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How To Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil At Home
Creating cannabis olive oil is an essential ingredient for any at-home chef looking to make elevated cuisine. By mixing CBD or THC-infused oil into a variety of recipes, you can easily infuse just about anything. Let's explore how to create cannabis-infused olive oil at home using cannabis flower.
For this infusion, I used Harle-Tsu that measured at a total of 15% CBD and 1% THC before decarboxylation. Remember, your dosage numbers will differ depending on the strain and source that you use, so be sure to calculate your own CBD/THC milligrams per serving before making your infusion (you can find dosage calculations in my book The Ultimate Guide to CBD). Do your best to make an accurate estimate, always use measuring spoons to dose, and always conservatively sample each batch before serving to others.
For this recipe, you are going to use the “Stovetop Method” for infusion. Once you master this technique, you can easily infuse other essential pantry items such as butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, plus more.
A Note About Decarboxylation: In order to unlock the ultimate healing elements of CBD and THC, you must decarboxylate your dry cannabis flower before integrating it into a recipe. Decarboxylation is a heating process that triggers the chemical reaction that releases the carboxylic acids from CBD and THC to activate cannabis. In other words, you are converting CBDA to CBD and THCA to THC.
While there are many decarboxylation methods, activation is achieved by exposing dry cannabis to heat between 240–295°F (115–146°C) for 20 to 60 minutes. Heat for a shorter time at higher temperatures or for a longer time at lower temperatures between this range. For example, if you’re using a higher temperature (between 275°F and 295°F [140–146°C] ), bake for 20 minutes max and be careful not to overcook. Overheating can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes!
For the purposes of this recipe, we are going to use a decarboxylation technique that I learned from professional cannabis chef Coreen Carroll of the Cannaisseur Series, who is a spotlighted expert featured in The Ultimate Guide to CBD. Follow these steps:
Pre-heat your oven to 275°F (140°C). As your oven is heating, line a baking sheet with tinfoil. Begin to break up the dry flower into pea-sized pieces with your fingers or scissors and spread the cannabis evenly onto your baking sheet. Once the oven is heated, simply put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and then follow the recipe as noted.
How To Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
The Stovetop Method
Yield: ¾ cup (175 ml)
Target Dose: 1 tablespoon = 28 mg CBD | 2 mg THC (using Harle-Tsu flower, but remember to calculate your own dose per serving based on the flower that you infuse with)
Equipment:
Digital scale
One 16-ounce (480-ml) sterilized Mason jar
Measuring cup
Small saucepan
Thermometer
Oven mitt
Cheesecloth
Fine-mesh strainer
One 8-ounce (240-ml) sterilized Mason jar
Ingredients:
3.5 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower of your choice
1 cup (236 ml) olive oil
Directions:
Weigh out 3.5 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower. In a 16-ounce (480-ml) Mason jar, combine the cannabis flower and olive oil. Seal the top tightly.
In a small saucepan, fill the bottom of the pan with water, making sure to allow enough space so that the water will not hit the top of the Mason jar. Set the Mason jar inside and begin to heat on low. Continue to heat over a gentle boil (around 200°F [93°C]) for 2.5 to 3 hours, making sure the water does not exceed 211°F (99°C). Check in frequently and refill the saucepan with water as needed due to evaporation. When finished, remove the Mason jar safely with an oven mitt and let the jar cool.
Prepare the cheesecloth by placing it over the fine-mesh strainer. Begin to pour the infused olive oil over the cheesecloth into a clean 8-ounce (240-ml) Mason jar. Gently press (but do not wring out) to extract the oil. Avoid squeezing the cheesecloth because this will extract unattractive chlorophyll flavors.
Store at room temperature in a dark cabinet to best preserve.
About the Author:
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm and author of The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol and Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home. She is an author, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. In addition to her work in the cannabis industry, Jamie has over a decade of wine industry experience and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Having represented a wide array of organizations and wineries, she is best known for her literary work and producing high-end events. She was also named as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheHerbSomm.
