A dropper is the most usual way to consume a cannabis tincture: place a few drops beneath your tongue, and the mucous membranes will immediately absorb the THC, providing effects. Because tinctures splash around beneath the tongue, they're more absorbed in the intestines than immediately into the bloodstream. Many reviews also mention that alcohol-based tinctures have a unique ethanol smell and provide a faint "burning" sensation on the tongue, similar to holding a shot of whiskey. Oil-based tinctures, on the other hand, have a softer texture and a stronger cannabis taste.