Your Guide to Making Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

Cannabis oil is trendy in both recreational and medicinal cannabis settings. Often characterized by its high potency, marijuana-infused oil can be used for conditions that need exceptionally high strength, such as cancer treatment. Critics of cannabis oil consider this marijuana addictive, primarily because of the tolerance build-up that occurs with frequent use.

Cannabis oil may be suitable for cancer treatment but should be monitored, similar to smoked marijuana, for adverse effects and potential drug abuse, though uncommon.

What Are the Benefits of Homemade Cannabis Oil?

Homemade cannabis oil is a great way to enjoy cannabis. You have full control over its strength, ingredients, and how you use it.

• Infuse it into food: Add it to smoothies, baked goods, or salad dressings for a simple edible option.

• Use it on your skin: Apply directly to target specific areas for localized pain relief.

• Take it under the tongue: Place a few drops under your tongue for faster absorption and quicker effects.

• Save money: Making cannabis oil at home is often more affordable than store-bought products.

• Customize the potency: Adjust the strength of your oil to match your personal wellness goals.

How can I use cannabis oil?

Cooking cannabis has become a massive trend among restaurant entrepreneurs, chefs, and recipe and food styling businesses. The Food Innovation Group, including top brands such as Bon Appetit and Epicurious, has featured many cannabis dishes, chefs, and restaurants in the past few years. The cannabis food industry will become more relevant as legal access grows. You can use it to marinate meats, sauté veggies, roast potatoes, make a salad dressing, and more.

Dosing it Out

An ideal dosage of cannabis oil can be tricky as many variables are involved. The best idea for beginner use is always to consume less than you believe you’ll need. Start with a low dose of about one teaspoon or dropper for your first batch and move up in increments, depending on the desired effects.

Don’t consume more oil immediately without knowing its relative power and tolerance. No matter what, wait about 1 to 2 days to increase the dosage after your first experience.

Choosing the Right Oil Base

Coconut oil and olive oil are the most popular choices for cannabis infusion. We recommend coconut oil, especially for baking, because of its high saturated fat content and mild flavor.

Unrefined vs. Refined Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut taste and works well for recipes where flavor matters. Refined coconut oil is milder and better for everyday cooking or drizzling.

Olive Oil

A great option for savory dishes. It’s heart-healthy and also effective for infusion.

Vegetable Oil

Less effective due to low saturated fat. You can use it in a pinch, but it may reduce potency.

Lecithin (Optional Add-In)

Helps with consistency and absorption. Often added to edibles to improve their texture and effectiveness.

Infusion Facts

An ideal amount is to use about a quarter to a half ounce of cannabis plant material per one cup of liquid coconut oil. You can always use more or less, but this is a safe ratio to fall back on, especially when starting out.

Preserving Flavor and Terpenes

To make an oil that keeps the earthy, aromatic flavor of cannabis, pay attention to the terpenes. These compounds give cannabis its scent and some of its therapeutic effects, but they are heat-sensitive.

Use a low and slow infusion method like a double boiler to protect the terpenes from burning off. Keep the temperature between 220°F and 245°F (105 to 120°C), and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Also, choose an oil that complements the plant’s taste without overpowering it. Coconut, olive, or avocado oil are good options.

For best results, strain the oil well and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and potency.

Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Homemade Canna-Oil

Creating high-quality homemade canna-oil is both an art and a science. These tips will help you preserve potency, enhance flavor, and get the most from your infusion.

Keep Cooking Temperatures Low

To preserve cannabinoids, use low heat during infusion. Aim to stay below 284°F (140°C), with an ideal range around 248°F (120°C). After infusion, don’t cook with the oil at temps higher than 350°F (176°C). This helps protect the active compounds and improves overall effects.

Store It Properly

Light, heat, and air degrade cannabinoids over time. Store your finished oil in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place—ideally below 70°F (21°C). When stored correctly, the oil can stay potent for 12 to 18 months.

Balance the Flavor

Cannabis contains terpenes and flavonoids that add earthy, herbal flavors. If the taste is too strong, balance it out with complementary herbs and spices in your recipe. This lets you keep the therapeutic properties while enhancing the dish.

Strain for a Cleaner Taste

Straining properly helps reduce that grassy or bitter edge. While some flavor will remain, a finer strain gives a smoother result. Try pairing the oil’s flavor with ingredients like rosemary, garlic, or lemon to round out the profile.

Which supplies do I need?

To make infused weed oil, you’ll want to have the following supplies:

• one cup of coconut oil 
• seven to ten grams of cannabis buds
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Mesh strainer
• Mason jar or airtight container
• Cheesecloth or coffee filters
• Medium saucepan (or crockpot)
• Food Scale

How to Make Coconut Cannaoil

Here, we offer a few essential steps to get you started with infusing coconut oil with cannabis.

