What are the benefits of cannabis oils and tinctures?
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
As cannabis oil and tinctures gain momentum in the health and wellness industry, more and more people are choosing these items to address specific medical concerns and improve their overall quality of life. But what exactly are the benefits of cannabis oils and tinctures compared to other products out there?
This article dives into what sets cannabis oils and tinctures apart from the crowd and why you should consider adding them to your cannabis medicine toolkit.
The Right Cannabis for You
It’s easy to dose cannabis oils and tinctures precisely
Cannabis oils and tinctures purchased from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary often come in bottles with droppers that allow users to control the dosage. On each dropper, measurements (usually in milliliters) indicate precisely how much liquid is being dispensed with each drop. Any reliably crafted cannabis oil or tincture will disclose how many total cannabinoids are in the bottle.
By dispensing a drop or two at a time, users can titrate a more precise amount of cannabinoids depending on their needs. Compared to edibles, concentrates, or smoking flower, tinctures and oils provide a much more reliable method of consuming a consistent dose every time.
Easily find your minimum effective dose with oils and tinctures
When it comes to first-time cannabis users, it’s challenging to determine the amount of cannabinoids that work best for each individual’s needs. Thanks to the ability to precisely measure, cannabis tinctures and oils offer an excellent way to find your minimum effective dose (MED) or the smallest amount of cannabinoids needed to manage your particular condition effectively.
Knowing your minimum effective dose can save money, limit the extent of your cannabis tolerance, and select products with the correct potency that produce the most effective treatments. In finding your MED, it’s best to start with a low amount (usually between 1-2.5 milligrams of THC) then slowly increase the measurement drop by drop until you reach satisfactory results. Make sure to wait at least 60-90 minutes between doses, as repeated consumption can have a cumulatively potent experience throughout the day.
Download Our 1 Pager Guide to Dosing Medical Marijuana
Cannabis oils and tinctures offer discrete consumption methods and a variety of uses
Smoking flower produces smoke, vaping creates vape clouds, and even edibles can leave trace smells in the air. Alternatively, cannabis tinctures and oils offer a discrete and highly portable method to consuming cannabis medicine. Oil bottles are easy to carry around and fit into a pocket or purse, and their versatility makes them perfect for use no matter where patients travel.
Cannabis oils and tinctures can be consumed sublingually via droppers or easily added to coffee, juices, smoothies, or other drinks. In contrast, oils can mix in with a variety of culinary recipes. Those with skin conditions or who need a topical source of relief can easily rub cannabis oils or tinctures into the skin for localized, non-intoxicating effects.
Cannabis oils and tinctures are a low-calorie option
For consumers keeping an eye on their calorie intake, cannabis tinctures and oils are an attractive alternative. Edibles are often high in calories, particularly those crafted from cannabutter or made into sugary treats. Alternatively, tinctures are very low in calories and can be consumed without worrying about compromising your diet.
Cannabis oils contain more fat, which allows them to pass through the blood-brain barrier as they’re ingested. However, you can use cannabis oils to infuse healthier foods, such as mixing them into salad dressings or tossing them into popcorn to infuse a healthy snack.
Cannabis oils and tinctures are fast-acting
While not quite as immediate as smoking or vaping, cannabis oils and tinctures provide a relatively fast-acting method of consuming cannabis with longer-lasting effects. Oils and tinctures mixed with food or drinks usually start working within 60-90 minutes of ingestion, as they are processed in the liver before the endocannabinoid system transports it to the rest of the body.
Tinctures, when taken sublingually, can start working as quickly as 15 minutes. The cannabinoids are absorbed via blood vessels under the tongue, quickly delivering them to the brain and throughout the body.
When used topically, cannabis oils and tinctures vary in their onset time but usually kick in within 10-15 minutes. Topical tinctures and oils provide localized relief for pain and inflammatory conditions via absorption through cannabinoid receptors in the skin.
Cannabis oils and tinctures have a long shelf life
Both tinctures and cannabis oils have a lengthy shelf life when properly stored.
For cannabis oils, well-sealed products generally last anywhere between 14 months to two years, depending on the quality of the product and environmental factors. Both direct sunlight and intense heat factor into the lifespan of cannabis oils, as light, heat, and oxygen cause the THC to degrade into CBN and other cannabinoids and terpenes to lose their potency. Store cannabis oils in a dry, cool place such as a refrigerator to keep your oils fresh.
On the other hand, tinctures can last nearly indefinitely when properly sealed and stored away from light, heat, and oxygen. However, it’s essential to remember that tinctures with glycerine will degrade much more quickly than those crafted with alcohol. Make sure to read the bottle to understand how long your cannabis tincture will last in the correct storage.
In both product types, most reputable cannabis producers will include a “best by” date on the bottle and recommended storing methods.
Cannabis oils and tinctures have a variety of potential medical benefits
Cannabis oils and tinctures offer medical marijuana patients a host of potential medical uses and relief. Among many other uses, oils and tinctures are used by patients for:
- Pain relief
- Managing depression and anxiety
- Reducing cancer-related symptoms and anti-tumor properties
- Neuroprotective properties
- Managing diabetes symptoms
- Managing inflammation
- And much more.
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Oils and Tinctures
All in all, cannabis oils and tinctures offer a discreet, precisely dosed, versatile, and fast-acting method to consume and experience the benefits of cannabis. If you’re ready to discover how tinctures or oils can improve your quality of life, reach out to Leafwell to connect with a qualified medical marijuana doctor.
Get Your Medical Card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
