How to Make Cannabis Infused Oil: Complete Guide

Cannabis infused oil is one of the most versatile ways to use cannabis in cooking. Unlike cannabutter, oil works in virtually any recipe, from baked goods to salad dressings to capsules. With proper technique, you can make consistent, accurately dosed oil at home.

Quick Answer

To make cannabis oil: 1) Decarboxylate flower at 240°F for 40 minutes, 2) Combine with coconut or MCT oil at 1:1 ratio (1 cup oil to 7-10g flower), 3) Simmer at 160-200°F for 2-4 hours, 4) Strain through cheesecloth, 5) Store in airtight container. Coconut oil works best due to high fat content. Always calculate dosage before use.

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Table of Contents

• Why Make Cannabis Oil?
• Best Oils for Infusion
• Equipment Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Alternative Methods
• Calculating Dosage
• Storage and Shelf Life
• Using Your Cannabis Oil
• Troubleshooting
• FAQ

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Why Make Cannabis Oil?

Advantages Over Butter

• Vegan-friendly: No animal products
• Versatile: Works in any recipe calling for oil
• Higher fat content (coconut/MCT): Better cannabinoid binding
• Longer shelf life: Especially coconut oil
• Capsule-ready: Easy to fill gel caps

What You Can Make

• Baked goods
• Salad dressings
• Pasta sauces
• Stir-fries
• Smoothies
• Capsules
• Topicals
• Coffee/tea additions
• Any recipe using oil

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Best Oils for Cannabis Infusion

Coconut Oil (Best Overall)

Why it's #1:

• 82% saturated fat (binds cannabinoids efficiently)
• Long shelf life
• Solid at room temperature (easy handling)
• Neutral taste when refined
• Works for cooking and topicals

Types:

• Refined: Neutral taste, higher smoke point
• Virgin/Unrefined: Coconut flavor, more nutrients

MCT Oil (Runner-Up)

Advantages:

• 100% saturated fat (maximum absorption)
• Stays liquid (easier to dose)
• Flavorless
• Fast absorption in body
• Ideal for tinctures and capsules

Considerations:

• Lower smoke point (not for high-heat cooking)
• More expensive

Olive Oil

Advantages:

• Heart-healthy fats
• Great for savory dishes
• No tropical flavor
• Widely available

Considerations:

• 14% saturated fat (less efficient binding)
• Strong flavor
• Best for salad dressings and low-heat cooking

Avocado Oil

Advantages:

• High smoke point (great for cooking)
• Neutral taste
• Healthy fat profile

Considerations:

• Lower saturated fat
• More expensive

Oil Comparison Chart

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Equipment Needed

Essential

• Oven and baking sheet (for decarb)
• Saucepan or slow cooker
• Thermometer (candy/kitchen)
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Glass storage container
• Grinder (for cannabis)

Helpful Additions

• Double boiler (temperature control)
• Sous vide device (precise temps)
• Mason jars
• Funnel
• Rubber gloves (for handling/squeezing)
• Kitchen scale

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Calculate Your Amounts

Standard ratio: 1 cup oil to 7-10 grams flower

For stronger oil, use more cannabis. For milder, use less.

Step 2: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

This step is crucial. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which isn't psychoactive. Heat converts it to THC.

Oven method:

1. Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)

2. Break cannabis into small pieces (don't powder)

3. Spread evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet

4. Bake for 40-50 minutes

5. Cannabis should be golden brown, dry, crumbly

Signs of proper decarb:

• Color change to brownish
• Dry, crumbly texture
• Distinct smell (ventilate your kitchen)

See our detailed decarboxylation guide for more information.

Step 3: Combine Oil and Cannabis

1. Add oil to saucepan or slow cooker

2. Add decarbed cannabis

3. Stir to coat all plant material

Step 4: Infuse (Low and Slow)

Temperature: 160-200°F (70-93°C)

Time: 2-4 hours minimum

Stovetop method:

1. Heat on lowest setting

2. Monitor temperature constantly

3. Stir every 30 minutes

4. Never let it boil or smoke

Slow cooker method (easier):

1. Set to low or warm

2. Add oil and cannabis

3. Leave 4-6 hours (or overnight on warm)

4. Stir occasionally

Double boiler method (safest):

1. Fill bottom pot with water

2. Place oil/cannabis mixture in top pot

3. Simmer water (controls temperature)

4. Infuse 3-4 hours

Step 5: Strain

1. Set cheesecloth over container

2. Pour oil through cheesecloth

3. Let drain fully

4. Squeeze remaining oil from plant material

5. Discard plant material

Pro tips:

• Wear gloves (oil is messy and sticky)
• Don't over-squeeze (bitter plant matter)
• Let oil cool slightly before handling

Step 6: Store

1. Transfer to airtight container

2. Label with strain, date, and estimated potency

3. Store in refrigerator

4. Use within 2-3 months

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Alternative Methods

Mason Jar Method

Benefits: Contained smell, precise temperature control

1. Decarb cannabis first

2. Add cannabis and oil to mason jar

3. Place jar in pot of water

4. Simmer water for 3-4 hours

5. Shake jar occasionally

6. Remove, cool, strain

Sous Vide Method

Benefits: Precise temperature, no smell, hands-off

1. Decarb cannabis

2. Combine oil and cannabis in vacuum or zip bag

3. Remove air, seal bag

4. Set sous vide to 185°F

5. Submerge for 4+ hours

6. Remove, strain

Instant Pot Method

Benefits: Fast, contained

1. Add water to pot

2. Place jar with oil/decarbed cannabis inside

3. Pressure cook 40-60 minutes

4. Natural release

5. Strain

Magical Butter Machine / Infusion Devices

Dedicated devices like Magical Butter or Levo automate the process:

• Set time and temperature
• Machine does the work
• Built-in straining (some models)
• Consistent results

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Calculating Dosage

The Formula

Step 1: Determine THC in your flower

Example: 7g flower at 20% THC = 1,400mg THC total

Step 2: Account for extraction efficiency

Not all THC transfers to oil. Assume ~85% extraction.

