By Billee Sharp

Tinctures are the mainstay of many traditional medicine modalities, medicinal herbs can be preserved intact in an alcohol solution or an oil.

Tincture makers refer to the herb as the ‘marc’ and the carrier oil or alcohol as the ‘menstruum’. Accordingly the most important ratio in this process is the ratio of the “marc’ to ``menstruum” as this will determine the strength and concentration of the tincture.

In nineteenth century America cannabis tincture was commercially produced and a popular cure for all sorts of conditions; from menstruation pain to inflamed joints, toothache and neuropathy. Dr J. Russel Reynolds, physician to Queen Victoria, believed it to be curative for many conditions, particularly migraine, he wrote,

“Very many victims of this malady (migraine) have for years kept this suffering in abeyance by taking hemp at the moment of threatening, or onset of the attack”.

Throughout the 1800s many articles were written by physicians in medical journals recommending cannabis tincture but popularity for cannabis preparations declined after 1890. The inability to control the variability of cannabis strength and composition and the unpredictability of a patient's response were issues and cannabis medicine was superseded by the introduction of aspirin, chloral hydrate and barbiturates.

Now modern medical science has revealed the ECS and the constituent values of cannabinoids so that now tinctures can be made with precise knowledge of the cannabinoid constitution of any given plant source.

Tincture is a quick onset treatment, drops taken sublingually are absorbed into the bloodstream where rapid uptake means symptom relief is felt within twenty minutes, often faster.

The science of cannabinoids is still in its infancy, there are over a hundred recognized cannabinoids but only ten or so are under scientific study as yet. THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well known cannabinoid, as its psychoactive effects have made it the relaxant of choice for many. THC also has significant medical value and is particularly valuable in cancer treatment and alleviating chronic pain. The psycho-activity can be reduced by the addition of CBD which moderates the ‘high’ by competing for receptor space with the THC.

CBD, with its ability to reduce inflammation and anxiety without psycho-activity has become a major contributor to cannabis medicine, not only tinctures but also topicals and edibles have become extremely popular as viable alternatives to opiates and synthetic pharmaceutical drugs.

The more we’ve learned scientifically about cannabinoids the more refined treatments have become. Consider the recent discoveries of CBG, CBDV, , CBN, THCV and the acid forms : CBGA, CBDA, THCA, which studies show have increased bioavailability and actions on specific conditions. THCV for example which has shown great promise in Parkinson's symptoms, tremors and neuro-regeneration.

This preamble leads to Synergy’s range of blended tinctures and why we recommend blended cannabinoids for various conditions. Blended tinctures are defined by their constituent cannabinoids and the ratio that they are combined at. For example, a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC combines the actions of both CBD and THC and they also act on each other; the CBD moderates the psycho-activity of the THC but doesn’t interfere with its other functions.

Synergy’s blended tinctures have been developed through Leonard Leinow and Dr Muscowitzs' understanding of the needs of our community. Many members suffer from debilitating pain but are cautious about psychoactive effects. In this case our 4:1 CBD:THC blend would likely be suggested, this ratio rarely induces a psychoactive effect and has a powerful analgesic effect on acute and chronic body pain while also reducing inflammation and anxiety. Synergy offers the 4:1 blend two ways; #103,104, 105 4:1 blend is made with Indica dominant THC, which yields deep pain relief and sleep benefits. #116 4:1 uses Sativa dominant THC with energetic properties which support daytime pain relief combined with uplifting mental benefits from CBD, this blend has also been noted for its anti-nausea action.

A blended tincture can reflect more than two cannabinoids in its constitution. Synergy’s #135 Cleopatra Blend tincture illustrates this, the ratio of 5:3:1 CBD:THC:THCV was created to particularly address tremors, this blend’s anti-spasmodic effects combine with pain relief and anti-inflammatory action, There is a mild psycho-activity associated with this blend and members have reported excellent sleep with night time use.

In a similar way #160 CBD Medley tincture combines CBD from four CBD rich strains, this increases the variety of terpenes available giving a full expression to the benefits of CBD.

The longstanding popularity of the classic #154,#155,#156,#165 Balance 1:1 CBD:THC blended tincture attests to the effectiveness of this combination, indicated for relieving pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, tremor, mental agility, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia and nerve pain.

A higher ratio of THC increases the psycho-activity of tinctures but not everybody finds that problematic. The complementary effects of pairing THC with CBD have produced successful results in extremely compromised conditions. Synergy’s #210 THC: CBN 1:1 tincture is a good example of a balanced blend with mild psycho-activity reported, with sedative, appetite stimulation and immune regulation properties.

Through research the science of cannabinoids is becoming more precise and our knowledge of the benefits of combining cannabinoids is growing exponentially. Currently Synergy Wellness curates one of the largest selections of medicinal cannabis tincture blends available and more blends are in development. As always we recommend close attention to titration and keeping notes on effectiveness of dosages to yield the best results.