Cannabis tinctures are a versatile and convenient way to consume THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. Tinctures are made by infusing high-proof alcohol with cannabis, and they can be taken orally by placing a small amount under the tongue or mixed into a drink. Tinctures offer a number of benefits, including fast-acting effects, easy dosing, and the ability to easily adjust the potency of the tincture. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own cannabis tincture at home.
Before you start making your tincture, you need to activate the THC in your cannabis. This process, called decarboxylation, involves heating the cannabis to a specific temperature for a certain period of time. To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C). Grind your cannabis and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Cannabis tinctures are typically made with high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or Everclear. Choose alcohol that you enjoy the taste of and that will effectively extract the THC from the cannabis.
Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a sealable glass jar. Add enough alcohol to cover the cannabis completely. Seal the jar tightly and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar once or twice a day to ensure that the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the alcohol
Once the infusion is complete, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any plant matter.
Once the tincture has been strained, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.
To use the tincture, shake the bottle well and dispense a small amount (such as a dropper-full) under your tongue. Hold the tincture in your mouth for a few minutes before swallowing to allow the THC to be absorbed into your bloodstream. The effects of the tincture will typically be felt within 30 minutes to an hour.
Some more ideas for tinctures:
Cannabis tinctures can be added to any cocktail to give it a THC boost. Just add a dropper full of tincture to your drink of choice and stir well. Some popular cocktail choices include margaritas, mojitos, and gin and tonics.
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can still enjoy the benefits of THC by adding a cannabis tincture to a mocktail. Simply mix your tincture with a non-alcoholic base, such as fruit juice or soda water, and stir well.
Cannabis tinctures can be added to hot drinks, such as coffee or tea, to create a THC-infused beverage. Simply add a dropper full of tincture to your drink and stir well.
Cannabis tinctures can also be added to smoothies to create a THC-infused treat. Simply add a dropper full of tincture to your smoothie ingredients and blend until smooth.
Note: The strength of your tincture will depend on the potency of your cannabis and the amount you use. It’s important to start with a small amount and increase as needed to find the right dosage for you. It’s also important to remember that the effects of THC can vary greatly from person to person, so it’s important to use caution when consuming edibles and to start with a low dosage.