How To Use a CBD Tincture for Wellness

WRITTEN BY DR. SWATHI

With the rise of CBD products, it is natural to have questions about the different ways to consume it. While cannabinoids, like CBD, have been researched for many conditions, it can be difficult to know how to integrate them into your daily life. Read on to see how CBD tinctures can be a part your new, revamped wellness routine.

What are tinctures?

Tinctures can be a quick, convenient, and safe way to consume CBD. Tinctures have been around for thousands of years with its origins in ancient methodologies of medicine such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. They are made by infusing cannabinoids into a liquid, usually alcohol, grapeseed oil, hemp oil, or MCT oil. This liquid extract can help you get the benefits of cannabis without any smoke or vapor.

Why should I choose a tincture?

Tinctures are a type of cannabis formulation that come in small, well-sealed, smell proof glass bottles that are easy to carry in your purse, transport in your suitcase, store in your medicine cabinet, and showcase on your nightstand.

When comparing tinctures to smoking, tinctures are without a doubt cleaner and healthier to ingest cannabis. Smoking can irritate and exacerbate any lung issues due to the toxic and carcinogenic components.

As a healthcare practitioner, (one of) the best things about tinctures is the precision when it comes to dosing. When you smoke cannabis or consume an edible, it can be hard to fully know what dose are you ingesting. But, with a tincture, you can carefully measure the dose with a graduated pipette.

Start low and go slow.

You may have heard this phrase before. It's a cannabis practitioner's favorite phrase when discussing cannabis dosing. With a pipette clearly labeled with the amount of milliliters, you are able to slowly titrate (the science-y way of saying increasing) your dose.

How do I use a tincture?

Cannabis tinctures can be used in three ways:

Sublingual (under the tongue)

To consume a tincture sublingually, insert the pipette into the bottle and squeeze the rubber top to load the dropper with the desired amount. Squirt the liquid from the dropper under your tongue. For optimal absorption, hold it there for at least 30-60 seconds. When you use tincures sublingually, it is able to reach the bloodstream quicker to produce its effects.

Oral (via the mouth)

Tinctures can also be swallowed like any other liquid to exert its effects. When swallowed, research shows that there is decreased absorption, meaning that it may not have the same level of benefit as it would if you ingested it sublingually. It may still have an effect, but it could take a longer to time to work as it passes from your mouth down to your stomach and intestines.

In foods, liquids, or recipes

Tinctures can be added to foods, liquids (think: homemade juices, smoothies, or lattes), and incorporated into recipes. Onset of effects will be similar to edibles.

What if I am new to CBD or cannabis?

Welcome! If you are brand new to using cannabinoids, you are in great company. The average American is curious about CBD products whether or not they have tried them yet. When you purchase an Element Apothec tincture, I suggest starting with a 1/4 dropper for the first few days of introducing it into your daily routine. If you do not feel the desired effects, then I suggest increasing the dose incrementally by 1/4 dropper every few days.

Everyone's endocannabinoid system is wired uniquely, so the dose that works for you may not work for your sister or significant other. To learn more about this fascinating topic, check out our educational endocannabinoid content!

If you have any questions about cannabis, CBD, or tincures, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via Dr. Swathi's Corner. Look forward to chatting with you soon!