Ella Walter
Cannabis-infused oil, also known as canna oil, is a versatile substance that can be used in a variety of culinary creations, from savoury dishes like stir-fries and sauces to sweet treats like brownies and cookies. Making cannabis cooking oil at home is a straightforward process that requires just a few basic ingredients and kitchen tools. However, it's important to note that the process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to temperature control to preserve the potency of the cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for crafting cannabis oil in a cooking pot, as well as provide helpful tips for choosing the right ingredients and storing your finished product.
How to Craft Cannabis Oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil Type | Olive, Coconut, Avocado, Canola, Vegetable, Sesame, Peanut |
| Cannabis Type | Hemp, Marijuana |
| Oil Temperature | Below 284°F (140°C), ideally between 160-200°F (71-93°C) |
| Cooking Time | 2-6 hours |
| Cooking Method | Slow cooker, Double boiler, Stove, Oven |
| Storage | Cool, dark place, Refrigeration |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right oil for infusion
When it comes to choosing the right oil for infusion, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of herb or plant material you plan to use will influence your choice of carrier oil. For example, delicate herbs such as basil and mint are better suited for cold infusion with cold-pressed oils like macadamia, sweet almond, or avocado oil. On the other hand, woodier herbs like rosemary and thyme can withstand heat and pair well with extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil.
Secondly, your formulation concept and intended use should guide your decision. For instance, if you're creating an Ayurvedic product, sesame oil is a stable option. If you're making a baby product, almond oil or jojoba oil are gentler choices. For culinary purposes, consider the desired flavour profile and smoke point. Olive oil, with its rich taste and moderate smoke point, works well with robust herbs like rosemary and oregano. For milder flavours, canola or grapeseed oil are good choices.
Thirdly, the quality of the oil is essential. Opt for high-quality, freshly prepared, cold-pressed oils to ensure the best results and avoid refined or solvent-extracted oils. If using fresh herbs, choose organic to prevent infusing pesticides into your oil. Additionally, consider the freshness of your ingredients and whether you want to emphasise certain flavours.
Lastly, think about the specific benefits you're seeking. For skincare, jojoba oil mimics the skin's natural sebum, while almond oil and argan oil are highly moisturising. For hair growth, rosemary and peppermint herbs infused into a carrier oil can improve scalp circulation. For cooking, infused oils add flavour to your dishes, so choose herbs and spices that complement your cuisine.
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Prepare the cannabis
Preparing the cannabis is the first step in making cannabis-infused oil. The process begins with decarboxylation, which involves heating cannabis buds at a low temperature to convert the non-intoxicating tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) into THC, the psychoactive compound. This process can be done in an oven at around 240°F to 248°F for 30 to 40 minutes. It is important not to grind the buds too finely to avoid affecting the oil. Alternatively, a sous vide technique can be used to decarb the cannabis, preserving the terpenes and resulting in a better flavour.
After decarbing, the cannabis needs to be ground into small pieces. The next step involves combining the ground cannabis with the oil. The recommended ratio is 1:1, but you can use less cannabis if you prefer milder effects. The oil temperature should not exceed 245°F (118°C) to ensure the cannabinoids are activated but not destroyed. You can use a slow cooker, double boiler, or a simple heatproof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water for this process. Stir the mixture occasionally and heat it for 4 to 8 hours, depending on the method.
The type of oil you choose for infusion depends on your flavour preferences and intended dishes. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its health benefits and good fats, which make it an excellent carrier for cannabis. Coconut oil is also a good option because of its high-fat content, which helps absorb cannabinoids. Other options include avocado oil, hempseed oil, and canola or vegetable oil for more neutral flavours.
Calculating the dosage per serving is crucial to avoid overconsumption. Start with a low dose, especially if you're new to cannabis cooking. You can always adjust and increase the dosage gradually. Additionally, consider the desired effects of the cannabis strain you choose. Some strains are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while others may help with focus and relaxation.
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Decarboxylate the cannabis
Decarboxylation is an important step in the edible or topical-making process. It involves heating or "activating" the cannabis, which makes the cannabinoids like THC and CBD more effective in the body. The process of decarboxylation converts the raw cannabinoids, THCA and CBDA, into THC and CBD. This process can be done in a few different ways, such as in the oven, on the stove, in a double boiler, or in a crockpot.
