ABV Tincture: The Complete Guide to Making Tincture from Already Vaped Bud
An ABV tincture is a cannabis extract made by soaking already vaped bud (ABV) in high-proof alcohol like Everclear to extract the remaining cannabinoids. It offers a simple, effective way to repurpose your vaped material into a sublingual or edible product.
What Is an ABV Tincture and Why Make One?
ABV (already been vaped) tincture is a cannabis extract made by soaking your leftover vaped flower in high-proof alcohol. Vaping decarboxylates the flower, so the cannabinoids are already active — you don't need to heat it again. The alcohol pulls out the remaining THC, CBD, and other compounds, creating a liquid you can take sublingually or add to food. It's a practical way to get more use from your material, though it's typically less potent than a tincture made from fresh flower.
- Understand the potency — ABV has already lost some cannabinoids during vaping, so your tincture will be milder. Start with a small dose and adjust.
- Choose your alcohol — Use high-proof alcohol (at least 151 proof, ideally 190 proof) for efficient extraction. Lower proofs extract less effectively.
- Decide on water curing — If you dislike the burnt taste of ABV, water cure it first (see the section below). This step is optional but improves flavor.
- Combine and wait — Mix the ABV with alcohol in a jar, shake, and let it sit for a few minutes to a few weeks. The longer you wait, the more complete the extraction.
- Strain and store — Filter out the plant material with a fine mesh or coffee filter. Store the liquid in a dark glass dropper bottle.
For a more potent, concentrated extract, you can evaporate the alcohol to create FECO (full-extract cannabis oil). Learn more about full-spectrum RSO oil and how it compares.
How to Make ABV Tincture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create a potent ABV tincture at home. You will need ABV, high-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear 190-proof), a glass jar, and a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Water cure your ABV (optional but recommended) — Soak your ABV in water for 24–48 hours, changing the water every 6–12 hours, to remove the burnt, ashy taste. Dry the ABV completely before proceeding.
- Combine ABV and alcohol in a jar — Place your dried ABV in a clean glass jar and cover it completely with high-proof alcohol. Use a ratio of about 1 gram of ABV per 2–3 ml of alcohol.
- Shake and store in a dark place — Seal the jar and shake it vigorously. Store it in a cool, dark place for 1–4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to agitate the mixture and improve extraction.
- Strain the tincture — After the extraction period, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean amber glass bottle. Squeeze the remaining ABV to extract every drop.
- Store and label — Transfer the tincture to an amber glass dropper bottle. Label it with the date and estimated potency. Store in a cool, dark place; it will keep for months or even years.
How to Evaporate Alcohol from Your ABV Tincture Safely
If you prefer a more concentrated extract without the alcohol burn, you can evaporate the alcohol from your tincture to create a FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil). This process requires care due to the flammability of alcohol.
- Choose a safe evaporation method — The safest way is to pour the tincture into a shallow glass dish and let it sit in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources. A fan can speed evaporation.
- Use a double boiler or slow cooker (with caution) — Place the tincture in a heat-safe container inside a water bath. Keep the water temperature below 200°F (93°C) and never use an open flame. Evaporate until the alcohol is gone, leaving a thick, sticky oil.
- Monitor the consistency — As the alcohol evaporates, the liquid will become syrupy, then thicken into an oil. Stop when it reaches your desired consistency—from a thick tincture to a full FECO.
- Store in a syringe or jar — Once cooled, transfer the concentrated oil to a glass syringe or small jar. Label clearly and store away from heat and light.
Important safety note: Alcohol vapors are highly flammable. Never evaporate near a gas stove, pilot light, or any ignition source. Work in a ventilated area or use a laboratory-grade evaporator if available.
ABV Tincture Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
Dosing ABV tincture is tricky because the potency of your vaped bud varies widely based on the starting material and how thoroughly you vaped it. Always start low and go slow. The table below offers general guidelines.
| Experience Level | Starting Dose | Effect Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Low tolerance | 1–2 drops (approx. 0.5–1 mg THC) | 15–30 minutes sublingually | 2–4 hours |
| Moderate tolerance | 3–5 drops (approx. 2–5 mg THC) | 15–30 minutes | 4–6 hours |
| High tolerance / experienced | 6–10 drops (approx. 5–10 mg THC) | 15–30 minutes | 4–8 hours |
| Medical / symptom management | Start with 1 drop, increase by 1 drop every 30 minutes | Varies | Varies |
Hold the tincture under your tongue for 30–60 seconds before swallowing for faster absorption. You can also mix it into food or drink, but this will delay the onset. If you are new to cannabis, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any tincture.
