Follow This Easy Cannabis Tincture Recipe

Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts made by soaking cannabis flowers in alcohol (or sometimes oil; our favorite is coconut oil) to extract desirable compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

These little bottled cannabis products pack a punch in terms of convenience, potency, and versatility. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned grower looking to explore new consumption methods, tinctures offer a low-key, smoke-free way to get all of the benefits of the cannabis plant. In this guide, we’ll break down what tinctures are, where they came from, how they compare to other forms of consumption (like edibles or smoking), and how to make your own step-by-step.

What is a cannabis tincture?

Cannabis tinctures have actually been around for a long time. In the 1800s, you could buy tinctures in pharmacies across the Western world. And long before joints and edibles like pot brownies and gummies took over, tinctures were the go-to.

One of the best aspects of tinctures is their ease of use. You simply drop a little under your tongue and hold it for 30 seconds or so, allowing it to absorb. That means it kicks in quicker than edibles (usually within 15–30 minutes), but without the smoke or smell associated with smoking. It’s a great route if you’re looking for something discreet or just want to give your lungs a break. 

Tinctures are also highly versatile, so whether you’re microdosing during the day or taking a full dropper to help with sleep, you can adjust your dose precisely.

People use tinctures for various reasons. They’ve been used to help with pain, anxiety, sleep, and inflammation. But even if you’re not dealing with any of those issues, tinctures are an easy way to vibe out without straining your lungs: lowkey, effective, and easily customizable to your lifestyle.

How to Make Cannabis Tincture

Making your own cannabis tincture is easier than you might think, and the best part is you get to control everything from the strain to the strength. Whether you’re using it for wellness or just want a clean, efficient high, homemade tinctures let you get the most out of your flower.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Cannabis flower we recommend your favorite Humboldt-grown strain
• High-proof alcohol 190-proof if possible

Equipment

• Mason jar with lid
• Cheesecloth or coffee filter
• Dropper bottles (preferably amber or dark glass)
• Funnel
• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Oven

Method

 

1. Step 1: Decarb

   Decarboxylation (aka “decarbing”) activates the THC or CBD in your flower so your tincture actually works. Without it, you’re just soaking raw plant matter, which will have no actual effect.

   Start by preheating your oven to around 220–240°F (105–115°C).

   Lightly grind your cannabis and spread ground cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   Bake for 30–40 minutes. The cannabis should look lightly toasted and dry when done.
2. Step 2: Combine cannabis and alcohol

   Place your decarboxylated cannabis into a clean mason jar, and then pour in enough high-proof alcohol to fully submerge the plant material. Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix.
3. Step 3: Infuse your tincture

   For the quickest results, simply place the sealed jar in a warm water bath (not boiling) for 20–30 minutes, shaking the jar occasionally. If you have more time and are looking for higher potency, you can store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks (up to a month for a stronger batch), shaking once daily.
4. Step 4: Strain and bottle

   Once the infusion period is complete, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl or measuring cup. Use a funnel to transfer your tincture into dropper bottles, and make sure to label with the strain and date so you can keep track of what’s what.

How to use a THC or weed tincture

Tinctures are super versatile, but here’s how people commonly use them:

Sublingual (under the tongue)

Drop your dose under the tongue and hold it for 30-60 seconds. This is the fastest way to feel effects, and hopefully it’s a decently sweet taste. 

Add to food or drinks

You can add tincture to smoothies, tea, or even mocktails. Just remember: don’t ever cook with it. Alcohol-based tinctures are flammable, so it’s best to avoid use near open flames.

Topical (optional for certain tinctures)

If you made an oil-based tincture instead of an alcohol one, you can rub it on sore spots for localized relief. Just keep in mind that alcohol-based tinctures are not ideal for topical use.

How to dose a cannabis tincture safely

Start low and go slow, always.

If you’re new to tinctures (or just don’t want to overdo it), we recommend starting with a small dose around 0.25 to 0.5 mL. Tinctures can hit a lot differently than smoking or edibles, especially when taken sublingually. The good news is, you can dial it in over time and find what works best for your body. It just takes a little practice and knowledge around dosing. 

Here’s a general formula you can use to calculate how much THC you’re working with in each mL:

[(THC % × 1,000) × grams used] ÷ mL of alcohol = mg/mL

For example:

Let’s say you used 28 grams (1 ounce) of cannabis at 20 percent THC with 375 mL of alcohol, oil, or glycerin.

1. 28g × 20 percent THC = 5.6g THC
2. 5.6g = 5,600mg total THC
3. 5,600mg ÷ 375mL = ~14.93mg THC per mL

That means each full 1 mL dropper would deliver about 15 mg of THC.

Just make sure to use your own flower and your own numbers. Don’t rely on anyone else’s math unless your setup matches theirs exactly. 

Storage tips and shelf life

When storing your tincture, ensure it is kept in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet or refrigerator. Alcohol-based THC or CBD tinctures can last several years if stored properly, whereas glycerin- or oil-based tinctures typically have a shorter shelf life, ranging from six months to a year.

Common mistakes to avoid when making a cannabis THC tincture

• Skipping the decarb: You won’t feel anything if you don’t activate your cannabinoids into an active form first.
• Using low-proof alcohol: This route is less effective than high-proof alcohol, and you also risk mold or spoilage.
• Improper straining: Cloudy or gritty tincture isn’t the vibe. Always ensure that you strain it thoroughly.
• Improper draining: Don’t toss your soaked plant material too fast; squeeze out all that goodness!