2025 Guide: The First Step Before Making a Potent Everclear Tincture

Why Decarb Matters More Than You Think

Before your herbs can work their magic, they need to go through a process called decarboxylation (or “decarb” for short). It's the science behind unlocking the psychoactive and therapeutic potential of cannabis.

You see, raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA—non-psychoactive compounds that need heat and time to transform into THC and CBD. Skip this step, and your infusion won’t do much, no matter how high the quality of your herb.

So Why Tincture?

Among the ways to consume cannabis—smoking, vaping, edibles—tinctures have a charm of their own. They’re discreet, shelf-stable, and most importantly: fast-acting.

Tinctures fall under sublingual ingestion, which means placing a few drops under the tongue. The mucous membranes in your mouth—especially under the tongue and around the gums—absorb cannabinoids directly into your bloodstream. This is why tinctures can kick in within 5 to 15 minutes, unlike traditional edibles that can take over an hour.

Personally, I love the balance it gives me: precise dosing, fast effects, and the freedom to mix into drinks or take it straight.

Choosing the Right Solvent: Everclear and Beyond

If you're making a THC tincture, you'll need a solvent to extract cannabinoids. High-proof alcohol is the gold standard—Everclear (my go-to) and Spirytus are both 190-proof options, meaning they’re 95% alcohol, which ensures maximum cannabinoid extraction.

But there’s a catch.

Everclear Pros:

• Superior cannabinoid & terpene extraction

• Long shelf life

• Versatile (sublingual or edible use)

Everclear Cons:

• It burns—like taking a shot of straight brandy

• Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol

• Not legal in all states

To manage the burn, I dilute my Everclear tinctures into cold juices, warm teas, or even fruity cocktails. One of my favorite recipes is a mango ginger iced tea with a splash of my Everclear tincture. It masks the bite and delivers the buzz—perfect for summer evenings.

Want an Alcohol-Free Option?

Not everyone wants to go the Everclear route—and that’s totally fine.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) Tinctures:

• Tastes sweet, mild, and a little syrupy

• Can be used sublingually or in recipes

• Kid-friendly for CBD drops

• Not as potent or shelf-stable as alcohol-based ones

Coconut Oil Tinctures:

• Neutral taste

• Excellent for topicals like balms or massage oils

• Easily added to smoothies, soups, or baked goods

• Combine with lecithin for better absorption

Just remember, alcohol-based tinctures are not safe to heat—you’ll lose potency and create a fire hazard. That’s why infusion should be done after decarb, not during.

Storing Your Tincture Like a Pro

Once you’ve strained and bottled your tincture, store it in amber or black glass dropper bottles. These help block light, which can degrade cannabinoids over time.

I always keep a few 30ml bottles in my pantry and one in my bag for on-the-go use. And while I’ve never seen a tincture “expire,” freshness still matters—especially if you’re infusing with herbs or citrus peels for flavor.

A Quick Note on the Infusion Step

If you're infusing butter or oil (instead of alcohol), the ECRU Decarboxylator does double duty. After your herb is decarbed, just add the base (butter, coconut oil, etc.) directly into the chamber and run the infusion cycle—no second machine needed.

That’s a 4-hour cycle with low, even heat, perfect for creating cannabutter, cannaoil, or herbal honey.

From there? Infuse brownies. Swirl into tea. Drizzle over popcorn. The edible world is yours.

Bringing It All Together

So here’s the magic workflow:

1. Decarb your herb – This activates your THC or CBD. Use the ECRU Decarboxylator for precision.

2. Choose your base – Alcohol (for tincture), coconut oil, butter, or glycerin.

3. Infuse – If not using alcohol, let the ECRU do the infusion too.

4. Store – Use dark glass bottles, label the date, and enjoy responsibly.

Final Thoughts: Tincture with Confidence

Whether you’re team Everclear or prefer a soft glycerin blend, making your own tincture gives you total control over your cannabis experience. You get to choose your strain, your strength, your style.

And it all starts with a clean, consistent decarb.

I’ve used the ECRU Decarboxylator on everything from CBD-rich hemp to OG Kush, and every time I get the same reliable result. It’s like sous vide for cannabis—set it, trust it, forget it.

If you're ready to skip the guesswork, reduce waste, and step into the world of cannabis-infused tinctures, there’s no better place to start than with a solid decarb.