Embarking on my first adventure with cannabis-infused coconut oil was a revelation. It’s been many years since my first kitchen infusion.
Blessed with generous backyard growers and their donated trim, this golden elixir opened doors to countless homemade remedies for me.
With time, my methods have polished and I promise, after a batch or two, you’ll find your groove.
So, pop on that ganja apron, let’s embrace the delightful mess, and above all, let’s infuse some fun!
Ever thought about the awesome reasons to whip up your own cannabis-infused coconut and MCT oil? Here are some of my favorites:
Cannabis infusion is the process of extracting the phytochemicals (plant chemicals) from the plant into a solvent such as oil.
Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are the most common phytochemicals extracted from cannabis and hemp.
The plant material is steeped in a solvent over a period of time, much like tea leaves are steeped in water.
The plant material is removed and discarded, while the phytochemicals remain suspended in the liquid.
Both the process and the end result are called infusions.
“Extraction of medicinal plants is a process of separating active plant materials or secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, steroids, and glycosides from inert or inactive material using an appropriate solvent and standard extraction procedure. “
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make cannabis-infused coconut oil or MCT oil, decarboxylate cannabis, or choose to infuse cannabis into any oil of your choice.
You don’t need to invest in any special devices to make cannabis-infused oils.
Herbalists have been infusing herbs and making medicinals for centuries. It’s not as hard as you think; as you expand your general knowledge, you’ll grow in confidence.
Consider using fan leaves, popcorn buds, and trim for large batches. Even stems can be used.
The glitter-like crystals seen on cannabis and hemp are called trichomes.
Trichomes contain many of the phytochemicals such as cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG), terpenes, and flavonoids that will be infused into the oil.
You will need approximately 4 ounces dry wt. of cannabis per 32 liquid ounces of oil. Adjust this for smaller batches. (2 oz dry plant per 16 oz oil).
The idea is to ensure your plant material is saturated and well-covered.
To convert the THC-A and CBD-A, for example, into their active forms — more commonly known as THC and CBD — you need to heat your plant material or flower.
I prefer not to use a grinder as that will cause the removal of many of your trichomes as they fall into the kief catcher.
Ideally, we want as many trichomes to stay on the buds as possible, as they contain all the cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, esters, and many other components of the Cannabis plant.
Once you are more comfortable with processing cannabis and understanding some science behind infusion, you may want to combine your process.
I process or infuse my oil for about 4 hours if my cannabis is already decarbed.
I eventually learned that I could “cook” low and slow for about 8 hours and achieve all the steps in one process.
I feel I lose less of the beneficial phytochemicals of the plant this way.
This method also reduces some of the smell if you keep a low profile. After 8 hours, I turn off my crockpot and let the oil and herb soak overnight.
People will waste time arguing over methods and decarboxylation. There are many ways to complete a job.
Choose a method that fits your lifestyle, that you believe in, and, most importantly, that works for you!
1. Melt oil in the baking dish or crockpot
2. Add decarboxylated cannabis to oil
3. If the oil doesn’t cover the material, you may add a bit more. (No need to float in oil, though).
If already decarbed, add water to the oil mixture to help cover the plant.
The water will boil at 212° F and help you monitor temps.
Do not let the mixture go over 250° F.
Water will help remove some of the chlorophyll and plant taste. Continuously monitor your temperatures.
4. Process decarboxylated cannabis/ hemp in the oil for about 4 hours OR process and decarb all in one step for 8 hours.
5. Cool product enough to work with. If using coconut oil, keep it in liquid form. Re-heat if needed.
Pour all contents into a very tightly woven metal mesh sieve strainer. This is your first straining.
6. Strain a second time through a small micron filter. A reusable coffee filter basket works great.
Repeat the straining with tighter woven filters until all the sediments are removed, and the oil is clear.
7. If you added water to your coconut oil while processing, put your strained oil in a shallow container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Once the coconut oil solidifies, the water is left behind.
A flexible plastic cool whip style or similar container may help when it comes time to “unmold” the solid oil. Dry the block of oil with a paper towel.
Warming oil and adding water is known as “water washing” and may be repeated to remove chlorophyll.
Cannabinoids stay within the oil, not the water.
8. Store your finished oil in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it to protect and preserve the phytochemicals you worked so hard to capture.
9. Celebrate and look around at the mess you made! Just joking! Be proud of your hard work and your accomplishments. Well done!
Note about water washing:
If you’re making topical creams and salves, there is no reason to remove the natural chlorophyll of the plant material.
Some individuals feel chlorophyll upsets their stomachs when using this oil in food.
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Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience. Please share your comments and suggestions.
