Master Wu’s Green Dragon Tincture

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.

1. Decarboxylate your flower or extract (if you’re using flower, grind it to a fine consistency)
2. Mix your flower or extract in a mason jar with high-proof alcohol (preferably Everclear)
3. Simmer the jar in a water bath for 20 minutes at 170 degrees F
4. Strain the mixture and store

How do I take my tincture?

Tinctures are usually taken by putting a few drops under your tongue (sublingually). When taken this way, the arterial blood supply under your tongue rapidly absorbs the CBD. That being said, you can always swallow the tincture in a drink or food, but it will be absorbed slower by your liver.

How fast is the onset?

When dosing a tincture sublingually, expect to feel the effects in 15-45 minutes and reach your peak high at about 90 minutes. If you simply drink the dose, expect a slower onset that more closely resembles traditional edibles.

How long will I feel the effects of a cannabis tincture?

Expect to feel results longer than when you smoke or vaporize, but shorter than when you eat a butter or oil-based edible.

Here are a few additional tips that should be taken into consideration:

1. All instruments should be sterilized to avoid contamination.
2. Because the gas from alcohol can settle into pools, it is important to ensure that your formulation space is well ventilated and to avoid lighting matches.
3. If you are using a cloth pressing bag to strain the plant matter from the tincture, wet the bag so you don’t saturate it with your tincture.
4. Start slowly when consuming tinctures. Some people might be sensitive to dropping tinctures made with high-proof alcohol directly onto or under the tongue.
5. Label your bottles with the type of cannabis in your tincture so you know what you are taking .
6. If you are interested in blending cannabis tincture with other herbs, prepare the plant tinctures individually and create the formula with the final products.

   For an alcohol free tincture vegetable glycerine can be used instead of the spirits.

Disclaimer: The cannabis plant produces more than 80 different cannabinoids, or cannabis compounds. These compounds can have unexpected effects. Always check the math, measure carefully and be especially sure to not overdo it.