Everclear
Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol that is bottled at up to 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof). It is made from fermented grains and distilled to a very high concentration, making it one of the strongest alcoholic beverages available. Because of its potency, it has been involved in public safety concerns, including risks of alcohol poisoning, its use as a facilitator in assaults, and its high flammability, which has led to burn injuries. The manufacturer has faced legal scrutiny over marketing practices related to these risks. For making ABV tincture, Everclear is the preferred choice because its high alcohol content efficiently extracts cannabinoids and requires less liquid to cover the plant material.
Water Curing ABV: Improve the Taste of Your Tincture
ABV often carries a harsh, burnt, or ashy taste that can ruin the flavor of your tincture. Water curing removes water-soluble impurities and much of that unpleasant taste, leaving a cleaner, milder product.
- Place your ABV in a French press or fine-mesh bag — A French press makes water changes easy. Alternatively, use a cheesecloth bag or a fine-mesh strainer.
- Soak in fresh water for 24–48 hours — Cover the ABV with room-temperature or cool water. Change the water every 6–12 hours. You will see the water turn brown or yellow as impurities leach out.
- Rinse thoroughly — After the final soak, rinse the ABV with fresh water to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry the ABV completely — Spread the wet ABV on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) or in a dehydrator until completely dry. This step is crucial to prevent mold and to ensure the alcohol can extract effectively.
- Proceed with your tincture recipe — Once dry, use the water-cured ABV in your tincture recipe as described above. You will notice a significant improvement in flavor.
Other Ways to Use ABV: Edibles, Capsules, and More
A good fit if…
- You want a fast-acting, versatile product — Tinctures work sublingually in minutes and can be added to almost anything.
- You prefer precise dosing — Dropper bottles allow you to measure exact amounts.
- You want to avoid the taste of ABV — Water curing and alcohol extraction can mask or remove the burnt flavor.
Consider another option if…
- You want a longer-lasting, slower-release effect — Edibles like cannabutter or infused coconut oil provide a more gradual onset and extended duration.
- You dislike the alcohol burn — Capsules or oil infusions avoid the alcohol taste entirely.
- You want a no-alcohol option — ABV can be eaten directly (e.g., on a peanut butter cracker) or infused into oil or butter for cooking.
Your choice depends on your needs: tinctures offer speed and precision, while edibles and oils provide a different experience. Many people keep both on hand for different situations. For more on concentrated oils, see our guide on [[full-spectrum-rso-oil|full-spectrum RSO oil]].
For details on services and visits, see the main page about rso oil for cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
How fast can you evaporate alcohol from a tincture?
Using a fan in a well-ventilated area, a thin layer of tincture can reduce significantly within 12–24 hours. A double boiler or slow cooker on low heat (below 200°F) can speed evaporation to 1–2 hours, but requires constant monitoring to avoid fire risk.
Can you vape a tincture?
No, alcohol-based tinctures are not meant for vaping. The alcohol content can damage your vape device and produce harmful vapors. If you want a vape-able product, use a specialized cannabis oil or concentrate instead.
What can you make with ABV besides tincture?
ABV is versatile: you can infuse it into coconut oil or butter for edibles, pack it into capsules for easy dosing, add it to smoothies or yogurt, or even use it in topicals. Each method offers different onset times and effects.
Is ABV edible?
Yes, ABV is already decarboxylated and can be eaten directly. Many people sprinkle it on peanut butter crackers, mix it into yogurt, or blend it into smoothies. However, the taste can be strong, so water curing or masking flavors is recommended.
How do you infuse ABV into coconut oil?
Combine water-cured and dried ABV with coconut oil in a slow cooker or double boiler. Heat on low (160–200°F) for 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain through cheesecloth, then refrigerate to solidify the oil. The result is a potent cannabis-infused oil for cooking or capsules.