Recipes for Making Potent Cannabis Tinctures

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series. See first part here.

Now that we understand the importance of decarboxylation and know about the different tinctures you can make, it is time to try it yourself at home. The basis of making tinctures is seeping the marijuana correctly until it infuses with your chosen medium. Unfortunately, it can take several months to make tinctures, but the potency is well worth the time and effort.

If you cannot wait and need a tincture now, then using heat to steep the infusion is the better choice, but the tincture will be weak and not nearly as effective. However, you can have it in a few hours if you are desperate, but it is wiser not to hurry if potency is what you are after. With that said, here are two ways to make potent tinctures once you have chosen your medium.

The Long Steep

The long steep is without doubt the most potent way to make tinctures and it is the preferred method of most. However, it will take many months before you can try it out, upwards of several months to a year for a truly potent mix. Nonetheless, the long steep is still the best way to make a strong and powerful marijuana tincture.

Requirements

• 1 Ounce Decarboxylated Marijuana
• 3 cups Moonshine, Everclear, Brandy, Vodka, or Vegetable Glycerin

Method

• Place cannabis into a glass quart jar.
• Fill the jar with your chosen medium, leaving approximately a one-inch of space.
• Cover with a well-sealed lid.
• Store in a paper bag on a shelf or in a dark cupboard.
• Every few days, shake the mixture thoroughly.
• Steep as is for at least two weeks, preferably as long as you can possibly manage. The longer you leave it, the more potent it will become. Some leave it for a full year.
• Test it periodically to establish its strength.
• When it is as potent as you want it to be, pour the liquid through a strainer, squeeze the plant material to get as much liquid as you can, and pour the clear tincture into glass dropper bottles.
• Store in a cool, dark place.

The Heat  Steep

Using the heat method to steep your tinctures is the quickest, easiest way to do it, but you will sacrifice some of its potency in the process and you will need to be careful you do not burn it on the stove. It will help to use only lower proof alcohol or glycerin, but as long as you watch it closely and do not wander off, you should be able to do it with great success at home.

Requirements

• 1 Ounce Decarboxylated Marijuana
• 3 Cups Vodka, Brandy or Vegetable Glycerin

Method

• Switch stove on to its lowest setting. You can use a slow cooker if you have one.
• Add marijuana and your chosen medium to a pot and place on the stove.
• Simmer on low for approximately four hours, or until strong enough for you.
• Remove from stovetop and allow cooling.
• Strain mixture to remove all plant matter.
• Pour into glass dropper bottles and store in a dark, cool place.

 

The choice to use marijuana tinctures is a personal one. The only way to know if it will work for you is to try it out. Most tincture lovers choose this method of consumption because it is discreet, effective, easier to make and dose than edibles, and much healthier than smoking. There is also no wastage if made properly, ensuring you get all of the medicinal benefits that cannabis has to offer.

Written by: John Levy

John Levy is a blogger for Pot Valet, a leading marijuana dispensary online. John is a cannabis supporter and supports its legalization for medicinal purposes. You can follow Pot Valet on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.