How to Make an Alcohol-Based Cannabis Tincture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alcohol-based cannabis tinctures offer a versatile, fast-acting, and smoke-free way to experience the benefits of cannabis. Making tinctures at home is cost-effective and customizable, allowing you to create a product tailored to your personal health needs. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of making an alcohol-based cannabis tincture, with tips for safe preparation, dosage control, and effective use.

What Is an Alcohol-Based Cannabis Tincture?

An alcohol-based tincture is a liquid extract of cannabis made by steeping cannabis flower or concentrate in high-proof alcohol, which acts as a solvent to extract cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. Tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), added to food or beverages, or even used topically when diluted in a carrier oil.

Key Benefits of Alcohol-Based Tinctures:

• Rapid absorption: Sublingual use allows cannabinoids to quickly enter the bloodstream, providing fast relief.

• Customizable: You control the cannabinoid content, dosage, and flavor of homemade tinctures.

• Long shelf life: Alcohol acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of tinctures.

Ingredients and Equipment for Making a Tincture

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment to ensure a smooth process:

Ingredients:

1. Cannabis flower or concentrate: Choose a strain that suits your desired effects (e.g., high CBD for anxiety or balanced THC/CBD for pain relief).

2. High-proof alcohol (190-proof or higher): Grain alcohol (e.g., Everclear) is ideal for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes. In regions where 190-proof alcohol isn’t available, 151-proof alcohol can be used, but expect slightly reduced potency and longer steeping times (Rehman et al., 2021).

Equipment:

• Glass mason jar: Use a clean, airtight glass jar for steeping.

• Cheesecloth or fine strainer: For straining plant material from the tincture.

• Glass dropper bottles: For storage and easy dosing.

• Oven and baking sheet: For decarboxylating (activating) the cannabis.

• Freezer (optional): For cold extraction, which preserves more terpenes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Alcohol-Based Cannabis Tincture

Let’s dive into the process of making a cannabis tincture at home, from decarboxylation to straining and bottling.

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis

Decarboxylation is necessary to activate cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Without it, your tincture will have mostly inactive cannabinoids.

• Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).

• Break the cannabis into small pieces and spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 30-40 minutes, shaking the tray every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. For activating CBD, extend the baking time to 45-60 minutes (Lazarjani et al., 2020).

• Let the cannabis cool before proceeding.

Step 2: Combine Cannabis with Alcohol

• Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a clean mason jar.

• Add high-proof alcohol, ensuring that the cannabis is fully submerged. Use a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio (e.g., 1 ounce of cannabis to 2-3 ounces of alcohol).

• Seal the jar tightly and shake gently for a few minutes.

Step 3: Steep the Mixture

Allow the mixture to steep for optimal extraction:

• Cold extraction: Store the sealed jar in the freezer for 1-2 weeks, shaking it gently once a day. This method preserves more terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful tincture (Lewis et al., 2022).

• Room temperature extraction: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily (Eichler et al., 2020).

Step 4: Strain the Tincture

After the steeping period, strain the plant material:

• Line a fine strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl or jar.

• Pour the mixture through the strainer, allowing the liquid to collect below.

• Press the remaining plant material to extract as much liquid as possible.

• Transfer the strained tincture to glass dropper bottles for storage and dosing.

Step 5: Store the Tincture

Store your finished tincture in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored, tinctures can last for years without losing potency (Freeman et al., 2020).

How to Dose and Use Alcohol-Based Tinctures
Finding Your Ideal Dose

Start with a low dose and increase gradually:

1. Begin with 1-2 drops under the tongue and wait 15-30 minutes to assess the effects.

2. Increase the dose by 1-2 drops over several days until desired effects are reached (Sexton et al., 2019).

3. Record your experience in a journal to track effectiveness.
   

Ways to Use Tinctures

• Sublingual administration: Place drops under your tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds for rapid absorption.

• Add to food or drinks: Mix into beverages, smoothies, or soups for slower, gradual effects.

• Topical use: Dilute the tincture in a carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil) and apply to localized areas of pain. Note: Alcohol-based tinctures may irritate the skin, so infusing cannabinoids into oil may be a better option (Mikhaeil et al., 2021).

Safety Tips for Making and Using Tinctures

• Use high-proof alcohol to ensure effective extraction.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of fumes and reduce flammability risks (Hill et al., 2019).

• Start low and go slow with dosing to avoid side effects like dizziness.

• Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications.

Making alcohol-based cannabis tinctures at home offers control, customization, and cost-effectiveness. You can tailor the cannabinoid content, adjust potency, and create a tincture that suits your wellness needs. Whether you’re managing anxiety, pain, or exploring general wellness, this step-by-step guide will help you create a personalized tincture that supports your health journey.