Cannabis oil is a versatile, potent infusion used in cooking, topicals, and tinctures—offering a discreet and customizable way to consume THC or CBD. Whether you’re looking for a cannabis butter alternative, a cannabis cooking oil for edibles, or a homemade cannabis oil for medicinal use, mastering the process ensures consistency and potency. Unlike store-bought options, for instance, DIY cannabis-infused oil lets you control strain, strength, and carrier oil for personalized effects.
In fact, you don’t need specialized equipment—just high-quality cannabis, a fat-based carrier (like cannabis coconut oil or cannabis olive oil), and patience. This guide covers everything: from decarboxylation (activating THC) to infusion methods (stovetop, slow cooker, or sous vide), dosage tips, and storage. By the end, you’ll know how to make potent cannabis oil at home—without alcohol, guesswork, or wasted product.

Why Make Cannabis Oil At Home?

Store-bought cannabis concentrates and infused oils are convenient; however, homemade versions offer unmatched flexibility. First, you control the strain selection—whether you prefer a relaxing indica for sleep or a sativa for creativity. Second, homemade cannabis oil avoids additives like preservatives or artificial flavors found in commercial products. Finally, it’s cost-effective, as a single ounce of flower can yield multiple batches of potent cannabis oil for cooking or topicals.

Furthermore, its versatility is another key advantage. Unlike cannabis butter, which solidifies at room temperature, cannabis-infused oil (like cannabis olive oil or cannabis coconut oil) stays liquid, making it ideal for dressings, sautéing, or sublingual use. Plus, these oils have a longer shelf life when stored properly. For medicinal users, this means DIY oil allows precise THC/CBD ratios, tailoring effects to specific needs—whether pain relief, anxiety management, or appetite stimulation.

Choosing the Right Carrier Oil For Making Cannabis Oil

Not all oils absorb cannabinoids equally. The best carrier oil for cannabis infusion must be high in fat (since THC and CBD are fat-soluble) and have a neutral or complementary flavor. Below are the top options:

• Coconut Oil (MCT or Virgin): A favorite for cannabis coconut oil due to its high saturated fat content (90%+), which binds exceptionally well with cannabinoids. MCT oil (fractionated coconut oil) is also odorless and ideal for tinctures.
• Olive Oil: Perfect for cannabis olive oil in savory dishes. Specifically, extra virgin retains antioxidants but has a stronger taste.
• Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point (520°F) makes it great for cooking, and its mild flavor pairs well with edibles.
• Grapeseed Oil: While it has a neutral taste and high polyunsaturated fat content, it is less stable for long-term storage.
• Sesame or Hemp Seed Oil: These add a nutty flavor; in addition, hemp oil contains its own cannabinoids for an entourage effect.

For best results, avoid butter substitutes (like margarine) or low-fat oils (e.g., canola), as they won’t extract cannabinoids efficiently. For maximum potency, therefore, stick with coconut or olive oil.

Decarboxylation: Activating Your Cannabis

Before infusing, you must decarboxylate (decarb) your cannabis. This process converts THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive) via heat. Consequently, skipping this step will result in a weak or inactive final oil. Here’s how to do it right:

Make Cannabis Oil Using Oven Decarb Method (Most Common)

1. First, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C)—higher temps risk burning terpenes.
2. Next, break cannabis into small pieces (no grinding) and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Then, bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even heating.
4. Finally, cool it completely before infusion, because hot cannabis can degrade carrier oils.

Pro Tip: Always use a thermometer to monitor temperature. Indeed, over-decarbing (above 300°F) destroys terpenes and reduces potency.

Alternative Decarboxylation Methods

• Sous Vide Decarb: First, seal the bud in a vacuum bag, then submerge it in 203°F (95°C) water for 90 minutes.
• Slow Cooker Decarb: For this method, place the buds in a jar inside a slow cooker with water at 200°F (93°C) for 4 hours.

Why does decarb matter? In short, raw buds contain THCA, which won’t get you high. Heat transforms it into THC, thereby unlocking the full effects of your cannabis-infused oil.

Step-by-Step How To Make Cannabis Oil Recipe (3 Methods)

Now for the main event: infusing your decarbed cannabis into oil. Below are three foolproof methods, from simplest to most precise. Each one yields a potent cannabis oil—choose based on your tools and time.

1. Make Cannabis Oil: Stovetop Method (Quick & Easy)

Best for: Small batches, beginners, or when you need oil fast.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup carrier oil (coconut or olive)
• 7–10g decarbed cannabis (1/4–1/2 oz)
• Double boiler (or DIY with a heat-safe bowl over a pot)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

Steps:

1. To begin, combine oil and cannabis in the double boiler. Also, add water (1–2 cups) to the bottom pot to prevent scorching.
2. Then, simmer on low heat (160–200°F) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Remember never to let it boil, as high heat degrades cannabinoids.
3. After simmering, strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean jar, squeezing out all the oil.
4. Lastly, store it in an airtight container (more on storage later).

