How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cannabis coconut oil is a versatile plant-based oil that can be eaten, used as a tincture, or applied directly to the skin and hair. 

Coconut oil is a healthier cooking alternative to butter, and it’s rich in saturated fat, which improves the binding ability of cannabis’ primary intoxicating compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Health experts have studied cannabis for its multipurpose herbal effects, including its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.¹ When infused with coconut oil's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, it's understandable why so many people are searching for recipes on how to infuse coconut oil.²

What is Cannabis Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is often regarded as a superfood. It’s also low in calories and cholesterol. When it’s infused with cannabis, it’s called “cannabis coconut oil.” 

Both THC and CBD can be easily infused into coconut oil and added to an assortment of sweet and savory dishes. It can even be used on its own as a topical or, consumed by the spoonful for a swift digestive boost. Some users stir it into their coffee or even fill empty capsules to make "coco-capsules."

Key qualities/characteristics of cannabis coconut oil

Ordinary coconut oil has a noticeably nutty yet sweet flavor, whereas cannabis coconut oil has an herbal hint; the intensity of the herbal scent depends on potency and strain choice. When cool, cannabis coconut oil made with flower hardens and appears dark green. Some cannabis coconut oils have a yellowish hue if you use extracts. In liquid form, it may look more dark green or golden, similar to the color of cannabis oil. 

When coconut oil expires, you may notice dark spots, discoloration, and a rotten smell.

Why Make Cannabis Coconut Oil?

Cannabis-infused coconut oil is an easy-to-make ingredient that can be used in many different ways, from edibles to topicals. It can be made as a high-CBD or high-THC coconut oil. Either way, the infusion can pack a potent dose of cannabinoids and terpenes that interact directly with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).³

Some people use it to ease the symptoms of chronic pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal problems. 

Cannabis coconut oil can be easily stored in mason jars or any sealed glass container before preserving it in a cool, dark, and dry area. 

Which factors set cannabis coconut oil apart from other infused options?

• Easy Preparation - No experience is necessary to make DIY cannabis coconut oil. Our step-by-step process is simple and not time-consuming. 
• More potent Effects - When consumed in edible form, cannabinoids are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The bloodstream then absorbs THC, transporting the cannabinoid to the liver. Liver enzymes hydroxylate THC to form 11-hydroxy tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), a more powerful psychoactive metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier.⁴ 
• Desirable Dosage - Users can customize how much THC gets infused into the coconut oil. Then, they can better control dosing. 
• Various recipes - Consumers can infuse their favorite strain or multiple strains into a DIY coconut oil recipe. The oil's flavors can be modified based on preference. Moreover, the infused coconut oil can be added to different dishes, such as pies, pastas, and snacks.
• Diverse Applications - Cannabis coconut oil can be applied topically to the hair or skin. It can also be ingested in its basic form or added to a variety of edibles. 
• Widespread Health Benefits - The health benefits of cannabis coconut oil depend on which strain you use. Studies suggest that both CBD and THC-rich strains may harbor analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, anxiolytic benefits, and more.¹ Plus, coconut oil is brimming with skin-nurturing vitamin E. ²
• Long Shelf Life - Properly stored cannabis coconut oil can last 12-18 years. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to ensure maximum longevity.

Reasons Not to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cannabis coconut oil is not for everyone. Although the lifespan of dispensary-bought edibles is usually shorter than THC coconut oil, some consumers prefer them. These edibles are properly pre-dosed and come in many popular flavors.

 Without properly measuring the amount of flower or using an edible calculator, homemade cannabis coconut oil can come out more potent than expected. Improper dosing of edibles increases the risk of greening out. Some users may not like the strong flavor that cannabis coconut oil adds to their recipes. 

Cannabis coconut oil is a form of edible, so it does have a longer onset time than combustible consumption methods like smoking, which may deter some users.

What You Need to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

The most complex part of the homemade cannabis coconut oil process is determining the correct dosage. A single gram of cannabis weighs 1000 mg, so one gram of cannabis will be 150mg of THC in the finished product. 

The rest of the infused coconut oil recipe process is straightforward. Most of the supplies and ingredients can be found in the average kitchen pantry. 

