Tincture
Medical cannabis tinctures are a liquid form of medical cannabis made by dissolving cannabinoids in a liquid, usually alcohol. Tinctures are prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption into the bloodstream. Tinctures and medical cannabis oils are often grouped together, but there are some key differences between the two.
How do tinctures differ from medical cannabis oils?
Medical cannabis oils are made by extracting the cannabinoids from the plant material, usually through a process known as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The resulting extract is highly concentrated and is then mixed with a carrier oil (usually MCT oil) to create a medical cannabis oil.
Tinctures are made by soaking the plant material in alcohol for several weeks, slowly extracting the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. Tinctures are very rare in the UK medical cannabis market, but they are more common in the United States.
Why do some patients prefer tinctures over medical cannabis flower?
Tinctures (and medical cannabis oil options) offer patients a more discreet and convenient way to take medical cannabis, which is also extremely easy to dose. Many patients may not be comfortable with the idea of vaporising medical cannabis flower, and tinctures and oil offer an inhalation-free alternative.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.