How to make a cannabis tincture

Weed tinctures are discreet, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make from home. In this article, we’ll show you how to make cannabis tinctures with grain alcohol or Everclear, as well as using non-alcoholic alternatives based on glycerin.

Step-by-step recipe

After gathering these ingredients and tools, making your weed tincture follows a simple distillation process. If you’re wondering how to make a cannabis tincture with Everclear, the process is the same; just swap out the grain alcohol. Some users also prefer to mix both alcohol and glycerin for a mixed tincture.

Step 1: Decarb your cannabis

If your cannabis is already decarbed, skip this step. If not, here’s how to activate the compounds in your cannabis using decarboxylation:

Spread your ground cannabis evenly across the baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake it at 230°F for 30–45 minutes. This process is essential for activating the cannabinoids in your buds and making a potent tincture. Without decarbing, your cannabis tincture will have little to no effect.

Step 2: Infuse your solvent

Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a clean mason jar, then cover it completely with your chosen solvent. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 6–8 weeks, shaking once daily to encourage infusion.

Using grain alcohol or Everclear produces a strong, efficient, and potent tincture. The high-proof alcohol extracts cannabinoids quickly and effectively.

If you’re wondering how to make non-alcoholic cannabis tinctures, use food-grade glycerin instead of alcohol. This makes for a sweeter mix; however, glycerin is less effective at extracting cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a tincture with milder effects.

For a faster extraction method, some people opt to percolate their tinctures, filtering alcohol through layers of cannabis for an immediate distillation. However, the long steeping method usually yields a smoother, more balanced product.

Step 3: Strain & filter

Once infused, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine coffee filter to remove all the plant matter.

Step 4: Bottle & store

Use a funnel to pour the tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place to maximize its shelf life and potency. Properly stored, a cannabis tincture can last for years.

Variations to try

One of the best things about making tinctures is that you can experiment with different methods and flavors to suit your taste and lifestyle. Here are a few options to try.

Slow cooker method

Combine your cannabis with glycerin and cook it on low heat for several hours in a slow cooker, stirring occasionally. This results in a sweet and mild alcohol-free tincture.

Hybrid method

Combining alcohol and glycerin produces a tincture that’s potent (thanks to alcohol’s efficiency at extracting cannabis compounds) and sweet-tasting (thanks to the glycerin).

To make a hybrid tincture, start with an alcohol extraction. Next, slowly cook the tincture to evaporate the alcohol. Finally, add glycerin for a sweet, alcohol-free product that boasts all the potency of an alcohol-based extraction.

Flavored tinctures

Want to customize your marijuana tincture further? Add flavorings like vanilla beans, cocoa nibs, or citrus peels during the infusion process for a more palatable extract.

Small bottles, big potential

Discreet, potent, and long-lasting, cannabis tinctures offer one of the easiest and most versatile ways to enjoy cannabis without smoking. Best of all, making tinctures at home is easy and lets you experiment with unique flavors and extraction methods.

Now it's your turn. Try this simple recipe at home, play around with different variations, and discover which tincture style works best for you.

Ready for more? Explore Zamnesia’s full range of cannabis recipes, from classics like weed brownies to other DIY extracts and infusions.