Want to consume marijuana and want a quick hit but don’t want to smoke? Consider a tincture or oil.

More people are using cannabis to relax, to sleep, or for medical reasons. It has become popular with all ages and all over the country. But for those new to it and don’t want to smoke or vape, there is an alternative other than edibles. Cannabis tinctures and oils offer a discreet and precise way to consume marijuana, providing fast-acting effects and easy dosing. Discreet and odorless consumption, precise dosing, adjustable timing, a long shelf life and low-calorie alternative to edibles. Here are the basics on using marijuana tinctures and oils. Related: Cannabis Can Help You With StressSelect a tincture based on your desired effects. CBD-dominant tinctures offer relaxation benefits with minimal psychoactive effects. THC-dominant tinctures provide stronger psychoactive effects. Balanced THC:CBD ratios offer a combination of benefitsProper dosing is crucial when using cannabis tinctures or oils. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis or the specific tincture. Begin with 1-3 drops and wait at least an hour to assess the effects. Gradually increase the dose if needed, but do so cautiously. Remember that individual responses to cannabinoids vary based on factors like body weight, tolerance, and the tincture’s potency. Photo by Tinnakorn Jorruang/Getty Images The most common and efficient method of using a cannabis tincture is sublingual administration: Shake the tincture bottle well before use.Using the dropper, place the desired dose under your tongue.Hold the liquid there for 60-90 seconds without swallowingAfter holding, swish the remaining tincture around your mouth before swallowing.RELATED: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis You can also swallow the tincture directly or mix it with food and beverages: Add the desired dose to your favorite drink or food item.Consume the mixture as you normally would. When ingested orally, effects may take up to an hour to manifest but can last up to 4-6 hours. This method is ideal for those who dislike the taste of tinctures or prefer a more gradual onset of effects.

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