The Best Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe
Looking for an easy way to add cannabis to your culinary creations? Cannabis coconut oil is an excellent alternative to traditional cannabutter. Not only is it non-dairy and vegan, but it also serves as a highly effective carrier for THC, a favorite compound of many. Cannabis-infused coconut oil is especially suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a vegan option.
The fat in coconut oil helps THC and CBD bind more effectively, enhancing their potency, making this oil a versatile base for various edibles. As medical marijuana gains wider acceptance across the United States, interest in cooking with cannabis continues to grow. This cannabis coconut oil provides a flexible and effective option for enhancing your recipes. Continue reading to discover how to make the best cannabis-infused coconut oil and elevate your homemade treats.
Why Use Coconut Oil for Cannabis Cooking
Coconut oil is an excellent choice for cooking with cannabis for several reasons. First, its high saturated fat content helps THC from medical marijuana bind effectively to the oil. Coconut oil is also a healthier alternative to butter, being lower in calories and cholesterol.
Moreover, the effects of edibles can last longer compared to smoking or vaping cannabis, allowing you to use less cannabis while still potentially experiencing prolonged effects, which some users report may include:
Pain relief
Stress reduction
Better sleep
Anti-inflammatory effects
How to Dose Cannabis Coconut Oil
If you're new to using cannabis or making edibles, it’s important to start with a small dose and gradually increase it as needed. A dosage calculator can assist in estimating the amount of cannabis to use. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage guidance.
To determine the dosage of your edibles, first find out the THC percentage of the cannabis you’re using. You can get this information from your medical marijuana dispensary, which will tell you the potency of your cannabis.
For example, if your cannabis has a THC percentage of around 15%, then one gram (1000mg) of cannabis will contain about 150mg of THC. Knowing the total THC content in your ground cannabis, you can estimate the dosage for each serving by dividing the total THC milligrams by the number of servings you plan to make.
Supplies for Making Cannabis Coconut Oil
Before you start making your edibles with cannabis coconut oil, you'll need to gather a few supplies. Having everything ready will help you make a batch of cannabis coconut oil for your favorite recipes.
For this recipe, you will need:
1 cup of coconut oil
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Mason jar or other airtight container
Strainer or cheesecloth
7 to 14 grams of ground cannabis
Scale
Saucepan or slow cooker
Additional Information:
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 4 hours
Calories: 1 cup = 1,879 calories
Recipe Yield: 1 cup
Recipe and Guide for Cannabis Coconut Oil
With your supplies ready and a basic understanding of dosing, you're all set to make your own cannabis coconut oil. Just follow these steps to complete the recipe:
Step 1: Decarboxylate your cannabis
Before preparing cannabis coconut oil or cannabutter, it's essential to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process converts THCa into the active THC, and similarly, CBDa into CBD for CBD-infused oils.
First, weigh your cannabis flower and break it into smaller pieces. Grind it if you prefer, and then spread it in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. This helps ensure uniform decarboxylation. Preheat your oven to 240°F, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to protect the terpenes, and bake for 45 minutes. After baking, remove the sheet from the oven and let it cool to room temperature while still covered.
Step 2: Mix Coconut Oil and Cannabis
Once your cannabis has cooled, it's time for infusing coconut oil. Place the decarboxylated cannabis and coconut oil into a mason jar, ensuring the jar is appropriately sized to fit in your crock pot with the lid on. Stir the mixture gently to combine. Secure the lid tightly enough to prevent water from entering during infusing coconut oil, but not so tight that it creates a complete seal.
Step 3: Give the Jar a Hot Bath
Put the mason jar in a crock pot filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the water covers the jar completely (or multiple jars if you're preparing several batches). For added protection, you can place a towel in the crock pot to prevent the jars from knocking against each other. Set the crock pot on low and let it simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 6 hours. Stir or shake the jars occasionally.
