A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract of cannabis, usually made with alcohol, glycerin or an oil, taken in small drops under the tongue or added to food or drinks. NIDA notes that tinctures can deliver large amounts of THC, so dosing carefully matters. Start with the smallest measured amount on the label and wait before taking more.
Tinctures are popular because they are discreet, smoke-free and easy to measure by the dropper. They are also easy to overdo. This guide explains what tinctures are, how they compare with edibles and inhaled cannabis, how to dose, what the evidence says about onset and absorption, the risks, and how to buy them legally in Washington and Oregon. It is general information for adults, not medical advice.
Cannabis Tinctures at a Glance
| Topic | What to know | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Cannabis-infused alcohol or oil, taken in small amounts under the tongue or in food or drinks | NIDA |
| Strength | Can deliver large amounts of THC | NIDA |
| Swallowed vs. inhaled | Swallowed THC peaks about 1 to 6 hours after ingestion; inhaled peaks in about 2 to 10 minutes | NCI PDQ |
| Washington serving cap | 10 mg active THC per serving, 100 mg per package for infused products | WAC 314-55-095 |
| Medical use | Cannabis is not FDA approved for any condition; FDA-approved cannabinoid drugs exist for specific uses | CDC |
What Is a Cannabis Tincture?
A tincture is a liquid extract. NIDA defines cannabis tinctures as cannabis-infused alcohol or oils consumed in small amounts under the tongue or added to food or drinks. A bottle usually comes with a dropper marked in milliliters, and the label states the total milligrams of THC or CBD in the bottle so you can work out the dose per dropper.
Tinctures can be THC-dominant, CBD-dominant or a mix. Hemp-derived CBD tinctures contain very little THC; the National Cancer Institute notes that hemp products with less than 0.3% delta-9-THC are not scheduled drugs, and that hemp or CBD oil typically contains 1% to 5% CBD. Cannabis tinctures sold in licensed stores are different and may contain intoxicating amounts of THC.
How Do Tinctures Work?
Tinctures are held under the tongue or swallowed. Part of the dose may be absorbed in the mouth and part in the digestive system, but we could not find an authoritative source that gives a reliable onset time for under-the-tongue use, so we do not state one. What is documented is the swallowed route. The NCI reports that oral cannabis has low and variable bioavailability, roughly 6% to 20%, that THC peaks 1 to 6 hours after ingestion, and that the liver converts oral THC into 11-OH-THC, a potent psychoactive metabolite. Inhaled THC, by contrast, peaks in about 2 to 10 minutes.
The practical lesson is the same as for edibles: effects can be slower and less predictable than inhaled cannabis, and people who take a second dose too soon are the ones who end up uncomfortable. NIDA says edibles typically take longer to show effects and that people may use more as a result, increasing the likelihood of serious negative health effects.
How Do Tinctures Compare With Other Methods?
| Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking or vaping | Fast, peaks within minutes | Smoke irritants; see Cannabis 101 |
| Dabbing | Fast, large THC dose | See our dabbing guide |
| Edibles | Slow, peaks 1 to 6 hours | See dosage guide |
| Tinctures | Between inhaled and edible, depending on how they are taken | Easy to measure with a dropper |
How to Dose a Tincture Safely
There is no official dosing guideline for cannabis tinctures. The approach below is general harm-reduction practice, built around the 5 mg unit proposed in a published review of a standard THC unit.
- Read the label. Find the total THC in the bottle and the bottle’s volume. Divide to get the milligrams per milliliter, then per dropper.
- Start low. A first dose of about 2.5 to 5 mg of THC is a cautious starting point for an adult with little or no experience. If a product has more THC per drop than that, measure fractions of a dropper.
- Wait at least two hours. Swallowed THC can peak up to 6 hours after you take it, so waiting two hours is a minimum, not a guarantee.
- Raise slowly. If you need more, increase by a small amount the next day, not the same session.
- Write it down. Note the product, dose, time and effect.
Washington caps infused products at 10 mg of active THC per serving and 100 mg per package (WAC 314-55-095). Oregon also limits per-serving amounts, but check the label because the numbers differ by product type.
Risks and Side Effects
Tinctures carry the same risks as other THC products. NIDA lists changes in mood, thoughts and perceptions, and notes that cannabis can raise heart rate and blood pressure right after use. Too much can cause anxiety, nausea, rapid heartbeat and confusion. NIDA also says children eating cannabis products can lead to hospitalization and serious illness, so store tinctures in a locked place, away from kids and pets. They look like ordinary dropper bottles.
- Driving: NIDA notes cannabis is the drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers in crashes. Do not drive.
- Drug interactions: the NCI notes that cannabinoids interact with the liver enzyme system, and that CBD is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 isoforms in vitro, which may affect how some medicines work. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you take other medicines.
- Pregnancy: NIDA links cannabis use during pregnancy to lower birth weight and preterm birth.
- Cannabis use disorder: NIDA estimates 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have the disorder.
If someone takes too much and feels very ill, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 for an emergency.
Making Tinctures at Home
A tincture steeps decarboxylated cannabis in a liquid such as high-proof alcohol, glycerin or a food-grade oil, then strains out the plant matter. Because dose control is hard at home and we cannot verify safe step-by-step quantities, we do not publish a recipe here. If you make your own, keep these points in mind:
- Alcohol is flammable. Keep it away from flames and heat.
- You cannot know the strength unless you test it. Treat the first homemade batch as very strong and measure tiny amounts.
- Label everything clearly and lock it away.
- Home growing is legal for adults in Oregon (4 plants per household) but, in Washington, only for registered medical patients. See the Oregon and Washington guides.
Never use butane or propane to extract cannabis. Washington’s RCW 69.50.450 reserves that process for licensed processors.
Buying Tinctures Legally
Licensed stores in Washington and Oregon sell tested tinctures to adults 21 and over. Washington’s possession limit for infused liquids is 72 ounces. Check the lab report and batch number, and see our Washington marijuana laws guide. Browse stores in our Washington and Oregon directories. For CBD questions, our CBD guide covers the evidence.
Cannabis Tinctures FAQ
What is a cannabis tincture?
It is a liquid made by infusing cannabis into alcohol or oil, taken in small amounts under the tongue or in food or drink, per NIDA.
How long does a tincture take to work?
It depends on how you take it. Swallowed THC peaks 1 to 6 hours after ingestion according to the NCI. We found no authoritative figure for under-the-tongue use, so start low and wait.
How much tincture should a beginner take?
There is no official dose. A common cautious starting point is about 2.5 to 5 mg of THC, then wait at least two hours before taking more.
Are tinctures stronger than edibles?
NIDA says tinctures can deliver large amounts of THC. Strength depends on the product, so read the milligrams on the label.
Do tinctures show up on a drug test?
THC tinctures can. We do not have a reliable source on detection times, so assume yes and ask your employer about its policy.
Are CBD tinctures the same as THC tinctures?
No. Hemp-derived CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC by law, per the NCI, while cannabis tinctures sold in licensed stores can be intoxicating.
For adults 21+ in legal states. General information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
