The Five-Step Guide to Making Cannabis Tincture

People everywhere are getting very creative in their ways of using cannabis. Tinctures are popular. You can take them sublingually, by leaving a drop under the tongue to absorb, or you can add a drop to food and drinks. You can gulp it straight, if you so like, rub it directly into your skin. Many folks try growing enough weed to make tincture, but most just search “weed delivery near me” for their favorite strains.

Making Cannabis Tinctures

Making tincture, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, requires using an alcoholic solvent to extract cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. The clearer the alcohol, the higher its purity. Find one with a high level of alcohol, such as Everclear. The higher the percentage of ethanol, the more cannabinoids it will extract. These five steps will help you succeed: 

Step 1 – Gather What You Need

• 2 Ounces Bud, from your favorite cannabis strain
• Hash- or Kief-Infused Concentrate, optional for added potency
• 2 Cups Alcohol, highly concentrated
• Blender or Coffee Grinder
• Aluminum Foil
• 1 Plastic Bag, sealable
• Glass Dropper
• Large Mason Jar, with Lid
• Large Measuring Jug
• 2 Coffee Filters
• Large Glass Dish, oven safe
• Cheese Cloth
• Latex Gloves
• Small Funnel
• Rubber Band
• Amber Bottles, as many, as needed

Step 2: Get Prepared

• Grind all marijuana ingredients and seal them inside a plastic bag. Then, freeze it. For an hour. Freezing preserves molecular structure for later extraction. 
• Preheat the oven to 235°F.
• After an hour of freezing, place weed into an ovenproof dish and cover with foil. 
• Place in the oven for an hour. Keep the foil cover on. Foil reduces the risk of burning your weed. It also stops cannabinoids and terpenes from cooking out. THC starts boiling at 240°F. If it boils, then the National Institutes of Health explains how decarboxylation will not work as well. As such, potency will be less. Remember this if your oven’s temperature gauge behaves unpredictably. The goal is to activate THC and other cannabinoids, not lose them. 

Step 3: Begin Extraction Process

• After an hour in the oven, remove the dish from the rack. Do not remove the foil cover. 
• When cool to the touch, take foil cover off and place the weed into a big jar. 
• Add just enough alcohol to cover the weed. No more. 
• Close the jar tightly and place in your freezer for a week, at least. Longer is better. Experts suggest freezing a minimum of six months. 
• Every day, give the jar a good shake. For a full minute. Shaking is necessary to break the weed up better and allow even distribution of cannabinoids in the alcohol. 

Step 4: Filter the Mixture

• After at least a week, preferably longer, fetch the jar from your freezer. 
• Cover another glass jar with a double layer of cheesecloth. 
• Using the funnel, pour the mixture into the cheesecloth. It will filter into the new jar. At its end, twist the cheesecloth. Give it a little squeeze. This will extract all the fluid. This liquid is precious. You do not want to lose any of it, which at this stage will still look murky. 
• It is important to use gloves while doing this. Your skin will absorb cannabinoids easily, which will make you very, very stoned. Intentionally or not. 
• Clean and dry the original jar properly. Cover its mouth completely with two coffee filters. Smooth them out, tighten them up, and secure them in place with a rubber band. 
• Slowly filter the murky mixture into the clean jar until only plant matter remains in the filter. 

Step 5: Test It

After completing these steps, your tincture should be ready to enjoy. In order to prevent airing one jar overly much, portion your tincture into several bottles. Amber colored bottles will prevent light from degrading quality. Store it in a cool, dry place, and give it a test. For some, inhaling cannabis smoke amplifies the effects of tinctures. Work your dosage out and consider your tolerance levels. Start slow.

To Alcohol or Not to Alcohol?

For many, using alcohol is not desirable. You can also use glycerin, of particular tastiness is that found in olive or coconut oil. Glycerin is safe use medicinally. It is also affordable. What is more, you can customize your tincture in other ways too, as your personal preferences dictate. Sativa strains, for example, are great for daytime use. You can make tincture that helps you sleep, even boost your mood. 

When it comes to making tinctures, options are near limitless. Experiment with it. Play a little with it. Try different strains. Dosing is not exactly exact either. THC levels are often guesswork without proper testing. Start slow. Start small. Experimentation is the only true way to figure out the best dose for you, as well as your tolerance levels toward it. Have fun with it. You can invite friends too. 

Marijuana Delivery in California

A simple search for “weed delivery near me” will give you a number of cannabis delivery services close to you. If you are unable to grow your own, or if you want to keep your buds for smoking, then you can find an abundance of quality strains online to use instead. Just make sure to use trusted and reputable companies. Fraudsters abound. Check online reviews, websites, and contact details. Be thorough.