How to Make a Cannabis Tincture With Alcohol or Glycerin

To make a cannabis tincture, you soak ground buds in alcohol or glycerin in a sealed glass jar, let it steep somewhere cool and dark for weeks, then strain out the plant matter. Alcohol pulls a stronger tincture, especially if you decarb the weed in the oven first; glycerin is gentler and alcohol-free. Below you'll find both methods, what people use tinctures for and how a CBD tincture stacks up against CBD oil.

What is a cannabis tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a concentrated liquid cannabis extract that's been used throughout history as a natural remedy for all sorts of ailments. It's made by soaking cannabis flower in alcohol or glycerin and letting it sit for a while so the active compounds dissolve into the liquid.

What are cannabis tinctures used for?

Cannabis tinctures have taken off thanks to their potential health benefits. Some of the most talked-about include:

• Pain relief: Patients report using cannabis tincture to ease mild, moderate or severe pain, including headaches, joint and muscle pain, tendinitis and other aches.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Research suggests it may help reduce inflammation and support cell repair, which could also help skin injuries heal.
• Help with health conditions: It's been used, and studied, for a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and as support during cancer treatment.
• Appetite boost: Cannabis tincture may help stabilize weight and stimulate appetite, which can be especially helpful for patients going through radiation or chemotherapy.

How to make a cannabis tincture

Method 1: Glycerin tincture

Glycerin is a safe, food-grade solvent you can use to make a cannabis tincture. Here's a basic guide:

1. Grind up some high-quality cannabis buds.
2. Put the ground buds in a glass jar and cover them completely with glycerin.
3. Seal the jar tight.
4. Let it sit somewhere cool and dark for at least 5 weeks, shaking it now and then.
5. After that, strain the mix to remove the plant matter, and your tincture is ready to use.

Method 2: Alcohol tincture

Cannabis tincture made with alcohol tends to be more potent. Here's a basic recipe:

1. Grind the cannabis buds and put them in a glass jar.
2. Put the jar in the oven at 115 °C (240 °F) for half an hour to activate the cannabinoids (decarboxylation).
3. Add half a liter (about 2 cups) of ethyl alcohol at 40% ABV (80 proof) or higher to the jar and shake well.
4. Store it somewhere dark and cool for at least a month, shaking the jar occasionally.
5. After a month, strain the mix to remove the plant matter, and you've got your cannabis tincture.

CBD tincture: what is it and what is it for?

A CBD tincture is a cannabis extract that's become more and more popular for its potential health benefits. People often use it for anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and other issues. Just like a cannabis tincture, CBD tincture can be taken under the tongue (sublingually) or mixed into food and drinks.

Cannabis tincture is a versatile, potentially beneficial remedy with a long history of medicinal use. You can go the glycerin or alcohol route to make your own at home. CBD tincture also offers potential health benefits and can be a good fit for anyone looking for relief without weed's psychoactive effects. As always, talk to a healthcare professional before using these products therapeutically.

Which is better: CBD tincture or CBD oil?

Choosing between a CBD tincture and CBD oil comes down to personal preference and how you want to take your CBD. Both are similar in cannabidiol content, but they differ in their base and how you use them. Here's a side-by-side to help you decide:

CBD tincture:

1. Liquid base: CBD tinctures usually have a liquid base, which can be alcohol, vegetable glycerin or another carrier. That makes them easy to measure and dose.
2. Fast absorption: Because they're liquid, CBD tinctures tend to absorb into the bloodstream faster when taken sublingually (under the tongue).
3. Versatility: You can mix CBD tinctures into food or drinks if you don't like the taste or would rather not take them straight.

CBD oil:

1. Oil base: CBD oils use a carrier oil, like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. That can make the oil thicker than a tincture.
2. Versatility: Like tinctures, CBD oils can be taken under the tongue or mixed into food and drinks.
3. Flavor: Some people like the natural taste of CBD oil, while others find tinctures easier to take because the flavor is less pronounced.
4. Range of strengths: CBD oils often come in a range of concentrations, which can make it easier to dose precisely for your needs.

In the end, tincture vs. oil comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use it. Both work for taking CBD, so you can try each and see which one feels more convenient or effective for you. And check in with a healthcare professional before starting CBD, especially if you're managing a specific medical condition.