Learn how to infuse cannabis into oils that are perfect for cooking, baking, and creating personalized edibles. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making cannabis-infused olive, coconut, and MCT oils safely and effectively.
Cannabis-infused oils are versatile, easy to make, and ideal for adding THC or CBD to a wide range of recipes — from salad dressings and sautés to baked goods and tincture drops. Unlike smoking or vaping, infused oils provide a longer-lasting effect and allow you full control over dosing. This guide covers the three most popular infusion methods: olive oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil.
Why Cannabis Oils Matter
Cannabis oil infusions extract cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) into a fat-based medium. Because cannabinoids are fat-soluble, they bind effectively to oils — making infused oils a powerful base for edibles and topical applications. Fat-based infusions generally produce longer-lasting effects compared to inhaled cannabis because the body metabolizes them through the digestive system.
Each oil type has unique traits:
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy with a rich flavor
- Coconut Oil: Great for cooking and baking; high saturated fat content aids absorption
- MCT Oil: Flavor-neutral and fast-absorbing for sublingual use or smoothies
The Most Important Step: Decarboxylation
No matter which oil you choose, the first essential step is decarboxylation — heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids (e.g., THCA → THC or CBDA → CBD). Without this step, your oil will be weak or ineffective.
Basic Decarboxylation:
- Preheat oven to 220–240°F (105–115°C).
- Break cannabis buds into small pieces (not powder).
- Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Let cool before infusing.
The result: activated cannabis ready for infusion.
Method 1: Olive Oil Infusion
Why Olive Oil?
Olive oil is heart-healthy and ideal for low-heat cooking and dressings. Its flavor enhances Mediterranean-style edibles.
What You’ll Need:
- Decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup olive oil
- Slow cooker, double boiler, or saucepan
- Cheesecloth
- Glass jar
Steps:
- Combine decarboxylated cannabis and olive oil in your vessel (slow cooker, double boiler, or saucepan).
- Heat on low (ideally 160–180°F / 70–80°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain with cheesecloth into a clean jar, squeezing gently.
- Cool and store in the fridge (up to 2–3 weeks) or freezer (longer).
This infusion works well for salads, pasta, and morning eggs.
Method 2: Coconut Oil Infusion
Why Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is one of the most popular choices for edibles due to its high saturated fat content, which binds well with cannabinoids and may enhance absorption.
What You’ll Need:
- Decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup coconut oil
- Slow cooker or double boiler
- Cheesecloth
- Jar
Steps:
- Melt the coconut oil on low heat.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis and maintain 160–180°F for 2–3 hours, stirring now and then.
- Strain through cheesecloth; avoid pressing too hard (prevents chlorophyll taste).
- Store in a cool, dark place (coconut oil stays solid at room temperature).
Coconut-infused oil is excellent in baked goods, granola, and sautéed veggies.
Method 3: MCT Oil Infusion
Why MCT Oil?
MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil is flavorless, highly absorbable, and ideal for sublingual tinctures, smoothies, or salad dressings. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t solidify at room temperature.
What You’ll Need:
- Decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup MCT oil
- Double boiler or slow cooker
- Cheesecloth
- Bottle with dropper
Steps:
- Warm the MCT oil gently.
- Add decarboxylated cannabis and heat at 160–180°F for 2 hours (less time than denser oils).
- Strain with cheesecloth into a dropper bottle for easy dosing.
- Store in a cool, dark place (MCT stays liquid).
MCT cannabis oil is perfect for precise dosing, making homemade tinctures, or mixing into drinks.
Tips for Better Infusions
Temperature Control Matters
Keeping oil temperature steady and low prevents cannabinoids from degrading. Aim for 160–180°F (70–80°C) throughout infusion. Degradation occurs at high heat.
Use Quality Cannabis
Lab-tested flower with clear cannabinoid percentages helps estimate potency more accurately, which leads to reliable dosing.
Label Everything
Always label jars with type of oil, cannabis strain, date, and estimated potency.
Calculate Potency
Estimate the final THC/CBD mg per unit by factoring cannabis weight, potency, and extraction efficiency (often ~60–85%). Use a dosage calculator for accuracy.
Safety & Storage
- Store infused oils in airtight containers away from light and heat.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Clearly label to avoid accidental ingestion.
- Use within 2–3 weeks for best flavor and potency (longer if frozen).
How to Use Cannabis Oils
Once made, cannabis oils can elevate many recipes:
- Olive oil: Infused vinaigrettes, dips, brushing on pizza crust
- Coconut oil: Baked goods, stir-fries, granola bars
- MCT oil: Smoothies, sublingual doses, sauces, salad dressings
Start with low doses (e.g., 2–5 mg THC) and adjust gradually — patience ensures a pleasant experience.
Summary
Making cannabis oil at home is accessible using olive, coconut, or MCT oils, each with unique benefits depending on how you plan to consume your infusion. By decarboxylating cannabis and maintaining low heat during infusion, you extract THC and/or CBD effectively into your chosen carrier oil. Using the right equipment and labeling your batches carefully leads to safer, tastier, and more reliable homemade cannabis oils — perfect for cooking, baking, or dosing.
Sources
- Healthline — How Cannabis Edibles & Oils Are Metabolized.
- Leafly — Guide to Decarboxylation & Infusion.
- Forbes Health — Coconut Oil and Cannabinoid Absorption.