Infuse Anything With This Simple Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe

Cannabis coconut oil offers an easy, flexible way to create and use infused cannabis at home. People choose it for edibles, beverages, and topical products because its high fat content supports efficient absorption and longer-lasting effects.

Many people choose cannabis coconut oil as a smoke-free option that can offer predictable dosing and dietary flexibility. When used thoughtfully, it can support everyday wellness routines and therapeutic use for a wide range of health conditions.

This article explains why cannabis-infused coconut oil is so popular, how it affects the body, and how to make it safely at home.

What Is Cannabis Coconut Oil and Why Is It So Popular?

Cannabis coconut oil is coconut oil infused with decarboxylated cannabis flower. During infusion, fat-soluble cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) bind to the coconut oil’s fatty acids, creating a versatile and effective cannabis extract.

Edibles made with cannabis coconut oil offer additional advantages. Their effects last longer than smoking or vaping, often providing relief for several hours. For many people, the ability to customize homemade edibles also makes cannabis use more approachable and enjoyable.

Coconut oil stands out among other cannabis infusion bases because of its high saturated fat content. Cannabinoids bind to fat, which means oils with higher fat content capture more of cannabis’s active compounds during infusion. 

Here’s how coconut oil compares to other common fats and oils:

• Coconut oil: more than 80% saturated fat
• Butter: about 60% saturated fat
• Olive oil: roughly 15–20% saturated fat

Coconut oil also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The body processes MCTs quickly, leading to a faster onset of effects compared to other edible bases. Its higher smoke point also allows safer, higher-temperature cooking without burning, making it well-suited for cooking and baking.

A 2020 laboratory study found that lipid choice affects cannabis oil quality, with MCT oil extracting and preserving cannabinoids and terpenes more effectively than olive oil during storage, making it a more efficient base for medical cannabis infusions.

Edibles made with cannabis coconut oil offer additional advantages. Their effects last longer than smoking or vaping, often providing relief for several hours. For many people, the ability to customize homemade edibles also makes cannabis use more approachable and enjoyable.

Coconut oil’s physical structure adds to its appeal. It remains solid at room temperature and melts easily when warmed, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. 

Many recipes use cannabis coconut oil in place of butter or other oils. Others apply it topically for targeted relief from pain, inflammation, or skin irritation. Typical uses include baked goods, hot beverages like coffee or tea, and topical balms or salves.

How Does Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil Work for Edibles and Topicals?

Cannabis-infused coconut oil works as an effective carrier because cannabinoids bind to fat. Cannabis-infused coconut oil offers flexibility, consistency, and ease of use for a wide range of needs.

How It Works in Edibles

When consumed, cannabis-infused coconut oil delivers cannabinoids through digestion for full-body effects. The oil’s high fat content supports absorption, and its structure makes it easy to use in everyday foods.

People commonly use cannabis coconut oil in edible form by:

• Substituting it for butter or vegetable oil in cooking and baking
• Adding it to warm beverages like coffee or tea
• Taking it directly by the spoonful, consistent dosing

Edibles last longer than inhaled cannabis because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent metabolite. Most people feel effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours, though onset may occur sooner when taken sublingually or on an empty stomach. 

Effects typically peak 2 to 4 hours after ingestion and last 4 to 8 hours, with higher doses sometimes lingering longer. Many people describe the experience as intensely physical, with noticeable body relaxation, which is why starting with a low dose helps reduce unwanted effects.

How It Works in Topicals

Coconut oil naturally contains fatty acids that help condition the skin, which makes it well-suited for balms, salves, and massage oils. Its solid form at room temperature also helps topical products remain stable without added thickeners.

When applied to the skin, cannabis-infused coconut oil works differently from consuming edibles. Cannabinoids typically stay localized rather than entering the bloodstream. 

They interact with receptors in the skin’s endocannabinoid system to support targeted effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors throughout the body that helps regulate functions like pain response and inflammation.

Most people notice effects within 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the application area, product strength, and frequency of use. Relief builds gradually and stays localized, so topical products do not usually cause psychoactive effects, even when they contain THC.

