Cannabis tinctures are liquid cannabis products, usually sold in small bottles with a dropper. Some contain THC, some contain CBD, and some contain both. Levels Cannabis lets you compare tinctures by cannabinoid content, mg per mL and price. Choose your store to see todayβs menu.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
A cannabis tincture is a liquid made with cannabis extract and a carrier such as oil, glycerin or alcohol. You measure a quantity with a dropper instead of counting pieces or puffs. Shoppers also search for them as THC drops, cannabis drops or liquid cannabis. Each bottle lists its cannabinoids, size, carrier and directions on the label. Read all four before you buy.
Explore Cannabinoids
Tincture Types by Cannabinoid
Start with the cannabinoid profile to understand what the product contains. Formulation and concentration vary between bottles.
THC is the main cannabinoid. Check the label for the listed THC amount per milliliter and per serving, where provided. THC can cause intoxication, so follow the product directions and warnings.
CBD is the main cannabinoid. CBD is generally considered non-intoxicating, but some products may contain THC. Check the cannabinoid breakdown instead of assuming every CBD product is THC-free.
These formulations contain both cannabinoids. A 1:1 ratio generally means approximately equal listed amounts of THC and CBD. Check the actual milligram amounts as well as the ratio.
Some products combine THC or CBD with minor cannabinoids such as CBN or CBG. CBN blends may be marketed for evening use, but marketing language does not guarantee a particular effect.
Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum and Isolate
These terms describe the type of extract used. Full-spectrum products retain a broader range of plant compounds. Broad-spectrum products are processed to remove or greatly reduce THC, while isolates focus on one purified cannabinoid. Exact compositions vary, so check the label for the cannabinoids actually listed.
Understand Potency
Decode the Bottle: Total mg vs. mg per mL
Total milligrams describe the amount in the whole bottle. Milligrams per milliliter describe the concentration of the liquid.
| Example |
Total Amount |
Bottle Size |
Amount per mL |
| A |
150 mg THC |
15 mL |
10 mg/mL |
| B |
150 mg THC |
30 mL |
5 mg/mL |
| C |
1,000 mg CBD |
30 mL |
About 33.3 mg/mL |
| D |
5,000 mg CBD |
30 mL |
About 166.7 mg/mL |
How to Calculate Concentration
Total cannabinoid mg Γ· bottle volume in mL = mg per mL
Examples A and B have the same total THC amount but different concentrations because the bottle sizes differ. A 500 mg, 1,000 mg or 5,000 mg label describes the whole bottle, not automatically a single serving.
Check the dropper markings and the amount specified by the manufacturer. A full dropper may hold 1 mL or less, depending on its design. Follow the label's directions rather than estimating.
Ingredients Matter
Carrier and Flavor: Oil, Glycerin or Alcohol
The liquid base carries the cannabinoids and influences the product's taste and texture. For more detail, read our guide to what a cannabis tincture is made of.
Oil-Based
Texture: Smooth, sometimes slightly thick.
Oil-based carriers may include MCT or other oils. Products can be flavored or unflavored.
Glycerin-Based
Texture: Often sweet or syrupy.
Glycerin is used as a liquid base in some formulations and can affect the overall taste.
Alcohol-Based
Texture: Usually thinner.
Alcohol-based formulations may have a distinct taste that some shoppers find strong.
Review the ingredient list for flavorings, sweeteners and potential allergens. Unflavored products may have an earthy taste, while flavored formulations can have a more noticeable added flavor. The label is the best source for the exact ingredients.
Read the Directions
How to Take a Cannabis Tincture
Use the directions supplied with the specific product. Tinctures can be administered in different ways depending on their formulation and labeling.
Method 01
Under the Tongue
Some products are labeled for sublingual use. Measure the amount as directed, place it under the tongue, and follow the label's instructions for how long to hold it before swallowing.
Method 02
Swallowed or Added to Food
Some products can be swallowed or mixed with food or a beverage when the label permits. Swallowed tinctures may behave more like other ingestible cannabis products, with different timing and effects.
Keep the Dropper Clean
Close the bottle tightly after use and keep the dropper clean. Do not smoke or vape a tincture, or apply it to cannabis flower, unless the manufacturer explicitly states that the product is designed for that use. Most oral tinctures are not formulated for inhalation.
Timing Can Vary
Onset and Duration
The timing and duration of effects can vary with the product, amount, route of administration, food intake and individual factors. Products used under the tongue and products that are swallowed may not act in the same way.
Do not take additional amounts simply because you do not notice an immediate effect. Follow the product label, allow time for effects to develop, and avoid combining doses without understanding the product's instructions. THC-containing tinctures can cause impairment.
Compare Product Formats
Tinctures vs. Edibles, Oils and Extracts
Tinctures vs. Edibles
Tinctures are liquid products measured by volume, while edibles often come in portions such as gummies or chocolates. Administration method affects how a product is used and how its directions should be followed.
Tincture vs. Oil
The terms can overlap because some tinctures use oil as a carrier. Review the ingredients, intended use and directions rather than relying on the product name alone.
Tincture vs. Extract
A tincture contains cannabis extract, but βextractβ is a broader term for material separated from the plant. Extracts can be used in several kinds of finished products.
Tincture vs. Flower
A liquid tincture and cannabis flower differ in form and administration. The experience depends on the formulation, cannabinoid content, amount and route of use.
Evidence and Expectations
What We Can and Can't Say About Tinctures
Many shoppers search for tinctures using terms such as sleep, anxiety, pain, nausea or immune support. Levels does not make medical claims about cannabis products. Evidence for these uses varies, and product effects can differ from person to person.
If you have a health concern, take medication, or are considering cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using a new product. Product descriptions are not a substitute for medical advice
