How to Make Cannabis-Infused Cooking Oil (Olive, Coconut, and More)
Table of Contents
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- Introduction
- Why Use Cannabis-Infused Cooking Oil?
- Choosing the Right Oil for Infusion
- Decarboxylation: Activating THC Before Infusion
- How to Make Cannabis Cooking Oil (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Dosing Your Infused Oil Correctly
- How to Store Cannabis Cooking Oil
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis-infused oil is a versatile base for edibles, allowing you to cook, bake, or drizzle it over food.
- Decarboxylation is essential—it activates THC to make edibles potent.
- Different oils absorb cannabinoids at different rates, so coconut oil and olive oil are the best choices.
- Proper dosing ensures a safe and enjoyable experience—calculate THC per teaspoon before use.
1. Introduction
Cannabis-infused cooking oil is one of the most versatile ways to consume cannabis. Whether you’re making brownies, sautéing vegetables, or blending a salad dressing, infused oil allows you to add THC to any meal.
This guide will show you:
✔ How to properly decarboxylate cannabis before infusion.
✔ The best oils to use for maximum potency.
✔ A step-by-step infusion guide to make your own THC oil.
Let’s get cooking! 🍳
2. Why Use Cannabis-Infused Cooking Oil?
✔ Discreet and Versatile: Add to food without the smell of smoking.
✔ Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles provide 6–8 hours of effects, longer than smoking.
✔ Customizable Dosage: You can control how strong each serving is.
✔ Healthier Alternative: Avoids lung irritation caused by smoking.
Unlike cannabutter, cannabis oil is dairy-free and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for most diets.
3. Choosing the Right Oil for Infusion
The best oils for cannabis infusion have high fat content, as cannabinoids bind to fat molecules.
💡 Tip: Coconut oil is the best option because it absorbs THC well and stays solid at room temperature, making it easy to store.
4. Decarboxylation: Activating THC Before Infusion
Before making cannabis oil, you must decarboxylate your cannabis. This process activates THC and CBD, making them bioavailable.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:
- Preheat oven to 220–240°F (105–115°C).
- Break up cannabis buds (don’t grind too fine).
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Let cool before infusion.
💡 Tip: Decarbing at a lower temperature for longer preserves terpenes, enhancing flavor and effects.
5. How to Make Cannabis Cooking Oil (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ingredients:
✔ 1 cup of oil (coconut, olive, or vegetable)
✔ 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis
✔ Double boiler or slow cooker
✔ Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Method 1: Stovetop (Double Boiler)
1️⃣ Heat oil in a double boiler over low heat (aim for 160–200°F / 70–95°C).
2️⃣ Add decarboxylated cannabis and stir occasionally.
3️⃣ Simmer for 2–3 hours, keeping the temperature low to prevent burning THC.
4️⃣ Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a glass jar.
5️⃣ Let cool and store.
Method 2: Slow Cooker (Easiest Method)
1️⃣ Set slow cooker to low heat (160–200°F).
2️⃣ Add oil and decarbed cannabis, stir occasionally.
3️⃣ Let infuse for 4–6 hours, then strain and store.
💡 Tip: Use lecithin (1 teaspoon per cup of oil) to increase THC absorption and potency.
6. Dosing Your Infused Oil Correctly
Edibles hit harder than smoking, so proper dosing is critical.
Use this formula to estimate THC per teaspoon of oil:
Example Calculation:
- 10g cannabis at 15% THC
- 70% extraction rate
- Total THC: 10 × 1000 × 0.15 × 0.7 = 1050 mg THC
- If using 1 cup of oil (48 teaspoons):
💡 Tip: Beginners should start with 2.5–5 mg THC per serving. If too strong, dilute by mixing infused oil with regular oil.
7. How to Store Cannabis Cooking Oil
Proper storage ensures potency stays high.
✔ Refrigeration: Keeps oil fresh for up to 6 months.
✔ Freezing: Extends shelf life to 1 year+.
✔ Dark glass containers: Protect from light exposure.
💡 Tip: Label your oil with THC content per teaspoon for accurate dosing.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use trim or shake instead of buds?
A: Yes! Trim and shake contain cannabinoids and can be used for infusion, though potency may be lower.
Q: What’s the best oil-to-cannabis ratio?
A: 1 cup of oil to 7–10 grams of cannabis is a standard ratio, but adjust based on desired potency.
Q: Can I cook with cannabis oil at high temperatures?
A: Yes, but avoid going over 320°F (160°C) to prevent THC degradation.
Q: Can I use cannabis-infused oil for topicals?
A: Yes! Infused coconut oil works great for cannabis creams and balms.
9. Conclusion
Cannabis-infused cooking oil is an easy and versatile way to enjoy edibles. By choosing the right oil, properly decarboxylating your cannabis, and following the infusion process, you can make potent and delicious THC-infused oils for cooking or baking.
✔ Coconut oil is best for potency and shelf life.
✔ Olive oil works great for savory dishes and dressings.
✔ Proper dosing ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Next up: How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey! 🍯