What is a Cannabis Tincture?
Cannabis tinctures, also known as green or golden dragon, are alcohol-based cannabis extracts – essentially, infused alcohol. In fact, tinctures were the main form of cannabis medicine until the United States enacted cannabis prohibition. With a name like “green dragon,” you might think cannabis tinctures are not for the faint of heart, but they’re actually a great entry point for both recreational and medical users looking to ease into smokeless consumption methods.
According to The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook, tinctures will last for many years when stored in a cool, dark location. When combined with easy self-titration, the long shelf life means you can make larger quantities of tinctures at once and have a convenient, accurate way to ingest cannabis.
How to Make Cannabis Tinctures
Decarboxylate your flower or extract (if you’re using flower, grind it to a fine consistency)
Mix your flower or extract in a mason jar with high-proof alcohol (preferably Everclear)
Close the jar and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking it once a day
After a few weeks, filter it with a coffee filter and start with a small dose of 1mL to assess potency
Master Wu’s Green Dragon Tincture Recipe
This guide was first published in 2006 on cannabis.com and is one of the most comprehensive tincture recipes available online, with detailed instructions and excellent tips and tricks. Master Wu’s recipe differs from the traditional method in that it uses heat to speed up the extraction and concentration process. Unlike the traditional method, you’ll be finished with this recipe in an evening. Below you’ll find an abridged summary of the technique.
Decarboxylate your flower or extract (if you’re using flower, grind it to a fine consistency)
Mix your flower or extract in a mason jar with high-proof alcohol (preferably Everclear)
Simmer the jar in a water bath for 20 minutes at 170 degrees F
Strain the mixture and store.
Article by Philip Bjorge