Cannabis coconut oil is an entry point for many into the wonderful world of cannabis edibles. There are several different oils that can be infused with cannabis. Learn how to make cannabis oil with our easy recipe below.
This method involves using a crockpot/slow cooker, but, cannabis-infused coconut oil can also be made on a stovetop, in a mason jar, sous-vide, as well as the various machines (Magical Butter etc) available on the market that can make it for you automatically. Although many across the amateur culinary landscape hold the opinion that butter is for baking and oil is for cooking, cannabis coconut oil is an amazing compliment to savoury dishes as well as sweet.
For this cannabis and coconut oil infusion, we will be making 2 cups of total oil and will be using 15 grams of 20% THC cannabis flower. The final infusion will contain approximately 2,400mg of THC (at an over-inflated approximation) in 2 cups of infused coconut oil.
It is better to over-estimate the THC content of your cannabis edibles than to under-estimate. If you would like to read more about cannabis flower to oil ratio and finding an approximate dosage, click here.
For this cannabis coconut oil infusion, we will be using a crockpot/slow cooker. Different oils have different smoking/burning points and the crockpot/slow cooker keeps a very consistent temperature throughout the infusion process.
How Much Cannabis Do I Use in Infused Oil?
The amount of cannabis used in an oil infusion will depend entirely on the individual. Some may need more, while others will need far less than the 15-gram amount listed below. Everyone has a different endocannabinoid system which will determine how an individual reacts to cannabis and cannabis edibles. If you need an approximate guide to flower to oil ratio, click here.
- Decarboxylated cannabis (15 grams for this recipe)
- 2 Cups of carrier oil – Coconut Oil for this recipe (500ml)
Carrier oils that can be infused with cannabis include coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, canola oil, palm oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and many many more.
How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil: The Decarboxylation Process (Decarbing for Edibles)
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. 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 guide to Mason Jar Decarboxylation can also be found here.
Learning how to decarboxylate cannabis will become an essential foundation in any cannabis consumer’s knowledge.
How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil: Equipment Needed
In order to make cannabis oils or cannabutter, there are a few pieces of kitchen equipment that you will need. This equipment is easily found in a local store or online.
- Large glass bowl or large pyrex-style measuring jug
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- Hand Strainer
- Cheesecloth
- A container such as a mason jar for the final product
Cooking with cannabis must be done safely, in any kitchen. A practice that many cannabis edible chefs follow is having separate pieces of equipment that are only used for cannabis infusions.
How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil: Easy Crockpot Method
Making this infused oil is easy, as well as relatively mess-free with our method.
- In a large glass bowl or measuring jug, add decarboxylated cannabis and coconut oil
- Fill the crockpot with enough water to reach the halfway point of your large 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 coconut 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 will evaporate
- Leave coconut oil and cannabis in the crockpot/slow cooker for 3-4 hours, stirring every hour or so
- Line a hand strainer with cheesecloth (3-4 pieces on top of one another) and strain the cannabis coconut oil back into its original container or a mason jar
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy responsibly
This easy crockpot method provides a simple, somewhat mess-free, solution for making infused oil at home.
How Strong Will Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil Be? Flower to Oil Ratio
Many cannabis consumers do not know the correct flower to butter or oil ratio (for their own personal dose) and may use too much cannabis, or too little, in their oils or butter. This can have an adverse effect on future cannabis edibles consumption and experiences as well as becoming somewhat confusing for those who are new to cannabis or cannabis edibles.
The five variables when considering a flower to oil ratio are:
- The Amount of Cannabis Used
- The THC Content of the Cannabis
- The Amount of Oil Infused
- How Much Oil (or Other Substance) You Will Use
- How Many Servings You Make
The endocannabinoid system within humans and other mammals is responsible for the effects of cannabis. Every individual ill experience cannabis differently, there is no one-size-fits-all dosage in terms of cannabis oils or edibles. Learn more about the endocannabinoid system here.
What Cannabis Edibles Can be Made With Infused Coconut Oil?
Cannabis edibles can be made sweet or savoury and be a small part, or the main course, of an entire meal.
Infused Coconut Oil Can Make:
- Cannabis Gummies
- Smoothies
- Curries (Thai Green Curry, Infused Curried Meats etc)
- Rice Crispy Treats
And many, many more.
Sharing this on social media helps us grow and provide the latest cannabis information and research available. Thank you for reading “How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil Oil in a Crockpot”.
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I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
Instead of bud I bought a concentrate. I am making cannabis balm and gummies. I have a 1g tube of it.
Is this the same recipe for a balm to apply to skin to help with skin conditions like eczema etc
Hey Mitch, you can apply coconut oil to those sorts of ailments but I’m not 100% on the effectiveness of it – perhaps you could mix this coconut oil into a recipe for a balm for eczema. Thanks for your comment Mitch, I’ll be looking into recipes for an eczema specific balm so you’ll probably see a recipe from me very soon !
Thanks for the reply, did you make a recipe for skin balm to help with eczema and joint pain etc as haven’t found one so far? Thanks again for your work on the site it’s brilliant.
I’m so new to this! I bought an Active Gear Guy Electric Infuser and want to make my own oil. Can I use MCT oil?
For sure you can use MCT oil 👍