Tincture of cannabis
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Green Dragon is an alcoholic beverage made from cannabis (leaves and stems) and a high percentage alcohol. Consuming this beverage produces effects similar to those felt when smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol (the cannabis like effects tend to be more intense and of longer duration compared to smoking). People should not operate machinery or drive after consuming Green Dragon.
Preparation
Green Dragon is prepared by soaking cannabis in a high percentage spirit (brands such as Everclear 95% (available in the US) or Alcool 94% (available in Quebec, Canada at SAQ) are known to be most effective). The active chemical in cannabis (THC) is soluble in ethanol and is leached from the cannabis into the alcohol.
The solution is generally left standing for several weeks before a significant amount of THC is absorbed by the alcohol. The leaching process is slow and ongoing and the rate of reaction may be accelerated by heating the solution. The leaching process also changes the color of the solution (Everclear and Alcool are clear and colorless) to green, hence the name Green Dragon.
A decision must be made as to whether to leave the cannabis in or to separate it from the solution. By leaving the cannabis in the bottle the leaching reaction will continue while the bottle is consumed making the solution more potent as time passes. Removing the leaves from bottle produces a nicer looking solution.
Internet message boards recommend for best results minimum 14 grams (1/2 ounce) of cannabis per 750 mL of spirits (the required volume of cannabis varies with cannabis potency and desired strength for the green dragon beverage).
It is worth noting that green dragon must be stored in an air-sealable container to prevent evaporation and must be kept out of direct sun light to prevent the breakdown of the THC. Other typical strength alcohols (40% alcohol by volume) such as vodka or rum may be used in place of Everclear, however the results will be sub-par comparatively.
Consumption
Green Dragon is enjoyed as an alternative to smoking cannabis and mixes well with Gatorade. ŚŴÉÉŢ
Other Green Dragon references
There is also a cocktail known as Green Dragon, made from kummel, green Creme de Menthe and gin. Unlike the Green Dragon mentioned above, this one is legal in most places.
The Green Dragon is also a popular name for public houses in England and Wales. Examples in England can be found in the towns of Bungay and Cheshunt, and in the village of Brook near Lyndhurst.
During the Cold War, "Green Dragon" was the nickname of the poisonous experimental rocket fuel pentaborane, which burned with a green flame. It would have been the most powerful fuel of all, but it was too dangerous to use.
See also
- Green Dragon Soda — Includes recipes and photos.
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