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Cannabis Oil Recipe

Prep: 10 min · Infuse: 2–3 hrs · Makes: 1 cup infused oil

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Cannabis-infused oil is the most versatile cannabis preparation — use it in any recipe that calls for oil, fill capsules, or take it directly. Works with coconut oil, MCT oil, or olive oil.

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Select Oil as your recipe type, enter flower weight and THC% — get exact mg per teaspoon.

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Which Oil to Choose

OilBest ForFlavorAbsorptionSolid at Room Temp
MCT OilEdibles, capsules, tincturesNeutralHighestNo
Coconut OilBaking, capsules, topicalsMild coconutHighYes (below 76°F)
Olive OilSavory cooking, dressingsOliveGoodNo
Avocado OilHigh-heat cookingMildGoodNo

Ingredients

  • 7–10g decarboxylated cannabis flower (or 3–5g concentrate)
  • 1 cup (240g) coconut oil, MCT oil, or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sunflower lecithin (optional — improves absorption)
  • Water (for double boiler method)

Instructions

  1. 1.Decarb: Bake ground cannabis at 240°F for 40 min. Cool completely.
  2. 2.Double boiler: Simmer water in a saucepan. Place heatproof bowl on top.
  3. 3.Infuse: Combine cannabis + oil + optional lecithin. Hold 160–180°F for 2–3 hrs, stirring every 30 min.
  4. 4.Strain: Pour through cheesecloth-lined strainer, pressing firmly.
  5. 5.Store: Cool then store in sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for up to 6 months.

FAQ

Which oil is best for cannabis infusion — coconut, MCT, or olive oil?

MCT oil has the highest absorption rate because its medium-chain fatty acids bind THC efficiently and digest quickly. Coconut oil is almost as good and solid at room temperature (great for capsules and cooking). Olive oil works but has a stronger flavor and slightly lower infusion efficiency. For edibles, coconut or MCT oil. For cooking or salad dressings, olive oil.

How long should I infuse cannabis oil?

Minimum 1 hour at 160–180°F, but 2–3 hours extracts significantly more THC. Beyond 4 hours the improvement is minimal and you risk degrading cannabinoids. A slow cooker on "low" for 4–6 hours works well for hands-off infusion.

What does lecithin do in cannabis oil?

Sunflower or soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps THC bind to both fat and water molecules. This improves bioavailability — meaning more THC is absorbed per serving. Add 1 tablespoon per cup of oil during infusion for noticeably stronger, more consistent effects.

How many mg of THC are in cannabis coconut oil per teaspoon?

With 7g of 20% THC flower per 1 cup (240g) of coconut oil and standard infusion efficiency (~63%), you get roughly 775 mg total THC. One teaspoon (4.5g) contains approximately 14.5 mg THC. Use the BatchCraft calculator for your exact numbers.