As an essential foundation for numerous culinary creations, cannabis oil holds a central place in the world of cannabis cuisine. While we have already discussed in detail how to make high-quality cannabutter or tinctures, today our focus shifts to the art of making cannabis oil. Interestingly, the process of making cannabis oil closely resembles that of cannabutter in a remarkable way: both involve slow heating of butter or oil and finely ground cannabis over an extended period.

​

However, the choice of oil is a crucial consideration. In cannabis cuisine, the most commonly used options are coconut oil, olive oil, and canola oil. The selection often depends on what you intend to prepare. For desserts like cookies and similar treats, coconut oil is a suitable choice, while savory dishes often benefit from olive or canola oil.

Canola oil is known for its mild, neutral taste, but there are also coconut and olive oils on the market with subtle flavor notes that are barely noticeable. In some cases, a more pronounced flavor may be advantageous, especially when you want to mellow or mask the distinctive taste of cannabis. Therefore, choosing the right oil is a significant factor in creating cannabis-infused dishes, as it significantly influences the overall taste and aroma of your culinary masterpiece.

​

Before You Begin

Before you start processing your cannabis into oil, you need to select the cannabis strain. This step is crucial as it forms the basis for the flavor and aroma of your oil. You can choose from various strains depending on the taste you want to impart to your oil. Perhaps you prefer an earthy or floral strain to complement the natural flavor of the oil, or you may consider a sweet strain to explore an entirely new flavor dimension. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours and based on your culinary preferences.

The second crucial step is decarboxylation. It's not possible to simply put hemp into a container with hot oil, stir it a few times, and call it a day. First, cannabis must undergo a process known as decarboxylation to achieve the desired effects. Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that activates certain compounds in cannabis, especially THC. During this process, non-psychoactive THCA is converted into the THC we all know and appreciate.

Everything About Decarboxylation

​

 

Enriching Cooking Oil with Cannabis

For the correct dosage of oil and cannabis, simply stick to the proven rule: use a 2:1 ratio, meaning two parts oil to one part cannabis. This ratio offers a balanced approach to infusion, ensuring effective penetration of cannabinoids into the oil. You can always add a bit more, but it's advisable to stick to this rule initially to stay on the safe side.

In this example, we worked with 2 cups of oil and 1 cup of ground and decarboxylated cannabis for infusion.

• 14 grams of decarboxylated cannabis > Calculating the THC content of your oil.

• 2 cups (250 ml) of your chosen oil

• Cheesecloth

• Saucepan or slow cooker

• Kitchen thermometer

• Heat/cold-resistant plastic or glass container

Preparing Cannabis Oil in the Saucepan

• Fill the combination of cannabis and oil into a slow cooker or saucepan and heat it moderately (55-65°C) over several hours. It's important to ensure that the mixture doesn't come to a boil as it can compromise the quality of cannabis and the taste of the oil. To control this, use a kitchen thermometer. If you see signs of bubbling, simply lower the heat.

• Patience is key now. Allow the cannabis-oil mixture to simmer on the lowest heat for at least 3 hours. Stir it gently with a wooden spoon every half hour.

• After about three hours, turn off the heat source and let the oil cool naturally. Once it has cooled, filter the cannabis-oil mixture through cheesecloth into a large bowl. This process is meant to remove solid particles or impurities from the liquid, resulting in a clearer and cleaner fluid.

• To do this, stretch a cheesecloth or muslin cloth over the container and pour it gently, catching as much of the crushed herb as possible. Gently squeeze out the remaining plant material and repeat the process until there are hardly any herb remnants left. Alternatively, a coffee filter can be used.

• Once filtered, transfer it to a bottle of your choice, and your cannabis-infused olive oil is ready.

If you store your cannabis-infused olive oil in a cool and dark place, it will remain fresh for several months without any issues. It's comparable to the shelf life of your regular olive oil when stored properly. However, the durability also depends on how often you use it. It's quite possible that this flavorful oil won't last long if you regularly incorporate it into your favorite dishes!

Cannabis-infused oil can be used in various ways in recipes to integrate both the effects of cannabis and its flavor into the dishes.

​

Here are 10 recipes in which you can use cannabis oil:

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Brownies: Use cannabis oil to make brownies. This is a classic edibles recipe that's popular.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Coffee or Tea: Add a few drops of cannabis oil to your morning coffee or tea to start the day relaxed.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Gummies: Make your own gummies with cannabis oil for a sweet and discreet way to consume cannabis.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Pasta: Use cannabis oil in pasta or lasagna sauces to experience a pleasant relaxation.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Salads: Create a cannabis vinaigrette dressing for salads. The oily base complements leafy greens.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Guacamole: Prepare a spicy guacamole with cannabis oil to serve with nachos or as a dip.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Chocolate Truffles: Craft homemade chocolate truffles with cannabis oil for a luxurious treat.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Pizza: Use cannabis oil in pizza sauces or drizzle it on the pizza to enjoy the cannabinoid experience.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Stew: Make a hearty stew with cannabis oil for a warm, soothing meal.

• Cannabis Oil-Infused Ice Cream: Create homemade cannabis ice cream to cool off on a hot day while achieving a pleasant effect.

Please note that the dosage of cannabis oil in recipes should be carefully controlled as the effects can vary significantly. Start with a low dose and increase it as needed to avoid overconsumption. Also, be aware of the legal regulations in your region regarding the production and consumption of cannabis edibles, as they can vary from place to place.