The Canna-Cocktail: Swapping Alcohol for Tinctures
Ever since SIP, we’ve been getting the question often,
“Can I use cannabis or CBD to cut back on my drinking?”
Yes, you can! Many canna-mama’s actually prefer cannabis to alcohol because their experience is more enjoyable and the morning after feels much brighter. Plus, cannabis supports general health and wellness and is made for our bodies**—I won’t get into all the glorious details but if you are interested, you can learn about our human endocannabinoid system here >>
If you are looking to replace alcohol, I’m guessing you are used to the pretty glass in your hand and enjoy the ritual, so let’s stick with that! Cannabis tinctures allow you all the fun of clinking glasses but without the blackouts, compromised sleep, and drag of a hangover.** Tinctures are little bottles of plant wellness, and when talking about CBD and THC, there are some things you want to be aware of, like “What does 3:1 mean?” It is important to know and understand what those ratios mean before making your purchase.
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and gives a high sensation.
CBD does not give a high sensation, however, in our experience, we find it to help relax, feel less anxious, and reduce some of the adverse effects of too much THC.**
Tincture boxes & labels typically will have a ratio listed like 1:1 or 3:1 or 20:1 (or the content of CBD and THC). What is important for you to know is which number represents the THC and which represents the CBD. For example, 1:1 would be equal parts THC to CBD which could go either way, but a 3:1 could be 3 parts THC to 1 part CBD or visa-versa. There are approximately 113 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that scientists are still learning about. In California, we are starting to see more products with emerging cannabinoids like CBN or THCa (doesn’t get you high).
If I was just starting out on my conscious cannabis journey, I would start with a 1:1 (CBD: THC). Check packaging or website for dosage information, note drop vs. dropper. Use sublingually by dropping your dose under the tongue, wait 15-30 seconds until absorbed. It typically takes 15-45 minutes to begin feeling the effects of a tincture under the tongue. If an hour has passed and you don’t feel any differently, take another dose—or—add it to a Canna-Cocktail! If you are adding a tincture to a drink, wait up to 2 hours to feel the effects as it will be absorbed into the body differently. We do not recommend mixing cannabis with alcohol, instead swap the alcohol for fresh fruit or green juices, seltzer water, and a sprig of herbs.
The next day, take note of how your experience was.
Did you feel good? Great! You may have found the perfect dose for you! Don’t be afraid to try other products with similar ratios!
Didn’t feel anything? Try upping your dose, or maybe a different tincture with a higher THC content like a 1:3 (CBD: THC).
Didn’t enjoy the feeling? Possibly the dose is too high, try lowering your dose by taking fewer drops—or—try a different tincture with a higher dose of CBD like a 10:1 CBD: THC or 20:1 CBD: THC. Make sure that it has more CBD than THC in it.
*Please Note: CBD can change the efficacy of certain prescription medications. If you have prescription medication that warns against consuming grapefruit juice when taking, it is safe to assume that CBD may have similar effects as grapefruit juice. If you wish to try CBD, let your physician know so that they can keep an eye on how it affects the efficacy of your medication.
**DISCLAIMER: While there is overwhelming evidence that supports a connection between cannabis and the human body, we’re still waiting for clinical backup & FDA approval. The statements made regarding products listed have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
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Here are a few canna-cocktail recipes from three of our favorite tincture brands:
Blood Orange Spritzer
INGREDIENTS
+ 3 oz. blood orange juice
+ ½ ounce lime juice
+ ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup
+ 1-2 mL Humboldt Apothecary 1:1 Brain Tonic (per serving)
+ Sparkling water
+ Sprig of mint and rosemary
+ 1 cup sugar
ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the sprigs of rosemary. Let cool completely and strain.
PREPARATION
Whisk together the citrus juices and rosemary simple syrup until well combined. Pour over ice and add the 1:1 Brain Tonic tincture. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with mint and rosemary.
SHOP
Humboldt Apothecary Herbal Tinctures are available throughout CA. Shop Northern California Delivery via Sava Here:
Pomegranate Tonic
By Juna
Whether served as a morning wellness pick-me-up or as a THC-infused kickoff to a lively night out, this botanical blend is bright, herbal, sophisticated, and antioxidant-rich.
INGREDIENTS
+ 2 parts fresh pomegranate juice
+ 1 part botanical spirit (we recommend Grove 22 by Seedlip, a non-alcoholic botanical)
+ Honey or simple syrup to taste
+ 1 dose Juna Nude
+ 1 or more doses of Juna Gold or Jade (if psychoactivity is desired)
+ Fresh mint
PREPARATION
Blend the first 3 ingredients, float Juna on top, garnish with mint, and serve.
SHOP
More Drops from Juna are available in THC (CA only) and Hemp CBD (Nationwide) Formulas. Use code MJLIFESTYLE to receive 15% off Juna Hemp CBD Drops at juna-world.com
Photo By Steven Simione
Bubbly Kombucha & CBD
With Tonic
Keep things super simple, try adding CBD drops to your favorite Kombucha!
INGREDIENTS
+ 3 parts Kombucha—we really love Health-Ade’s Bubbly Rose or Pink Lady Apple
+ 1 dose of The O.G. Tonic
+ Frozen Berries
PREPARATION
Pour Kombucha, add TONIC CBD dosage, garnish with frozen berries, and enjoy.
SHOP
Tonic CBD botanical blends are from farm to bottle with full-spectrum Hemp CBD sourced from Tricolla Farms’ organic, sun-grown hemp flower. Available Nationwide.
DISCLAIMER: The Women of MJ Lifestyle are not licensed medical professionals, nor do we claim to be. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or any of the above-listed conditions. However, we find plant medicine to be a brilliant tool that works synergistically with a healthy diet and a mindful spirit. MJ Lifestyle believes in the power of the plant and encourages you to explore with a positive and open mind.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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