How to Make Green Dragon Tincture QWET Method — 12 Minutes

Learning how to make green dragon tincture QWET method is one of the fastest ways to produce a potent cannabis tincture at home — just 10–12 minutes of shaking replaces the traditional 3-month cold-soak process. QWET stands for Quick Wash Ethanol, and this quick wash ethanol cannabis tincture technique uses 95% high-proof alcohol and decarboxylated cannabis to deliver same-day results. This step-by-step guide covers everything from decarboxylation to straining and storing your finished batch.

What Is the QWET Cannabis Extraction Method?

The QWET cannabis extraction method skips the patience-testing 3-month cold-soak in favour of an aggressive 10–12 minute shake. The tradeoff is more chlorophyll extracted — making the final product darker and more plant-forward in flavour — but potency is comparable to slow methods. For anyone who needs a quick wash ethanol cannabis tincture ready the same day, QWET is the clear winner.

How to Make Green Dragon Tincture QWET Method: Ingredients

• 28g (1 oz) decarboxylated cannabis, finely ground
• High-proof alcohol — minimum 70% ABV, ideally 95% (190 proof Everclear or equivalent)
• Mason jar with lid
• Fine mesh strainer (canning sieve works better than cheesecloth)
• Clean collection jar
• Timer

How to Make Green Dragon Tincture QWET Method — Step by Step

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Before the QWET cannabis extraction method can work, your cannabis must be decarboxylated — baking activates THC and CBD from their acid forms. Grind finely and bake at 110–120°C (230–250°F) for 30–45 minutes on parchment paper. Let it cool completely before adding it to the jar. Skipping this step produces a weak, non-psychoactive tincture regardless of how long you shake it.

Step 2: Add Cannabis and Alcohol to Your Mason Jar

Place the decarbed, finely ground cannabis into a mason jar and pour in enough alcohol to fully cover all plant material. The classic green dragon tincture 95 percent alcohol formula uses approximately 500–600ml of 190-proof Everclear per ounce. Higher alcohol concentration means more efficient cannabinoid extraction — always use at least 70% ABV, and aim for 95% if it’s available at your local liquor store.

Step 3: Shake for 10–12 Minutes

Seal the jar tightly and shake continuously for 10–12 minutes — set a timer and commit. The mixture turns deep, dark green as chlorophyll and cannabinoids dissolve into the alcohol. This vigorous shaking is the heart of the QWET cannabis extraction method: it replaces weeks of slow cold extraction with arm strength and a timer. After 12 minutes, the liquid should be uniformly dark green throughout.

Step 4: How to Strain Green Dragon Tincture Properly

Set a fine mesh strainer over a clean collection jar and pour the shaken mixture through. A fine canning sieve outperforms cheesecloth here — less plant material passes through. The key to how to strain green dragon tincture cleanly is patience: let the spent pulp drip for several minutes rather than pressing it, which forces more chlorophyll into the finished liquid and muddies the colour.

Step 5: Store and Dose Your Green Dragon

Transfer your finished tincture to a dark glass dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place or refrigerator. A 500ml batch made from 1oz of cannabis is very potent — start with half a pipette (0.5ml) and wait at least 90 minutes before assessing the effect. This tincture works sublingually, in drinks, or as a measured ingredient in edible recipes like cannabis blueberry mint lemonade for single-serving dosing.

Quick Wash Ethanol Cannabis Tincture vs Long-Soak Green Dragon

• QWET (this method): 12 minutes, same-day results, more chlorophyll extracted, darker colour, stronger plant flavour. Ideal for quick wash ethanol cannabis tincture production at home.
• Long-soak cold method: 3+ months in the freezer, shaken every few days. Lighter colour, cleaner flavour, slightly more selective cannabinoid extraction. Better when taste matters.
• Verdict: For most home extractors, QWET delivers excellent potency with a fraction of the wait time. The flavour difference is minor when the tincture is mixed into drinks.