Patients with a certified West Virginia medical marijuana card have several options to choose from at dispensaries, with cannabis flower, vape cartridges, and distillate being some of the most popular options.
Cannabis has come a long way in the last few decades, with new and inventive ways to utilize the medicinal and recreational benefits of marijuana.
Patients who have registered for a medical marijuana certification in West Virginia can shop several cannabis products, and many patients may look for alternatives to smoking cannabis.
One of the most popular alternatives to smoking cannabis are tinctures, which are liquid cannabinoid extracts that can be consumed orally. Tinctures offer a wide array of benefits for medical marijuana patients, and many patients find tinctures can be incorporated into their schedule with ease.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tinctures, how they work, and how medical marijuana patients use tinctures for
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Tinctures Are Liquid Extracts of Cannabinoids From the Cannabis Plant
Tinctures are one of the easiest ways to dose cannabis and can be one of the more discreet ways for patients concerned with smelling like cannabis, or dosing in public.
Tinctures are liquid cannabinoid extracts that can be consumed orally, typically using a dropper-bottle.
Usually made with alcohol or ethanol, tinctures are made by decarboxylating and soaking cannabis plant material in a solution where the cannabinoids can be absorbed into the solution. The solution is then filtered and reduced to remove the solvent, leaving behind a liquid containing the cannabinoids.
Tinctures can come in a range of different compositions such as 1:1 or 2:1 CBD:THC, and tinctures can have different concentrations of THC, typically between 250mg – 1,000mg.
Are Tinctures Healthy?
Tinctures are one of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis and offer a unique approach for patients looking for an alternative to smoking or edibles.
Traditional edibles can often take a while before they take effect and last for several hours, while tinctures can work much quicker and last for nearly as long.
Tinctures can be taken in two ways, and each method has its pros and cons.
Tinctures can be consumed orally and immediately swallowed, where more THC will be processed by the liver creating a new compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent than regular THC. This is how edibles are typically processed, and it’s likely why the effects can be significantly stronger.
The other way to take tinctures is by allowing the drops to absorb underneath the tongue for 15 – 30 seconds, where it can be absorbed by the bloodstream. This method will typically get the tincture working a little quicker because less THC will be processed in the liver, offering less potent effects.
How Do Medical Marijuana Patients Use Tinctures?
Tinctures Are Discreet, Portable, & Easy to Dose
Tinctures have more benefits than existing as an alternative to smoking cannabis.
Tinctures are extremely discreet, and because only a few drops are required for an effective dose, can be very portable. Many patients find putting a few drops in their coffee or tea works very well, and tinctures can even be added to meals too.
Tinctures are also a cost-effective way to dose cannabis, as typically only 1 -3 drops are required for an effective minimum dosage.
And since the effects can last several hours, many medical marijuana patients find that tinctures offer a hassle-free way to consume cannabis without the downsides of smoking or edibles.
Should You Buy Tinctures at The Dispensary or Make Them at Home?
Whether you should buy your tinctures from the dispensary or make your own tinctures really comes down to your tolerance, expertise, and ability to accurately measure THC content.
Making your own tinctures can be a lot of fun, though it may take a few tries to get the THC content right if it’s your first time trying.
Tinctures that are made at home do have the benefit of having whatever THC content you’d like, which can be a significant pro for patients with a high tolerance to THC, though if you’re relatively new to cannabis this may not be the route for you.
A potential con for making your own tinctures is cost, because the cost of flower in West Virginia is somewhat higher, you may find concentrates you can buy at the dispensary to be a more affordable option.
Whether you choose to buy or make your tinctures, they’re an excellent alternative to smoking cannabis and can be incorporated into a treatment plan very easily.
Adding tinctures to your medical marijuana treatment plan is a great way to make sure you get the consistent dosage required to give you relief from your symptoms, and tinctures are typically one of the more affordable ways to consume cannabis.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification in
West Virginia
West Virginia’s medical marijuana program gives patients with qualifying conditions access to medical cannabis for a variety of symptoms and conditions. To receive a medical marijuana card in West Virginia, patients can consult with one of our qualified physicians who can help walk you through the process of getting a medical marijuana card today!
To get access to medical marijuana in West Virginia, patients must first obtain a medical marijuana certification from a qualified physician.
Take the steps to schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and get access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries!
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way! Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve
wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana.
Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for
our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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