can take a little longer to kick in when consumed this way (possibly up to an hour or more).
Look at the tincture bottle to determine how many milligrams of THC the tincture contains per milliliter. If the tincture contains 5mg of THC per 1ml, and you want to consume 10mg of THC, you’ll need to consume 2ml of tincture to reach 10mg of THC. Again, use the dropper to measure the number of millimeters you plan to consume.
This product is an example of a tincture with the “golden ratio.”
Whenever you see a marijuana product that has a ratio on it, it indicates the amount of milligrams of CBD to THC. For example, a product labeled as a 1:1 means for every milligram of CBD in the product, there will be one milligram of THC as well. This is often called the “golden ratio” and is a great place for beginners to start. One of the main reasons why so many people find the 1:1 THC:CBD ratio so appealing is because the effects are tolerable. There is some evidence that CBD may tame or dampen THC’s psychoactivity and side effects.
Oops, I took too much…now what?
Though we want to avoid this situation, there may come a time where you ingest too much marijuana and begin to feel uncomfortable. The best advice comes from cannabis physician Dr. Bonni Goldstein, who says, “First, and most important: talk yourself down. You are not going to stop breathing and you are not going to die … Try to take your mind off it. Watch television for the distraction, or lie down and take a nap.”
We also advise you to drink plenty of water to help flush the THC out of your system. Staying hydrated can also help to reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms of over consumption, such as dry mouth and headache.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to find a quiet, comfortable place to relax. Lay down, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Surrounding yourself with familiar and comforting things can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Lastly, an overdose on THC is not likely to be fatal, but it can be very uncomfortable and may cause symptoms of psychosis or lead to serious physical injury. If the effects of cannabis become too much, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.