Pain can slow us down. When the body hurts, there is no way to deny it. Feeling sluggish and less productive, and having a desire to find a remedy that will help lift away the haze. When we find ways to alleviate pain, our productivity levels and feelings of happiness and wellness increase.
Many cannabis consumers prefer quick and easy methods over some more traditional uses, such as smoking or edibles. While most edibles can take around 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the onset of effects, cannabis tinctures can take effect anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
For some, methods of smoking could be too harsh on a body that is already working through chronic pain conditions. Tincture users typically consume them by placing a dose under the tongue with an eyedropper. This method is simple and requires little effort.
This is known as “sublingual consumption,” which leads the cannabis tincture to be absorbed through the bloodstream instead of being directly digested. Through this consumption method, the onset time of the tincture can range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
The therapeutic benefits of THC and CBD tinctures are many and vary from person to person. Green Dragon tincture is known to relieve a range of conditions, including physical pain, inflammation, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, depression, anxiety, migraines, and more.
Some want to consume medical cannabis but, due to health conditions or chronic pain, may be unable to engage in smoking at the risk of inhaling, causing further issues for their bodies. This is an excellent choice for senior citizens who want to use medical cannabis.
Traditional cannabis tincture makers use specific bases like food-grade ethyl ethanol or food-grade glycerine to create tinctures with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (Cannabidiol). Tinctures made with higher potency, such as Green Dragon tincture, will use high-proof alcohol.
As of April 2025, 39 states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have some form of medical cannabis program. Each program is unique, and some states only offer low-THC medical cannabis for those who qualify.
But what does “low-THC cannabis” really mean? And what products can patients in these states actually purchase? We’re here to clear the smoke and demystify the low-THC medical cannabis programs in both Georgia and Texas.
A low THC cannabis program allows qualified patients to access cannabis products with limited tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The goal of these programs is to provide the medical benefits of marijuana products without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
In Georgia and Texas, the definition of low THC differs. However, both programs allow qualifying patients to purchase products that meet specific qualifications and potencies. Though these programs are more restrictive than most states’ medical marijuana programs, patients can access a variety of products, some of which are more potent than one might think.
In both states, the amount of THC in each product is measured by weight. For example, cannabis products in Georgia can contain no more than 5 percent THC by weight. No, that doesn’t mean that cannabis products in Georgia only have 5% THC, like you’d see on a label in the dispensary. Rather, this “by weight” measurement impacts the processing of cannabis products.
Take these Fine Fettle Soft Drops, for example. The package as a whole contains 200mg of THC total. However, because the potency is measured by weight in the processing stage, each Soft Drop in the 20-pack contains 10mg THC, which is comparable to some lower-dose edibles in other states.
Before accessing medical cannabis products, Georgia residents must meet with a doctor who is certified to assess their eligibility for a Georgia medical marijuana card. and have one or more of the following conditions for medical cannabis access. Currently, Georgia’s program lists 17 qualifying conditions.
Along with having one or more of the qualifying conditions, a patient must be able to prove they are a Georgia resident with a valid driver’s license or state identification card. Georgia charges $25 for annual registration, which is a separate fee from your approval/recommendation from a licensed doctor.
Additionally, the Compassionate Use Program in Texas only allows for oral ingestion of low-THC products. While capsules and tinctures are available, smoking or vaping cannabis is illegal, even under the low-THC program. In some cases, Texas does allow smokable hemp products that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Through the Compassionate Use Program (CUP), the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates an online registry of qualified physicians who can prescribe low THC to patients with specific medical conditions. The registry is designed to prevent more than one doctor from registering the same patient. The doctor can input safety and efficacy data regarding the patient’s treatment into this registry for best practices..The registry is also accessible to law enforcement agencies.
After the doctor approves a patient for the CUP, the doctor will enter a prescription in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). After that, the patient can pick up the prescription at any approved dispensary. Patients must submit their ID, name, date of birth, and the last five digits of their Social Security number.
Public opinion is already shifting: a 2023 poll found thatroughly 76% of Georgia residents support full medical marijuana legalization. Meanwhile, a February 2025 survey revealed that 62% of Texans favor the legalization of adult-use cannabis for adults 21 and older. These numbers reflect a growing disconnect between public sentiment and existing policy frameworks.
