A cannabis tincture is made by soaking cannabis flowers in high-proof alcohol to infuse the cannabinoids into the solvent. The alcohol is then strained, leaving behind a liquid that can be added to foods and drinks or taken under the tongue. Tinctures have a long shelf life and allow for precise dosing.
Making Tincture
To produce a cannabis tincture, first grind cannabis flowers into small pieces and decarboxylate them by baking at a low temperature for approximately 40 minutes. This process activates the cannabinoids in the plant material.
Next, combine the decarboxylated cannabis with a high-proof alcohol such as Everclear in an airtight container. The alcohol should fully submerge the plant matter. Store the mixture in a cool, dark location for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking periodically.
After several weeks, strain out the plant matter using cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag. Gently press or squeeze the plant matter to extract as much of the infused alcohol as possible. Discard the plant material.
The resulting liquid is the cannabis tincture. It can be consumed directly by the dropperful or mixed into beverages and foods. The alcohol preserves the tincture for several months. For a higher potency tincture, use less alcohol or let the mixture infuse for a longer period of time. For a milder tincture, use more alcohol or infuse for a shorter duration. Adjust to your desired potency.
Usage
The alcohol tincture can be consumed directly by dropping it under the tongue or adding it to drinks and foods. However, the alcohol can be overpowering for some. To reduce the alcohol content, pour the tincture into a shallow pan and heat until some of the alcohol has evaporated. This will make a more concentrated tincture. Tinctures can also be made into cannabis syrups, candies, and baked goods.
Effect
Cannabis tinctures tend to have full-body, long-lasting effects that vary depending on the cannabis strain used. The potency of a tincture depends on the amount and potency of cannabis used, but a single dose can contain 10 to 100 milligrams of THC. Always clearly label your tincture with the date made and dosage to avoid overconsumption. Properly stored, cannabis tinctures can last for several years.