Certain recipes sometimes don’t call for oil so how do you infuse cannabis into these items? One method is by creating a simple cannabis infused tincture. These weed tinctures can be used sublingually (placed under the tongue), mixed into drinks, or blended directly into recipes. As a highly versatile ingredient, cannabis tinctures have become a staple in my kitchen.
About This Recipe
Cannabis tincture, also known as green dragon, is a strong herbal extract that can easily be made at home. This infusing method only requires 2 ingredients, decarboxylated cannabis flower (or decarboxylated concentrate) and high-proof grain alcohol that is at least 120 proof. Making homemade cannabis infused alcohol tincture, allows you to make edibles without the need for oil! This THC tincture allows you to create cannabis infused drinks (mocktails) and infuse any dish with ease. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to make cannabis infused alcohol tincture at home.
We will be doing the cold alcohol extraction process to create our cannabis infused tincture. You will need a freezer and the following items.
- decarboxylated cannabis flower or concentrate
- high-proof grain alcohol (at least 120 proof)
- mason jar
- fine-mesh strainer
- cheesecloth
Cannabis tinctures are extremely simple and rewarding to make. This infused tincture can be used as a sublingual cannabis extract, added to drinks, used as an cannabis elixir, or even used in cooking for versatile consumption. It unlocks the possibility of homemade cannabis infused beverages and meals without the need for oils! With just a few steps, you can create homemade cannabis infused sugars, infused lemonades, THC drops, or even FECO.
Note: Use high-proof (food-grade) alcohol, such as Everclear or vodka with at least 60% ABV. Lower-proof alcohol may not extract the cannabinoids as effectively.
Tips & Tricks
Calculate Potency: Take note of the total starting THC/CBD percentage of the cannabis flower or concentrate, (flower typically ranges from 10-35% THC, while concentrates range from 70-90% THC) and estimate the potency of the cannabis infused tincture using an online THC/CBD calculators.
Freeze Alcohol & Cannabis: Before starting, I highly recommend placing both your high-proof grain alcohol and decarbed cannabis into the freezer a few hours before starting the process.
Works For Both Cannabis Flower & Concentrates: This cold extraction method of making cannabis infused tinctures, can be used with flower/bud or concentrates (e.g., rosin, hash, shatter). Just make sure your starting cannabis material is decarboxylated.
Cannabis Tincture Recipe
Ingredients
~ 7 grams decarboxylated flower (or 1 gram decarboxylated concentrate)
~ 1 cup high-proof grain alcohol (at least 120 proof)
Instructions
- Place the bud (or concentrate) into a mason jar and put it in the freezer along with the bottle of alcohol for at least 3 hours before mixing them together. The cold will help break off the trichomes into the alcohol.
- Once materials are cold, combine your decarboxylated cannabis with the cold high-proof alcohol. Secure the lid tightly and give it a good shake. If using flower, use enough alcohol to fully submerge the weed.
- Place the jar into the coldest part of your freezer for at least 3 days. Shake the mason jar once a day during the 3-day freezing period to help with extraction
- Take your cannabis infused tincture out of the freezer, pour it through a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh strainer and into a clean container (you may need to filter twice). Transfer your final cannabis tincture into an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
Notes
FAQ
What is the best alcohol for making cannabis tinctures?
High-proof grain alcohol like Everclear (190-proof) is ideal for making cannabis infused tinctures. The higher the alcohol content, the more efficiently it extracts the cannabinoids (THC and CBD) found in the cannabis.
How long does it take to make a cannabis infused tincture?
The process of making cannabis tinctures depends on whether you are using cannabis flower (e.g., trim or bud) or concentrates (e.g., rosin, shatter, hash). It typically takes the flower 2 days in the freezer and 1 day for concentrates, as the mixture needs time to infuse in the freezer. However, you can speed up the process by shaking the jar multiple times throughout the day,
How much weed should I use for a cannabis infused tincture?
If you are using flower, a good rule of thumb is to use 7-10 grams of flower per 1 cup of alcohol and adjust based on your desired potency. If you are using concentrate, you will need ~1 gram of concentrate per 1 cups of alcohol, and adjust depending on your desired strength.
How do I store cannabis tinctures, and how long do they last?
Store your tincture in an airtight, dark glass bottle in the fridge (or in a cool, dark place) for long-term storage. Proper storage prevents the degradation of THC and CBD cannabinoids.
Do I need to decarboxylate cannabis before making a tincture?
Yes, decarboxylation is essential for activating the THC and CBD which is found in cannabis. Skipping this step will result in a less potent tincture and may not deliver the result you’re hoping to achieve. Decarbing cannabis at home is a simple process that unlocks the world of cooking with cannabis, so whether you’re working with cannabis concentrate or cannabis flower make sure it’s decarboxylated before infusing it into meals/drinks.
How potent will the final cannabis infused tincture be?
You can use an online THC calculator to help you estimate the potency of your homemade cannabis infused tincture.
Conclusion
Cannabis infused tinctures are extremely easy to make and only requires a few key ingredients and supplies. Pre-freezing the bud/concentrate and alcohol helps break off the trichomes and minimize the amount of chlorophyll that is leached into the final tincture. The end result is a potent THC/CBD tincture that can easily be used in homemade edible making. Cannabis infused tinctures can be used by placeing a drop underneath the tongue and wait for 40-60 mins for the effect to fully hit.
