We know that ancient Egyptians were soaking various herbs in alcohol to craft their own early forms of therapeutic tinctures. This practice was refined over the course of millennia and roughly 1,000 years ago, in 1025, The Al-Qanoon fi al Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) was published, detailing the process and purpose behind tincture creation. Today, in 2023, standing on the shoulders of giants, cannabis tinctures reign as one of the most effective and medicinal forms of cannabis consumption.
A cannabis tincture is an orally-administred liquid form of concentrated cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other essential compounds from the plant. Not to be confused with a beverage that is simply swallowed, a cannabis tincture is most effective when consumed sublingually, or under the tongue, before swallowing.
Typically sold in a glass bottle with a demarcated dropper incorporated into the lid, broad spectrum cannabis tinctures are very easy to accurately dose, particularly for beginners for whom dosage control can be crucial.
Even experienced cannabis users are often surprised at how “small” of a dose can provide their desired effects, as cannabinoid content dosing in smoked flower, vaped dabs, or digested edibles is far more ambiguous.
How To Effectively Consume A Cannabis Tincture
With a desired cannabinoid profile and dosage selected, the consumer holds the tincture under their tongue as the active ingredients from the cannabis plant are rapidly introduced into the blood stream via the vast network of capillaries found in that region. After 15-30 seconds, the tincture dose can then be swallowed for further effects.
The result of this two-stage form of consumption is a two-stage set of effects.
The rapid onset of effects from the sublingual “hold” makes tinctures a much more reliable intake method than, say, smoking or more traditional edibles. That dose IS hitting the bloodstream and the endocannabinoid system, and it IS doing so within 5-15 minutes for most consumers.
Depending on the dose, and the dominant cannabinoid(s), this brief window is often enough to put the average consumer “under the influence” of cannabis, whether than means pain management, appetite stimulation, more rewarding sleep cycles, or countless other ailments that a cannabis tincture can help alleviate.
However, the cannabis tincture is not done yet.
Once swallowed, the potent blend is digested like any other food or beverage (or cannabis edible). This long, slow process stretches the window of effects for several hours beyond what a sublingual dose alone would do.
Traveling from the mouth to the stomach, the cannabis tincture solution is broken down to its constituents and the cannabinoids are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine where they enter the bloodstream.
Next, those active cannabinoids make their way into the liver where they go through a process known as first pass metabolism. It is during this first pass metabolism where we see the conversion of delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This natural conversion boosts the potency of the cannabinoids and is the main reason why you or someone you know has been unwillingly BLASTED off edibles at least once in your life.
These newly supercharged cannabinoids are shot back into the bloodstream, seeking the cannabinoid receptors that make up our endocannbinoid system where they eventually meet up with their sublingual counterparts who have been partying and waiting for them for hours.
This long digestion/conversion/saturation process makes cannabis tinctures ideal for anyone who wants or needs a long window of effects. This is why a dropper-full of properly formulated and accurately dosed cannabis tincture before bedtime is such an appealing option for folks who may otherwise struggle with sleep
The Rich History Of The Cannabis Tincture Is Still Being Written Today
Considering the rich history of tincture crafting and use throughout human history, it is a bit shocking when you discover how few cannabis connoisseurs are familiar with this age-old form of consumption.
However, when you do find someone who has had a good cannabis tincture experience, they often tend to be pretty outspoken about it and the effects it delivered.
The problem is that – like with all things cannabis-related – there are too many brands pushing subpar products that they pass off as medicinal cannabis tinctures.
Whether it is garbage-grade biomass being used as an “active” ingredient, or some moonshine-like carrying agent that scorches the tongue when held sublingually, too many people have had midgrade experiences with midgrade cannabis tinctures.
Whoever is making that crap, 4000+ years of your ancestors are shaking their damn heads…
Fortunately, there are some reputable brands in the cannabis tincture marketplace – brands like Beard Bros Pharms!
Offering three distinct blends, each with its own cannabinoid profile, Beard Bros “RSO in a Bottle” cannabis tinctures allow the consumer to build their own “Tincture Toolbox” from which they can mix up their own highly potent personalized fusion..
If you have not added a trusted cannabis tincture to your stash yet, let us help you dial in your desired dose today.
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