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If you utilize cannabis for managing pain or relieving stress, chances are you've encountered cannabis tinctures before. These highly concentrated herbal extracts are excellent for swiftly and discreetly consuming cannabis, especially if you're not keen on smoking or vaping. While you can purchase tinctures at dispensaries, crafting your own isn't complicated—it just requires some preparation and a few weeks of patience. Keep reading to discover how you can craft your own cannabis tincture at home in just a few simple steps.
Instructions
Grind your cannabis using an herb grinder.
You'll need 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis for every 2 cups (470 milliliters) of alcohol. Most jars are either 16 fluid ounces (470 milliliters) or 32 fluid ounces (950 milliliters), which equates to 2 to 4 cups (470 to 950 milliliters). Grind your cannabis in an herb grinder until it resembles a fine powder. If you've ground cannabis for smoking before, it should have the same consistency.
- You can use any strain or type of cannabis you prefer! A THC cannabis tincture will provide a traditional body and head high, similar to smoking cannabis. A CBD cannabis tincture typically lacks THC, so it won't produce a high, but it can aid in relaxation or pain relief.
- Avoid using electric grinders, such as blenders or coffee grinders. Electric grinders can pulverize your cannabis, resulting in a poorly flavored tincture.
Spread out the cannabis on a baking sheet.
Get a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. Arrange your ground cannabis on the parchment paper, ensuring it forms a single layer. The parchment paper will prevent the cannabis from sticking to the baking sheet, so don't skip this step!
Bake the cannabis in the oven for 1 hour at 230 °F (110 °C).
This step will dehydrate the cannabis and release its essential oils. Preheat your oven, then place the baking tray inside and set the timer for 1 hour. Once the timer goes off, remove the tray and allow the cannabis to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Before you begin, use a thermometer to verify the exact temperature of your oven. Temperatures exceeding 250 °F (121 °C) can excessively dry out the cannabis, resulting in an unpleasant taste.
Fill a jar with food-grade alcohol.
For every ounce of cannabis, add 2 cups (470 mL) of alcohol. Select a jar with a secure lid for storing your tincture for a couple of weeks. Most cannabis tinctures utilize food-grade ethanol due to its high proof. Pour the alcohol into the jar, leaving some space at the top for the cannabis, then set it aside.
- Only pure, unadulterated ethanol qualifies as food-grade alcohol. It may also be referred to as food-grade ethanol, non-denatured alcohol, grain alcohol, 190 proof grain, food grade EtOH, or Anhydrous Ethanol.
Soak the cannabis in alcohol for 2 to 3 weeks.
Add the dried cannabis to the jar. Secure the lid tightly and give it a quick shake. Place your tincture in a cool, dry location for 2 to 3 weeks to allow the alcohol to absorb the cannabis oil. Longer soaking time yields better results—extended soaking allows the alcohol to absorb more cannabis oil.
- A kitchen pantry or cabinet is an ideal storage location for a tincture.
Shake your jar daily.
Stir the cannabis to facilitate absorption by the alcohol. Each day, shake your tincture a few times to expedite the process. If you miss a day, don't worry—just shake it as soon as you remember! The more you agitate it, the more opportunity the alcohol has to absorb the cannabis.
- Some individuals even suggest shaking it 2 to 3 times daily. If you have the time, shaking it more than once wouldn't hurt.
Strain the flower using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
Prepare a bowl to collect the liquid tincture. Hold the filter securely, then slowly pour the tincture over it, ensuring a steady flow to prevent spills. Continue pouring until all the marijuana has been filtered out, leaving only the liquid behind.
- You can discard the marijuana since it no longer contains any oil.
Store the tincture in a cool, dry spot.
Transfer the tincture to a sealed container for storage. Many people opt for a small bottle with a dropper for convenience, but any airtight container will suffice. Tinctures do not require refrigeration, so a kitchen cabinet or pantry is suitable for storage.
- Properly stored, your tincture will remain viable indefinitely. Since it's primarily alcohol-based, there's no reason for it to spoil or expire.
Begin with 1 mL and gradually increase your dosage.
Start with smaller doses when it comes to dosage recommendations. If you're new to cannabis or unfamiliar with tinctures, begin with a modest amount and avoid excessive consumption. Monitor your intake carefully, gradually increasing by 1 mL until you discover your optimal dosage.
- For those using an eye dropper, 1 drop equates to approximately 0.05 mL. It takes around 20 drops to reach 1 mL of tincture.
- Remember, THC tinctures produce a high similar to smoking or consuming edibles.
- Conversely, CBD tinctures do not induce a traditional high but promote relaxation.
Administer the tincture directly beneath your tongue for rapid effects.
This method facilitates the quickest absorption of cannabis into your bloodstream. Position the dropper under your tongue and hold it there briefly to allow absorption. Effects typically manifest within minutes.
- This approach is particularly effective for pain relief. The faster the absorption, the quicker the pain relief.
Incorporate the tincture into your food to infuse it with cannabis.
Many individuals opt to blend their tinctures with food or beverages. Due to their subtle flavor, tinctures can be added to a variety of dishes, including coffee, tea, and pasta sauce. Consume the infused food or drink to ingest the cannabis. Effects typically onset within 10 to 15 minutes, as absorption through the stomach is slower.
- Some experts caution that combining tinctures with food may enhance cannabinoid absorption, potentially intensifying the high. Begin with caution and gradually adjust your dosage to avoid overconsumption.
Recommendations
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If you're uncertain about the best marijuana strain for your tincture, seek advice from your local dispensary staff. They can offer insights and information regarding strains and their applications.
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When selecting a dispensary, ensure that licensed establishments adhere to regulations promoting safety and product quality. Look for prominently displayed licenses within the dispensary and on their website.
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Recognize that customer service representatives are not licensed healthcare professionals and should refrain from offering medical advice. Exercise caution with sales representatives who assume medical roles and make therapeutic claims about products. For medical inquiries, consult qualified healthcare professionals.
