How To Make A Cannabis Glycerine Tincture

Of all the many different ways to consume cannabis, a tincture is definitely one of the easiest to make and administer. Tinctures are also flexible in that they can be made either strong or subtle according to the user’s preference. Tinctures are also very discreet and can be taken throughout the day and on-the-go by simply applying drops directly under the tongue or to beverages such as tea, coffee, and juices.

Users can choose to take tinctures either orally or sublingually. Oral administration will produce longer effects, yet will take a while to set in. The sublingual route has higher bioavailability, but the effect won’t last as long. Some cannabis users also prefer tinctures due to their full-spectrum nature. Isolated cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are both powerful and useful, yet the presence of additional molecules such as terpenes can enhance the effects of cannabinoids via a process known as the entourage effect.

Tinctures can be made using numerous extraction agents such as alcohol and honey, however, this guide will focus of using vegetable glycerine. Vegetable glycerine is a clear and odourless liquid that is produced from plant oils such as palm, soy, and coconut oils. Glycerine is sometimes used in cosmetics, so be sure that you source yours from a good supplier and for the intent of human consumption. Although glycerine is considered a weaker solvent than alcohol, it offers a sweet taste and is ideal for those trying to entirely avoid alcohol use.

To make glycerine-based cannabis tincture, you will need:

INGREDIENTS

• 14g cannabis flowers (ground or broken into smaller pieces)
• 2 cups vegetable glycerine

HARDWARE

• Funnel
• Slow cooker
• Mason jar
• Oven gloves
• Dropper bottles
• Bowl
• Cheesecloth
• Tea towel
• Baking paper
• Baking tray

DIRECTIONS

1. First thing’s first, you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process converts THCA into psychoactive THC (and CBDA to CBD) by removing a carboxyl group from the compound. This may sound complex, but it only really involves heating your weed to a certain temperature. Turn your oven up to 104–112°C. Place your baking paper onto a baking tray and spread your weed evenly over the surface. Place the tray in the oven for 40 minutes.
2. Now that you have decarboxylated (“decarbed”) your weed, place it into the mason jar. Pour the glycerine into the same jar and seal the lid tightly. Shake the jar vigorously to ensure the two ingredients are mixed well.
3. Plug in your slow cooker and set it to warm. Place the tea towel inside the slow cooker to line the sides. Fill the cooker halfway with water and place the mason jar inside. Let the mason jar cook away for a period of 24 hours to allow time for the desired constituents to be extracted. Attend to the slow cooker once every few hours and give the jar a shake.
4. Once 24 hours have passed, turn off your slow cooker and remove the mason jar with oven gloves. Remove the lid and let the extract cool down. Once cool, use the cheesecloth to strain the mixture over a bowl. Pour the extract in dropper bottles using a funnel. Save the leftover bud for use in hot drinks.