Introduction
Cannabis-infused olive oil is a versatile and popular way to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of cannabis into your cooking and daily routine. Whether you’re looking to alleviate chronic pain, reduce anxiety, or enhance your culinary experience, making your cannabis-infused olive oil at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the potency and flavor to suit your preferences. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your cannabis-infused olive oil.
Why Choose Olive Oil?
Olive oil is an ideal choice for infusing cannabis due to its mild flavor, versatility, and health benefits. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is delicious and provides numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
Additionally, olive oil has a relatively low smoke point, making it well-suited for cooking at low to medium temperatures without degrading the cannabinoids present in cannabis. This ensures that the beneficial compounds remain intact and effective.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 7-10 grams of dried cannabis flower (adjust the quantity based on the desired potency)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Grinder or food processor
- Double boiler or saucepan
Instructions:
Decarboxylation:
- Before infusing the cannabis into the olive oil, it’s essential to activate the cannabinoids through a process called decarboxylation. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Grind the cannabis flower using a grinder or food processor until it is finely ground but not powdered. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the oven for 40-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Decarboxylation converts the non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC, maximizing the potency of your infused oil.
Infusion:
- Once the cannabis has been decarboxylated, transfer it to a double boiler or saucepan. Add the olive oil, ensuring that the cannabis is fully submerged. Simmer the mixture over low heat (ideally around 160-200°F or 71-93°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid letting the mixture boil, as high temperatures can degrade the cannabinoids and diminish the potency of the infused oil.
Straining:
- After the infusion period, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Line a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean container or bowl. Carefully pour the infused oil through the sieve, using a spoon to press out as much oil as possible while leaving behind the plant material. Discard the remaining cannabis solids or save them for other culinary purposes, such as composting or making cannabis butter.
Storage:
- Transfer the strained cannabis-infused olive oil into a clean, airtight container like a glass jar or bottle. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to preserve its potency and flavor. Properly stored, cannabis-infused olive oil can remain potent for several months.
Dosage and Usage:
When using cannabis-infused olive oil, it’s essential to start with a small dose and gradually increase as needed to achieve the desired effects. Keep in mind that the potency of homemade infused oils can vary depending on factors such as the quality and strain of cannabis used, as well as the infusion process.
To determine the potency of your infused oil, consider the ratio of cannabis to olive oil and the THC content of the cannabis strain. For example, if you used 10 grams of cannabis with a THC potency of 20%, your infused oil would contain approximately 2000 milligrams of THC (10 grams × 200 milligrams per gram).
When cooking with cannabis-infused olive oil, be mindful of the temperature and cooking time to avoid overheating and degrading the cannabinoids. Opt for low- to medium-heat recipes, such as sautéing, salad dressings, or drizzling over finished dishes.
Conclusion:
Making cannabis-infused olive oil at home is a rewarding and straightforward process that allows you to harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while adding depth and flavor to your culinary creations. Following these step-by-step instructions and dosage guidelines, you can create a versatile infused oil that enhances your cooking and well-being. Experiment with different strains and infusion methods to customize your infused oil to suit your preferences and needs. Enjoy responsibly and savor the benefits of homemade cannabis-infused olive oil.
