How to make cannabis oil at home

Cannabis oil is a popular way to use cannabis, especially for individuals who prefer homemade edibles, drinks, and topicals.

Making cannabis oil at home is relatively easy. Learn how with this step-by-step guide.

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How to make cannabis oil at home

Cannabis oil refers to an oil-based extract of cannabis flower.

While you can use any type of oil to make it, most people prefer a cooking oil, such as olive or coconut oil. This way, you can use your cannabis oil in homemade edibles.

Cannabis oil is rich in beneficial cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Its many uses include:

• Making homemade edibles
• Adding to beverages
• Adding to skincare products
• Using it as a tincture
• Applying directly to the skin for localized relief

What you’ll need

• Rimmed baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Crockpot, double boiler, or saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Cheesecloth or strainer
• Cooking twine to tie the cheesecloth

Ingredients

• 3.5 grams of cannabis flower
• 1/2 cup of oil, like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil

Instructions

Before making cannabis oil, you’ll need to decarboxylate your cannabis flower. This is a heating process that converts raw cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Follow these steps to decarboxylate your cannabis flower:

1. Break up any cannabis flower or “buds” into smaller pieces.
2. Layer the pieces evenly onto a rimmed baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the baking tray in the center of a preheated oven set to 240°F to 248°F (115°C to 120°C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes.
3. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cannabis to cool to room temperature. Its color should appear yellow or light brown compared to the bright green color of fresh cannabis.

Follow these steps to make cannabis oil:

1. Coarsely grind your decarboxylated cannabis flower.
2. Combine the cannabis and oil using one of the following cooking methods. Note that the oil temperature should never exceed 245°F (118°C):
   1. In a slow cooker or crockpot on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
   2. In a double boiler on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally. A simple heatproof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water will suffice.
   3. On the stove in a saucepan on low for 3 hours, stirring regularly. This method is the fastest but most susceptible to scorching. You can add a small amount of water to the oil to help prevent scorching.
3. Strain your cannabis oil through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the plant material.

Alternative method: Infusion

Another option is to infuse raw cannabis directly into your oil rather than decarboxylating it beforehand.

This method can help the plant’s terpenes retain their flavor more effectively. However, your cannabis oil’s shelf life may be shorter compared to oil made with flower that is decarboxylated.

Follow these steps to make a cannabis oil infusion:

1. Combine the raw cannabis flower and oil in a double boiler. Bring the mixture to a temperature between 212°F (100°C) and 230°F (110°C) to decarboxylate the cannabis.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, maintaining a temperature between 158°F (70°C) and 199°F (93°C), for approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Tips for making cannabis oil

Follow these tips to get the most out of your cannabis oil.

Consider the cannabis strain

Cannabis flower comes in a variety of strains, and each strain offers different flavor notes and effects. Choose a strain that suits your personal needs and preferences.

Strain your oil for the best flavor and longest shelf life

When you’re done making your cannabis oil, strain it into a jar or container to remove any impurities. This will help improve its flavor, as pieces of leftover flower can taste bitter.

Straining can also help your oil last longer by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria.

Always cook at low temperatures

When cooking or baking with cannabis oil, avoid using high temperatures, which can cause the cannabinoids and terpenes to break down and lose their effectiveness.

Try to keep your temperature below 284°F (140°C) for the best results. If you must use a higher temperature for a specific recipe, avoid exceeding 350°F (176°C).

Extend shelf life with proper storage

Cannabinoids and terpenes can lose their effectiveness over time or when exposed to light, heat, air, or humidity.

By keeping your oil in a cool, dark place, it can retain its potency for about 12 to 18 months. A closet, drawer, or cabinet kept at room temperature is ideal.

If you have children or pets, it’s important that they can’t access your cannabis oil. Consider storing it in a place far off the ground, like the top shelf of a cabinet.

Best carrier oils for cannabis oil

When choosing an oil for your cannabis oil, there are several things to consider:

• Coconut oil: Coconut oil has a slightly sweet taste and is rich in beneficial fatty acids.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is a popular and versatile choice for cooking.
• Hempseed oil: Hempseed oil, extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, is rich in nutrients.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil contains healthy fats and vitamins.
• Lecithin: Lecithin is a type of fat that helps ingredients bind together. Studies show that adding lecithin to your oil may help boost the potency of cannabis.

Hemp vs. marijuana for homemade cannabis oil

You can use either hemp or marijuana to create cannabis oil.

• Hemp is a non-intoxicating cannabis variety that’s high in CBD and low in THC. Unlike marijuana, it’s legal in all 50 states.

• Marijuana is an intoxicating cannabis variety that’s low in CBD and higher in THC. It’s legal in several, but not all, states.

How to dose homemade THC oil

Dosing cannabis oil can take some trial and error, especially if you’re not an experienced cannabis user.

Cannabis oil typically retains about 60% of the plant’s cannabinoid content, according to anecdotal reports. Using Leafwell’s recipe and cannabis with 20% THC, each teaspoon of oil yields about 18 milligrams (mg) of THC.

Here are some other dosing tips:

• Start low and go slow: It’s best to start with a low dose of cannabis oil and increase the amount gradually until you achieve the desired results.
• Consider the recipe you’re using: If you’re adding cannabis oil to a recipe, multiply your preferred dose by the number of servings that the recipe calls for.
• Ask your doctor for personalized guidance: Speak with your doctor if you need help choosing the best dose for your needs.

The bottom line: Cannabis oil is easy to make and versatile

Making cannabis oil at home is fairly easy and allows you to create your own edibles, topicals, and more.

With a medical cannabis card, you can access high-quality cannabis flower legally. Schedule an appointment with Leafwell to begin the process of getting your medical card.

Leafwell providers are also available to help you build a care plan and ensure safe dosing of homemade oil or other forms of cannabis.

Resources

• Strategies to improve cannabidiol bioavailability and drug delivery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892205/

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