The POT by NOIDS (PBN) is a compact countertop device that lets you decarb cannabis and reclaim alcohol safely at home. This guide shows you how to make a cannabis tincture for edibles using the PBN. You’ll cover each step clearly: decarbing, infusing, filtering, reclaiming and storing.
It’s a simple, low-odour method for making potent extracts to use in gummies, oils or drops without guesswork.
Table of Contents
How the POT by NOIDS Works
The POT by NOIDS is designed for home use, with built-in settings for decarboxylation, infusion and alcohol reclaim. It gives you precise temperature control, so you can activate THC or CBD without burning off the good stuff.
The PBN handles everything in one container, keeping smells to a minimum and cleaning simple. It’s especially useful if you’re working with high-proof alcohol and want to reclaim it safely after infusion.
How to Decarb Cannabis with the POT by NOIDS
Decarboxylation turns raw cannabis into a form your body can absorb. THC and CBD both start out in their acid forms (THCA and CBDA) and need heat to become active.
The PBN makes this easy. Just add your dried cannabis to the inner beaker, fit the lid, and choose the right setting:
- THC: set to 105°C
- CBD: set to 125°C
The device heats slowly and evenly, helping preserve terpenes while fully activating the cannabinoids. You’ll get reliable results every time without having to watch the oven, and no smell in the house!
Infusing Cannabis in Alcohol with the POT by NOIDS
Once you’ve decarbed your cannabis in the POT by NOIDS, let it cool completely before moving on to the infusion step. You’ll need high-proof grain alcohol, ideally 95% ABV to extract the cannabinoids effectively.
Ensure it is pure ethanol and does not state it is denatured. Everclear is the classic, but you can also buy Spyritus instead. If this is hard to find where you live, look for Perfumers Alcohol, but ensure it is not denatured. Do not use Isopropyl Alcohol as this is toxic internally!
Grind or break up the cannabis gently. You can also use kief which will already be very fine.
You’ve got two solid options for infusion: a quick warm soak or a longer cold soak. Both work well, depending on your timing and taste.
Quick Soak Method (Green Dragon Style)
This is a faster option if you need your tincture the same day.
- Put the cannabis into a glass jar and pour over just enough alcohol to cover it. Seal the lid and shake it well. Then place the jar into a hot water bath – not directly on a hob or open flame! Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking now and again. Remember to use oven gloves.
- Once it’s cooled, you can strain and use it straight away. It’s not as smooth as a long soak, but it’ll do the job.
Long Soak Method (Cold Infusion)
For better flavour and stronger extraction, use a cold steep.
- After decarbing, add the cannabis to a clean jar and pour over enough alcohol to fully submerge it. Seal it and store it in the freezer. Give it a shake once a day.
- Leave it for at least two weeks or six if you want something stronger. The longer it steeps, the more it’ll pull out, but the taste might get more bitter. Once it’s done, you’re ready to filter and reclaim. The freezing stops the chlorophyll from leaching out, which is what causes a bitter taste.
Filtering Your Tincture
When your infusion is ready, it’s time to separate the liquid from the plant material.
The POT by NOIDS comes with its own steel mesh filter system designed for this purpose. Do not use it like a French press. Follow the official manual:
- Make sure the glass beaker has cooled and is at a safe temperature before fitting the Filter Set.
- Place the filter on top, then gently press it down about 1 cm above the herb.
- Turn the unit over while holding the lid on tightly and aim the metal spout into a bottle or far for the alcohol. Then, slowly push the filter down to strain the infused alcohol into the clean container.
If you want an ultra-clear tincture, you can run the liquid through a paper coffee filter afterwards. Once filtered, don’t throw away the spent herb as it still contains cannabinoids. Dry it out and add it to cooking oil, edible recipes, or bath soaks to make the most of it.
You can also mix it with some melted butter or ghee to make a thick sludge. This adds fat to the residue and then you can fill 000 sized capsules. This is a really easy way to dose. If you use smaller capsules, it could be a good way to microdose.
Reclaiming Alcohol with the PBN
Once your tincture is filtered, you can reclaim the leftover alcohol using the POT by NOIDS. This saves money and cuts down on waste which is especially useful when working with 95% grain alcohol.
