cannabis
Cannabis Tinctures in Canada: Potency, Benefits, and How to Use Them
Tinctures are quickly becoming one of the most popular cannabis products in Canada. These liquid cannabis extracts are easy to use, discreet, and offer a precise way to consume THC and CBD. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned user looking for alternatives to smoking, tinctures can offer powerful effects without the need for inhalation or digestion through the gut.
In this blog, we’ll explore how cannabis tinctures work, how to use them effectively, how long they last, and how they compare to edibles and other consumption methods. We’ll also cover the legal landscape and recommended products available through trusted Canadian dispensaries like OneStopBudShop.
What Is a Cannabis Tincture?
A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract that typically contains THC, CBD, or a mix of cannabinoids suspended in alcohol or MCT (coconut) oil. Tinctures are applied sublingually—under the tongue—where the active compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.
Tinctures are praised for their precise dosing, fast onset, and discreet nature. They’re sold in small bottles with droppers that allow you to measure out specific doses.
How Many Drops of Tincture Are Recommended?
The number of drops depends on your desired dose and the concentration of the tincture. Most bottles indicate the mg of THC or CBD per milliliter (ml). A full dropper is typically 1 ml, and there are about 20–30 drops in each ml.
For example:
- If your tincture contains 10 mg THC per ml, then 1 drop contains about 0.33–0.5 mg THC.
- A common starting dose is 2.5 to 5 mg THC, or roughly 5–10 drops.
Always check the product label and start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis or using THC-dominant tinctures.
How Much Tincture Should I Consume?
This depends on your experience level, tolerance, and the condition you’re addressing. General dosage guidelines are:
- Beginner: 2.5–5 mg THC
- Intermediate: 5–10 mg THC
- Experienced: 10–30 mg THC or more (if medically required)
If you’re using a CBD tincture, doses can be higher since CBD doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. Many users take 25–100 mg CBD per day for anxiety or pain relief.
Always wait at least 60–90 minutes before taking more, as tincture effects can build gradually.
How Much Is 1 Dropper in Tincture?
A standard tincture dropper holds about 1 ml of liquid, which equals:
- ~20–30 drops
- Depending on concentration, 5–20 mg THC or CBD per ml
For example:
- A 30 ml bottle with 300 mg THC contains 10 mg THC per ml
- One dropper delivers 10 mg THC
- Half a dropper = 5 mg THC
Because tinctures are absorbed under the tongue, they bypass the digestive system and hit faster than edibles—making them a great choice for users who want quick, controlled effects.
How Long Do Tinctures Keep You High?
Tinctures offer a balanced duration between smoking and edibles:
- Onset: 15–45 minutes (when used sublingually)
- Duration: 4–6 hours on average
- Peak effects: Usually felt within 1–2 hours
Tinctures taken with food (like adding to a drink or meal) may act more like edibles—slower onset (60–90 minutes) but longer-lasting effects (up to 8 hours).
For sleep, many users take their dose 30–60 minutes before bed to ensure full onset.
Is Tincture Stronger Than Edibles?
Not necessarily—both can be equally potent, but they affect the body differently:
- Tinctures are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream when placed under the tongue, leading to faster effects.
- Edibles must be digested and processed by the liver, where THC becomes 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting form.
As a result:
- Tinctures = Faster, shorter high
- Edibles = Slower, more intense and longer high
In terms of milligrams, 10 mg of THC in a tincture is roughly equal to 10 mg in an edible, but the experience can vary significantly.
Do Tinctures Last as Long as Edibles?
Tinctures generally have a shorter duration than edibles:
- Tincture high: 4–6 hours
- Edible high: 6–8+ hours
However, if swallowed (instead of absorbed under the tongue), tinctures may mimic the longer-lasting effects of edibles.
This flexibility makes tinctures ideal for:
- People who want a quick onset
- Those who prefer shorter effects
- Individuals needing precise, consistent dosing
What Works Faster: Tincture or Gummies?
Tinctures win in terms of speed. When used sublingually, they absorb into the bloodstream through mucous membranes and take 15–45 minutes to kick in.
Gummies, on the other hand, must go through the digestive process, taking anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes or more to show effects—especially if eaten on a full stomach.
For those needing fast relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia, tinctures are often more effective in the moment.
Does Tincture Get You More High?
Not necessarily. While tinctures absorb faster than edibles, the intensity of the high depends on:
- Dosage
- Cannabinoid profile (THC vs. CBD)
- Tolerance
- Body weight and metabolism
Some users report that tinctures feel more manageable and less overwhelming than edibles, but just as effective for medical or recreational purposes.
If you’re new to THC, start with 2.5–5 mg and monitor your response before increasing.
Legal Status and Availability in Canada
Cannabis tinctures are fully legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act. They are available at licensed dispensaries and must follow strict guidelines for:
- THC/CBD content per ml
- Packaging and child-resistance
- Clear labeling of dosage
You can purchase tinctures through dispensaries like OneStopBudShop, which offers a wide selection of trusted products, including:
- THC-only tinctures for strong effects
- CBD-only tinctures for wellness
- Balanced tinctures with a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD
- Nighttime tinctures with added CBN for sleep
Choosing the Right Tincture
Here are some tips to choose the best tincture for your needs:
| Goal | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Pain relief | High-THC or 1:1 THC/CBD tincture |
| Anxiety relief | High-CBD, low-THC tincture |
| Sleep aid | THC with added CBN or relaxing terpenes |
| Daytime use | Balanced or CBD-rich tincture |
| Microdosing | Low-concentration THC tincture |
If you’re unsure, start with a low-dose balanced tincture and gradually increase your dose. Some dispensaries offer sample packs or trial sizes so you can explore different options without committing to a full bottle.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis tinctures are a versatile, discreet, and efficient way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis—whether you’re seeking sleep, stress relief, or a smooth recreational experience. As one of the most user-friendly formats available in Canada, tinctures offer the perfect balance between edibles and smoking, making them ideal for new and experienced users alike.
Thanks to Canada’s legalization framework and trusted dispensaries like OneStopBudShop, consumers have access to high-quality tinctures that are lab-tested, clearly labeled, and easy to dose.
So whether you’re winding down for the night, managing chronic symptoms, or just looking for a healthier way to get high, tinctures are worth a place in your cannabis toolkit.