How to Make Cannabis Tincture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own cannabis tincture at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Tinctures are a popular method of consumption due to their ease of use and precise dosing. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making your own cannabis tincture, from selecting the right cannabis to the final bottling.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need the following:
– High-quality cannabis flowers or buds
– A high-proof alcohol (at least 190-proof grain alcohol or Everclear)
– A double boiler or a makeshift one using a glass bowl and a pot
– A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
– A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
– A label and pen to label your tincture
Step 2: Grind the Cannabis
Grind your cannabis buds as finely as possible. A coffee grinder works well for this task. The finer the grind, the more surface area the cannabis has, which allows for better extraction.
Step 3: Prepare the Alcohol
Fill your double boiler or makeshift setup with water and place it on the stove. Add your high-proof alcohol to a glass jar that fits inside the double boiler. The alcohol should be at room temperature before you add the cannabis.
Step 4: Infuse the Cannabis
Place the ground cannabis into the jar of alcohol. Make sure the cannabis is completely submerged. Cover the jar with a lid and place it inside the double boiler. Heat the water to a gentle simmer, and let the cannabis infuse for at least 24 hours. For a stronger tincture, you can infuse for up to 2 weeks, but be sure to stir the mixture every few days to ensure even extraction.
Step 5: Separate the Infused Alcohol
After the infusion period, remove the jar from the heat and allow it to cool. Once cool, strain the infused alcohol through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another glass jar. This will separate the cannabis plant material from the alcohol.
Step 6: Decarb the Cannabis
If you haven’t already decarboxylated your cannabis, do so now. Spread the cannabis on a baking sheet and bake it in an oven at 240°F (115°C) for about 40 minutes. This process activates the THC in the cannabis, making it more potent.
Step 7: Mix the Decarboxylated Cannabis
Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the jar of strained infused alcohol. Stir well to ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the alcohol.
Step 8: Refine the Tincture
Place the jar with the cannabis and alcohol mixture back in the double boiler. Heat the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2 hours. This process will further extract the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis.
Step 9: Cool and Strain Again
Once the refining process is complete, remove the jar from the heat and allow it to cool. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another glass jar. This will remove any remaining plant material.
Step 10: Bottle and Label Your Tincture
Transfer the final tincture into your glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the jar with the date and the concentration of the tincture. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own cannabis tincture. Enjoy responsibly and remember to start with a low dose and increase as needed.
