Tinctures remain one of the most popular ways to get in that daily dose of cannabinoids, whether they be the more therapeutic ones (CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.) or the more recreational, psychoactive ones (HHC, delta 8 THC, THC-P, etc.). What they all share in common is that they come in dropper bottles that makes dosing easy, and even offer super pure formulas consisting of hemp extracts and a carrier oil that’s easy on the digestive system. Absorbed below the tongue, they work quickly and last long, to give you the best of both worlds, so to speak.
We want to take a look at our favorite tinctures at The Calm Leaf, highlighting a variety of brands, formulas, and cannabinoids, as there really is something for everyone.
An Overview of Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid extracts that combine use one or more cannabinoid with a solvent, typically alcohol or a carrier oil. Tinctures are one of the oldest methods of concentrating plant compounds in medicine, and they offer a discreet, efficient, and easy-to-dose method of cannabinoid consumption. They are particularly favored for their fast absorption when used sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for quick onset of effects compared to edibles, which have to pass through the digestive system. Keep in mind, you need to make sure to store your tinctures in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life. You see, alcohol or carrier oil acts as a preservative, but light and heat can still degrade the cannabinoids over time.
How Tinctures are Made/Formulated
The process for making these is pretty simple enough:
1. Extraction:
- Alcohol-Based Tinctures: High-proof alcohol is used as the solvent to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant material. The plant matter is soaked in alcohol for a period, then strained out, leaving a potent liquid extract. Alcohol serves both as a solvent and a preservative.
- Oil-Based Tinctures: Carrier oils (like hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil) are used instead of alcohol to extract cannabinoids from the plant. This method involves gently heating the cannabis plant material with the carrier oil to facilitate the transfer of cannabinoids and terpenes into the oil.
2. Filtration and Purification: After the initial extraction, the liquid is filtered to remove any residual plant material. Further purification steps may be taken to refine the tincture, depending on the desired potency and clarity.
3. Dilution: Especially in the case of very potent extracts, the concentrate may be diluted with more alcohol or carrier oil to achieve the desired concentration of cannabinoids.
4. Packaging: The final tincture is stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from light, which can degrade cannabinoids. A dropper is often included for easy dosing.
How to Use Tinctures
Tinctures can simple be used in the following ways:
- Sublingual Administration: The most common and effective way to use tinctures is by placing a few drops under the tongue and holding it there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This method allows cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, providing quicker effects than ingestion.
- Ingestion: Tinctures can also be swallowed directly or added to foods and beverages. This method results in a slower onset of effects, as the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system.
- Topical Application: Some tinctures, especially those in oil, can be applied topically for potential localized relief.
What to Look For in Tinctures
When shopping for tinctures, it's crucial to assess several factors to ensure you're getting a high-quality, effective product that meets your needs, such as the following:
1. Cannabinoid Spectrum: Tinctures can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate-based:
- Full-spectrum tinctures contain all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum tinctures have a similar composition but without THC.
- Isolates are pure CBD or another cannabinoid.
Your choice depends on your preference for the "entourage effect" and THC content.
2. Potency: Check the tincture's potency, usually measured in milligrams of cannabinoids per bottle. Higher potency means more pronounced effects but also requires careful dosing. Select a potency that aligns with your tolerance and health goals.
3. Carrier Oil: Carrier oils improve the bioavailability of cannabinoids, meaning your body absorbs them more efficiently. Common carrier oils include MCT oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil. Each has different benefits, so choose based on your dietary preferences and any allergies.
4. Extraction Method: Agian, the quality of a tincture is significantly influenced by the extraction method used to obtain cannabinoids from the hemp plant.
5. Third-Party Lab Testing: Reputable brands provide third-party lab test results, or Certificates of Analysis (COAs), for their products. These tests verify the tincture's cannabinoid content, potency, and purity, ensuring it's free from contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
6. Ingredients: Look for tinctures made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid products with unnecessary additives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. Some tinctures may include additional beneficial ingredients like herbal extracts or vitamins to enhance their therapeutic effects.
