How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil: Complete Infusion Guide

Cannabis-infused coconut oil is one of the most versatile edible bases. Its high saturated fat content makes it exceptionally efficient at extracting cannabinoids, while its neutral flavor works in both sweet and savory recipes.

Quick Answer

To make cannabis coconut oil: Decarboxylate cannabis at 240°F for 45 minutes, combine with coconut oil in a double boiler at 160-180°F for 2-4 hours, strain through cheesecloth, and store in airtight container. Use 1 cup coconut oil to 7-14 grams decarbed cannabis.

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Why Coconut Oil Excels for Cannabis Infusion

Superior Fat Content

Coconut oil contains approximately 82% saturated fat - higher than butter's 63%. Saturated fats bind cannabinoids more efficiently than unsaturated fats.

More fat = more absorption = stronger infusion

MCT Advantage

Much of coconut oil's fat is medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized faster than other fats. This can lead to faster onset of effects compared to butter-based edibles.

Versatility

• Solid at room temperature (below 76°F)
• Liquid when warm
• Long shelf life (months without refrigeration)
• Neutral flavor profile
• Vegan and dairy-free
• Works in baking, cooking, and capsules

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What You Need

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) coconut oil (refined or unrefined)
• 7-14 grams decarboxylated cannabis
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin

Equipment

• Double boiler or slow cooker
• Thermometer
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Glass jar for storage
• Stirring utensil

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Step-by-Step Coconut Oil Infusion

Step 1: Decarboxylate Cannabis

Spread cannabis on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 240°F for 40-60 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.

Step 2: Set Up Double Boiler

Fill bottom pot with 1-2 inches of water. Place glass bowl or smaller pot on top. This prevents direct heat and burning.

No double boiler? Use slow cooker on low, or place mason jar in pot of simmering water.

Step 3: Melt Coconut Oil

Add coconut oil to top of double boiler. Heat until fully melted.

Tip: Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, unrefined for subtle coconut taste.

Step 4: Add Decarbed Cannabis

Stir decarboxylated cannabis into melted oil. Ensure all plant material is coated.

Optional: Add 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin. This emulsifier helps cannabinoids bind to fat more efficiently, potentially increasing potency.

Step 5: Infuse for 2-4 Hours

Maintain temperature between 160-180°F (70-82°C). Stir every 30 minutes.

Time guidelines:

• Minimum: 2 hours
• Standard: 3-4 hours
• Maximum: 6 hours (diminishing returns beyond this)

Step 6: Strain Carefully

Line strainer with cheesecloth over heat-resistant container. Pour oil slowly through cheesecloth.

Press gently to extract oil. Avoid squeezing hard - this adds plant taste.

Step 7: Store Properly

Transfer to glass jar. Coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, which is fine for storage.

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Slow Cooker Method

For hands-off infusion:

1. Combine melted coconut oil and decarbed cannabis in slow cooker

2. Add 1/4 cup water to prevent scorching

3. Set to lowest setting or "keep warm"

4. Infuse for 4-6 hours

5. Strain and let water separate (if any)

6. Store in airtight container

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Choosing Your Coconut Oil Type

Refined Coconut Oil

• No coconut taste or smell
• Higher smoke point (400°F)
• Best for baking and cooking
• Slightly less nutrients

Unrefined (Virgin) Coconut Oil

• Subtle coconut flavor
• Lower smoke point (350°F)
• Retains more nutrients
• Better for no-cook applications

Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT Oil)

• Always liquid
• No flavor
• Ideal for tinctures and capsules
• Does not solidify

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Dosing Your Cannabis Coconut Oil

Potency Calculation

Example with 10g cannabis at 20% THC:

• 10g x 0.20 x 1000 = 2,000 mg total THC
• After infusion (80% efficiency): 1,600 mg THC
• Per tablespoon (16 per cup): 100 mg THC

Serving Suggestions

• Beginners: 1/4 tablespoon (25 mg if using example above)
• Regular users: 1/2 tablespoon (50 mg)
• Experienced: 1 tablespoon (100 mg)

Always start low and wait 2 hours before consuming more.

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Creative Uses for Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cooking and Baking

• Replace any oil or butter in recipes
• Sautee vegetables
• Grease baking pans
• Add to smoothies

Direct Consumption

• Swallow by the spoonful
• Add to coffee or tea
• Blend into hot chocolate
• Mix into oatmeal

Capsules

• Fill empty gel capsules for precise dosing
• No taste, easy to take
• Store in cool, dark place

Topicals

• Cannabis coconut oil can be applied to skin
• May help with localized discomfort
• Mix with essential oils for enhanced effects

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Storage and Shelf Life

Room Temperature

6-12 months in airtight container away from light. Coconut oil's natural antimicrobial properties extend shelf life.

Refrigerator

12+ months. Oil will be solid but scoopable.

Freezer

Indefinite storage. Freeze in ice cube tray for portion control.

Signs of Spoilage

• Off smell or taste
• Mold (rare but possible)
• Significantly altered color

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Troubleshooting

Oil is not potent enough

• Cannabis was not properly decarboxylated
• Infusion temperature too low
• Did not infuse long enough
• Used too little cannabis

Oil tastes very grassy

• Squeezed cheesecloth too hard
• Infused too long (over 8 hours)
• Used trim with excess stems

Oil has grainy texture

• Normal - some plant matter passed through strainer
• Strain again with finer mesh
• Does not affect potency

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Cannabis Coconut Oil vs Cannabutter

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Cannabis coconut oil is the most versatile infusion for modern edible making. Its long shelf life and neutral flavor make it a kitchen staple.