Topical use may support:

• Targeted relief for sore muscles and joints
• Reduced skin irritation or redness
• Moisturization for dry or sensitive skin

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

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Supplies

To make this simple cannabis-infused coconut oil recipe, you will need the following tools and supplies: 

• 1 cup of coconut oil 
• 7-14 grams of cannabis flower
• Baking sheet
• Tinfoil/Aluminum foil
• Mesh strainer
• Mason jar
• Scale
• Cheesecloth
• Medium saucepan or crock pot/slow cooker

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

One of the most essential steps for making cannaoil is decarboxylation, aka decarbing. Weigh your cannabis flower, then roughly break it apart and spread it on a baking sheet in an even layer. Use ground cannabis or break your flower down into smaller pieces, so that it decarbs evenly.  

Bake the flower in an oven that has been preheated to 240 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes. To preserve the terpenes, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, and allow the flower to come to room temperature while remaining covered. 

Step 2: Combine Flower and Coconut Oil

Place your flower and coconut oil in a mason jar (choose a size that will fit in your crock pot with the lid on). Stir gently. Add the lid to the mason jar, and screw it on tight enough to prevent outside water from getting into the jar, but not so tight that it will fully seal during the infusion process. 

Step 3: Give the Jar a Hot Bath

Place the mason jar in a crock pot filled with room-temperature water. You’ll want to make sure there’s enough water to cover the jar (or jars if you’re making several batches or splitting one batch among several smaller jars). Optional: line the crockpot with a towel to protect the jars from bumping into each other. 

Step 4: Let it Simmer

Set the crock pot on low and let it simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 6 hours. Stir or shake the jars occasionally.

Step 5: Strain the Flower Out

Once the coconut oil is infused, and the jar(s) has had a chance to cool down enough to handle, you’ll need to remove the plant matter from the cannabis. Line a mesh strainer with some cheesecloth, and pour the oil through into a new, clean storage container or jar. 

Allow the oil to fully drain. You can gently squeeze the cheesecloth, or press the mixture down to expel more oil, but this may introduce more chlorophyll into your cannabis coconut oil. Seal the new jar and store it in a cool, dark place.

Alternative Cannabis Coconut Oil Infusion Methods

• Stovetop and Mason Jar: Instead of using a crockpot, you can accomplish the same kind of infusion method using a saucepan filled with water. Start with cold or room temperature water, and let the water boil for two hours. Keep an eye on the pot though. You’ll want to replenish with more hot water as it boils off, especially if your mason jar is too large to cover with the pot lid.

• Saucepan Only Method: Rather than doing a water bath, you can place both your coconut oil and decarboxylated plant material in a saucepan and simmer together on low heat for up to two hours. You’ll need to keep a close eye on this method though, because you run the risk of the oil getting too hot and ruining the final product. You do not want to fry your flower. This is not unlike consuming edibles — when infusing, you want to go low and slow. 

• Double Boiler Method: The double boiler method is more or less the same as using a saucepan and a mason jar or the crockpot. Water goes in the bottom while flower and oil go in the top. Let it simmer for 2-6 hours. 

The longer your canna-oil and plant material simmer together in the heat, the more likely your final infusion will taste like the plant. This is a personal preference, but if you find the flavor to be unpleasant, try shorter infusion times. 

What Should You Know Before Making or Using Cannabis Coconut Oil?

Consider the following factors before making or using coconut oil:

• Ingredient quality: Use organic, unrefined coconut oil for better flavor and more effective infusions.
• Decarboxylation: Heat cannabis first to activate tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) into psychoactive THC.
• Temperature control: Infuse low and slow, ideally between 160°F and 200°F (70–93°C), to protect cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Dosing approach: Start with low doses and expect partial extraction. Diluting an infusion is easier than making it stronger.
• Onset timing: Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to work, so wait before consuming more.
• Storage: Keep finished oil in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place or refrigerator to preserve potency.

Why is Coconut Oil Popular for Cannabis Infusions?

Why is coconut oil a favorite option for home edible makers everywhere? Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. This means that those yummy little THC and CBD molecules have plenty of fatty acids to grab onto during the infusion process. THC loves fat, so much so that the effects of edible cannabis are most prominent when ingested in a fatty recipe or food (this is probably why cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil brownies are so popular). It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing recipes for your own medication making at home so that you’ll enjoy the full health benefits.

