Cannabis 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 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.
Although many across the amateur culinary landscape hold the opinion that butter is for baking and oil is for cooking, cannabis oil is an amazing compliment to savoury dishes as well as sweet. Not to mention, added to smoothies easily and makes for a great salad dressing.
Use-infused this cannabis oil in dishes that require: frying, baking, slow cooking, or, as the base for a sauce.
For this cannabis and 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 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 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.
A crockpot/slow cooker is also ideal for those who wish to leave the house during the infusion process.
How to Make Cannabis Oil: Equipment Needed
Cannabis-infused oil is easily made in a home kitchen with a few pieces of readily available kitchen equipment.
- 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
This equipment is easily sourced online or from a local supermarket.
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 guide to Mason Jar Decarboxylation can also be found here.
Ingredients to Make Cannabis-Infused Oil
All you need to make this oil is:
- Decarboxylated cannabis (15 grams for this recipe)
- 2 Cups of carrier oil (500ml)
Carrier oils 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-Infused Oil: Easy Crockpot Method for Infused Oil
This method can also be used on the stovetop, on the oven, or, sous-vide.
- In a large glass bowl or measuring jug, add decarboxylated cannabis and 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 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 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 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 infused oil at home.
How Strong Will My Infused Oil Be?
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
To read more about approximating a flower to butter/oil ratio when making cannabis infusions, click here.
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 Coconut Oil)
- Cannabis-Infused Pizza Dough
- The Traditional Chocolate Brownie
- Pasta Sauces (Spaghetti Bolognese, Basil/Pesto, Cream of Garlic etc)
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