7. Taste: While some people prefer unflavored tinctures for their natural taste, others may find them too earthy or bitter. Many brands offer flavored tinctures using natural agents like essential oils or fruit extracts to improve taste.
8. Packaging: Proper packaging is essential to protect the tincture from light and air, which can degrade cannabinoids over time. Dark glass bottles with airtight, child-resistant droppers are standard.
9. Brand Reputation: Choose products from reputable, well-reviewed brands that are transparent about their hemp sourcing, production processes, and lab testing. Customer reviews can provide insight into the product's effectiveness and the company's customer service.
10. Price: Compare prices across different brands and potencies to ensure you're getting good value. However, the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and safety.
11. Legality and Compliance: Ensure the tincture complies with local laws, especially concerning THC content.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Precision Dosing: Tinctures come with droppers that allow for precise dosage control, making it easier to achieve consistent effects.
- Ease of Use: Tinctures are straightforward to use; they can be consumed directly under the tongue (sublingually) or added to foods and drinks.
- Discreet and Portable: They offer a discreet consumption method without smoke or vapor, and their small size makes them portable and easy to store.
- Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, tinctures have a long shelf life compared to edibles and flowers.
- Quick Onset When Used Sublingually: Absorption through the blood vessels under the tongue can lead to quicker effects compared to edibles.
- Versatility: Tinctures can be used for a range of therapeutic purposes and are available in various cannabinoid profiles to suit different needs.
Cons:
- Taste: Some users may find the taste of hemp and cannabinoid tinctures (especially those alcohol-based) to be strong or unpleasant.
- Delayed Effects When Ingested: If added to food or drinks, the effects can be delayed (similar to edibles) and may vary depending on metabolism and stomach contents.
- Dosage Adjustment Required: Finding the right dose can require some experimentation, which might be inconvenient or frustrating for new users.
Our Favorite Tinctures of 2024
All of the hemp tinctures below come from highly trusted brands in the hemp industry and have been lab-tested by a third party for purity, safety, and quality. They also contain clean ingredients, so you can feel good about each serving that you take.
Tincture #10: Hemptown USA Full Spectrum CBG Tincture
CBG is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid that’s gotten plenty of hype over the years for its multitude of potential benefits related to mood, energy, physical discomfort, and more. Hemptown USA (who has been in our industry since 2018) has crafted an amazing CBG tincture that allows you to enjoy your daily dose as easily as possible. With two high-potency strengths to choose from – 2500mg or 5000mg per 30ml bottle – it offers fantastic effectiveness, and it comes in two delicious flavors: Spearmint and Mandarin Orange.
Tincture #9: BioWellnessX Delta 10 THC Tincture with PCR Hemp Oil
With a heavy emphasis on the therapeutic side of the hemp plant since 2106, North-Carolina-based BioWellnessX has introduced a generous variety of premium products to the cannabinoid-loving public. Delta 10 THC is a mildly intoxicating, mood-lifting cannabinoid that comes in all kinds of product forms, but those seeking out a delta 10 tincture can’t go wrong with this formula. With 2000mg per 30ml bottle, it combines delta 10 THC distillate with full-spectrum PCR oil – that is, phytocannabinoid-rich oil, which offers a higher concentration of beneficial, minor cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Tincture #8: CBD Made Easy Energy & Focus: THCV Hemp Oil
CBD Made Easy continues to craft some of the most truly exceptional and unique formulations out there. One of them being THCV Hemp Oil. THCV is a nice cannabinoid to try in a tincture form, as proven by this company. Their Energy & Focus formula contains 10mg THCV per serving, with THCV being a very mildly intoxicating cannabinoid that’s widely known for its many unique positive benefits. Like all of the tinctures we’re covering today, this one has a fully plant-based formula, and lacks any flavoring, for those who want a straightforward routine without any additives.
