When it comes to making cannabis edibles, a primary ingredient is typically needed. This primary ingredient may not be the main ingredient of the recipe. It is, though, the ingredient that is infused with cannabis, which makes the edible exactly what it is. This ingredient can be different, depending on the edible itself. It can be butter, cooking oil, honey, or even some tinctures. In this post, we will be talking about the recipe for a cannabis-infused tincture.
Before making something, you need to know what it is. What is a tincture? Why is it necessary for any recipe? With that, which recipes would you use the tincture in? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to answer all of those questions!
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts. Simply put, it’s cannabis-infused alcohol. But these tinctures will not get you drunk, they will get you high. Depending on the strain that you use, you can either get really high or medicated, or both! Cannabis tinctures are great for both recreational and medical users.
[bctt tweet=”Quick fact: Cannabis tinctures were the primary method of consuming medical cannabis in the U.S. until cannabis prohibition in 1937.” username=”reefer_post”]
These tinctures are also great for those who are looking for a way to consume cannabis without smoking or vaping it. Many medical marijuana patients are unable to smoke cannabis due to, well, medical reasons. Tinctures allow those patients to get their medicine orally, without coughing up a lung (possibly literally).
Compared to edibles, tinctures are a good low-calorie option rather than common edibles (such as brownies or cookies). This is another reason why medical marijuana patients prefer this method of consumption. Anyone who makes edibles may want to try tinctures. Simply because tinctures can be used to make cannabis edibles. Many different types of foods and drinks can have cannabis tinctures added to them to be infused. One example of using tinctures in edibles is our pink lemonade infused with cannabis recipe. Click the link below to check it out:
Link to Cannabis-Infused Pink Lemonade Recipe
Dosage and Effects
If you consume cannabis tinctures directly, then dosing is very easy. For beginners, start with one full eye dropper under the tongue. If you feel as if that was not enough, wait at least one hour before taking another dropper full. When dosing anything cannabis, a good rule to remember is to start small and go slow. Consuming too much can be a very unpleasant feeling.
Effects from tinctures take about one hour to fully kick in. After that, the high will last much longer than a high from smoking or vaping weed. However, that high will not last as long as a high from edibles made with cannabutter or canna oil. If you make edibles with tinctures, the effects may take up to two hours to kick in completely (like a typical edible).
Another great benefit of cannabis tinctures is the fact that they have an extremely long shelf life. These tinctures can last for several years! To keep them this long, however, they must be kept in a cool, dark area. Anyways, tinctures last longer than most cannabis products, including cannabis itself! This long shelf life means that you can make large batches for yourself. Then, you’ll always have a convenient stash to use for, medication or recreation.
Making cannabis tinctures are very easy. Below are step-by-step instructions on making your own!
Ingredients
- Coarsely grounded cannabis
- Everclear, or any other high-proof alcohol (3-6 grams of cannabis per 1 fluid ounce of alcohol)
- Mason jar
- Strainer
- Cheesecloth
Instructions
Step 1: Fill the jar with weed
First, grab your mason jar and fill it with cannabis. Cover the cannabis within by at least 2 inches. Then, seal the lid on tight and shake it up for about five seconds.
Step 2: Freeze the jar
Now you’ll want to place the jar in the freezer. This step will take several days. Every day, a few times a day, take it out and shake it up, then place it back in the freezer. Do this for 8-10 days. The potency of the tincture depends on how long you allow your cannabis to infuse, or freeze and be shaken up.
Step 3: Strain out the liquid
Grab a strainer and two layers of cheesecloth after the 8-10 day period of freezing and shaking. Lay both pieces of cheesecloth inside the strainer. Then, place that over a bowl. Pour the contents from the jar through the cheesecloth to get all of the liquid out, which is all you want. Be careful and try not to get any plant material mixed in with your collected liquid.
Step 4: Use or store
After Step 3, your cannabis tincture is complete! That liquid can be used in any way explained throughout this post. It’s a tincture after all! You can either use it once it’s finished or store it in a cool, dark place. I suggest leaving it in your refrigerator when you are not using it.
Well, that’s all for this post. What did you think about cannabis tinctures? They are a great, smokeless option for any cannabis user, medically or recreationally. Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy those tinctures!
FAQ: Making Cannabis Tinctures
A: The benefits of making a cannabis tincture are that they allow for longer shelf life than other methods of ingesting cannabis, they are discreet and easy to measure doses, and they are easier to digest than edibles.
A: Cannabis tinctures should be stored in a cool, dark area away from moisture and excessive heat. Additionally, you should avoid exposing the tincture to oxygen as much as possible to preserve its potency.
A: When making a cannabis tincture, the best type of solvent to use is a high-proof alcohol such as grain alcohol, vodka, or Everclear.
A: When stored properly, a cannabis tincture typically lasts for up to 5 years.
