Tinctures have been a trusted go-to in cannabis wellness long before modern dispensaries existed. Easy to make, easy to use, and long-lasting, cannabis tinctures are a great way to enjoy the benefits of your favorite plant without smoke or fuss. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or create a custom edible experience, this guide will walk you through how to make your own cannabis tincture right at home.
What Is a Cannabis Tincture?
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts infused with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or both. They’re typically made using alcohol, oil, or glycerin as a base and are stored in small glass bottles with a dropper for easy dosing. Tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for fast-acting effects or mixed into drinks and food for longer-lasting results.
When taken sublingually, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream quickly through the tissue beneath your tongue, usually kicking in within 15 to 30 minutes. Swallowed tinctures behave more like edibles, taking up to 90 minutes to take effect but often lasting longer.
Choosing the Right Strain for Your Tincture
- Indica-dominant strains tend to be calming and ideal for evening use.
- Sativa-dominant strains are uplifting and great for daytime focus.
- Balanced hybrids can give you the best of both worlds.
- High-CBD strains are perfect for non-intoxicating wellness support.
No matter your goal, always check the strain’s cannabinoid profile. Higher THC levels offer stronger psychoactive effects, while CBD is known for relaxation without the high.
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
What to do:
- Preheat your oven to 230°F.
- Break up your cannabis and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- When it looks dry and golden-brown, it’s done.
Step 2: Choose Your Base
- High-proof alcohol (like Everclear) is fast-acting and ideal for sublingual use.
- MCT oil (from coconuts) is a great alcohol-free option, perfect for ingesting or cooking.
- Glycerin is sweet and shelf-stable but slower to absorb under the tongue.
Step 3: Make Your Tincture
For Alcohol-Based (Green Dragon) Tincture:
- Fill a mason jar halfway with your decarbed cannabis.
- Add enough high-proof alcohol to cover the flower.
- Seal and store in a dark, cool place for at least 3 weeks. Shake daily.
- Strain using a cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
For Oil-Based Tincture (Using a Crockpot):
- Combine your decarbed cannabis with MCT oil in a slow cooker.
- Simmer on low for 2–6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Let it cool, strain into a bottle, and store.
Pro Tip: The Low-Mess Crockpot Method
If you want to cut down on mess — or keep the smell to a minimum — there’s an easy twist on the classic crockpot method.
Instead of placing the cannabis and MCT oil directly in the crockpot, fill the crockpot halfway with water and place your measured cannabis and oil in a sealed glass jar. Gently place the jar into the water bath and set the crockpot to High.
Give the jar a shake and “burp” it occasionally to release any built-up pressure. After about 30 minutes, carefully remove the jar, strain the infused oil into your dropper bottle, and you’ve got a clean, low-odor tincture ready to use.
Storing and Dosing Your Tincture
When dosing:
- Start low: 1/4 to 1/2 dropper.
- Wait at least 60–90 minutes before increasing.
- Everyone’s body reacts differently—take your time finding what works for you.
To calculate potency:
- Multiply the grams of cannabis by the THC percentage to get the milligrams.
- Divide by the number of milliliters of liquid to estimate mg per dropper.
Example: 28g x 20% THC = 5,600 mg THC 5,600 mg ÷ 375 ml = ~15 mg THC per ml (1 full dropper)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ready to start crafting your own? Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm is here to guide you every step of the way. Happy tincture-making!