Tincture #7: Pops Premium Delta 8 THC Holistic Tincture
Another great delta 8 tincture comes from Pops Premium, with 1000mg delta 8 distillate per bottle. Consisting solely of delta 8 distillate and MCT oil, the formula is additive-free, easy to take, and comes from a brand known for their dedication to quality, safety, and consistency.
Tincture #6: Farma Barn CBDA Isolate Lemon Flavored Tincture
Farma Barn hemp products are all handcrafted including their CBDA Isolate Lemon Flavored Tincture. For those who don’t know, CBDA is the raw form of CBD, prior to decarboxylation, and researchers are taking a keen interest in its valuable properties that are totally unique from those of cannabidiol. Taking CBDA in tincture form is a great way to enjoy the full extent of its abilities, as heating the cannabinoid, like through vaping, would simply convert the CBDA into CBD. Their CBDA Isolate Lemon Flavored Tincture can do wonders for your daily hemp regimen, offering a tasty lemon flavor while supplying you with 1200mg of the cannabinoid per 30ml bottle.
Tincture #5: Kind Oasis CBN Relief Tincture
When it comes to clean, relief-based hemp-infused products, the perfect oasis has arrived with a Kind Oasis CBN Relief Tincture. CBN is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that offers a mellowing effect that can be great for taking before bedtime. We love this formula in particular, made by one of the most reputable brands in the industry. It contains 750mg CBN per 30ml bottle, with a dose that can leave you feeling calm and at total ease. Keep in mind, it’s highly recommended to leave this one for nighttime, since it can cause drowsiness despite not getting you high.
Tincture #4: ELYXR CBC Nano Infused Tincture
Although ELYXR specializes in a lot of mild to high psychoactive cannabinoids, their CBC Nano Infused Tincture shows another side of their company. CBC, or cannabichromene, is nonintoxicating, and can be quite beneficial to our daily lives. This tincture contains nano-emulsified CBC to ensure effective absorption of the cannabinoid into the body for max results. With 1000mg CBC per 30ml bottle, you will get a solid dose, while enjoying either Citrus Orange or Peppermint flavor.
Tincture #3: Hempzilla Connoisseur Select Premium Lifter Hemp CBD Oil Tincture
Hempzilla continues to spread awareness of the greatness that’s CBD (cannabidiol). Their Connoisseur Select Premium Lifter Hemp CBD Oil Tincture isn’t just any ol’ CBD tincture – it’s a formula made with top-of-the-line hemp extract derived from organic hemp flower buds grown in Oregon, handpicked for perfection. The rich golden color reflects the purity and potency, and it comes in a sativa-dominant strain known as Lifter, which can help you feel uplifted and focused. It contains full-spectrum hemp extract, with about 33mg per dropper.
Tincture #2: Binoid HHC Tincture
Binoid continues to create the most exciting formulas to hit the hemp marketplace. Their HHC Tincture is the most psychoactive formula on this list, since HHC is about as powerful as delta 9 THC. Each 30ml bottle contains a generous 1000mg of HHC distillate along with full-spectrum hemp extract, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a stronger high through sublingual absorption, acting as a great alternative to vapes.
Tincture #1: Trojan Horse Cannabis Delta 9 THC + CBD 10:1 Blood Orange Tincture
Trojan Horse Cannabis is an Arizona-based company that has built a reputation on both integrity and commitment to transparency. This exceptional tincture displays this and more by offering a 10:1 ratio of CBD-to-delta 9, allowing you to customize your dosage to satisfy your delta 9 cravings. CBD and delta 9 balance one another out, and the tincture’s blood orange flavor takes satisfaction to new heights. Each milliliter supplies 2mg delta 9 and 20mg CBD.
A Few Drops is All You Need for a Nice Mind & Body Feel and Experience!
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t you think it’s about time to incorporate a tincture into your routine? These awesome formulas carry some of the best hemp extracts in the world, and you can discover them here at The Calm Leaf, along with a wide variety of others. Not to mention, each comes h third-party lab test tested in various milligram strengths, flavors, sizes, cannabinoid blends, and more.