How to Make Cannabis Oil
Cannabis-infused oil is the most versatile cannabis preparation you can make at home — use it in recipes, fill capsules, add to drinks, or take it directly. This guide covers all three methods and every oil type.
Calculate Your Oil Potency
Enter flower weight, THC%, and oil amount — get exact mg per teaspoon before you start.
Open Calculator →Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Decarboxylate your cannabis
Spread ground cannabis on a baking sheet and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes. This converts inactive THCA into active THC. Let cool completely before infusing.
- 2
Choose your oil and method
MCT oil: fastest absorption, neutral flavour, best for capsules and tinctures. Coconut oil: similar potency, mild coconut flavour, great for baking and solid capsules. Olive oil: good for savoury cooking and dressings.
- 3
Infuse (double boiler method)
Combine decarbed cannabis, oil, and optional lecithin in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Maintain 160–180°F (71–82°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Never exceed 200°F.
- 4
Strain and store
Pour through cheesecloth into a glass jar. Press firmly to extract all oil. Seal and store in a cool dark place. Coconut and MCT oil last 2 months at room temperature or 6 months refrigerated.
Infusion Temperature Guide
| Temperature | Result | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Below 160°F (71°C) | Slow, incomplete extraction — under-infused oil | Too low |
| 160–180°F (71–82°C) | Optimal — full extraction, THC preserved | ✓ Target zone |
| 180–200°F (82–93°C) | Acceptable but watch closely — degradation starts | Caution |
| Above 200°F (93°C) | THC degrading rapidly into CBN — potency loss | Too hot |
| Boiling (212°F+) | Significant potency loss — avoid entirely | Never |
FAQ
How much cannabis do I use to make cannabis oil?
For standard-strength oil, use 7–10g of decarboxylated flower per 1 cup (240g) of oil. For mild oil, use 3.5–5g per cup. For very potent oil (capsules, concentrates), use 10–14g per cup. The BatchCraft calculator will show exact mg per teaspoon for any ratio.
What temperature should I infuse cannabis oil at?
Keep infusion temperature between 160–180°F (71–82°C). This range extracts cannabinoids efficiently without degrading THC. A cooking thermometer is essential — a slow cooker on "low" setting typically holds this range automatically without monitoring.
How long should I infuse cannabis oil?
Minimum 1 hour at correct temperature, but 2–3 hours extracts significantly more. Most THC moves into the oil within the first 2 hours. Beyond 4 hours, improvements are marginal. A slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours is a popular set-and-forget method.
Does adding lecithin to cannabis oil make it stronger?
Lecithin doesn't add THC but may improve bioavailability — how much THC your body actually absorbs. As an emulsifier, it helps THC form smaller particles that absorb more readily. Many experienced makers report noticeably more consistent effects with lecithin. Add 1 tablespoon per cup of oil during infusion.