How to Use Infused Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cannabis-infused coconut oil should be an essential in any edible maker’s pantry. It is incredibly shelf-stable and, more importantly, versatile. You can use it in place of butter or other vegetable oils in nearly any recipe. You can add a spoonful of cannabis coconut oil to coffee or tea (author’s tip: skip the caffeine if you’re prone to anxiety). 

In addition, you can spread a little on your toast at breakfast, or cook some protein or vegetables in it. You can even just take coconut oil directly, by the spoonful without any other cooking, mixing, or recipe researching. Furthermore, cannabis coconut oil can be used as a topical ointment, massage oil, or lubricant. 

The Benefits Of Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

Aside from being a tasty choice for cannabis-infused edibles, here are some key benefits of using cannabis-infused coconut oil:

1. Better Absorption

Coconut-infused cannabis oil has healthy fats that help your body absorb the good stuff in cannabis, like THC and CBD. This means you might feel the effects faster and stronger.

2. Helps With Pain

Cannabis-infused coconut oil can help with pain, like sore muscles or headaches. You can put it on your skin or eat it to feel better.

3. Good for Your Skin

This oil can help with skin problems like dry skin or acne. Coconut oil keeps your skin soft, and cannabis can help reduce redness or swelling.

4. Reduces Swelling

Both coconut oil and cannabis help reduce swelling in the body. This can be helpful for people with arthritis or sore muscles.

5. Helps You Sleep

Cannabis-infused coconut oil can help you relax and sleep better. Some people use it before bedtime to help them sleep more soundly.

6. Lasts a Long Time

Coconut oil helps keep cannabis fresh longer. If stored right, cannabis-infused coconut oil can stay good for months.

7. Versatility

You can eat this oil, cook with it, or put it on your skin. There are many ways to use it, making it a good choice for everyone.

8. Supports Brain Health

Both cannabis and coconut oil have been linked to neuroprotective benefits. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are thought to fuel the brain and improve cognitive function. When combined with cannabis, it may enhance these benefits for conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

9. May Help Fight Cancer

Some studies show that cannabis could help slow down the growth of cancer cells. Coconut oil also has antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage.

10. Digestive Aid

Eating cannabis-infused coconut oil might help with digestive disorders like IBS or Crohn’s disease. Coconut oil also fights bad bacteria, which can help your gut stay healthy.

Learning how to make cannabis-infused oil may seem like a daunting task, but with a little time and patience, you’ll be able to find the perfect dose, method, and recipe for your lifestyle. Many home chefs use cannabis-infused coconut oil in their kitchens for a reason, so put this article into practice and see what you think.

Bonus Tips For Making Effective Cannabis Coconut Oil Every Time

Here are some bonus tips for making effective cannabis coconut oil every time:

Use High-Quality Coconut Oil

For the best results, choose organic, unrefined coconut oil. It has more nutrients and a richer flavor compared to refined oils, which will enhance the quality of your infusion.

Low and Slow Cooking

Cook your cannabis and coconut oil at a low temperature for a longer time to ensure the cannabinoids fully infuse into the oil. Using a slow cooker or double boiler can help maintain a consistent low heat.

Test Potency Gradually

To calculate the dose of your edibles or infusions, you’ll first need to know the approximate THC percentage of the flower. Typically, you can get this information from the dispensary. If the flower came from a homegrown plant, you may be able to find an estimated percentage on the web for the strain, or just go with an average of 15%. 

For the purposes of this equation, let’s assume the flower we’re using is 15% THC. We also need to know that one gram weighs 1000 milligrams.

If the cannabis flower is 15% THC, that means each gram has a maximum of 150 mg of THC. You most likely won’t be able to extract each and every one of those milligrams. On the high end, you can possibly expect 100 mg of THC. If you prefer stronger edibles, assume you’ll have only 30% absorption (or in this example about 50 mg per gram of flower), so you can be sure to get the dosing right. You can always cut your infusion with more coconut oil. 

Don’t forget: it’s a lot easier to weaken the dose than strengthen it. 

