Cannabis-Infused Oil

Prep: 10 minutes | Infusion: 30–60 minutes | Yield: ~1 cup

Cannabis oil is made by gently heating decarboxylated cannabis in a carrier oil (coconut or olive oil). THC and CBD are fat-soluble — they bind with the fatty acids in oil, creating a versatile product for edibles, topical salves, or direct consumption.

Requires decarboxylated cannabis as a starting ingredient.

Why Coconut Oil?

• Highest saturated fat (~80%) — binds cannabinoids more readily than butter (~60%) or olive oil (~15–20%)
• Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — the body processes MCTs quickly, leading to faster onset of effects compared to other edible bases
• Pleasant taste, solid at room temperature (easy to dose a spoonful)
• Natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties extend shelf life
• Works for both edibles and topical applications (skin salves)
• Olive oil is also a great option — stays liquid, good for cooking
• See the infusion times & temps chart for other oil options

Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp infused coconut oil)

121 calories · 13.5g fat (11.2g saturated) · 0g carbs · 0g protein · 0mg cholesterol

Supplies

• 7–14 grams (¼ to ½ oz) decarboxylated cannabis, loosely ground. Less = milder, more = stronger.
• 1 cup coconut oil (organic, unrefined preferred for best flavor and infusion quality). Use fractionated (liquid) coconut oil if you want the finished oil to stay liquid rather than solidify.
• Optional: a few grams of raw cannabis for full-spectrum benefits
• Double-boiler (or makeshift: glass/steel bowl over saucepan with water)
• Cheesecloth
• Fine mesh strainer
• Glass bowl
• Mason jar or glass storage container with lid
• Probe thermometer (recommended)

Instructions

1. If cannabis is not yet decarbed, follow the decarboxylation guide first.
2. Add water to the bottom pan of your double-boiler. Add 1 cup coconut oil to the top section and heat until melted. The top pan should not touch or sit on the bottom of the larger pan. (Or use low/warm setting in a slow cooker.)
3. Stir in 7–10 grams of decarbed cannabis. Optionally add a few grams of raw cannabis for THCA/CBDA benefits.
4. Heat over low heat for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a probe thermometer to maintain oil below 200°F. Target range: 130–175°F (lower end preserves more terpenes; the infusion guide recommends 175°F for coconut oil). Important: oil can be well over 212°F without visibly bubbling like water would — don't rely on sight alone.
5. When time is up, line a strainer with cheesecloth and position over a glass bowl.
6. Pour the cannabis-oil mixture through the strainer. Gather cheesecloth and gently squeeze out excess oil — but don't squeeze too hard, as this pushes chlorophyll into the oil (green color, bitter taste). Warning: oil will be hot and hands will get greasy — consider food-grade gloves.
7. Transfer strained oil into a glass storage container with tight-fitting lid.
8. Store in refrigerator or cool, dark location.

How to Use

• Topical salves: Use as base ingredient in homemade balms and ointments. Cannabinoids applied to the skin stay localized — they interact with the skin's endocannabinoid system for targeted relief (sore muscles, joints, inflammation, skin irritation) without psychoactive effects, even when the oil contains THC. Effects typically within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Edibles: Add to recipes that call for oil/butter — use low heat to preserve cannabinoids. "No-bake" recipes work best.
• Direct: Eat a small spoonful, spread on bread, or add to smoothies
• Gummies: Use in place of some liquid in gummy recipes

Alternative: Infusion Machine

If you have a countertop infusion machine, it handles both decarbing and infusing in one device with precise temperature control and automatic stirring — no double-boiler or thermometer needed. See the infusion machine guide for settings.

Alternative: Crock Pot / Mason Jar Method

Instead of a double-boiler, place your oil and decarbed cannabis in a mason jar (lid on loosely — not fully sealed). Set the jar in a crock pot filled with room-temperature water, covering the jar. Set to low and let it simmer for 2–6 hours, stirring or shaking the jar occasionally. This method holds temperature more consistently than a stovetop. Longer infusion = more plant taste, so adjust to your preference.

No-Heat Alternative

If you prefer not to heat at all, you can add decarbed cannabis to oil and let it infuse at room temperature in a cool, dark place for several weeks. This preserves the most terpenes and avoids any risk of overheating, but takes much longer.

Storage & Shelf Life

Use within 6 months to 1 year. The oil won't go bad, but potency decreases over time as THC naturally converts to CBN (a more sedating cannabinoid). If it molds, discard it.

How Edible Cannabis Works in the Body

When consumed, the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC — a more potent metabolite than what you get from smoking. This is why edibles feel stronger and last longer. Most people feel effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Effects typically peak 2–4 hours after ingestion and last 4–8 hours (higher doses can linger longer).

Optional: Add Lecithin

Adding lecithin (1 teaspoon per cup of oil) during infusion may improve bioavailability and help the oil mix evenly into recipes. See the lecithin reference page for details.