Quick answer: A THCA tincture is a liquid extract you make by soaking decarbed THCA flower or shake in high-proof alcohol or MCT oil, then straining it. You take it by the dropper under your tongue or mix it into food and drinks. It is easy to make at home, and shake is the most budget-friendly way to do it.
We don’t sell tinctures, but we do sell the shake people use to make them. This guide shows you how to make your own THCA tincture, how to take it, and how to dose it.
What is a THCA tincture?
A tincture is a liquid extract taken by the dropper. Store-bought tinctures are made the same way you can make one at home: cannabis is soaked in alcohol or oil so the cannabinoids move into the liquid. If the flower is decarbed first, the tincture carries THC. If it isn’t, it mostly carries raw THCA, which isn’t intoxicating. See What is THCA?
What you need
- 7 to 14 grams of THCA shake or flower (buds work best, even the cheap ones)
- About 4 ounces of high-proof drinking alcohol (like 151 to 190 proof grain alcohol) or MCT oil
- A mason jar with a lid
- Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- A dark glass dropper bottle
- An oven and baking sheet for decarbing
How to make a THCA tincture with alcohol
- Decarb the shake at 240°F for 30 to 40 minutes. See how to decarb THCA flower. Skip this step if you want a raw THCA tincture.
- Combine the cooled shake and the alcohol in the jar. Make sure the plant matter is fully covered.
- Shake the jar for a minute, then store it somewhere cool and dark.
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks, shaking it once a day. (For a faster version, freeze both the shake and alcohol first, combine, and shake for a few minutes before straining.)
- Strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl, then pour into the dropper bottle.
- Label it with the date and keep it away from kids and pets.
How to make a THCA tincture with MCT oil
- Decarb the shake as above.
- Combine shake and MCT oil in a jar, seal it, and set it in a pot of barely simmering water for 2 to 3 hours. Keep the water level up.
- Let it cool, strain through cheesecloth, and bottle it.
Oil tinctures taste milder and are easy to mix into food. For more cooking ideas, see how to make cannabutter with THCA flower.
How to use a THC tincture
- Under the tongue: hold a few drops there for 60 seconds, then swallow. Effects often start in 15 to 45 minutes.
- In food or drinks: mix into tea, juice, honey or a sauce. Effects start later, often 30 minutes to 2 hours, and last longer.
How to dose a THC tincture
Homemade tinctures vary a lot in strength, so start with a quarter dropper or less. Wait at least two hours before having more, especially if you swallowed it. Write down how much you took and how you felt, so you can adjust next time. Don’t drive after using it.
Why people make tinctures
People like tinctures because they’re smoke-free, discreet and easy to measure out. Many people say they use them to relax in the evening or for better rest. Everyone responds differently, so go slow until you know how a tincture affects you.
Why shake is the best choice
Looks don’t matter in a tincture, so there’s no reason to use top-shelf buds. Shake carries the same THCA from the same plants, already broken up and ready to decarb. See what is shake weed? and browse our THCA shake, sold by the pound.
FAQ
How long does a homemade tincture last?
An alcohol tincture stored in a cool, dark place can last a year or more. Oil tinctures are best within a few months.
Can I use rubbing alcohol?
No. Only use drinking alcohol or food-grade oil.
Is a raw THCA tincture intoxicating?
Not much. Without decarbing, most of the THCA stays in its raw form.
Will a tincture show up on a drug test?
A decarbed tincture can. See Does THCA show up on a drug test?