1,400mg × 0.85 = 1,190mg THC in oil

Step 3: Calculate per-serving dose

If you made 1 cup oil (237ml):

1,190mg ÷ 237ml = ~5mg THC per ml

Step 4: Plan your servings

• 1 teaspoon (5ml) = ~25mg THC
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) = ~75mg THC

Dosing Tips

• Start low: 5-10mg for beginners
• Wait 2 hours before taking more
• Be consistent: Same recipe, same dose each time
• Keep records: Track potency for future batches

For detailed edibles dosing, see our edibles dosing guide.

Using AVB (Already Vaped Bud)

AVB is already decarbed. To use:

• Skip decarboxylation step
• Use 1.5-2x the amount of flower (potency reduced)
• Expect milder results

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Storage and Shelf Life

Optimal Storage

• Container: Airtight glass jar
• Location: Refrigerator (best) or cool, dark place
• Light: Avoid (degrades cannabinoids)
• Temperature: Cool and consistent

Shelf Life

Signs of Spoilage

• Off or rancid smell
• Mold growth
• Unusual color change
• Bad taste

When in doubt, throw it out.

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Using Your Cannabis Oil

Cooking Tips

• Don't overheat: High temps degrade THC. Add oil after cooking or use in low-heat recipes
• Mix thoroughly: Ensure even distribution in recipes
• Start with familiar recipes: Replace regular oil 1:1
• Fat helps absorption: Combine with other fats for better effects

Recipe Ideas

Savory:

• Salad dressings
• Pasta sauce (add at end)
• Stir-fry finishing oil
• Hummus

Sweet:

• Brownies
• Cookies
• Granola
• Energy balls

Drinks:

• Smoothies
• Coffee (bulletproof style)
• Hot chocolate

Other:

• Capsules
• Topicals
• Massage oil

Direct Consumption

You can take cannabis oil directly:

• Under tongue (faster absorption)
• Swallowed (standard edible onset)
• In capsules (easy dosing)

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Troubleshooting

Oil Isn't Working

Possible causes:

• Didn't decarboxylate properly
• Temperature too high during infusion (burned off THC)
• Not enough fat
• Ate on empty stomach (less absorption)
• Individual metabolism differences

Solutions:

• Always decarb first
• Keep temperature below 200°F
• Use high-fat oil (coconut/MCT)
• Consume with fatty food
• Try slightly higher dose next time

Oil Tastes Too "Weedy"

Causes and solutions:

• Too much plant material: Use less cannabis or better flower
• Over-infused: Reduce infusion time
• Squeezed too hard: Be gentle when straining
• Use it in strongly flavored recipes

Oil is Cloudy

This is often just plant matter. It's safe but can be re-strained through coffee filter for clarity.

Oil Separated

Coconut oil can separate. Stir thoroughly before use. If using olive oil and seeing separation, it's likely water—ensure cannabis was dry.

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Pro Tips

1. Water cure your cannabis before infusing to remove chlorophyll (reduces plant taste)

2. Freeze your oil in ice cube trays for pre-portioned doses

3. Label everything with strain, date, and potency

4. Test your batch before cooking with it—try a small amount first

5. Use lecithin (optional): 1 tsp per cup oil may improve absorption

6. Keep infusion temperatures low: Patience produces better results

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FAQ

What oil is best for cannabis infusion?

Coconut oil is best due to high saturated fat content (82%) that binds cannabinoids efficiently. MCT oil (100% saturated fat) is even better for absorption but has a lower smoke point. Olive oil and avocado oil work but are less efficient.

How long does cannabis oil last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cannabis oil lasts 2-3 months. Frozen, it can last 6+ months. Look for off smells, mold, or color changes as signs of spoilage.

Why didn't my cannabis oil work?

Most likely causes: didn't decarboxylate properly (most common), infusion temperature too high (burned off THC), not enough fat in oil, or consumed on empty stomach. Always decarb first and keep temperatures below 200°F.

How do I dose cannabis oil?

Calculate: (mg THC in flower) × 0.85 efficiency ÷ total oil volume = mg per ml. Start with 5-10mg per serving for beginners. A teaspoon typically contains 5ml. Keep detailed records.

Can I make oil with AVB (already vaped bud)?

Yes! AVB is already decarboxylated from vaping. Skip the decarb step and use 1.5-2x the amount you'd use of fresh flower since potency is reduced. Works well but expect milder results.

Do I have to strain out the plant material?

Recommended but not required. Leaving plant material adds fiber but creates texture issues and stronger plant taste. Straining produces a cleaner, more versatile oil.

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Conclusion

Cannabis infused oil is a kitchen essential for anyone cooking with cannabis. With proper decarboxylation, appropriate oil choice, and patience during infusion, you can create consistent, accurately dosed oil for endless culinary applications.

Start with coconut oil for best results, always decarb your cannabis, keep temperatures low, and calculate your dosage before cooking. Your homemade cannabis oil will be as good as—or better than—anything you can buy.

For related guides, see our cannabutter guide, decarboxylation guide, and edibles dosing guide.