The most versatile infusion there is — for capsules, cooking, tinctures, and drizzling over anything.
Quick answer: Decarb your flower, then gently warm
1 cup oil (coconut, MCT, or olive) + 7–14g decarbed flower on very low heat (160–200°F / 70–95°C) for
2–3 hours — never boiling. Strain through fine mesh and store in a sealed jar. Because cannabinoids are fat-soluble, oil pulls them out beautifully.
Which oil should you use?
- Coconut oil — high saturated fat means excellent cannabinoid absorption, and it's vegan and versatile. The best all-rounder, and ideal for capsules.
- MCT oil — stays liquid at room temperature and absorbs fast. Great for tinctures, capsules, and anything you want to dose by the dropper.
- Olive oil — a subtler, food-friendly option for savory cooking and dressings.
The ratio
Start with 1 cup oil to 7–14 grams of decarbed flower — 7g for milder oil, 14g for standard strength, up to 28g for strong. Run your exact numbers through the dosage calculator first so you know the mg per serving before you cook.
Step-by-step cannabis oil
- Decarb your flower (240°F / 115°C, ~40 min) — full guide here. Skipping this is why edibles fail.
- Combine 1 cup oil with your decarbed flower in a double boiler or slow cooker. A splash of water isn't needed with oil, but a double boiler protects it from direct heat.
- Add 1 tsp sunflower lecithin if you want more even dosing in the finished product.
- Warm gently at 160–200°F (70–95°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring now and then. Keep it below a simmer — high heat destroys THC.
- Strain through a fine-mesh nut-milk bag or cheesecloth. Don't wring it — squeezing pushes bitterness through.
- Store in a clean, sealed jar. Label it clearly with the strength.
An infusion machine (like a LEVO or Ardent) holds the perfect temperature hands-off for hours and gives a cleaner, higher-yield oil than a stovetop. The
Vetted Setup lists the ones worth it.
How to use cannabis oil
Fill gel capsules for an exact, tasteless dose; stir it into coffee, smoothies, or salad dressing (fat helps absorption); or bake with it in place of regular oil at or below 350°F. Prefer a spreadable option for baking? See how to make cannabutter. Want a fast, alcohol-based option? See how to make a tincture.
Storage
Keep infused oil in an airtight container away from heat and light. Coconut and olive oil last several months; refrigerate to extend shelf life. Always label and keep away from children and pets.
Cannabis oil FAQ
Which oil is strongest?
Potency comes from your flower and method, not the oil — but high-fat oils like coconut absorb cannabinoids most efficiently, so they tend to feel the most consistent.
Can I use cannabis oil in capsules?
Yes — coconut or MCT oil in gel caps is one of the easiest, most precise, no-taste ways to dose. A capsule-filling tray makes it fast.
Do I still need to decarb for oil?
Yes. Oil pulls out whatever cannabinoids are present, but it won't convert THCA to THC for you — decarb first.
Why did my oil turn out weak?
Under-decarbing, overheating (a boil), or simply not enough flower. Keep the heat gentle and check your ratio on the calculator.
How long does infused oil last?
Several months sealed and away from light; refrigeration extends it further.
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