Cannabis has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, with tinctures offering a discreet and effective way to incorporate its benefits into your daily routine. A homemade cannabis tincture is a concentrated, alcohol-based extract that can be taken sublingually, mixed into food, or added to drinks. Here's an easy, step-by-step guide to create your own cannabis tincture at home.
What You'll Need
- High-proof alcohol (everclear, vodka, or grain alcohol)
- Cannabis (flower or trim)
- Wide-mouth mason jar
- Cheesecloth or coffee filter
- Airtight dark glass bottle for storage
- Double boiler or a saucepan with a glass jar
Choosing Your Ingredients
The effectiveness of your tincture greatly depends on your choice of alcohol and cannabis:
- Alcohol: Aim for at least 95% ethanol content. Everclear, vodka, or grain alcohol are popular choices because they effectively extract the cannabinoids.
- Cannabis: Choose quality buds, leaves, or trim. Keep in mind that the ratio of cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) will affect your tincture's potency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannabis Tincture
1. Decarboxylation
To make the cannabinoids in cannabis active, you need to decarboxylate it:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Spread your cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even decarboxylation.
2. Infusion Process
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis into a mason jar.
- Pour enough high-proof alcohol over the cannabis until it is fully submerged, leaving some space at the top.
- Stir gently to ensure all the cannabis is saturated.
- Seal the jar and store it in a dark, cool place, shaking it daily for 2-3 weeks. This allows for a full extraction of the cannabinoids.
3. Filtering
After infusion, it’s time to filter out the plant material:
- Line a sieve or funnel with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
- Pour the tincture through the filter into a clean container to catch the clear liquid. This might take a while; be patient.
- Once done, squeeze the plant material through the cheesecloth to extract every last bit of tincture.
4. Straining and Storing
The final step involves:
- Use an eyedropper or funnel to transfer the tincture into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light.
- Label the bottle with the date and potency, if known, for future reference.
⚠️ Note: Alcohol-based tinctures can last for several years if stored properly, away from light and heat.
Using Your Cannabis Tincture
Here are some ways to incorporate your tincture into your routine:
- Sublingual: Place a few drops under the tongue for fast absorption.
- In Foods and Drinks: Add to smoothies, tea, or any recipe where you’d like to introduce cannabis effects.
- Topical Application: For localized relief, mix with a carrier oil for skin application.
Notes on Usage
When using your homemade cannabis tincture, keep the following in mind:
- Start with a low dose and increase gradually to find what works for you.
- The potency of homemade tinctures can vary, so consistency in cannabis and alcohol quality is key.
- Always use an eyedropper for precise dosing, especially in food and beverages.
Incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine through a homemade tincture offers numerous advantages, from the control over potency to the ability to tailor your medicine to your specific needs. This method is not only simple but also cost-effective, providing you with a versatile tool for both recreational and medicinal use.
The journey to crafting your own cannabis tincture at home empowers you to personalize your cannabis consumption, ensuring that you're in complete control of what you're ingesting. It's a process that brings you closer to your plant and allows you to appreciate the subtleties of its effects. Whether for relaxation, pain relief, or other therapeutic benefits, a homemade tincture can become an integral part of your wellness journey.
How long does it take to make a cannabis tincture?
+
The entire process takes around 2-3 weeks from decarboxylation to infusion, allowing enough time for the cannabinoids to be extracted by the alcohol.
What is the best alcohol to use for making a tincture?
+
Ideal alcohol for cannabis tinctures includes high-proof ethanol like Everclear or grain alcohol, due to its ability to effectively extract cannabinoids.
Can I use the alcohol tincture topically?
+
Yes, you can use cannabis tincture topically by diluting it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation from the alcohol content.
