How to Make Cannabis Oil at Home

What is Cannabis Oil?

Cannabis oil (also called THC oil, weed oil, or canna-oil) is a cannabis-infused cooking oil used to make edibles, topicals, and tinctures. By infusing cannabinoids into a fat-based carrier oil, you create a versatile ingredient for countless applications.

Homemade cannabis oil offers several advantages:

• Control over potency and strain selection
• Cost-effective compared to store-bought edibles
• Versatile for cooking, baking, or topical use
• Discreet consumption method
• Longer-lasting effects than smoking

What You'll Need

Ingredients:

• Cannabis: 7-28 grams (depending on desired potency)
• Carrier oil: 1-2 cups coconut oil, MCT oil, or olive oil

Equipment:

• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Grinder (or scissors)
• Double boiler, slow cooker, or mason jar
• Thermometer (recommended)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Airtight storage container

Best Oils for Cannabis Infusion

Why saturated fat matters: THC and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they bind to fat molecules. Higher saturated fat content = better cannabinoid absorption.

Step 1: Decarboxylation (Critical!)

Decarboxylation is the most important step. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which doesn't produce psychoactive effects. Heat converts THCA to THC.

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C)
2. Break cannabis into small pieces (don't grind too fine)
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown
5. The cannabis should be dry and crumbly when done

Warning: Don't skip this step! Without decarboxylation, your oil won't have psychoactive effects.

Step 2: Infusion Methods

Method 1: Double Boiler (Recommended)

1. Add water to bottom pot, oil and decarbed cannabis to top pot
2. Heat on low, maintaining 160-200°F (70-93°C)
3. Simmer for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally
4. Never let oil boil or exceed 245°F

Method 2: Slow Cooker

1. Combine oil and decarbed cannabis in slow cooker
2. Set to LOW setting
3. Cook for 4-6 hours, stirring every hour
4. Add a little water if mixture gets too thick

Method 3: Mason Jar (Safest)

1. Add oil and cannabis to mason jar, seal loosely
2. Place jar in pot of water (water bath)
3. Simmer for 3-4 hours
4. This method minimizes smell and mess

Step 3: Straining

1. Let the mixture cool until safe to handle
2. Place cheesecloth over a clean container
3. Pour the oil mixture through the cheesecloth
4. Squeeze to extract all oil (wear gloves!)
5. Discard the plant material

Pro tip: Don't squeeze too hard or you'll get plant material in your oil, making it taste grassy.

Calculating Potency

Estimating your oil's potency helps with dosing:

Formula: (Grams of cannabis × THC% × 1000) ÷ ml of oil = mg THC per ml

Example: 14g of 20% THC cannabis in 240ml (1 cup) oil:

• 14 × 0.20 × 1000 = 2,800mg total THC
• 2,800 ÷ 240 = ~11.7mg THC per ml
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) = ~175mg THC

Note: Actual potency varies based on decarb efficiency and extraction. Start with small doses!

Storage Tips

• Container: Use dark glass or opaque containers
• Temperature: Store in cool, dark place
• Refrigeration: Extends shelf life to 6+ months
• Freezing: Can last up to 1 year frozen
• Label: Always mark potency and date made

Using Your Cannabis Oil

• Cooking: Add to any recipe calling for oil
• Baking: Brownies, cookies, cakes
• Capsules: Fill empty gel caps for precise dosing
• Sublingual: Place drops under tongue
• Topicals: Mix into lotions or balms
• Coffee/Tea: Add to hot beverages

Dosing tip: Start with 5-10mg THC and wait 2 hours before taking more. Edibles take longer to kick in but last longer than smoking.