Step 4: Straining and Storing the Oil
Once the coconut oil has been infused and the jar(s) have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to strain out the plant material. Set a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a clean storage container or jar. Pour the hot oil and cannabis mixture through the strainer to remove any large particles. Allow the oil to drain completely.
Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract any remaining oil, but be careful and use gloves or tongs to avoid burns. While you can save the leftover cannabis for another batch, it will be less potent than the first.
Let the strained oil cool to room temperature before using it. Since coconut oil solidifies as it cools, it will turn into a cream-like consistency. To speed up cooling, place the container in the fridge.
Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. It can be kept at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container. Clearly label the jar with 'Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil' and keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. The oil’s quality will start to decline after about 3 months.
Using Your Coconut Oil
Start with a small amount of the oil to see how it affects you. Even if you’ve used infused oil before, homemade oil might be stronger. Begin with about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml), using a teaspoon for creamy oil or a dropper for liquid oil. Wait at least 2 hours before taking more, as it can take a while to feel the effects. Taking too much at once might make you feel anxious.
For stress or anxiety relief, try taking 1 teaspoon directly from the jar. It might take a few hours to feel the effects, but the CBD in the oil can help you relax. The oil might work faster on an empty stomach, though there’s limited evidence that CBD alone helps with anxiety. Since your oil contains both THC and CBD, a moderate dose is less likely to increase anxiety.
If you want to add the oil to your meals, replace some of the oil or butter in your recipe with it. You can use it in brownies, marinades, sauces, soups, desserts, or any recipe that calls for coconut oil. Note that unrefined coconut oil has a stronger, sweeter flavor than refined coconut oil.
For pain and inflammation, apply the oil directly to your skin. Dab a bit on your fingertip and massage it into the affected area. The cannabis will absorb into your skin to help reduce pain and swelling. Be aware that the high concentration of THC in the oil might cause some effects even when used topically.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. The author is not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and check local laws regarding cannabis use and cultivation.
Enhance Your Recipes with Homemade Cannabis Oil
Ready to enhance your culinary creations with cannabis? Try making your own cannabis coconut oil using our easy-to-follow recipe. For those looking for a convenient and enjoyable way to experience cannabis, Good Feels offers top-quality infused seltzers that blend seamlessly into your lifestyle. Explore the benefits of cannabis cooking and discover how Good Feels can enhance your daily routine.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis coconut oil is a versatile and effective alternative to traditional cannabutter, offering a non-dairy and vegan option for adding cannabis to your recipes. Its high fat content helps THC and CBD bind more effectively, enhancing their potency for various edibles. Following the simple steps outlined, you can make your own cannabis-infused coconut oil and elevate your cooking. Whether used in recipes or applied topically, this oil provides a flexible solution for those looking to incorporate cannabis into their daily routine.
FAQs
What is cannabis coconut oil and why should I use it?
Cannabis coconut oil is a versatile and vegan alternative to traditional cannabutter, ideal for enhancing various recipes. Its high fat content helps THC and CBD bind more effectively, increasing their potency for edibles. It's also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy ingredients.
How do I determine the right dosage for my cannabis coconut oil?
To determine the dosage, first find out the THC percentage of the cannabis you’re using. For example, if your cannabis has 15% THC, one gram will contain approximately 150mg of THC. Divide this total by the number of servings you plan to make to estimate the dosage for each serving.
What are the essential supplies needed to make cannabis coconut oil?
You’ll need 1 cup of coconut oil, a baking sheet, aluminum foil, a mason jar, a strainer or cheesecloth, 7 to 14 grams of ground cannabis, a scale, and a saucepan or slow cooker. Ensure you have these supplies before starting your infusion process.
How should I store and use my cannabis coconut oil?
Store the infused oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or in the fridge for up to 3 months. Start with a small amount to gauge its effects, and be cautious as homemade oil might be stronger than commercial options. You can use it in recipes or apply it directly to the skin for localized relief.