The next thing you’ll need to know is what you want the final dose per edible to be. Is it 10mg? 50? If you’re a newbie, start at 10 and work your way up from there. You’ll also need to decide: how many edibles are you going to make? A dozen cookies? A square pan of brownies cut into 9 equal pieces?

Multiply the dose by the number of finished medicated treats, and you’ll know the total amount of THC you’ll need in your recipe. Let’s say we’re making 9 brownies, and we’d like them to be 10 mg each. We know our flower is 15% THC. We would only need 1 gram of cannabis flower for this recipe, maybe two if we’re under assuming the rate of absorption. You can calculate the potency of your infused oil using Veriheal’s Edible Dosage Calculator. 

Store Properly

If stored properly, cannabis-infused coconut oil has a shelf life of 2-3 months stored at room temperature, and up to three years if stored in your fridge, before degradation starts to change the potency and flavor.

To store the cannabis coconut oil, you’ll need a clean, dry, airtight container or jar. And you’ll most likely want to keep it in a cool dark place (like a pantry or kitchen cabinet), or in your refrigerator. An amber or dark-colored jar can protect your infusion from degradation by protecting it from the light.

Add Lecithin for Better Effects

Adding a small amount of lecithin (a natural emulsifier) can help the cannabinoids bind more effectively to the coconut oil, making the oil stronger and longer-lasting.

Use Accurate Measurements

Be precise with your cannabis and oil measurements to ensure consistent potency in each batch. Keeping notes of your ratios will help you replicate successful batches.

How Can a Medical Marijuana Doctor Help With Safe Dosing and Use?

A medical marijuana doctor helps patients use cannabis safely and effectively. This guidance matters most for people with chronic conditions, existing tolerance, or medications that may interact with cannabis.

Doctors consider a patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and prior cannabis experience before recommending a starting dose. They help patients gradually increase dosing, focusing on symptom relief while minimizing unwanted effects.

Is It Legal to Make and Use Cannabis Coconut Oil in the United States?

Legality depends on where you live and the source of the cannabis. Cannabis coconut oil made from high-THC marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, but is legal in many states under recreational or medical programs. 

In states with adult-use laws, adults 21 and older can often make infused oils for personal use. In medical-only states, you typically need a valid medical marijuana card to make or possess marijuana-based oils legally. Some states still prohibit marijuana in all forms, regardless of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cannabis coconut oil commonly used for?

People use cannabis coconut oil to consume as edibles or for topical use. Common ways to use it include cooking and baking, adding it to warm beverages, or applying it to the skin for targeted relief.

Do I need a medical marijuana card to make or use cannabis coconut oil?

It depends on state law. Medical-only states typically require a valid medical marijuana card, while adult-use states allow personal preparation for adults 21 and older.

Can cannabis coconut oil be used for both edibles and topical applications?

Yes, when consumed, it produces full-body effects. When applied topically, it typically does not cause psychoactive effects.

How long do the effects of cannabis coconut oil typically last?

Edible effects usually last 4 to 8 hours, with peak effects around 2 to 4 hours. Topical effects often begin within 15 minutes to one hour and last several hours.

Can a medical marijuana doctor help determine safe potency and dosage?

Yes, a medical marijuana doctor helps patients understand dosing, timing, and tolerance, especially for edibles or ongoing medical use.

Is cannabis coconut oil more potent than other infused oils or butter?

It often produces more potent effects due to its high saturated fat content, which binds cannabinoids efficiently and delivers more consistent effects.

Can you use cannabis coconut oil daily for wellness or pain relief?

Some people use it daily, but tolerance may develop. A medical cannabis doctor can help determine whether daily use is appropriate.

How should cannabis coconut oil be stored for safety and freshness?

Store it in a clean, airtight container away from heat and light. Refrigeration and dark glass help preserve potency and flavor.

Can you get a medical marijuana evaluation online through Veriheal for edible guidance?

Yes, Veriheal allows patients to consult a medical marijuana doctor online to discuss edible dosing and infusion safety.

What are safer alternatives for people new to cannabis infusions?

Low-dose edibles or professionally tested products with labeled potency offer more predictable options for beginners.

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