Tinctures

What is a tincture?

Tinctures are herb extracts that are steeped in a solvent and collected in high concentrations. They are generally administered with a dropper, placing a few drops under the tongue. This is the most efficient way to dose because of its accuracy and effectiveness. 

How is cannabis tincture made? How many types of tinctures can you make with cannabis?

The Hemp Source uses a carbon dioxide extraction method to create their tinctures. In this method, CO2 is heated to become a solvent to separate cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other compounds from the plant material. Then, they add an MCT oil base, which is extracted from coconut oil. CBD tinctures are generally crafted from hemp due to hemp’s high CBD content, and THC tinctures are generally made from marijuna plants due to their high THC content. Marijuna is federally illegal, however, there are some states in the US which have legalized marijuana use medicinally or recreationally. Recently in NC, the state Senate passed a bill which would legalize medical marijuna use. Additionally, there are other types of THC which are unregulated by the federal government, such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC. Any of these THC compounds are capable of being made into tinctures. The Hemp Source has a variety of available tinctures: delta-8, full spectrum CBD, and even a tincture for pets! 

Cannabis tinctures can be made for any of the 80+ cannabinoids that exist, and in any combination. These combinations can come in various concentrations of each cannabinoid to create a seemingly infinite number of possibilities. In addition to cannabinoids, the terpenes from a cannabis plant can be extracted. Terpenes hold the scent and flavor of plants, and they are often seen added into cannabis tinctures. 

Oils

How are cannabis oils made? What kind of oils can be produced?

Cannabis oil can be made from the seed or the flowers and leaves of the plant. Hemp seed oil is created by crushing hemp seeds and separating the liquid from the solid parts of the seed, then it is refined. The level of refinement depends on what the oil is going to be used for: health & beauty, food & drink, biofuel, and more!

Cannabis oils like CBD oil are made by extracting cannabinoids and other

 compounds from the plant matter with a solvent, then adding a natural oil to them. Oils can be used as a tincture if an oil is added to the extract. Tinctures at The Hemp Source are oil tinctures, which are significantly smoother and more flavorful than alcohol-based tinctures. Similarly to tinctures, oils can be created from any of the cannabinoid variants in different combinations and concentrations. However, oils have a more broad use. Among the most common of oils are CBD and THC, which can be consumed, applied, or smoked! CBD and THC oil can be eaten directly, but they would be significantly more pleasant to eat when infused into a food like gummies. 

Concentrates

What is a cannabis concentrate? How are they used?

Concentrated cannabis products are made from extracts. After extraction, the liquid is diluted or refined then turned into a wax, powder, resin, or shatter. These products are more highly concentrated than tinctures or oils because of the additional refinement. Some people choose to use concentrated CBD or THC to achieve more potent effects for their needs. 

CBD and THC concentrates are most commonly smoked or vaporized. This is the fastest method of receiving any desired effects from cannabis products, because it enters the bloodstream faster than ingestion or absorption. Vaporizing a concentrate is a discrete and effective way to use cannabis concentrates. The Hemp Source carries cartridges for concentrate, CBD and delta-8 THC, and a sleek rechargeable battery to vaporize them.