Intro
Cannabis-infused olive oil is a versatile, easy-to-make base infusion that can elevate your cooking while offering a variety of wellness benefits and fun. Whether you’re looking to use it in savory dishes or bake with it, this step-by-step guide will show you how to infuse olive oil with cannabis easily and effectively.
What You Need
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- high-quality cannabis
- trim, hash, concentrate (aka wax), kief, or rosin
Tools
- aluminum foil
- cheesecloth
- medium-sized pot
- will be used as a double boiler
- a mason jar or heatproof container
Tip: If you’re experimenting with cannabis infusions, olive oil is one of my favorite oils to infuse due to its versatility and flavor.
Instructions
Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Before you can infuse your olive oil, it’s crucial to activate the THC by decarboxylating your cannabis.
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break up your cannabis into small pieces and spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: For a complete guide on how to decarboxylate other forms of weed, such as rosin, hash, or diamonds, or if you want to learn how to decarboxylate cannabis with no smell, visit my Guide To Decarboxlatying Cannabis.
Combine Oil and Decarbed Cannabis
Combine olive oil and decarboxylated cannabis into the heat-proof glass jar; place the jar into the pot with simmering water (acting as a double boiler method).
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Never let your cannabis & oil mixture reach over 200 degrees!
Tip: If you don’t own a thermometer, a good rule of thumb is not to allow the water in the pot to boil; maintain water at a slow and constant simmer.
Strain the Infusion
Once the infusion is complete, strain the plant material from the cannabis-infused oil.
Place a fine mesh strainer, and/or cheesecloth, over the storing container and carefully pour the infused mixture through the strainer. Allow the infused olive oil to strain into the container below.
Using a spoon lightly press down on the plant material to extract the remaining oil; be careful not to squeeze too hard down. Squeezing too much will result in chlorophyll leaching into your final weed infusion.
Store and Use
Allow your weed-infused olive oil to reach room temperature before storing it away in a dark and cool area. Your infusion should last 2-3 months, but please use your best judgment before each use.
Tips & Tricks
- Never let your cannabis & oil mixture reach over 200 degrees!!
- Like with any edibles, it’s best to consume a low dose and gradually increase.
- Start by consuming a small portion; wait 45-60 minutes for the effects to take hold before deciding whether to consume more for a stronger experience.
Cannabis Infused Olive Oil
Ingredients
- olive oil
- decarboxated cannabis
Instructions
Decarboxylate your Cannabis
- Preheated oven at 240°F for approx. Bake weed for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even heating. Set aside to cool.
Combine Oil with Weed
- Place a heat-proof jar into a pot of simmering water. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and olive oil into a mason jar. Heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, keeping the temperature below 200°F. Stir infused olive oil mixture occasionally.
Strain the Infused Olive Oil
- Place a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth over a clean heatproof container. Carefully pour the mixture through to seprate the plant material from your THC-infused olive oil
- Using a spoon lightlylpress down on the remaing plant material. Careful not to squeeze too much, as this results in chlorophyll leaching into the final product.
Chill and Enjoy
- Allow the THC infused olive oil infusion to cool completely before using. Use your cannabis-infused olive oil in cooking, baking, or as a drizzle for your favorite dishes. Start with a small amount to test potency.
Notes
Summary/Conclusion
- Decarb weed at 240° F for 40 mins
- Combine oil with decarbed weed and let simmer over low heat in a double-boiler method.
- Separate the weed-infused olive oil from the plant matter.
- Cool and Enjoy
FAQ
How long does weed-infused olive oil last?
How do you use cannabis-infused olive oil to make edibles?
- It’s super simple! Drizzled over salads, added into pasta sauces, or baked into brownies etc. For more inspiration, head over to cannabis-infused recipes using infused oils.
Can I skip the decarboxylation step?
- No, the decarboxylation step is crucial when making edibles and cannot be skipped. Decarboxylation is essential to activate the THC or CBD in your cannabis. Without it, your oil won’t have the desired potency.
What other oils can you infuse with cannabis?
- You can infuse cannabis into almost any type of oil! Popular choices include butter, ghee, coconut oil, and MCT oil. For a step-by-step guide, check out our recipes for cannabis-infused coconut oil or THC-infused butter (ghee).
What can I do with the leftover plant material after infusing cannabis oil?
How long will the cannabis-infused olive oil last?
- Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it can last up to 3 months.