Potency Note: This method extracts 60–70% of cannabinoids. For stronger oil, you can use more cannabis or extend the infusion time.

2. Make Cannabis Oil: Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off & Consistent)

Best for: Larger batches and set-and-forget convenience.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups carrier oil
• 14–28g decarbed cannabis (1/2 oz–1 oz)
• Slow cooker
• Mason jar (optional, for easier straining)

Steps:

1. First, add the oil and cannabis to the slow cooker (or a sealed jar submerged in water inside the cooker).
2. Next, set it to “Warm” or the lowest setting (160–180°F) and infuse for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Afterward, strain it through cheesecloth into a jar. For extra clarity, let it sit overnight and strain again.
4. Finally, label and store your oil in a cool, dark place.

Why it works: The gentle, prolonged heat maximizes cannabinoid extraction without burning. For this reason, it’s ideal for cannabis olive oil or coconut oil infusions.

3. Make Cannabis Oil: Sous Vide Method (Most Precise & Potent)

Best for: Highest potency, minimal odor, and repeatable results.

What You’ll Need:

• Sous vide machine or precision cooker
• Vacuum-sealable bag or mason jar
• 1 cup oil + 7–14g decarbed cannabis

Steps:

1. To start, seal the oil and cannabis in a bag (or jar) using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method.
2. After that, submerge the bag in water at 185°F (85°C) for 4 hours (or up to 8 for stronger oil).
3. Once infused, strain it through cheesecloth, pressing firmly to extract all the oil.
4. Lastly, store it in a tinted glass jar to protect from light.

Science-backed: Sous vide maintains exact temperatures, which in turn preserves terpenes and cannabinoids better than stovetop methods. As a result, you can expect 80–90% extraction efficiency. So, which method is best?

• Fastest: Stovetop (2–3 hours)
• Easiest: Slow cooker (hands-off)
• Strongest: Sous vide (highest potency)

Dosing and Potency: How Strong Is Your Oil?

To ensure safety and consistency, calculating your oil’s potency is essential to prevent overconsumption and achieve consistent effects. Here’s how to estimate strength: Step 1: Determine Your Cannabis’ THC Percentage

• First, check the label (e.g., 20% THC = 200mg per gram).
• If there’s no label, assume 15–20% THC for average flower.

Step 2: Calculate Total THC in Your Oil

• For example: You used 10g of 20% THC cannabis (10,000mg × 0.20 = 2,000mg total THC).

Step 3: Divide by Oil Volume

• For instance, if you infused 1 cup (240ml) of oil:
• 2,000mg THC ÷ 240ml = \~8.3mg THC per ml.

Dosage Guide:

• Low dose (microdosing): 2.5–5mg THC
• Moderate dose: 5–15mg THC
• Strong dose: 15–30mg THC
• High dose (experienced users): 30–50mg+

Pro Tip: Always start with 5mg, wait 2 hours, then adjust. Edibles, after all, take longer to kick in than smoking.

How to Test Potency Without a Lab

• Trial Dose: To begin, consume 1ml (or 1 tsp) and note the effects.
• Adjust Ratios: If it’s too weak, simply use more cannabis next time. Conversely, if it’s too strong, dilute it with plain oil.
• Use a THC Calculator: Alternatively, use apps like DoseCalculator to estimate potency based on your inputs.

Therefore, always label your batches with the strain, date, and estimated potency.

How to Store Homemade Cannabis Oil

Proper storage is crucial because it preserves potency and prevents spoilage. Follow these rules to keep your cannabis-infused oil fresh for 3–6 months (or longer):

Best Storage Practices

• ✅ Use tinted glass jars (amber or cobalt) to block light.
• ✅ Store in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge). Of course, coconut oil solidifies in the fridge—just warm it gently to liquify.
• ✅ Seal tightly to prevent oxidation, which degrades THC.
• ✅ Add vitamin E oil (1–2 drops per cup) as a natural preservative.

What to Avoid

• ❌ Plastic containers, because they can leach chemicals.
• ❌ Direct sunlight or heat, as they degrade cannabinoids.
• ❌ Moisture, which leads to mold; for this reason, ensure the oil is dry before sealing.

Shelf Life by Oil Type

Carrier Oil	Shelf Life (Stored Properly)	Best For
Coconut Oil	6–12 months	Tinctures, baking
Olive Oil	3–6 months	Cooking, dressings
Avocado Oil	4–6 months	High-heat cooking
Grapeseed Oil	2–3 months	Short-term use

Additionally, freezing extends shelf life to 1 year or more. Simply portion the oil into ice cube trays for easy dosing.