If you choose to decarb your cannabis in the oven, you will need to break up the cannabis flower or "buds" into smaller pieces and layer them evenly on a rimmed baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to between 240°F and 248°F (or 115°C and 120°C) and place the baking tray in the center for 30 to 40 minutes. This method can be quite pungent, so it is recommended to turn on a vent or fan or open a window while decarbing.
Another option is to decarb your cannabis directly in the oil as part of the final cooking process. To do this, you can heat your oil and decarbed cannabis in a double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, making sure the temperature stays between 160°F and 200°F. You can also add the cannabis directly to a crockpot with oil and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. This method helps to control the heat and makes cleanup easier.
It is important to note that the temperature and cooking time can affect the effectiveness of the cannabinoids. Exposing the cannabinoids to high heat may degrade their potency, so it is recommended to keep the temperature relatively low and cook for a longer period of time. Additionally, the terpenes in the cannabis can be damaged if the temperature exceeds 245°F (118°C), so it is important to monitor the temperature closely.
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Combine the cannabis and oil
To combine the cannabis and oil, start by decarbing the cannabis. This process turns the non-intoxicating THCA in the plant into THC, which will get you high. Preheat your oven to 240-245°F and spread the ground cannabis on a baking sheet. Avoid grinding it too finely, as this will affect the oil. Heat for 30-50 minutes, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Next, set up a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water. This ensures gentle and even heating, preventing the oil from burning or overheating. Add your chosen carrier oil to the heat-resistant bowl. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and canola oil are all popular choices for cannabis infusion.
Once the oil is heated, add the decarbed cannabis and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to heat gently over low to medium heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature of the oil between 160-200°F. This process extracts the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis, infusing them into the oil. Be careful not to let the oil boil or exceed its smoke point, and ensure the water doesn't evaporate.
Finally, strain the oil using a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. Do not squeeze out the plant material, as this will add more chlorophyll to your oil and make it taste more vegetal. Discard the plant material, and your cannabis-infused oil is now ready for use or storage.
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Strain and store the oil
Now that your oil has been infused with cannabis, it's time to strain and store it. This is a crucial step to ensure your oil is smooth and free of plant material. Place a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over the container that will hold your final product. If you're using a strainer, line it with cheesecloth first. Slowly pour the oil-cannabis mixture through the strainer or cheesecloth. Be careful not to squeeze the cheesecloth, as this will release chlorophyll, giving your oil a vegetal taste. Once you've strained the oil, discard the plant material that remains in the strainer or cheesecloth.
Your cannabis-infused oil is now ready for storage. It's important to store your oil in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle. Make sure the container is made of a material that won't react with the oil, like glass or ceramic. Label the container with the date and store it in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cabinet. Avoid exposing the oil to light, heat, or humidity, as these elements can cause the cannabinoids and terpenes to break down over time, reducing the effectiveness of your infusion.
The shelf life of your cannabis-infused oil will depend on how it's stored. When stored properly, your oil can last for at least two months and can be extended further with refrigeration. If you store your oil in a cool, dark place, it can retain its potency for about 12 to 18 months. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of your infusion may gradually decrease over time, even with proper storage.
When storing your cannabis-infused oil, consider any children or pets that may be in your household. Keep the oil out of their reach, preferably in a high place like the top shelf of a cabinet. Always be cautious when using your infused oil, especially when cooking with high heat. It's best to avoid microwaving the oil and opt for low heat whenever possible to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to decarboxylate the cannabis flower. This is done by breaking up the cannabis flower into smaller pieces and placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. The tray should then be placed in an oven set to between 240°F and 248°F (115°C to 120°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
The next step is to combine the decarboxylated cannabis with oil in a cooking pot. The oil temperature should not exceed 245°F (118°C).
The cooking time depends on the cooking method used. In a slow cooker or crockpot, the mixture should be cooked for 4 to 6 hours on low heat. In a double boiler, it should be cooked for 6 to 8 hours on low heat. On a stove in a saucepan, it should be cooked for 3 hours on low heat.
Olive oil is a popular choice for crafting cannabis-infused oil due to its health benefits and good fats that make it a perfect carrier for cannabis. Other options include coconut oil, avocado oil, hempseed oil, and canola oil.
The crafted oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a closet, drawer, or cabinet. It can be stored at room temperature and will retain its potency for about 12 to 18 months.
