Ask Dr. Litinas: 4 big reasons why tinctures deserve a spot in your cannabis routine 

Ask Dr. Litinas is a column that publishes twice monthly as part of The MichiGanja Report—our free, weekly newsletter about all things marijuana. Click here to sign up.

MICHIGAN—When most people think about cannabis, they picture flower, vapes, or edibles.

But one of the most versatile, discreet, and user-friendly options available at licensed Michigan dispensaries is the tincture—and it might just be the most underutilized tool for wellbeing.

A cannabis tincture is a liquid cannabis extract, typically made by infusing cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or others into an alcohol or more commonly oil-based solution. It’s often packaged with a small glass dropper, making it easy to use and dose.

But why should you consider a tincture? Let’s break down four big reasons:

1. Fast, Flexible Effects

Tinctures offer two different ways to experience cannabis, depending on how you use them:

• Oral mucosal—or under the tongue: By placing a few drops under your tongue and holding it for 2-3 minutes, cannabinoids absorb directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method typically takes effect within 15–30 minutes—which is faster than edibles, with no smoke or vapor to aggravate the respiratory system.

• Ingestion: If you swallow the tincture or mix it into food or drink, it works like an edible. Effects take longer (about 45-90 minutes on average) but tend to last a bit longer as well.

2. Precise, Repeatable Dosing

One of the biggest advantages of tinctures is controlling the dosage. Each drop is measured, so you can easily fine-tune your dose to fit your personal needs and wellness goals. 

This makes tinctures ideal for people seeking consistent, predictable experiences—whether you’re microdosing for focus or managing discomfort at the end of the day, just count the drops!

My advice? Always start low and go slow to find the best dose for you.

3. Customizable Cannabinoid Ratios

Licensed dispensaries offer tinctures in a variety of cannabinoid ratios—from high-THC to balanced THC:CBD blends, or non-intoxicating CBD-dominant options. Each combination of cannabinoids gives you different downstream effects. This allows you to tailor your experience based on your goals, whether it’s relaxation, pain relief, or clarity without a heavy high.

4. Discreet and Convenient

Tinctures can be taken anywhere without drawing attention due to odor or smoke—making them perfect for those who want cannabis to fit seamlessly into their wellness routine.

Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to fine-tune your experience, tinctures offer a clean, customizable, and medically respected option worth exploring at your local licensed dispensary.

About the Author

Dr. Evan Litinas is a Michigan-based physician and cannabis medicine expert with nearly 15 years of experience helping people use weed wisely. He co-founded one of Ann Arbor’s first dispensaries and has worked with the University of Michigan to study how weed can help with pain and reduce opioid use. These days, he’s focused on educating patients, training healthcare professionals, and developing products for wellness-minded stoners—especially seniors.

Got a question about weed for Dr. Litinas? Send it in here. We’ll get you a response. 

This content is for education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any health decisions—especially when it comes to cannabis. Products are only for adults ages 21 and up. 

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