Ingredients:

• 7 grams of cannabis flower or trim
• 100g (½ cup) of refined or unrefined coconut oil

Supplies:

• A weighing scale 
• Cannabis/herb grinder or scissors 
• Aluminum foil
• Spoon (wood preferred) 
• Cheesecloth
• Medium-sized stovetop pan
• Oven-proof baking dish (size depends on how much coconut oil you make, but 9x9 is recommended for this recipe) 
• 16oz mason jar or similar airtight storage container 

Consider using an edibles calculator tool before preparing your mixture.

How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

Prepare a safe, well-ventilated, clean workspace to create cannabis-infused coconut oil. Weigh the ingredients using the weighing scale and grind/chop the cannabis flower. Then, follow the remaining steps.

1. Preheat the oven to 215°F.
2. Sprinkle the ground nugs onto a baking dish, spreading the plant material evenly across the surface.
3. Cover the top of the baking dish with aluminum foil and seal firmly. 
4. Decarb the cannabis and bake it for 30 minutes at 215°F. Tip: The lower the temperature and longer you decarboxylate the cannabis, the more potent the activated plant compounds will become. 
5. Remove the baking dish and allow it to cool without removing the aluminum foil. Sealing it will retain freshness and ensure maximum potency. 
6. Melt the coconut oil over low heat in a medium-sized pan.
7. After 15 minutes, the cannabis should be cool. Remove the aluminum foil and combine it with the melted coconut oil in the heated pan. 
8. Stir the mixture thoroughly until every single particle of cannabis is slathered in oil. 
9. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and reapply a fresh aluminum foil cover. 
10. Bake for one hour at 215°F. Stir the mixture every so often to improve cannabinoid dispersion. 
11. After one hour, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool with the aluminum foil still in place. 15-20 minutes should do the trick. 
12. When you can safely handle the baking dish, apply two layers of cheesecloth or mesh atop the storage container you plan on using to store the cannabis coconut oil. 
13. Slowly pour the infused coconut oil over the cheesecloth or mesh to strain larger residual pieces of cannabis flower. 
14. Gather the cheesecloth into a bundle or press the mesh with the back of a spoon to squeeze excess oil. 
15. Seal the airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight exposure. 
16. Enjoy responsibly!

Other Options for Cannabis Coconut Oil

Edible coconut oil isn't the only option for cannabis connoisseurs seeking long-lasting effects, versatility, and straightforward consumption. The following options are just as effective:

• Flavored or unflavored tinctures - Cannabis’ effects can be experienced with a more rapid onset than edible with controlled dosing when opting for a tincture. These products can be homemade or store-bought. 
• Ready-to-eat edibles - Infused edibles are available in varying types, flavors, potency, and doses. 
• Cannabis-infused balms and salves - Dispensary-bought cannabis-infused balms and salves are an alternative to cannabis coconut oil for topical purposes. These products are enriched with cannabinoids that the skin absorbs. Topicals can be applied to dry or painful skin for localized relief. 
• Cannabis Sugar - The process of making cannabis sugar involves mixing a cannabis oil tincture with sugar. It can be sprinkled onto or stirred into any recipe. 
• Decarboxylated cannabis - Sprinkling some decarboxylated cannabis into everyday recipes is another easy, quick way of experiencing cannabis’ effects. 
• Cannamilk - This cannabis-infused recipe can be made with your choice of strain and is perfect paired with tea, coffee, smoothies, or milk-based recipes. 
• Cannabutter - Cannabutter is typically used to replace base ingredients in edible recipes and allows for an instant dose of cannabinoids, whether it's slathered on toast or stirred into cake mix. 

Alternatively, if none of the above options appeal to you, consider dispensary-bought cannabis coconut oil, edibles, or other consumption methods like pre-rolls or vapes.

References

1. Vučković S, Srebro D, Vujović KS, Vučetić Č, Prostran M. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1259. Published 2018 Nov 13. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01259 ↩︎
2. Deen A, Visvanathan R, Wickramarachchi D, et al. Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2020;101(6):2182-2193. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10870 ↩︎
3. Lu HC, Mackie K. Review of the Endocannabinoid System. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2021;6(6):607-615. doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016 ↩︎
4. Barrus DG, Capogrossi KL, Cates SC, et al. Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. 2016;2016:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611. doi:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.