Licensed Cannabis Medical and Recreational Dispensaries

While cannabis tinctures are by no means new, as they date back to the Ancient Egyptians, they have become especially popular during the current surge of cannabis product development. Tinctures are often preferred by cannabis users who wish to administer a precise dose of CBD and/or THC without negatively impacting their lungs or respiratory system. These concentrated liquid doses are typically placed directly under the tongue for absorption via the thin membrane there, a process known as sublingual administration.

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Before we dive into finding your optimal cannabis tincture dose, though, you need&nbsp; an understanding of how CBD, THC, and other cannabinoid compounds will work within your body.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

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After you consume cannabis in any form (though eating edibles, of course, takes more time due to digestion), cannabinoid compounds enter the bloodstream, where they are carried throughout the body. These cannabinoids interact with chemical receptors that are a part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).&nbsp;

The ECS is a major cell-signaling system that plays a part in regulating a wide range of processes and functions, including mood, sleep, memory, fertility, and sleep. There are three core components to this system: phytocannabinoids/endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.&nbsp;

Your body produces endocannabinoids to target the two endocannabinoid receptor types: CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system. When the endocannabinoids bind to the receptor, they modulate the way that the receptor relays signals for a variety of bodily processes, then enzymes break down endocannabinoids once they have served their purpose. Though the ECS is complex and exactly how it functions is unknown, it is understood that the phytocannabinoids within cannabis can act on the ECS much like endocannabinoids because they are similarly structured.

In addition, cannabinoids and other compounds found in the cannabis plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, and more, interact with one another as well as upon the ECS. These compounds working synergistically to exert an impact on a cannabis user has been termed the entourage effect.&nbsp;

In theory, this means that all the compounds within cannabis work together to produce a variety of different effects that may be more beneficial than if they occurred separately. For example, CBD appears to both exert its own effects on the body as well as mellowing the effects of THC; the combination may help improve the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis products, including tinctures.

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Although tinctures can be swallowed directly or added to foods to create cannabis-infused products, tincture doses are most often taken by placing the liquid under the tongue and holding it there for a few moments so it can absorb into the bloodstream via the mucous membrane that resides there. There are a few reasons this route of administration is often preferable for cannabis users.

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It is important to hold the tincture in your mouth as long as possible to ensure maximum transfer of cannabis compounds across the mucous membrane. This transfer directly into the bloodstream lends tinctures their speediest and most potent effects. If the tincture is swallowed, you will still feel the effects of the dose, but it will take longer to work because it will be processed through your GI tract.

Related Reading: <a href="https://zenleafdispensaries.com/learn/administration-methods/">How to Dose Cannabis</a>

Other minor cannabinoids used to infuse tinctures include THCA for its analgesic and anxiolytic properties, sans euphoria, while CBN is included for its reported sedating and relaxing effects.

Finding the right tincture for your needs is only the first component that goes into effective tincture dosing. The next component involves determining the dose that provides you with the most beneficial effects or symptom relief without becoming overwhelming. To do so, it’s important to start with a low dose, then increase your dose incrementally until you arrive at your ideal effects. This process, known as titrating a dose, enables you to avoid unpleasant side effects that can reduce the relief you may experience from the tincture. And as you titrate, ensure that you’re…

If you're like many people, it will likely be difficult to recall exactly how you felt after taking each dose, how long you experienced it, and how it felt compared to other dose strengths. The most effective way to prevent this is by keeping a cannabis journal during your titration weeks.

Writing down the dose you took and what you feel as it happens can help you identify patterns that will be useful as you determine your steps moving forward. It can also help identify other outside factors that may be affecting how you feel while using cannabis. The more complete and personal your records are, the better you will be able to tailor your dosage to create a positive cannabis experience.

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Although tinctures are quite simple to administer accurately, especially those packaged with glass droppers or syringes, it’s important to determine the correct dose for your cannabis goals, tincture formulation, and body type. This dosage guide is meant to provide you with a few simple steps to ensure a personalized and positive experience. With their wide variety and fully customizable doses, <a href="https://zenleafdispensaries.com/learn/cannabis-products/oral/">tinctures</a> can be beneficial for a substantial number of cannabis users.

If you need more help finding your ideal tincture, landing on your perfect dose, or determining what you can expect from the titration process, reach out to your nearest <a href="https://zenleafdispensaries.com/store-locator/">Zen Leaf dispensary</a>.

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Boehnke, K. F., Yakas, L., Scott, J. R., DeJonckheere, M., Litinas, E., Sisley, S., Clauw, D. J., Williams, D. A., &amp; McAfee, J. (2022). A mixed methods analysis of cannabis use routines for chronic pain management. Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 7. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00116-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00116-7</a>

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Gibson, L. P., Karoly, H. C., Ellingson, J. M., Klawitter, J., Sempio, C., Squeri, J. E., Bryan, A. D., Bidwell, L. C., &amp; Hutchison, K. E. (2022). Effects of cannabidiol in cannabis flower: Implications for harm reduction. Addiction biology, 27(1), e13092. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13092</a>

Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C., Arboleda, M. F., &amp; Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 19. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w</a>

Dosing with Cannabis Tinctures

Danyal Swan

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