How to Make a Test Batch of Cannabis Oil

Cannabis edibles are intimidating for some, specifically, infusing oil or butter with cannabis. Many individuals believe that cannabis oil or butter needs copious amounts of flower material, but, this is simply not true. Learn how to make a test batch of cannabis oil in your own home with our easy method below.

Cannabis edibles affect everyone in a different manner. This is due to the endocannabinoid system which is unique in every mammal. An appropriate “flower to oil ratio” should always be considered when making any cannabis infusions. This test batch of cannabis oil contains just two grams of cannabis.

After decarboxylation and the infusion process, if these 2 grams of cannabis have 20% THC, the one cup of carrier oil will contain approximately 320mg of THC (inflated approximation). Breaking this down further, if a recipe for cookies calls for 1/4 cup of oil and makes 20 cookies, each cookie will contain approximately 4mg of THC, a perfect place to start in the world of cannabis edibles.

These methods can also be used to make test batches of cannabutter; just substitute the one cup of carrier oil in our recipe for 226 grams of butter.

Test Batch of Cannabis Oil: Equipment Needed

Cannabis-infused oil is easily made in a home kitchen with a few pieces of readily available kitchen equipment.

• Glass bowl or pyrex-style measuring jug
• Crockpot/slow cooker
• Hand Strainer
• Cheesecloth
• A container such as a mason jar for the final product

This equipment is easily sourced online or from a local supermarket.

Test Batch of Cannabis Oil: Ingredients

All you will need to make this small batch of oil in terms of ingredients are:

• 2 Grams of Decarboxylated cannabis
• 1 Cups of carrier oil (250ml)

Carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, canola oil, palm oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and many many more. As mentioned, cannabutter can also be made the exact same way as our cannabis oil is made.

Test Batch of Cannabis Oil: Method

This method can also be used on the stovetop, on the oven, or, sous-vide.

• In the glass bowl or measuring jug, add decarboxylated cannabis and oil
• Fill the crockpot with enough water to reach the halfway point of your glass bowl or measuring jug
• Place crockpot/slow cooker on medium-low heat and wait until the water has heated
• Now, place the bowl of cannabis and oil into the water within the crockpot/slow cooker
• You can cover this infusion, although it is not necessary.
• Ensure the water does not get too low during the infusion process, some water will evaporate
• Leave in the crockpot/slow cooker for 3-4 hours
• Stir every hour or so
• Line a hand strainer with cheesecloth (3-4 pieces on top of one another) and strain cannabis oil back into its original container or a mason jar
• Store in the refrigerator and enjoy responsibly

This easy method provides a simple, somewhat mess-free, solution for making a small test batch of infused oil at home.

What Cannabis Edibles Can Be Made With Cannabis Oil?

Cannabis edibles can be made sweet or savoury and be a small part, or the main course, of an entire meal.

• Cannabis Gummies (Made With Cannabis Coconut Oil)
• Cannabis-Infused Pizza Dough
• The Traditional Chocolate Brownie
• Pasta Sauces (Spaghetti Bolognese, Basil/Pesto, Cream of Garlic etc)

There are many, many more options when it comes to creating cannabis edibles. The sky is the limit for cannabis and food infusions.

Cannabis Edibles: Is Decarboxylation Necessary?

Decarboxylation, or decarbing, is an essential process in making cannabis edibles. Cannabis is not psychoactive in its raw form and this process ensures that valuable cannabinoids, such as Delta-9 THC, are properly activated. 

Decarboxylation is the scientific process that takes place when cannabis is exposed to heat. In scientific terms, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids that remove a carbon atom from a chain of atoms present within a plant such as cannabis. When heat is applied to cannabis, it will remove a carboxyl group from the THCA cannabinoid (non-psychoactive) and creates the psychoactive Delta-9 THC. Decarboxylation also occurs when cannabis is smoked or vaporized.

In addition, the process of decarboxylation also prepares cannabis for bioavailability, a process that allows cannabis to have an effect as an edible substance. Learning how to decarboxylate cannabis will become an essential foundation in any cannabis consumer’s knowledge.

Usually, all that is needed to decarboxylate cannabis for infusions and edibles are cannabis buds, a baking tray, a conventional oven, and high-quality parchment paper.

 For our guide on traditional cannabis decarboxylation, click here. 

Our guides to Mason Jar Decarboxylation and Sous-Vide Decarboxylation are also available for free right here on our website.

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