How To Make Cannabis Oil | Weed Oil Tutorial - Weedmaps

Time needed: 3 hours

The 1:1 ratio of ground cannabis to carrier oil is often recommended, but it's highly customizable. Adjust measurements based on your tolerance and preference. If you're new to cannabis edibles and ingestion, you may want to start with an even smaller ratio. Speaking of dosing, it's best to sit down and do a little math so you know exactly how much THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids will be in your final oil.

1. Decarb your flower.

   The first step in making homemade cannabis oil is decarboxylating, or “decarbing," your ground flower. Decarboxylation is a chemical process that converts the acidic form of cannabinoids naturally produced by the plants (THCA, CBDA, etc.) into the neutral form we associate with the intoxicating or mildly psychoactive experience we all know and love (THC, CBD, etc). Decarboxylation can be thought of as “activating" cannabinoids before infusing them into the carrier oil. Start by preheating your oven to 240°F. Next, spread your ground cannabis evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet with a piece of foil. Place the baking sheet onto the center rack and bake for 30-40 minutes, rotating the sheet after 20 minutes for even heating. For cultivars high in CBD, it's recommended to leave it in the oven closer for 50 - 60 minutes since CBD does not decarb as quickly as THC does. Once the time is up, allow your weed to cool at room temperature. It should appear slightly darker in color. Note that this process will smell. It's best to open up a window or turn on a vent or fan while decarboxylating your cannabis if a strong weed smell is a concern.

2. Prepare a double broiler.

   Combine the decarboxylated cannabis with carrier oil in a double boiler or makeshift double boiler, like a heatproof bowl and a saucepot, for example. Add water to the bottom pan of your double boiler, and add the container with the cannabis and oil to the top.

3. Let the weed and oil simmer.

   Heat your weed and oil mixture on low for at least 60 minutes and up to six hours, stirring regularly. It is generally recommended to ensure the infusion's temperature does not exceed 200°F. Shoot for around 180°F, or ideally anywhere between 160°F - 200°F works. Monitor the oil's temperature with a probe or candy thermometer for best results. Stir occasionally and replenish the water as needed.

4. Strain the oil.

   Once the oil has cooled to room temperature, strain the oil using a mesh strainer and cheesecloth or paper coffee filter over a glass bowl. If using cheesecloth you can wrap up and squeeze the flower to extract more oil, or you can use a plastic spatula to push down on the flower in a strainer. Afterward, discard the plant material.

5. Store and label your weed oil properly.

   Store your cannabis oil in an airtight, glass container in a cool, dark place. Label and date your oil's storage container clearly. If you've done the math in figuring out the oil's cannabinoid content, you can include this information on the label and break it down by cup, tablespoon, and teaspoon for easy reference. Avoid exposing cannabis oil to light, air, and heat to preserve its potency for as long as possible. You can store your infused oil at room temperature for at least two to three months and longer in your fridge. It's often recommended that cannabis oil be used within six months to one year, although if stored properly, it can retain potency for even longer. The potency will naturally decrease over time, but as long as it is properly stored and no mold is present, your cannabis oil is safe to consume. Of course, always keep infused oil out of reach of children and pets.