Creative Ways to Use Cannabis Oil

Your homemade cannabis oil is ready—so now what? Here are 10+ ways to use it beyond basic brownies:

Culinary Uses

• Sautéed Veggies: For example, drizzle cannabis olive oil over roasted vegetables.
• Pasta Sauce: Stir it into marinara or pesto (but heat gently to preserve potency).
• Salad Dressings: Whisk it with balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon.
• Smoothies: Blend cannabis coconut oil into fruit smoothies (specifically with banana or mango to mask the taste).
• Popcorn Topping: Melt it with butter and sea salt for a savory snack.

Baking & Sweets

• Cannabis Butter Substitute: Simply replace butter 1:1 in cookies, cakes, or muffins.
• Chocolate Truffles: Mix oil into melted chocolate before it sets.
• Gummies: In addition, combine it with gelatin, fruit juice, and lecithin for homemade edibles.

Topical & Wellness Uses

• Muscle Rub: Mix the oil with beeswax and essential oils for a cannabis-infused salve.
• Massage Oil: Alternatively, dilute it with almond oil for a relaxing topical.
• Sublingual Drops: Place cannabis MCT oil under the tongue for fast absorption.

Beverages

• Coffee/Tea: Stir a dose into your morning brew (also add a fat like cream to help absorption).
• Hot Chocolate: Whisk oil into warm milk with cocoa powder.
• Cocktails: Finally, infuse simple syrup with cannabis oil for THC-infused drinks (start with 5mg per serving).

As a final flavor tip: coconut oil works best in sweet dishes, while olive oil shines in savory recipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks make errors during the infusion process. Consequently, it’s wise to steer clear of these pitfalls for a smooth, potent infusion:

1. Skipping Decarboxylation- Problem: Raw buds and strains won’t get you high. Fix: To fix this, always decarb at 240°F for 30–40 minutes before infusing.
2. Overheating the Oil- Problem: Boiling destroys terpenes and cannabinoids. Fix: Therefore, keep temps below 200°F and use a thermometer.
3. Using Too Much Water- Problem: Water dilutes oil and promotes mold. Fix: As a solution, if using a double boiler, add just enough water to prevent scorching.
4. Poor Straining- Problem: Plant matter in oil tastes bitter and degrades faster. Fix: For this reason, use fine cheesecloth or a coffee filter for a clean product.
5. Not Calculating Dosage- Problem: Accidental overconsumption can be unpleasant for beginners. Fix: Because of this, always start with 5mg THC, wait 2 hours, then adjust.
6. Storing Improperly- Problem: Light, heat, or air degrade potency. Fix: In order to prevent this, store oil in amber glass jars in a cool, dark place.
7. Using Low-Quality Cannabis- Problem: This results in weak, harsh-tasting oil . Fix: Instead, buy lab-tested flower from a trusted source (more on this later).

Ultimately, avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth, potent, and long-lasting oil every time.

Where to Buy Quality Cannabis Oil in Washington, DC

If you’re ready to make your own potent cannabis oil, you must start with high-quality flower or concentrates. In Washington, DC, for instance, Highthere is your go-to recreational dispensary for premium weed products. We also offer cannabis delivery service near Union Market, Georgetown, Logan Circle and all over DC and surrounding areas.

• Lab-tested flower (perfect for infusions)
• CBD products and cannabis concentrates for custom potency
• Expert guidance on strains best suited for homemade cannabis oil

Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or a medicinal user, Highthere’s selection ensures your DIY oil is strong, safe, and delicious. So, visit us in-store or online to stock up on everything you need for your next cannabis cooking oil project.

Pro Tip: When you visit, ask our budtenders about high-THC strains (like Gelato or OG Kush) or CBD-rich options (like ACDC) for balanced infusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Can I make cannabis oil without decarbing?

A: No—decarboxylation is essential for activating THC. Skipping it results in weak, non-psychoactive oil. While you can use raw cannabis oil (high in THCA) for topicals, don’t expect a high.

Q: What’s the best carrier oil for high potency?

A: Overall, coconut oil (MCT) absorbs the most cannabinoids due to its high saturated fat content. Olive oil, however, is a close second for flavor versatility.

Q: How do I make the oil without it smelling?

A: To minimize odor, use a slow cooker or sous vide (as sealed bags trap smells). On the stovetop, use a splatter screen over your pot and simmer with a lid slightly ajar to vent steam. Additionally, a candle or air purifier can help mask any lingering smells.

Q: Can I reuse the leftover cannabis (already infused once)?

A: Yes, but the second batch will be about 50% weaker. Just simmer the used plant material in fresh oil for half the original time. After the second use, however, it’s best to discard it.

Q: How long does homemade cannabis oil last?

A: When stored properly (cool, dark, airtight), cannabis coconut oil lasts 6–12 months, while olive oil lasts 3–6 months. For longer storage, freezing can extend the shelf life to over a year.