Cannabis cooking oil is a carrier oil infused with cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. You can use it in dressings, sauces, baked goods, and low-heat sautéing. This guide shows what it is, why people use it, a basic recipe, and safety tips you can follow at home.
What it is
Cannabis cooking oil holds fat-soluble cannabinoids. Common bases include olive oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. The plant material releases cannabinoids and terpenes into the oil when heated slowly. The result is an edible oil that mixes easily into many recipes.
Benefits
Oral use produces a different effect than inhaling. The liver converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite often produces stronger and longer effects. Oils also let you dose with care. Medical users use infused oil for steady intake. CBD-rich oils support pain relief and reduced inflammation according to several studies.
Versatility
Use infused oil in salad dressings, pestos, marinades, baked goods, and simple pan dishes. Choose neutral oils for baked goods. Choose olive oil for Mediterranean dishes. Use coconut oil for recipes that benefit from a mild coconut flavor.
How to make infused oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, or grapeseed
- 7 to 10 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower
Equipment
- Oven
- Double boiler or slow cooker
- Fine strainer or cheesecloth
- Airtight jar for storage
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 240 F. Break the flower into small pieces and spread on a tray. Heat for 40 minutes to activate cannabinoids in the cannabis cooking oil.
2. Combine the decarboxylated flower and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker. Keep the oil between 120 F and 140 F for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Do not overheat.
3. Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a jar. Press gently to extract oil.
4. Store the oil in the refrigerator. Use within two months.
Midway tip
When you cook with cannabis cooking oil add it near the end of the cook time for low-heat dishes. That preserves active compounds. For baked goods follow the recipe temperature and factor in potency per serving.
Dosing and safety
Start with a small dose. For THC products aim for 5 to 10 mg per serving for a beginner dose. Wait up to two hours before taking more. Label infused containers clearly and keep them away from children and pets. Avoid driving while under the influence of THC.
Simple recipes
- Salad dressing: whisk infused oil with vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Marinade: mix infused oil with herbs and lemon for grilled vegetables.
- Brownies: replace regular oil with infused oil in oil-based recipes.
- Eggs: use a small amount of infused oil for low-heat scrambling.
Common questions
Onset time varies by person. Expect effects between 30 minutes and two hours, with peaks around three to four hours. Use oils with higher fat content for better extraction. Oils with CBD will not produce a psychoactive high when THC is absent.
Final note
Use precise measurements and label jars. Respect dosage and storage guidelines. Cannabis cooking oil offers a discreet route for edible use and a flexible tool for your kitchen.