How to make Cannabis Tincture

Cannabis tincture was regularly used centuries ago as a medicinal remedy, just like CBD. In fact, a reference to it has been found in a medical book written in 1842. However, after the prohibition of cannabis in the United Kingdom and subsequently in the rest of the world, this usage was forgotten.

What is Cannabis Tincture?

Marijuana tincture is an extraction from the cannabis plant that uses high-proof alcohol or high-quality vegetable oil, along with buds and sugar leaves. The benefits of this extract are the same as those of the flowers but in a higher concentration, so with just a few drops, you can achieve the desired effect.

In fact, using cannabis tincture for medicinal purposes is one of the best ways to obtain the benefits of this plant, as long as it is prepared with CBD-rich flowers, the cannabinoid that features all these properties. Conversely, if it is rich in THC, as most marijuana plants tend to be, it will have psychotropic effects.

Cannabis Tincture: What is it used for?

At present, cannabis tincture is associated with medical cannabis. This product offers an easy and fast way to experience the therapeutic effects of CBD. Moreover, its effects can be noticeable with just a single drop of the tincture. The most notable benefits include:

• Analgesic: CBD blocks pain receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), preventing pain signals from reaching the affected areas.
• Anti-inflammatory: It provides relief from rheumatic discomfort related to inflammation within minutes.
• Relaxing: Cannabis tincture soothes tired legs, tense muscles, and anxiety.
• Antioxidant and protective: It also protects the skin from free radicals, reduces signs of aging, and helps with some cases of psoriasis, even aiding in the treatment of melanoma.

When the product is of high quality, marijuana tincture offers additional benefits: neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antitumor, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antiseptic, immunomodulatory, and opioid craving reduction. Because of all these properties, it is useful for conditions such as rashes, eczema, migraines, arthritis, mosquito bites, minor burns, dry skin, and even psoriasis.

How to make Cannabis Tincture at home for Medicinal Purposes

In countries where cannabis-based products are legal, you can find marijuana tinctures in any dispensary. However, many people prefer to make their own product to ensure its quality.

For external use, this substance is suitable for all ages. But, for other uses, it is advisable to be of legal age.

It is not necessary to make large quantities, as daily doses are usually not very high. With one gram (0.03 oz) of extract and 30 ml (1 fl oz) of oil, your tincture will last between 3 and 4 months approximately.

Materials and Ingredients 

• BHO Extractor (Gasolinator, Roller Extractor…)
• Pure Butane Gas (Colibri, Clipper…)
• Plant materials with resin: leaves, stems, buds…
• Industrial food-grade Ethanol
• Coffee Filters
• Borosilicate Glass Container
• 20 ml Syringe
• Infrared Laser thermometer
• BHO Razor
• 2 Glass Jars
• Baking Paper or Silicone Mat
• Silicone containers
• Glass Bottle with Dropper

Making Cannabis Tincture Step by Step

1. Freeze the plant material for 24 hours. In addition, place the BHO extractor and the butane gas can in the freezer as well.
2. Thoroughly wash the large borosilicate glass container, dry it, and rinse it with the ethanol to ensure there are no remaining water or impurities.
3. Perform a regular BHO extraction in a well-ventilated area (terrace, balcony, garden, etc.). Use the pure butane gas and place a glass jar with the coffee filter in the opening at the bottom of the can.
4. Once the extractor stops dripping, mark the level to which the gas has reached, and wait until ⅔ of it has evaporated.
5. Add about the same amount of ethanol as the remaining gas in the jar. Pour it in quickly to break the gas’s tension with the resin, which will purge it almost completely.
6. It will create a foamy, non-dangerous reaction. Wait for about 15 minutes until it stops bubbling, occasionally agitating the jar to release the last bubbles. Then, seal the container with its lid.
7. Place the jar with the resin in the freezer for at least 24 hours to freeze the waxes and other impurities.
8. Put a filter in the other jar and pour the ethanol with the resin through it. This will leave the ethanol and the resin free from terpenes, aromas, chlorophyll, and water residues.
9. Place the borosilicate glass container on top of a pot as a cover to evaporate the ethanol. Fill the pot with about four fingers of water and turn on the stovetop to level 1 or 2, with the extractor hood on to prevent ethanol buildup. Never use an open flame, as it could cause an explosion.
10. With the syringe, place a thin layer of no more than 20 ml of the mixture from the jar onto the container.
11. Check with the thermometer that the temperature does not exceed 104 ºF (40°C). If it does, remove it from the heat until it cools and then place it back over the pot.
12. When there is no liquid left, use the BHO razor to collect the resin from the glass container. Before doing so, ensure it has dried properly and is not sticky or staining.
13. Gather all the resin on the baking paper or a silicone mat.
14. Form all the resin into a single ball or similar shape. If it’s too sticky, put it in the fridge for a minute to make it more manageable.

The most challenging part is now complete. The result is a pure extract consisting solely of cannabinoids. If you’ve used THC-rich cannabis, the approximate composition will be around 90% THC, 3% CBD, 3% CBN, and the rest in smaller amounts of other cannabinoids. When the cannabis is rich in CBD, the composition will be predominantly cannabidiol.

To finish with this recipe, dissolve one gram (0.03 oz) of the extraction in 30 ml (1 fl oz) of extra virgin olive oil inside the bottle with a dropper. Cannabis is liposoluble, so it will dissolve without any issues within a few hours.

How to Use Cannabis Tincture

When starting to take marijuana tincture, it is recommended to begin with a lower dose, not more than one drop. After observing how your body reacts, then you can gradually increase the dosage until you achieve the desired result. However, one should be mindful of potential side effects of high doses when a product contains THC.