Amnesia Haze LyonWhile expanding cannabis access in these states has historically faced political resistance, there are emerging signs of potential change. In Georgia, some lawmakers have shown increased willingness to discuss expanding the state’s low-THC program into a more comprehensive medical marijuana system, though progress has been slow and often met with bureaucratic hurdles. In Texas, a traditionally conservative stronghold, modest expansions of the state’s Compassionate Use Program in recent years indicate that incremental reform is possible, especially as public support continues to rise and as neighboring states adopt more permissive laws. However, significant barriers remain, particularly among leadership figures who have historically opposed broader legalization efforts.
Still, as new officials are elected and advocacy efforts gain traction, pressure may mount on both state governments to better align legislation with the will of their constituents. If current trends continue, both Georgia and Texas could see meaningful expansions to their cannabis programs in the coming years, especially as advocates consistently put pressure on those in power.
Among those who are certified to receive low-THC cannabis in Georgia and Texas, many feel that the low percentage and minimal choices for product selection limit them. Many continue to be curious about the state of cannabis reform under a new presidential administration.
For those with medical status and those without medical status but wish to be a part of it, advocating for the benefits of cannabis on their conditions can be a helpful movement for continuing to show their local government that the plant is beneficial to their lives and overall health as a state citizen.
As political officials continue to change and the mindset on cannabis keeps evolving, there can be pushes for change in both Georgia and Texas to achieve the next level of medical cannabis status to benefit those within the program.
The answer lies in crystal-like structures called trichomes that cover the surface of cannabis flowers. This is where the cannabis cultivation magic happens because they produce and store the majority of compounds responsible for the plant’s potency, flavor, and therapeutic benefits. Trichomes are the plant’s primary defense mechanism, protecting it from pests and environmental stressors.
Trichomes are tiny, hair-like glands that cover the surface of cannabis plants. Primarily found on the flower (buds) and leaves, the word “trichome” comes from the Greek word for “hair”—a fitting name for their delicate, hair-like appearance. These tiny structures create a shiny, sticky layer on cannabis flowers, giving them their signature frosty look. They also produce and store cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and terpenes.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that give the plant much of its unique scent. Terpenes also enhance cannabis’s therapeutic and psychoactive effects through the entourage effect. Cannabinoids like THC produce psychoactive effects, while CBD and other compounds contribute to overall therapeutic benefits. The concentration and combination of the compounds shape the overall impact of the cannabis-consuming experience.
People often refer to trichomes as the ‘crown jewels’ of cannabis because they play such a critical role in determining the quality, potency, and therapeutic benefits of the final product. Trichomes store up to an impressive 90% of a cannabis plant’s THC in its trichomes. Trichomes also protect cannabis plants from pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors. Their sticky resin deters herbivores and helps the plant survive harsh conditions.
Researchers have identified hundreds of trichome metabolites, including hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes, yet we still lack a complete understanding of cannabis trichomes. That’s because genetic differences, growing conditions, and environmental factors influence trichome development and metabolite production. High metabolite levels in cannabis should be toxic to the very cells that produce them, prompting further research into how our cells manage and properly store these components.
UV light studies also help scientists understand trichome maturation in cannabis flowers and identify optimal harvest times. The trichome appearance indicates plant maturity, and understanding these visual cues tells cultivators the ideal time to harvest cannabis while achieving the desired effects on the final product.
Clear Trichomes: Clear trichomes appear as the plant transitions from vegetative to flowering. At this stage, the trichome glands produce resin, signaling that peak THC concentration is approaching. However, other cannabinoids are still developing, so cultivators know it’s still too early to harvest the cannabis plant.
Milky Trichomes: When trichomes turn milky or cloudy, the plant continues producing THC and nears harvest time. Most cultivators wait until 50-70% of the trichomes turn cloudy, and the rest become amber before harvesting to achieve a stronger euphoric effect.
Amber Trichomes: As trichomes transition from amber to brown, they indicate that the cannabis plant has matured. However, growers seeking high THC levels must harvest quickly during this transition, as THC begins to degrade into cannabinol (CBN), a compound known for its more sedative effects.
Trichomes heavily influence the final cannabis product and determine the overall quality of what you consume. The tiny crystals that make up trichomes produce and store raw cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, and CBGA —along with terpenes that shape effects, flavors, and aromas.
Inconsistent results have driven producers to “lab shop,” seeking higher THC reports. These practices create consumer distrust and inaccurate labeling. However, many medical patients rely on consistent dosing for cannabis benefits like pain or appetite stimulation.
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