Tinctures & Oral Sprays
Tinctures are cannabis extracts in a carrier oil (MCT, olive) or alcohol base, taken by placing drops under the tongue. Sub-lingual absorption bypasses the digestive tract and delivers cannabinoids into the bloodstream faster than an edible but slower than inhalation. For patients who want precise milligram control without inhaling, tinctures are the gold standard.
15–45 minutes
4–6 hours
15–35% sub-lingual (drops swallowed act like an edible)
Best for
- • Precise clinical dosing by milligrams
- • Patients who can't inhale (respiratory conditions, immunocompromised)
- • Pediatric epilepsy dosing under neurologist supervision
- • Hospice and palliative care (works even when swallowing is difficult)
- • Baseline daily coverage of chronic conditions
Watch-outs
- • Hold drops under the tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing — bioavailability drops sharply if you swallow immediately
- • Alcohol-based tinctures can burn under the tongue; oil-based is more tolerable for most patients
- • Tinctures are absorbed more slowly on a full stomach if any is swallowed
Kentucky-compliant tinctures show milligrams per bottle and milligrams per milliliter on the label. Every bottle is COA-verified for cannabinoid content and contaminant panels.
See which cultivators are releasing this format
homegrown tracks every Kentucky-licensed cultivator and every published release. Create a patient account to filter releases by format, watch for new drops, and get notified when they hit shelves.
Educational information only. Kentucky's medical cannabis program requires registration under KRS Chapter 218B and a practitioner's written certification. Always start at the lowest effective dose.