Coconut oil comes from coconuts, found on tropical palm trees. It’s a solid fat but melts at 78°F. There are different ways to get this oil, and each method can change its quality and benefits.
MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil, sometimes known as fractionated coconut oil or liquid coconut oil, is a type of fat extracted mainly from coconuts. Through a process called fractionation, certain fats are separated, leaving a clear, odorless, and flavorless liquid. While MCT oil is versatile, it’s especially great for tinctures, smoothies, and cold dishes. However, avoid using it for high-heat cooking due to its low smoke point. It’s also popular in skincare and personal care products.
Navigating the coconut oil aisle at your local store can feel like quite the adventure, with so many options to pick from!
From organic to virgin, refined to MCT, and everything in between, it’s a world of choices. And let’s not even start on the price tags!
Wondering which one pairs best with cannabis? Choose based on your cooking, dietary and or DIY needs.
Here’s a quick guide:
Organic Coconut Oil: Best for health-conscious users wanting to avoid potential chemicals like hexane. Especially recommended if choosing refined versions.
Virgin/Extra Virgin: Unrefined and carries a natural coconut aroma and flavor. Great for dishes where a coconut taste is desired.
Refined Coconut Oil: Neutral in flavor and aroma, making it versatile for various recipes. Its higher smoke point makes it suitable for frying and high-heat cooking.
Unrefined Coconut Oil: Offers a richer coconut flavor, ideal for tropical dishes and desserts.
Fractionated Coconut Oil/MCT: Best for cold dishes, salad dressings, and supplements. Not recommended for high-heat cooking due to its low smoke point.
For most cooking needs, refined coconut oil is a versatile choice. However, if you prefer a coconut flavor, opt for virgin or unrefined versions.
You do not have to stick to coconut oil or MCT oil to infuse. You may choose any healthy oil that would work well for your desired end product.
Good oil options include:
And the list goes on….
Store your cannabis-infused oil in the refrigerator or freezer until you can use it.
Heat and light will degrade your cannabis infusion. Choose dark-colored or amber-colored glass containers. Remember to label and date your oil.
Storing Coconut Oil
Coconut oil’s shelf life can differ based on its processing method. Typically, refined coconut oil lasts about two years, while virgin oil can extend to three or more. Always check and follow the expiration date on your product’s label for the best guidance.
Estimating the Potency of Your Canna Oil or Cannabutter
How we got that:
Remember, every person’s tolerance can be different. Always start with a small serving and wait a few hours before having more.
Cannabis Safety Disclaimers:
Dosing: Start low, go slow. Effects can be delayed with edibles.
Legal Age: For legal-age adults only. Follow local laws.
Impairment: Cannabis can impair driving and machinery operation.
Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Clearly label cannabis products.
Medical Concerns: Consult a doctor if pregnant, nursing, or if you have medical conditions.
Potency Variability: Homemade cannabis items can have varied potencies. Consume with caution.
Allergies: Check ingredients for allergens. Beware of potential cross-contamination.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil or MCT Oil: Crockpot Recipe
Infusing Cannabis Oil: 5 Tips You Need to Know Before You Begin
How to Make THC Gummy Bears with Canna Oil
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I really wanted to know amounts of cannabis to amount of MCT oil. There are so many recipes it's hard to decide which one is better. I've been making solventless gummies and I've been having difficulty getting them to be the right texture and consistency is definitely a learning curve. I've been using the powdered lecithin and about 1/2 the amount as the liquid. My gummies came out brownish red with the liquid lecithin so I switched to powdered, not granules. So last night I infused 1/2 oz of high grade trim, with lots of popcorn buds. I don't have a slow cooker so I stir a lot.I need a little advice. Thank you
Experimenting the way you did is an excellent way to learn and tweak a reipe to your individual liking. Honestly, there is no one right answer to tell you for an exact measuremt of herb to oil. The key is to make sure you put enough oil to cover the herb. The size of your buds and if you grind it up or not determines how much oil is neede to cover the plant material. The more oil, the more diluted your strength will be. Even The Magical Butter Machine recipe won't give an exact amount. Their recipe reads; 1/4-1/2 ounce or 7-14 grams herb foe every 1 cup of oil. They suggest a minumun of 2 cups of oil. I hope this makes sense.
Hello! So I followed this step by step and in the decarboxylating step I’ve found that after taking it out of the oven it’s still not fully dried out. Is that normal or is there something I could be doing wrong? I have been using a dutch oven until my oven safe silicone containers come in the mail. Any tips?
Hi Olivia,
Did you used dry, cured cannabis? If not, you should really let it dry and cure naturally first. But, assuming that you did use dried herb, just go ahead and finish the infusing processas as long as it inolves heat. The oil or butter infusion will finish decarbing any acids left behind.