How to Make Cannabis Tincture at Home: Alcohol & Oil Infusion Methods

How to Make Cannabis Tincture at Home: Easy Alcohol & Oil Infusion Methods for Beginners

Whether you're looking to enhance your wellness routine, explore new ways of consuming cannabis, or simply enjoy a discreet and potent method of use, making your own cannabis tincture at home is a fun and easy DIY project.

In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to make cannabis tinctures using alcohol or oil, how to choose the right cannabis strain, and the essential process of decarboxylation—all while ensuring proper dosing for a safe, enjoyable experience.

What is a Cannabis Tincture? Benefits and Uses Explained

Cannabis tinctures are concentrated extracts made by infusing cannabinoids like THC and CBD into a base liquid, typically alcohol, oil, or glycerin.

These tinctures are often stored in small glass bottles with droppers for precise dosing.

They're an efficient and discreet way to consume cannabis, offering fast absorption and easy control over your dosage.

Top 4 Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures 

Cannabis tinctures offer a wide range of benefits, including:

- Pain Relief: Manage chronic pain or discomfort with precise and easily adjustable dosing.
- Anxiety Reduction: Promote relaxation and stress relief, especially with CBD-rich tinctures.
- Improved Sleep: Aid in achieving restful sleep for those struggling with insomnia or restlessness.
- Discreet and Convenient Consumption: Enjoy a smoke-free, odorless, and portable method of cannabis use ideal for privacy or on-the-go lifestyles.

Tinctures are a great option for those who prefer a controlled, discreet way of consuming cannabis, especially compared to smoking or vaping.

With tinctures, you can target specific needs, like anxiety relief, pain management, or promoting sleep, with precision.

How to Choose the Best Cannabis Strain for Your Tincture

The strain you choose is crucial because it directly affects the effects of your tincture. Cannabis strains fall into two main categories:

- Sativa: Energizing, uplifting, and mentally stimulating—great for daytime use.
- Indica: Calming, relaxing, and physically soothing—ideal for evening use or sleep.
- THC provides the plant's psychoactive effects, delivering a euphoric high.
- CBD offers calming, anti-inflammatory benefits without the intoxicating effects.

If you're new to tinctures or want therapeutic benefits without a strong high, look for higher CBD strains. For those seeking potent effects, choose strains with higher THC content.

Correlated Articol:

Sativa vs Indica Edibles: What’s the Difference and How to Choose

Decarboxylation Explained: Why It’s Key for Your Cannabis Tincture

Before making your tincture, you must decarboxylate (decarb) your cannabis. This process activates the cannabinoids, ensuring your tincture delivers the desired effects. Without decarboxylation, your tincture won’t work effectively.

How to Decarb Your Cannabis:- Preheat your oven to 220°F–230°F (105°C–110°C). Use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Grind your cannabis roughly, enough to fill half of an 8-ounce Mason jar (about 14 grams).
- Spread the cannabis evenly on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the cannabis turns lightly toasted and dry.
- Cool it down before proceeding with the infusion process.

Now, your cannabis is ready for infusion into alcohol or oil!

How to Make Alcohol-Based Cannabis Tincture: The Green Dragon Recipe

The Green Dragon tincture is one of the most popular alcohol-based cannabis tinctures. It's potent, shelf-stable, and absorbed quickly.

Here’s How to Make It:- Place your decarboxylated cannabis into an 8-ounce Mason jar, filling it halfway.
- Add high-proof alcohol (vodka, Everclear, or similar grain alcohol) to cover the cannabis completely.
- Store the jar in a dark, cool place for at least three weeks. Shake it daily to ensure the cannabinoids infuse properly.
- After three weeks, strain the tincture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
- Discard the leftover cannabis flower, and your Green Dragon tincture is ready to use!
- Add decarboxylated cannabis and 1 cup of coconut oil to your crockpot.
- Set the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for at least 2 hours, up to 6 hours for a more potent infusion.
- After cooking, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean jar.
- Store the oil in a cool, dark place.

This oil tincture is perfect for those who prefer cannabis without alcohol but still want a potent infusion.

Glycerin Cannabis Tincture: A Sweet, Non-Alcoholic Option

If you're looking for a sweet, non-alcoholic tincture, glycerin is a great option. It's mild, odorless, and slightly sweet, making it ideal for those who want a more palatable tincture.

How to Make It:

Follow the Green Dragon method outlined earlier, substituting glycerin for alcohol. Let your decarboxylated cannabis steep in glycerin for 2-3 weeks in a dark place.

How to Calculate THC Potency in Your Homemade Cannabis Tincture

Want to know how potent your cannabis tincture is? While home testing kits are available, you can calculate it using a simple formula.

Example Calculation:

Suppose you used 30 grams (1 ounce) of cannabis with 20% THC and infused it in 300 ml of alcohol. To find the total THC content:

- Multiply the weight of the cannabis by its THC content: 30g x 20% = 6g (or 6,000 mg) of total THC.
- Divide the total THC by the volume of your tincture to find the THC per 1 ml dropper: 6,000 mg ÷ 300 ml = 20 mg/ml.
- Start low: Begin with 1/10th to 1/5th of a dropper (2–4 mg of THC).
- Go slow: Wait at least 30–90 minutes for the effects to fully set in before increasing your dose.
- Adjust based on experience: Once you become familiar with how your body responds, you can adjust the dosage as needed.

Remember, cannabis affects everyone differently. Start with a small dose, go slow, and always give yourself time to gauge the effects before increasing your dose.

Storing Cannabis Tinctures: Tips for Long-Lasting Potency

Proper storage ensures your tincture remains potent for months. Here are some storage tips:

- Use a Dark Glass Container: Protect your tincture from light, which can degrade cannabinoids over time.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Avoid heat and light, which can break down cannabinoids.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate your tincture for a longer shelf life, but ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to avoid moisture.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze oil-based tinctures, but avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing.
- Always decarboxylate your cannabis before infusion.
- Start with small doses (1-2.5 mg of THC) and go slow.
- Store your tinctures in a cool, dark place to preserve potency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Making Marijuana Tincture

What is a cannabis tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a concentrated extract made by infusing cannabis in a solvent like alcohol, oil, or glycerin. It provides quick absorption and controlled dosing, making it a discreet and versatile method for consuming cannabis.

Can I make cannabis tinctures without alcohol?

Yes, you can use alternatives like coconut oil (for oil-based tinctures) or glycerin (for sweet, non-alcoholic tinctures). Both methods are effective for extracting cannabinoids from cannabis without alcohol.

What kind of cannabis should I use for tinctures?

Choose strains based on the desired effects. Sativa strains are energizing and uplifting, while Indica strains are relaxing and ideal for sleep. Consider the THC and CBD content for the potency and therapeutic benefits you’re seeking.

Is decarboxylation necessary for making tinctures?

Yes, decarboxylation is crucial to activate the cannabinoids in cannabis.

https://getbudslegalize.com/how-to-make-cannabis-tincture-at-home/