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Missouri Cannabis Education
How Can I Make My Own
Cannabis Tincture ? by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
12 November 2024
Cannabis tinctures have become increasingly popular in Missouri ’ s adult-use cannabis market , especially since the legalization of adult use through Amendment 3 . Tinctures offer a discreet , effective , and customizable way to consume cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping .
For those who enjoy DIY projects or prefer more control over the potency and ingredients in their cannabis products , making a tincture at home is a straightforward process . While you can always purchase cannabis flower at a local dispensary , Missouri ’ s laws also allow adults over 21 to grow cannabis at home , making this an ideal project for consumers looking to maximize the benefits of their homegrown flower .
One of the key advantages of tinctures is the discreteness they offer . In Missouri , where cannabis is now widely available but social consumption lounges are limited , tinctures provide a low-key option for dosing cannabis at home or on the go . Unlike smoking or vaping , tinctures don ’ t produce a noticeable odor , making them a practical solution for those who prefer a subtle consumption method . Additionally , tinctures can be taken sublingually ( under the tongue ), which allows for faster absorption compared to edibles , with effects typically kicking in within 15-45 minutes . They are a great product for both new and experienced consumers and an easy way to microdose cannabis if that is what you are looking for .
Tinctures can be purchased at many dispensaries , but it is relatively easy to make your own . Making a cannabis tincture at home requires only a few basic ingredients , the most important being cannabis flower and high-proof alcohol such as Everclear or similar grain alcohol . Consumers can easily purchase flower at any licensed dispensary or , if you are growing at home under a personal cultivation license , use your own harvest .
The first step in creating a tincture is decarboxylating the cannabis . Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its cannabinoids , like THC and CBD , by removing a carboxyl group from their acidic forms ( THCA and CBDA ). This transformation is essential for cannabis to produce psychoactive or therapeutic effects , as raw cannabinoids are not as bioavailable or potent . Typically , decarboxylation occurs when cannabis is heated through smoking , vaping , or baking , but it can also be done in an oven for homemade edibles or tinctures . Without this step , your tincture will not produce the desired effects .
To decarboxylate , preheat your oven to 240 ° F , spread the cannabis evenly over parchment paper on a baking sheet , and let it bake for 30-40 minutes ( no more than an hour , or you will cook all the good stuff away ). The heat transforms the THCA in the raw flower into THC , which produces the psychoactive effects . After the cannabis has decarboxylated , let it cool before placing it in a glass jar .
Next , you ’ ll pour the alcohol over the cannabis , ensuring it ’ s fully submerged and completely covered . Alcohol acts as a solvent , extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material . The jar should then be sealed tightly and stored in a cool , dark place . Missouri summers can be hot and humid , so make sure the storage area is not too warm , as heat can degrade cannabinoids over time . For optimal potency , allow the cannabis to steep in the alcohol for at least 24 hours , shaking the jar periodically . Some people let it steep for several days or even weeks , depending on how concentrated they want their tincture to be . Over time , the plant ’ s cannabinoids and terpenes will dissolve the alcohol . A longer steep time will yield a more potent tincture .