Decarb

Raw cannabis isn’t psychoactive. It contains compounds like THCA and CBDA. You must activate these compounds through a process called decarboxylation to convert them into THC and CBD. THC and CBS are the forms your body can use more effectively.

Decarboxylation, or “decarbing,” removes a carbon group from these compounds, releasing CO₂ and converting them into their active forms. THCA becomes THC, which produces the high, and CBDA becomes CBD, which offers therapeutic benefits. This process also increases bioavailability, meaning your body absorbs the cannabinoids more efficiently.

To decarb at home, spread your cannabis on a baking sheet. Heat it in the oven at 375°F. This will create a quick and effective infusion base.

Grind

If you have ground cannabis that is too fine, you’ll end up with a green, odd-tasting weed infused coconut oil. Using a hand grinder or coarse coffee grinder for optimum results is best.

Mix

Place your cannabis and coconut oil in a mason jar and stir gently. Replace the lid to the mason jar, and screw it on tight enough to prevent outside water intrusion, but not fully sealed during the infusion process. 

Simmer

Place the mason jar in room temperature water. You’ll want to make sure there’s enough water to cover the jar. Set on low and let it simmer for a minimum of 2 hours. Remember to occasionally stir or shake when making cannabis oil and such products for an even level of potency and flavors.

Strain

After simmering and slowly increasing the oil’s temperature, you must strain it. Put a few layers of cheesecloth into jars and utilize an elastic band to keep it safe during tension. You can do the same process with a coffee filter if you don’t have access to a cheesecloth.

When strained, it can easily be removed or recycled into compost, and your own cannabis coconut oil can go into a mason jar. Then, placing it in a mason jar for a few hours in the refrigerator will complete the process.

Use a cheesecloth, coffee filters, or a fine mesh strainer. Don’t squeeze the cloth to avoid excess plant matter.

Other Methods for Infusing Oil

Here are three alternative methods for making cannabis coconut oil. Depending on the type of area and supplies you have, one of these options may work better for you.

Crockpot

If you’re looking for a different method to make cannaoil, you can decarb weed using a slow cooker and coconut oil. You’ll place dried cannabis and your chosen oil into the slow cooker for this recipe.

How much cannabis will depend on the amount you want at once. Then, cover and cook on high for an hour. Turn the slow cooker down, cook on low for another three hours, and strain the cooled oil as usual.

Double Boiler

First, for the double boiler method, you’ll fill the lower half with water and melt the coconut oil in the top half above your hot water pan. Then, add a cup of water to regulate the temperature at low heat. Once thoroughly mixed, add your cannabis, simmer and stir occasionally to ensure your cannabis oil doesn’t overheat.

How Long Does the Double Boiler Method Take?

The double boiler method is slow but effective. After you decarboxylate your cannabis and mix it with oil, the infusion takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This steady temperature helps preserve cannabinoids and draw them into the oil.

After simmering, strain the oil with cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer—this step takes another 15 to 20 minutes. In total, expect the entire process, including prep and cleanup, to take around 7 to 9 hours.

Patience pays off: the slow infusion results in a potent, high-quality canna oil.

Sous vide

The method for sous vide cannabis oil is an excellent choice for those wanting to release as slight an odor as possible if you live in an apartment complex with your parents or want to discreetly; this method will work for you.

With the sous vide method, you’ll still begin by coarsely grinding the plant matter with a hand or coffee grinder and placing them in a heat-proof, vacuum-sealed bag. After that, place a large pot on the stovetop and fill it with water. Once the water has reached 230 degrees Fahrenheit, place your sealed bag of buds in hot water and cook for an hour and a half; then, you’ll infuse coconut oil as the last step.

How to Store Cannabis Coconut Oil

Store your infused oil in a sealed glass container, like a mason jar, in the fridge or in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposing it to light, heat, or air, as these can break down cannabinoids over time.

If your home stays below 70°F, room temperature is fine. Just make sure to keep the oil away from sunlight and temperature changes.

Strain the oil thoroughly to remove any plant matter. This helps prevent mold and spoilage.

When stored correctly, cannabis coconut oil can last up to 12 to 18 months. However, potency may start to decline after three to six months.

Wrapping it Up

There are a large variety of cannabis-infused products on the market today. When purchasing or buying cannabis oil, choosing trusted brands with high-quality ingredients is essential.

Always check your local cannabis laws before purchasing or using cannabis to make oil at home.

Leafy DOC is happy to assist in your search for the best strains and brands to ensure you are able to make cannabis coconut oil at a high quality.

Frequently Asked Questions