How To Make Cannabis Oil At Home?

06/06/2024
LOOKAH
How To Make Cannabis Oil At Home

how to make cannabis oil at home

Cannabis oil is very versatile and I believe you usually buy it in the market, but it's not difficult to make it yourself, you can buy it at home easily!

Check out our tutorial next!

What is cannabis oil?

cannabis oil

Let's get a full understanding of what cannabis oil is before we make it.

Cannabis oil is a sophisticated concentrate, the result of blending cannabis's dynamic ingredients—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more—into a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.

The psychoactive cannabinoids present in cannabis, like THC and CBD, possess lipophilic properties, making them readily soluble in fats and particularly compatible with the lipids found in oils.

When these cannabinoids are ingested alongside fats, our bodies are better equipped to absorb and metabolize them, leading to an invigorating and potentially therapeutic encounter.

Infused oils can be expertly created using hemp, cannabis, or a harmonious blend of both, capturing the distinct cannabinoid and terpene profile of the initial plant material.

Contrary to the immediate effects of inhalation, consuming cannabis oil results in a more gradual onset but offers a more prolonged experience.

The initiation of effects can range from one to three hours, contingent upon your metabolic rate and physiological state on any given day, with the overall effects typically enduring for approximately eight hours.

Factors to Consider When Making Cannabis Oil

test cannabis oil

It is also very important to follow the correct method in the production, which allows you to easily realise

Choosing the right carrier oil

Cannabis is fat-soluble, which means it must bind to fat molecules to be digested; it's not possible to make fat-free edibles. 

The best oil for cooking cannabis is olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. 

However, alternatives to coconut oil also work well, such as vegetable oil or lecithin. 

Suitable Dosing

Too much THC can give you an unpleasant and lingering high. 

So it is recommended that the physician provide you with proper dosing instructions for your body chemistry and level of cannabis experience. cannabis experience.

Using lecithin

Lecithin is a type of fat that allows ingredients to stick together and bind. 

Adding lecithin to recipes and/or oils can help cannabis oil bind more easily to other ingredients and extend shelf life.

Always Cook at Low Temperatures

To retain any acidic cannabinoids, cook at lower temperatures or use the infused oil without cooking it. 

Once the oil has been infused, you can heat it to a maximum of 350°F (approx 176°C) to keep all the cannabinoids from burning off. 

We recommend cooking below 284°F (140°C) or 248 (120°C).

Extend Shelf-Life with Proper Storage

Cannabinoids over time and exposure to light, air, and heat,  cannabis-infused oil will decrease potency. 

Acidic cannabinoids, in particular, are unstable and do not last very long when exposed to the air. 

Any impurities in the cannabis-infused oil will also affect its shelf life. 

Therefore, properly straining plant material from the oil is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth. 

Kept in a cool, dark place, cannabis-infused oil should retain its potency for about 1-1.5 years. 

Room temperature is appropriate if your indoor environment stays below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Infuse Oil to Retain Terpenes

Much of the flavor and effect of cannabis come from its terpenes and flavonoids. Infusing decarboxylated cannabis into oil will impart the flavor of the cannabis into the oil. 

While the terpenes and flavonoids may be pleasant when smelled (and even smoked or vaporized), the taste of cannabis, when eaten, is not usually as pleasant. 

Strain to Help Get Rid of Unpleasant Tastes

Straining away the plant material from the oil will reduce the unpleasant taste but not eliminate it.

Matching the flavor profile of the cannabis-infused oil to the dish is possible but not easy, considering the number of terpenes and terpenoids at play. 

Other ingredients can mask the flavor, such as by infusing the oil with other herbs and spices.

How To Make Cannabis Oil At Home?

What you need

  • Grinder of some sort (hand grinder, blender, or food processor)
  • One nonstick baking sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Thermometer
  • Pan or Crockpot
  • Cheesecloth or a strainer
  • A 1/2 cup or 1 cup oil of your choice
  • Sunflower or Soy Lecithin
  • 3.5 to 7 grams of Cannabis Trim, Shake, or Buds
  • An airtight glass jar

make cannabis oil

Here’s how to make canna oil at home in five easy steps:

weed and oil simmer

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Flower

The first step to making any edible is decarboxylation. 

The decarbing process is essential to turn inactive cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA into their psychoactive forms (THC and CBD).

To decarb the cannabis flower, preheat your oven to 240-245℉ (115-120℃). 

By heating cannabis, you convert non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC, enhancing the potency of your cannabis oil.

Neglecting this step may lead to a final product that is less potent.

Use a grinder of some sort (hand grinder, blender, or food processor) or hand crush the flower over a nonstick baking sheet. 

Spread evenly, cover with aluminum foil, and then bake for 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Double Boiler

Fill the bottom pan of the double boiler with water. 

A makeshift double boiler–where you place a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of a pot filled with water–works, too.

Step 3: Add Cannabis

Mix the decarbed cannabis with 1/2 cup or 1 cup of oil of your choice in a bowl, and add the mixture to the top pan of the double boiler. 

You can add 1/2 teaspoon of lecithin per cup of oil. 

Lecithin, a natural emulsifier, increases the bioavailability of THC in your canna oil, making it more potent and effective. 

Sunflower or soy lecithin are great options. 

Eggs are also a source of lecithin and act as a binding ingredient in baking. 

Step 4: Heat

Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-6 hours. 

With a thermometer, regularly check that the mixture’s temperature stays between 160-200℉ (71-93℃). 

Ideally, aim for 180℉ (82℃) and ensure the mixture doesn’t boil, which decreases the cannabinoids’ potency. 

Stir the mixture occasionally and add water as needed.

Step 5: Strain the Oil

Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then use a cheesecloth or a strain to strain the cannabis-infused oil into a glass bowl. 

You may be tempted to wrap the cheesecloth and squeeze out the extra oil, but that would add more chlorophyll to the oil, making it taste plant-like. 

Throw away the leftover plant material in the cheesecloth.

Step 6: Store the Oil

Once strained, store the oil in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place for later use. 

Enjoy your homemade canna oil responsibly!

Conclusion

Making cannabis oil is easy. You have options with the type of oil you use, as long as it's fat-soluble. 

In areas where cannabis is legal for medicinal or recreational use Make Cannabis Oil can be used DIY. 

So it's important to familiarise yourself with local laws regarding cannabis possession, use, and cultivation.

If you're thinking of doing this, get your hands dirty and have fun!

Read more: The Secret of Cannabis: Does Coughing Make You Higher?