How to Make Cannabis Olive Oil: Savory Infusion Recipe

Cannabis-infused olive oil is perfect for savory cooking, salad dressings, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its heart-healthy fats and distinct flavor make it a kitchen staple for cannabis chefs.

Quick Answer

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

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Why Choose Olive Oil for Infusion

Health Benefits

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Unlike butter, it is:

• Heart-healthy
• Vegan and dairy-free
• Rich in beneficial polyphenols
• Lower in saturated fat

Culinary Versatility

Olive oil works perfectly in:

• Salad dressings and vinaigrettes
• Pasta sauces
• Bread dipping
• Marinades
• Mediterranean dishes
• Roasted vegetables
• Hummus and dips

Extraction Efficiency

While lower in saturated fat than coconut oil, olive oil still effectively extracts cannabinoids. Its fat content (about 14g per tablespoon) provides adequate binding.

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What You Need

Ingredients

• 1 cup (237ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 7-14 grams decarboxylated cannabis
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin

Equipment

• Double boiler or slow cooker
• Thermometer
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottle for storage
• Funnel

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Step-by-Step Cannabis Olive Oil

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 2 inches of water. Place glass bowl or smaller pot on top. This indirect heat prevents burning.

Step 3: Combine Oil and Cannabis

Pour olive oil into top vessel. Add decarboxylated cannabis and stir to combine.

Optional: Add 1 teaspoon lecithin to improve cannabinoid binding.

Step 4: Infuse at Low Temperature

Maintain temperature between 160-180°F (70-82°C). Never let oil boil or smoke.

Infusion time:

• Minimum: 2 hours
• Optimal: 3-4 hours
• Maximum: 6 hours

Stir every 30 minutes. Add water to bottom pot as needed.

Step 5: Strain Thoroughly

Line strainer with cheesecloth over clean container. Pour oil through carefully.

Press gently to extract all oil. Avoid squeezing hard - this adds bitter chlorophyll.

Step 6: Store in Dark Glass

Transfer to dark glass bottle using funnel. Light degrades both olive oil and cannabinoids.

Label with date and estimated potency.

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Slow Cooker Method

Process

1. Combine olive oil and decarbed cannabis in slow cooker

2. Set to lowest setting (or "keep warm")

3. Add 1/4 cup water to prevent scorching

4. Infuse for 4-8 hours

5. Strain and bottle

Advantages

Consistent temperature, minimal monitoring, and ideal for overnight infusion.

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Choosing Your Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

• Highest quality, most flavor
• Best for uncooked applications
• Lower smoke point (375°F)
• Premium choice for dressings

Virgin Olive Oil

• Good quality, milder flavor
• Works for light cooking
• Moderate smoke point

Light/Pure Olive Oil

• Refined, neutral flavor
• Higher smoke point (465°F)
• Best for cooking applications
• Less distinct taste

Recommendation: Use extra virgin for dressings and drizzling, light olive oil for cooking at higher temperatures.

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Dosing Cannabis Olive Oil

Calculating Potency

Example with 10g cannabis at 20% THC:

• Total THC: 2,000 mg
• Extraction efficiency: ~80%
• THC in 1 cup oil: ~1,600 mg
• Per tablespoon (16 per cup): ~100 mg THC
• Per teaspoon (48 per cup): ~33 mg THC

Recommended Servings

• Beginners: 1/2 teaspoon (15-17 mg)
• Regular users: 1 teaspoon (33 mg)
• Experienced: 1 tablespoon (100 mg)

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Recipes Using Cannabis Olive Oil

Simple Salad Dressing

• 3 tablespoons cannabis olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together. Makes 3 servings of ~100mg each.

Pasta Finisher

Toss cooked pasta with cannabis olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Do not cook oil at high heat.

Bread Dip

Combine cannabis olive oil with balsamic vinegar, herbs, and crushed red pepper for an appetizer dip.

Hummus

Replace regular olive oil with cannabis olive oil in homemade hummus for infused snacking.

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Cooking Tips

Temperature Matters

THC begins degrading above 315°F. For cooking with cannabis olive oil:

• Best: Use in uncooked applications (dressings, dips)
• Good: Add to warm finished dishes
• Caution: Low-temperature sauteing (under 300°F)
• Avoid: High-heat frying or roasting

Mix for Milder Potency

Blend cannabis olive oil with regular olive oil:

• 50/50 mix = half potency
• 1:3 mix = quarter potency

This allows using olive oil flavor without overwhelming THC dose.

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Storage

Optimal Conditions

• Dark glass bottle
• Cool, dark location (pantry or refrigerator)
• Sealed tightly

Shelf Life

• Room temperature: 3-6 months
• Refrigerator: 6-12 months

Olive oil may solidify in refrigerator. Let warm to room temperature before use.

Signs of Spoilage

• Rancid smell
• Off taste
• Cloudiness (when warm)

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Troubleshooting

Oil tastes too grassy

• Used too much plant material
• Pressed cheesecloth too hard
• Try less cannabis or finer straining

Oil seems weak

• Cannabis not properly decarbed
• Temperature too low during infusion
• Need longer infusion time

Oil solidified in refrigerator

• Normal for olive oil. Warm to room temperature
• Does not affect potency or quality

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Cannabis Olive Oil vs Other Infusions

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Cannabis olive oil brings Mediterranean flavors to your edibles. Perfect for health-conscious cannabis cooking.