- To do this, pour the infused alcohol back into the clean glass beaker. Make sure it’s been washed properly with warm water and dried before reuse. Any leftover plant material or moisture can affect the process.
- Fit the reclaim lid and connect the metal tube as shown in the manual. Place the tube end into a clean jar or bottle to catch the alcohol.
- Twist the body of the machine to the alcohol setting. The PBN will use a low heat to warm the alcohol SAFELY. Do not try this with any other machine. The alcohol will warm up, travel up the tube and condense down into the bottle. This alcohol is ready to be used for another tincture session.
- Every now and then, check how much of your tincture is left in the glass jar. I like to stop when it is about 2 tablespoons so that I can decant it into a dropper bottle. If you let the machine run until it finishes, you will have a concentrated sticky paste inside the jar. Don’t try to scrape it out, just add a little alcohol back and the sticky paste will dissolve.
- If you tip this into the flat silicon lid, the alcohol will evaporate off leaving FECO. As the silicon lid is a food-safe material, it makes it easy to scrape off the FECO with a blunt knife or teaspoon.
Storing Your Cannabis Tincture
Once your tincture is ready, store it in a clean, airtight bottle, preferably amber glass to protect it from light. Label it clearly with the date and strain if known.
Keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or fridge. Stored properly, tinctures can last for over a year without losing strength.
If you’ve reclaimed your alcohol, make sure any reused bottle is completely dry and free from residue before pouring the tincture in.
Avoid plastic containers, especially for long-term use. The alcohol can degrade plastic over time and affect the flavour and potency.
Using Cannabis Tincture in Skincare
While this guide focuses on edibles, your tincture can also be used topically in creams or gels. Cannabis extracts are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin. They can help calm irritation, ease discomfort, and support skin repair, especially when applied as part of a well-formulated base.
To use your tincture in a cream or lotion, timing is key. Alcohol-based tinctures are best added during the cool-down phase, once your emulsion is fully formed. If added too early or into a weak emulsion, the alcohol can cause splitting.
There are two common workarounds:
- Add in Stage 3: Use a strong, stable emulsion that can tolerate alcohol. Blend the tincture in slowly once the mix has cooled below 40°C. Montanov™ 68 is a very strong emulsifier and you can read more about different emulsifiers that work well with cannabis.
- Add in Stage 2: If you want to remove the alcohol, mix the tincture into the heated water phase. The alcohol will evaporate off during heating, leaving the extract behind.
Either way, keep your total alcohol content low, just enough to carry the cannabinoids, not enough to destabilise the formula.
Conclusion
Making a cannabis tincture at home is straightforward with the POT by NOIDS. It takes care of the fiddly parts like decarbing, temperature control and alcohol reclaim, so that you can focus on getting the results you want.
Whether you’re using your tincture in edibles, under the tongue or even in a cream, the PBN gives you a safe and reliable way to get the most out of your cannabis.
If you found this guide useful, share it with someone else who’s curious about making their own tincture. If you’ve made a batch, let me know how you used it – I’m always keen to hear what you’ve created.
FAQ
What is the best alcohol for cannabis tincture?
High-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear, 95% ABV) is best for cannabis tinctures. It extracts cannabinoids effectively and evaporates cleanly if needed. Do not use Isopropyl Alcohol or Denatured Alcohol.
How do you make cannabis tincture at home safely?
To make it safely, decarb your cannabis, steep it in high percentage alcohol, and store it in a cool, dark place. Use glass jars and avoid open flames.
Can you use cannabis tincture in edibles?
Yes, you can add tincture to edibles like gummies, drinks, sauces or baked goods. Be sure to calculate dosage carefully and allow time for effects to kick in.
How long should I soak cannabis in alcohol for tincture?
Soak for at least 2 weeks for a cold infusion. Some prefer up to 6 weeks. A hot method (Green Dragon) takes about 30 minutes.
Does cannabis tincture need to be refrigerated?
No, but it’s best stored in a cool, dark cupboard in an airtight glass bottle. Refrigeration can help extend shelf life if you live in a warm climate.
Can you use cannabis tincture topically?
Yes, but it needs to be blended into a cream or gel. Alcohol-based tinctures should be added carefully to avoid splitting the formula.
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