Cannabis Cooking 101: What’s an Oil Infuser?

Edibles are among the most popular consumer products for cannabis consumption. One of the more important tools a cannabis chef will need to make edibles at home is an oil infuser, sometimes called an herbal infuser.

What is an Oil Infuser?

An oil infuser is a kitchen appliance that infuses cannabis or other herbs into various types of oil, which can then be used to create a range of cannabis recipes. 

Depending on the type of oil infuser, the most sought-after feature is often its ability to decarb and infuse. Decarboxylation is an essential chemical transformation in edible production, in which heat activates cannabis flower, converting the acidic cannabinoids THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, respectively. The edible will not produce any intoxicating “high” effects if you do not decarb before infusion. 

Traditional decarbing of cannabis flower is typically done by laying it out on a cooking sheet and heating it in the oven to complete the conversion process. With an infuser, the transformation occurs at a much more precise temperature, retaining the plant's potency as much as possible. 

Infusers typically include adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to find their ideal conversion temperature. Other key characteristics include airtight seals to prevent odors from escaping and digital timers to ensure precise heating times.

Advantages of Oil Infusers

A cannabis oil infuser offers a range of advantages, making it an alluring option for brands and at-home edible creators. Some of the advantages include: 

Decarboxylation Precision

An oil infuser typically allows edible creators to control their decarb temperatures. This allows cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to activate at ideal temperatures that preserve their integrity rather than burn them away. 

Consistency 

Consistency is key to precise decarboxylation. The infuser's consistent heat allows for an even distribution of compounds into the butter, cooking oil, or MCT coconut oil. This distribution helps ensure that each edible contains the intended dosage of cannabinoids and other compounds.

Odor Reduction

Making edibles at home can be risky, as decarboxylation often produces a strong odor. However, infusers have elevated the production process and its level of discretion with airtight containers and other components designed to minimize or eliminate strong odors from escaping.

Ease of Use

Herbal infusers are straightforward and user-friendly. They typically come with easy-to-follow instructions that allow cannabis cooks to begin the infusion and decarb process in just a few minutes.

Versatility

While they are called oil infusers, these devices work with various cooking essentials, sometimes called carriers. In addition to oil, infusers are commonly used with butter and MCT coconut oil. This versatility allows infusers to make a variety of recipes.

Easy to Clean

Top-of-the-line oil infusers come with food-safe, dishwasher-safe components, making cleanup quick and easy.

Drawbacks of Oil Infusers

Oil infusers make creating edibles simple and efficient. Still, while you can make a plethora of herb-infused oils, butter, and more, consider the following points before purchasing one: 

Cost

Infusers can cost up to several hundred dollars. Before buying one, consider how often you will use it. 

Not Always Weed-Specific

Not every infuser is intended to work with cannabis. Research the product to ensure it works with this specific plant. 

Cleaning 

While most people say cleanup is simple, consider how often you clean your kitchen after cooking, and note that proper maintenance of an oil infuser requires frequent cleaning. 

Possible Storage Issues

Most infusers are relatively small, often resembling a coffee pot or Keurig device. However, some may struggle to fit the 13-inch-tall (give or take) device onto their counter or shelves. Some infusers can weigh nearly 11 lbs, so be wary of placing them on weak surfaces or on surfaces where they aren't securely fastened.

Wired In

Oil infusers rely on an electrical power source to operate, which can limit where you can create an infused option.

How to Use an Oil Infuser

Decarbing cannabis and infusing oils, butters, and more can be done in several ways. Consider using an edible calculator to determine the precise amount of cannabis and other essentials needed to dose to your preferences. These are three of the most commonly utilized approaches: 

The Slow Cooker Method 

Tools Needed

• Slow cooker
• Grinder
• Cheesecloth or strainer
• Storage container
• Oven 

Ingredients Needed 

• Cannabis flower 
• Butter, cooking oil, or MCT coconut oil

Steps

1. Decarb your flower in the oven. Temperatures vary, but 230° F to 266° F is often a suitable range to try in your oven. 
2. Grind the decarbed flower, then place it in the slow cooker along with the butter or oil.
3. Cook the mixture over low heat for 4 to 6 hours.
4. Strain the oil or butter through the cheesecloth, transferring the filtered infusion into a storage container.

Double Boiler Method

Tools Needed 

• Double boiler
• Grinder
• Cheesecloth or strainer
• Storage container
• Oven

Ingredients Needed 

• Cannabis
• Butter, cooking oil, or MCT coconut oil

Steps

1. Decarb your flower in the oven. Temperatures vary, but 230° F to 266° F is a potentially suitable range to try in your oven. 
2. Grind the decarbed flower, then place it in the top section of the double boiler and combine it with the butter or oil.
3. Cook the mixture on low heat for several hours, typically four to six hours. Ensure the oil does not get too hot, or you may risk losing critical compounds and overall quality. 
4. Strain the oil or butter through the cheesecloth, transferring the filtered product into a storage container.

Notes

• While the process is similar to a slow cooker, the double boiler method requires more focus on heating and burning, as the producer has less control over the temperature. 

Dedicated Oil Infuser

Tools Needed

1. Cannabis oil infuser
2. Grinder
3. Strainer or cheesecloth
4. Storage container

Ingredients Needed

1. Cannabis 
2. Butter, cooking oil, or MCT coconut oil

Steps

1. Decarb your flower using the infuser's decarb function. Use an oven beforehand if your device does not have a decarb function.
2. Grind the decarbed flower to a coarse texture. Mix with your oil or butter, then add to the infuser.
3. Set the infuser to your desired preferences and allow the infusion to occur.
4. Strain the oil or butter through the cheesecloth, transferring the filtered product into a storage container.

Notes:

You can find several infuser options, with many made specifically for cannabis. Ardent is one of the earliest oil infusers and remains a market favorite.

Tips for Buying an Oil Infuser

If you’re about to buy an infuse make sure you consider the following to ensure you have the ideal option for your infusing: 

• Evaluate how often you will use the device and at what volume you will create edibles.
• What is the infuser's maximum capacity, and how efficient is it?
• How user-friendly is the device? 
• Is the device easy to clean? 
• Look for products that are certified as food-safe. 
• Confirm that the manufacturer and seller are credible. 
• Read user reviews.
• How much does the device cost?

Considering these points before buying an oil infuser helps you weigh the potential benefits and downsides. Buyers can confidently assess their options by fully understanding the device's key features, capabilities, price, and more.

How to Store Infused Oil

When considering how long an infused butter or oil will last in the fridge, consider the shelf life of its non-infused options. 

Shelf lives depend on the product in question. Typically, butter can last up to four weeks when stored in a cool, dark place away from exposure to the elements. Oils can sometimes last much longer, with some staying fresh for approximately 18 months when stored in similar settings. 

Research suggests that with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, compounds typically begin to degrade at the 12 to 24-month mark, depending on their storage methods.¹ However, items like infused gummies often have a shelf life of 2 years.

References

1. Fairbairn JW, Liebmann JA, Rowan MG. The stability of cannabis and its preparations on storage. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1976;28(1):1-7. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1976.tb04014.x ↩︎

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.