Infusing oil with cannabis is a straightforward process that involves decarboxylation (activating the THC or CBD) and then combining it with a carrier oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What You’ll Need:
- Cannabis flower (amount depends on desired potency, e.g., 7-14 grams per cup of oil)
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil)
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Grinder or scissors
- Double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar for storage
Steps:
1. Decarboxylation (Activate the Cannabinoids):
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Grind or break up the cannabis into small pieces (not too fine—think coarse crumbs).
- Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, shaking the tray every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. The cannabis should turn a light golden brown and become dry and crumbly. This step converts THCA into THC (or CBDA into CBD), making it psychoactive and bioavailable.
2. Infusion:
- Combine the decarboxylated cannabis with your carrier oil. A common ratio is 1 cup of oil to 7-14 grams of cannabis, but you can adjust it based on potency preference.
Method 1: Double Boiler
- Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and heat it on low-medium.
- Add the oil and cannabis to the top section.
- Heat gently at 160-200°F (70-93°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling—too much heat can degrade the cannabinoids.
Method 2: Slow Cooker
- Set the slow cooker to low, add the oil and cannabis, and let it infuse for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Method 3: Saucepan
- Use very low heat, combine oil and cannabis, and simmer for 2-3 hours. Monitor closely to prevent overheating.
3. Strain:
- Once infused, let the mixture cool slightly.
- Place cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer over a glass jar and pour the oil to remove plant material. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible (wear gloves if it’s still warm).
4. Storage:
- Store the infused oil in a dark glass jar in a cool, dark place or in the fridge. It can last for weeks to months, depending on the oil type and storage conditions.
Tips:
- Start with a small batch to test potency.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature during infusion.
- Ventilation is key—decarbing cannabis can smell strong, so crack a window or use an exhaust fan.
- If you’re after CBD instead of THC, use a high-CBD strain and follow the same process.
This oil can be used for cooking, topicals, or sublingual consumption. The dosage depends on the strain’s potency and your tolerance, so start low and go slow. Let me know if you need more specifics!
