How to choose the best alcohol for making cannabis tinctures

200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol (100% Alcohol) – Best Option

For the most effective and purest cannabis tincture, 200 proof food grade ethanol is the gold standard. With zero water content, it maximizes cannabinoid and terpene extraction, ensuring the highest potency. Culinary Solvent’s 200 proof ethanol is undenatured, meaning it contains no toxic additives, making it the safest and most reliable option for internal use.

• Pros:
  ✅ Most efficient extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes
  ✅ Pure ethanol with no additives
  ✅ Rapid infusion and preservation of herbal properties
  ✅ Long shelf life

• Cons:
  ❌ Higher cost compared to lower-proof alternatives
  ❌ Some states require special permits for purchase

If you’re looking for maximum potency and purity, 200 proof food grade ethanol is the best choice for making cannabis tinctures.

190 Proof Everclear (95% Alcohol, 5% Water) – Second Best Option

Everclear 190 proof is another highly effective choice for tincture-making. With 95% ethanol and 5% water, it is still strong enough to efficiently extract cannabinoids and terpenes, though not as powerful as 200 proof ethanol due to the small water content.

• Pros:
  ✅ Widely available in many liquor stores, depending on the state.
  ✅ Strong enough for effective tincture-making
  ✅ Safe for internal use

• Cons:
  ❌ Contains 5% water, which slightly reduces extraction efficiency
  ❌ Not available in some states due to high-proof alcohol restrictions

If 200 proof ethanol is not an option for you, 190 proof Everclear is the next best choice for making potent cannabis tinctures.

80-100 Proof Vodka (40-50% Alcohol, 50-60% Water) – Least Effective

Vodka and other lower-proof spirits (such as rum, brandy, or whiskey) contain too much water to be considered effective for making strong cannabis tinctures. The high water content dilutes the alcohol’s extraction power, leading to a weaker final product.

• Pros:
  ✅ Easily available without restrictions in every US state.
  ✅ Can be used for very mild tinctures

• Cons:
  ❌ Too much water, leading to poor cannabinoid extraction
  ❌ Significantly longer extraction times required
  ❌ Weaker final tincture

While some herbalists use vodka for certain herbal infusions, it is not recommended for cannabis tinctures because it cannot extract cannabinoids as efficiently as high-proof ethanol.

Alcohols to Avoid for Cannabis Tinctures

Isopropyl Alcohol – Not Safe for Consumption

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is commonly used as a cleaning solvent but is toxic when ingested. While it is sometimes used for topical cannabis extractions (rubs and liniments), it should never be used for tinctures intended for internal consumption.

🚨 Warning: Isopropyl alcohol is not safe to consume and can cause serious health risks, including poisoning, liver damage, and nervous system effects.

Heptane-Denatured Ethanol – Contains Toxic Additives

Some ethanol products are denatured with heptane, a toxic chemical added to make the alcohol unfit for consumption. Heptane-denatured ethanol is unsafe for tincture-making and should be avoided at all costs.

🚨 Warning: Never use ethanol labeled as "denatured" for making tinctures. Always look for undenatured food grade ethanol for safe internal use.

Hardware Store Denatured Alcohol – Unsafe for Tinctures

Many hardware stores sell denatured alcohol as a fuel or cleaning solvent, but these products contain toxic additives (such as methanol, acetone, or heptane) to prevent human consumption. These substances can cause serious illness or death if ingested.

🚨 Warning: Avoid any alcohol sold as "denatured" at hardware stores. It is not food safe and should never be used for herbal extractions.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Alcohol for Cannabis Tinctures

When making cannabis tinctures, alcohol quality matters. The best choices are 200 proof food grade ethanol or 190 proof Everclear, as they provide the strongest and most efficient extraction. Lower-proof alcohols like vodka are less effective, and toxic alcohols like isopropyl or denatured ethanol must be avoided entirely.

For the purest and most potent tinctures, choose Culinary Solvent’s 200 proof food grade ethanol, a pure, undenatured, high-proof ethanol made for safe and effective herbal extractions.