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Infused Liquors/Tinctures

What Is a Cannabis Tincture?

Ever heard someone mention a "green dragon" and thought they were talking about a fantasy novel? Well, not quite—cannabis tinctures (aka green or golden dragon) are actually old-school cannabis remedies that date back way before modern edibles hit the shelves. These are alcohol-based cannabis extracts—basically, infused alcohol that delivers the effects of cannabis without needing to smoke, vape, or bake.

In fact, tinctures were the #1 way people used cannabis as medicine in the U.S. until prohibition shut things down in the early 1900s. Now they're making a big comeback thanks to their ease of use, long shelf life, and vibe-friendly dosing options. And despite the intense nickname, green dragon tinctures are super beginner-friendly, especially for folks looking to ease into edibles or medical cannabis without going all in on brownies.

How to Use (and Dose) Cannabis Tinctures

One of the best parts about tinctures is how easy they are to dose accurately. No guessing games or surprise six-hour couch lock.

Start with 1 mL (usually one dropper) under your tongue (sublingual dosing is fast and effective). If that feels good, you're set. If it's too mild, increase your dose slowly, day by day—try 1.5 mL next time, then 2 mL if needed. The key is to go low and slow until you find your personal sweet spot.

Fun fact: Tinctures taken under the tongue can kick in within 15–45 minutes, much faster than baked edibles that take over an hour.

When stored in a cool, dark place, tinctures made with high-proof alcohol can last years without going bad. That makes them a great option for batch-making: create a larger quantity once, and you've got a portable, mess-free, calorie-light way to consume cannabis any time.

Tinctures vs. Brownies: Which Wins?

Let's be real—weed brownies are great, but they come with baggage. We're talking tons of sugar, calories, and that wait time that feels like forever. Tinctures, on the other hand, are:

  • Low in calories (about 7 cal per mL if made with 190-proof alcohol)

  • Fast-acting when taken sublingually

  • Way easier to store and carry around

  • Easier to dose precisely (no more mystery brownies)

Unless you've got a very mild tincture, you'll probably stay way under a brownie's 112+ calorie hit. Plus, tinctures are easy to add to drinks, smoothies, or even a spoonful of honey if the taste is too intense.

How to Make Cannabis Tinctures

Good news: you don't need to be a chef (or have a full kitchen) to make tinctures. The basic process is easy, beginner-friendly, and only needs a few tools:

  • High-proof alcohol (Everclear is ideal—just make sure it's legal in your area)

  • Dried cannabis flower or extract

  • A mason jar

  • Coffee filter or fine strainer

  • A little patience (unless you're using heat)

Here are two popular ways to make tinctures, both tried and true:

Traditional Green Dragon Tincture Recipe

This is the classic "let-it-sit" method. It takes a few weeks, but it's easy and effective.

Steps:

  1. Decarboxylate your cannabis (grind it first, then bake at 240°F for 30–40 mins)

  2. Place decarbed cannabis into a mason jar

  3. Pour in high-proof alcohol to cover the cannabis completely

  4. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2–3 weeks

  5. Shake the jar daily

  6. After steeping, strain with a coffee filter and store in a dropper bottle

  7. Start with 1 mL and adjust your dose from there

  8. The longer you let it sit, the more potent it becomes. This method preserves terpenes and flavors, too.

Master Wu's Fast-Infused Tincture Recipe

This version uses heat to speed things up, so you can make your tincture in just one evening.

Steps:

  1. Decarboxylate your cannabis like above

  2. Mix decarbed cannabis and high-proof alcohol in a mason jar

  3. Place the sealed jar into a water bath (double boiler-style) at around 170°F

  4. Simmer for 20 minutes, shaking the jar occasionally

  5. Strain and bottle your tincture like before

Master Wu's method extracts cannabinoids fast and gives a stronger kick sooner. Just be extra careful with alcohol near heat—do it in a well-ventilated area and never over open flame.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis tinctures are a low-key, versatile, and powerful way to explore cannabis. Whether you're easing into edibles, microdosing for wellness, or crafting your own stash of green dragon, tinctures let you control your experience, avoid sugar overload, and keep things simple.

They're discreet, shelf-stable, easy to dose, and quick to make once you get the hang of it. Just remember—a little goes a long way, so don't chug it like Gatorade (unless you like anxiety naps).

⚠️ Disclaimer (aka That Part You Should Actually Read)

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only — not an invitation to start a basement lab, break the law, or become your town's DIY tincture kingpin. Cannabis laws vary, so check your local rules before making or using tinctures. We're not doctors or lawyers—just your friendly cannabis crew on the internet. Stay smart, stay safe, and don't call us if your dropper doses lead to dancing with the ceiling fan.