Find out what Cannabis Tinctures are and how to make your own Green Dragon Tincture at home

Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture was one of the most commonly used ways to ingest the humble Mary Jane before she was caught in the crossfire when the United States federal administration declared the War on Drugs.

What is a Tincture?

A simple definition; tinctures are extracts made by soaking the leaves, bark and roots of herbs in an alcohol solvent. The solvent draws out the active compounds in the plants, dissolves and concentrates them. Tinctures have been used as medicine for a variety of ailments for many years.

What is a Cannabis Tincture? 

There are a few options when it comes to Cannabis Tinctures. The best solvent for extracting as many cannabinoids and terpenes as possible is PGA (pure grain alcohol). Enters the Green Dragon, an alcohol-based cannabis tincture. For a lower ABV cannabis tincture with a defined flavour profile, you could use your favourite vodka, brandy or whisk(e)y. 

Alcohol-free

If you are avoiding alcohol for whatever reason, your tincture will have an alcohol percentage, you could replace the alcohol with an MCT oil. MCT is oil derived from coconuts, it is easily digested and can be taken sublingually just like a tincture. 

Benefits of using Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are quick and easy to make at home. Consumption is effortless, fast-acting and discreet. Making your own cannabis tincture will save you money and homemade tinctures are customizable. You can add lavender and chamomile to make a tincture for anxiety and relaxation or try turmeric and ginger for an anti-inflammatory tincture to target pain relief.

Choosing your Bud

Shop around for the desired cannabinoid combination. You could choose a THC forward strain, or decide on a variety with a higher percentage of CBD or CBG cannabinoids. It all depends on what desired effects you are after. You can calculate the potency of your cannabis tincture by using a tincture edibles calculator.

How to make your own Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture 

You will need a mason jar, high-proof and safe for consumption alcohol, strainer and your marijuana of choice. 

Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture

Recipe by Stoned CitizenCourse: EdiblesDifficulty: Easy, Preperation

Servings

700ml

Prep time

1hour 

Extraction Time

~30Days

Ingredients

• 750ml Pure Grain Alcohol

• 28g Cannabis; flower and trim

Directions

• Decarboxylated the cannabis by roughly breaking it apart, and baking it for 115C / 240F for 45 minutes.
• Fill the mason jar two-thirds of the way with decarboxylated cannabis and pour enough alcohol over it to cover the herb.
• Let the mixture sit for at least 30 days, giving it a vigorous shake once or twice a day.
• Strain the mixture through a coffee filter and return the liquid to a clean mason jar.
• Leave the lid off the jar for a day or two so that some of the alcohol can evaporate.
• Test the potency of your Green Dragon cannabis tincture after the first day, and only allow more alcohol to evaporite over the next day if a more powerful tincture is desired.
• Store in a cool dark place in a glass tincture bottle with a dropper for easy and accurate dosing.

Cold extraction 

There are several sources that recommend placing the jar in the back of your freezer instead. This cold process is said to extract cannabinoids and terpenes more efficiently but leaves behind the Chlorophyll. Which is the part that makes the plant green and helps it create its own food through the process of photosynthesis. Some people prefer to avoid it altogether, as it is an acquired taste. But within at least seven days of keeping the tincture in the back of your freezer and giving it a shake-a-day, your tincture will be ready to be strained within seven to ten days.

Dosage 

Go low, go slow! Stick to one or two drops under your tongue to start. Once you have tested the potency of your marijuana tincture paired with your own tolerance you will have a better understanding of what your dosage is.  Keep it under your tongue for 20-30 seconds for the medication to absorb directly into your bloodstream, the tincture burns under the tongue at first, but this does not last very long.

It is pretty easy to make your own Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture at home. If you enjoy the benefits and effects of cannabis, this is the edibles solution for you! Taken sublingually it is fast-acting, the dosage is controllable and you will be saving money! Try it today!