Kitchen Chemistry: Crafting Your Own Cannabis-Infused Oils

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Cannabis cultivation, product creation, and consumption are subject to local, state, and federal laws. Always ensure compliance with these laws. Cannabis may have legal, health, and safety implications. Seek legal and medical guidance as needed. The authors and publishers disclaim responsibility for legal, health, or safety consequences. It's your responsibility to stay informed and follow applicable laws and guidelines. Minors are strictly advised against using this information.

Affiliate Link Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe in and trust. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!

The best oils to use for cannabis infusions depend on personal preference and the desired end product. However, here are five popular oils used for cannabis infusions:

1. Coconut Oil: This oil is popular because it has a high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed by the body. Regular Coconut oil is also solid at room temperature, making it ideal for creating topicals and capsules. MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and liquid at room temperature. We are using MCT oil for this recipe, but feel free to use the oil that works best for you! 
   
2. Olive Oil: This oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats and has a mild flavor. Olive oil is a popular choice for creating infused salad dressings, dips, and other savory dishes.
   
3. Grapeseed Oil: This oil has a neutral taste and a high smoke point, making it great for cooking and baking. It also contains antioxidants, which may have health benefits.
   
4. Avocado Oil: This oil has a high smoke point and is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It is a good choice for creating infused salad dressings, dips, and other savory dishes.
   
5. Hemp Seed Oil: This oil is made from cold-pressed hemp seeds and has a nutty flavor. It is high in essential fatty acids and has a low smoke point, making it unsuitable for cooking at high temperatures. It is a good choice for creating infused salad dressings, smoothies, and other cold dishes.
   

It's important to note that the quality of the oil you use will greatly affect the final product, so choose a high-quality oil for the best results. We are using MCT oil for this recipe because it is liquid at room temperature and due to the high MCTs it is easily absorbed into the body. This oil is also easy to throw into an amber dropper bottle and because it is liquid at room temperature it can be orally ingested on the go! Feel free to sub whichever oil you prefer! 

Here is a recipe for making cannabis-infused MCT oil:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup MCT oil (or your preferred oil)
• 7 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower

***IF you are unfamiliar with decarboxylating or "decarbing" please see this decarboxylation reference guide for more information. 

Equipment:

• Double boiler
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Funnel
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Grind your decarboxylated cannabis flower.
2. Heat up your double boiler on low heat and add the MCT oil to the top pot.
3. Add the ground cannabis flower to the MCT oil and stir well.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. After the mixture has been heated for the desired amount of time, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass jar using a funnel to catch all the plant material.
7. Seal the jar with the lid and store it in a cool, dark place.

Dosage:

You can adjust the dosage to your preference, but it's recommended to start with a low dosage and work your way up gradually. A good starting point is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the infused MCT oil.

For more information on dosing and potency, please refer to our edible dosage calculator. 

Notes:

MCT oil is a popular carrier oil because it is easily digested and absorbed by the body. It is important to note that MCT oil is not suitable for cooking at high temperatures, as it has a low smoke point.

For more cannabis recipes feel free to check out our Cannabis Cookbook!