How to Make Cannabinoid Oil Tinctures with Any Extract
Excerpt: Discover the best practices for making cannabinoid oil tinctures with any extract, no matter the potency. This guide provides accurate calculations for concentration and detailed instructions, including pre-heating techniques for optimal mixing and tincture quality.
Introduction
Making a cannabinoid oil tincture at home is a fantastic way to customize your wellness experience. Whether you’re using a 100% pure isolate or an extract with a lower potency, understanding how to calculate and prepare your tincture accurately is key. This guide explains how to calculate the amount needed to reach your desired potency, with step-by-step instructions for heating, dissolving, and mixing for a perfect tincture every time.
Calculating Concentration Based on Extract Potency
When working with an extract that is less than 100% pure, it’s essential to adjust your measurements. For example, if you want a 10% concentration tincture (100 mg/ml) using a 60% potency extract, you’ll need to account for the difference in purity. Here’s how:
- **Desired Total Cannabinoids**: 3000 mg (for 30 ml of a 10% tincture)
- **Extract Potency**: 60%
- **Calculation**: 3000 mg / 0.6 = 5000 mg of extract needed
This calculation ensures that you’re accounting for the actual cannabinoid content in the extract. Adjust according to the purity of your specific extract by dividing by its potency percentage (as a decimal).
What You’ll Need
- Cannabinoid Extract: Quantity based on the potency calculation above.
- Carrier Oil: 30 ml of your preferred carrier oil (e.g., MCT oil or hemp seed oil)
- Tools: Digital scale, dropper bottle, small bowl for heating, double boiler or bain-marie, and a small mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure Your Extract
Based on the potency of your extract, calculate the amount needed to reach your desired concentration. For example, if your extract is 60% pure and you want a 10% concentration, measure 5000 mg of the extract.
Step 2: Pre-Warm the Carrier Oil
For easier mixing, pre-warm your carrier oil using a bain-marie (double boiler). Fill a pot with about an inch of water and set it on low heat. Place a bowl with your carrier oil in the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Warm the oil for 5-10 minutes until it’s comfortably warm to the touch but not hot.
Step 3: Melt and Dissolve the Extract
If your extract is in a solid or semi-solid form, place it in a separate small bowl and heat it gently in the bain-marie. Once it begins to melt, add a small portion of your warmed carrier oil to the extract (about 10-20% of the total oil you’ll use). Stir until the extract is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
Once the extract is dissolved, gradually add the rest of your warmed carrier oil, stirring as you go to ensure even distribution. Alternatively, you can pour the entire mixture into your dropper bottle and shake it to combine thoroughly.
Step 5: Transfer and Store
Using a funnel, carefully transfer your mixture into a dropper bottle. Label it with the concentration and date, and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve potency.
Notes on Dosing and Adjustments
This recipe yields a tincture with a 10% concentration based on the actual cannabinoid content, providing 100 mg of cannabinoid per ml. For lower potency extracts, adjust the amount of extract you use accordingly by dividing by the extract’s potency percentage (in decimal form).
Benefits of Pre-Warming and Mixing Techniques
Pre-warming both the extract and the carrier oil ensures a smoother, more even blend, enhancing the quality of your tincture. This method is especially helpful with extracts that are difficult to dissolve directly into oil. Mixing a small portion first also helps avoid clumping and results in a more homogenous tincture.
Conclusion
Making a cannabinoid tincture with any extract is straightforward once you understand how to calculate the right amount and follow proper mixing techniques. With a few simple steps, you can create a high-quality tincture that matches your wellness goals. Try it today and experience the convenience and versatility of making your own cannabinoid tinctures!