Homemade Herbal Tincture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
  • 2 cups of high-proof alcohol (like Everclear)
  • 1 quart-size Mason jar
  • Cheesecloth for straining
  • Funnel
  • Glass dropper bottles for storage

Steps and instructions

  1. Grind the decarboxylated cannabis but not into a powder. It should be coarse for optimal alcohol absorption.
  2. Put the ground cannabis into the mason jar.
  3. Pour the high-proof alcohol over the cannabis in the jar. Make sure all the cannabis is covered by the alcohol.
  4. Screw the lid onto the mason jar tightly. Shake the jar once or twice a day for two weeks. This will help the alcohol extract the beneficial compounds from the cannabis.
  5. After two weeks, strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth into another jar. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cannabis material.
  6. Use a funnel to pour the liquid into your glass dropper bottles for easy dosing. Make sure to store the tincture in a cool, dark place.

Tools for making

  • Decarboxylated cannabis - Cannabis that has been heated to activate its psychoactive properties.
  • High-proof alcohol - Strong alcohol, such as Everclear, that is used for extracting the compounds from the cannabis.
  • Mason jar - A glass jar with a lid, used for soaking the cannabis in alcohol.
  • Cheesecloth - A thin cloth used for straining the tincture mixture to remove plant material.
  • Funnel - A utensil with a wide mouth and a narrow spout used for pouring liquids into containers without spilling.
  • Glass dropper bottles - Small glass bottles with dropper caps, used for storing and dispensing the tincture.

Recipe variations

  • Using a different strain of cannabis for a unique flavor profile and effects.
  • Experimenting with different ratios of cannabis to alcohol for desired potency.
  • Adding herbs or spices, such as mint leaves or cinnamon sticks, to infuse additional flavors into the tincture.
  • Using a different type of alcohol, such as vodka, brandy, or rum, to create a different flavor profile.
  • Adding sweeteners like honey or agave syrup to create a sweeter tincture.
  • Infusing the alcohol with other botanicals or fruits, like lavender or berries, to enhance the aroma and taste.
  • Adding glycerin to the tincture for a smoother and sweeter consistency.
  • Straining the tincture multiple times through finer filters for a clearer and more refined end product.
  • Adjusting the steeping time to experiment with the strength and flavor of the tincture.

Recipe overview

This simple and straightforward recipe will guide you in making your own cannabis tincture at home, requiring only a few key ingredients and tools. The process involves soaking cannabis in high-proof alcohol to extract the active compounds, yielding a potent, concentrated extract known as a tincture. This tincture is easy to dose and can be added to food and drinks or taken directly. The process takes about two weeks, but the actual hands-on time is minimal. This homemade tincture is a cost-effective alternative to store-bought versions, and the method allows for customization according to personal preferences. It's important to note that the concentration of your tincture may vary depending on the potency of your cannabis and the exact ratio of cannabis to alcohol used.

TimeApprox. 30 min
ServingsThis recipe will yield approximately 60 servings.
CaloriesApprox. 10
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Common questions

  1. What is decarboxylation and why is it necessary? Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its compounds, particularly THC. It is necessary because raw cannabis contains mostly THCA, which is non-psychoactive. Decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, making the tincture potent and effective.
  2. Can I use a different type of alcohol? It is recommended to use high-proof alcohol like Everclear because it is efficient at extracting the compounds from the cannabis. Other types of alcohol may not be as effective.
  3. How long does the tincture need to steep? The tincture should steep for at least two weeks to ensure maximum extraction of compounds from the cannabis. Longer steeping times, up to several months, can result in a stronger tincture.
  4. Can I use fresh cannabis instead of dried? It is generally recommended to use dried cannabis for tincture making. Fresh cannabis contains more moisture, which can increase the risk of mold growth during the steeping process.
  5. How should I store the tincture? Store the tincture in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and prevent degradation. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grinder - A grinder is useful for grinding the decarboxylated cannabis into a coarse consistency.
  • Mason jar - A quart-size mason jar is needed to hold the cannabis and alcohol mixture during the infusion process.
  • Cheesecloth - Cheesecloth is used for straining the tincture to remove any plant material.
  • Funnel - A funnel makes it easier to pour the tincture into glass dropper bottles without spilling.
  • Glass dropper bottles - Glass dropper bottles are ideal for storing the tincture as they allow for easy and precise dosing.

Origin stories

Tinctures have long been used in medicine, dating back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC where alcohol was used to extract the medicinal properties from plants. However, cannabis tinctures specifically, known as "green dragon", didn't gain prominence until much later. Surprisingly, in the United States, cannabis tinctures were quite common and listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, an official public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, from 1851 until 1942. They were widely used for a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, pain, and inflammation. With the resurgence of interest in natural and plant-based remedies, tinctures, including those made from cannabis, are enjoying a renaissance of their own.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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