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How To Make Cannabis Oil

November 30, 2020

Edibles have been wildly popular for a long time, and for good reason. Most people are more familiar with the stereotypical weed brownies, but there is so much more that can be done with Pure Oasis cannabis. This brings along the question, how to make cannabis oil?

Why do people turn to edibles in the first place? The effects of cannabis, when ingested, have proven to be amplified. The effects tend to be stronger and last longer, though it takes more time to initially take effect.

Infusing Pure Oasis cannabis into oil gives the ability to include it in so much more. Cannabis oil can be used in any cooking that requires oil. Some people are put off from this process at first because it’s time consuming. Here we have explained how to do it, and given some tips and tricks to make the process easier and the end product more enjoyable.

For starters, it’s usually better to start with a lower dose than what a person might normally smoke. As stated before, edibles tend to be more strong, and there is no real way to know ahead of time just how potent it will be at the end. The recommendation is to start with a lower dose and increase as desired for the desired effect.

The first step is to pick an oil to use as a base. There’s no right or wrong answer to this, it’s 100% a matter of personal preference. The process of infusing coconut oil, for example, is no different than infusing vegetable oil. Different oils tend to be used for different things, and while infusing canola oil would be ideal for baking, it wouldn’t necessarily be used for the same things as coconut oil.

Cannabis oil only requires two ingredients: 1 cup of ground cannabis and 1 cup of the oil of your choice.

Items needed:

  • a strainer or cheesecloth
  • a grinder
  • a double boiler, slow cooker, sauce pan, whatever is available on hand

The 1:1 ratio of cannabis to oil is the standard recommendation for starters. It may take a few batches to determine the appropriate ratio for personal preference.

For the first batch, consider using a base with a more mild flavor profile, like vegetable oil. This will give a decent idea of what to expect from a taste perspective. As with any type of cooking, it can take some experimentation, some trial and error, before coming across the optimum ratio for flavor and potency.

Some people prefer using a strainer to a cheesecloth, or vice versa. A cheesecloth is generally the preferred tool, but a fine mesh strainer will work just as well. There is no particularly significant difference in outcome either way.

An electric powered blender or other machinery could really damage the cannabis, and result in a bad flavor. A hand grinder is recommended as it is more gentle and retains the good taste.

No matter what vessel is used for the infusion process, be it a double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan, this process will take several hours. For some the stove top is pretty precious real estate, and a slow cooker or instant pot better serves them. Another consideration is the smell while it’s infusing. It will start out pretty mild, but after it’s been going for a few hours, the aroma can really take over the kitchen. A slow cooker or instant pot, with their sealing lids, would combat that particular problem.

Decarboxylation is the process that activates the THC, and is necessary for the infusion to work. It requires low heat, 200 F – 220 F. This necessitates a longer process, but any higher and the activated THC gets scorched, which is not ideal. Using a saucepan requires extra care, as scorching is much more likely.

Directions:

  1. Grind the Pure Oasis cannabis
  2. Combine the oil with the cannabis in the cooking tool of your choice, and heat on low (200F-220F) for several hours
    • Slow Cooker/Crock Pot: Heat on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
    • Double Boiler: Heat on low for at least 6 hours but preferably 8, stirring occasionally
    • Saucepan: Heat on low for at least 3 hours, stirring frequently to prevent scorching
  3. Strain and store the oil
    • If using a cheesecloth to strain, don’t squeeze it. Squeezing it causes extra chlorophyll to transfer into the oil

Any leftovers can be thrown away or used in other dishes.

The oil will be good for approximately 2 months, but refrigerating can make it last longer.

Use caution when reheating this oil. It should not go in the microwave and should only be heated on low.

Pure Oasis, Boston’s first recreational cannabis shop, offers a wide variety of high-quality cannabis. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist with finding the perfect cannabis flower for any kind of oil.

Speak to a Budtender today.

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