Cannabis Coconut Oil: Easy Recipe and Benefits
Cannabis-infused coconut oil is one of the most versatile edibles bases you can make, great for baking, cooking and even topicals. Coconut oil is especially good for infusions because it is high in fat, which is what cannabinoids bind to. Here is a simple, reliable step-by-step recipe.
Coconut oil works so well because it is rich in saturated fat, and cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so they bind to it efficiently for a potent, even infusion. The one non-negotiable step is decarboxylation: gently heat your flower first, or the oil will contain inactive THCA and barely work. The table below sums up the key temperatures and ratios.
Recommended Strains
Green Crack
|
THC | 21% (Medium) |
|
Type | Feminized |
|
Yield | High |
|
Phenotype | 35% Indica / 65% Sativa |
Green Crack Auto
|
|
THC | 18% - 20% (Medium) |
|
|
Type | Autoflowering |
|
|
Yield | High |
|
|
Phenotype | 50% Indica / 50% Sativa |
| Step | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Decarb | 240 F (115 C) for about 30-40 minutes before infusing |
| Ratio | Roughly 1 cup of oil to 7-10 g of flower (adjust to taste) |
| Infuse | Low heat for 2-3 hours; do not exceed about 245 F (118 C) |
| Dose | Work out total THC, divide by servings; start around 5 mg |
What You Need
- 1 cup coconut oil (unrefined, virgin works best)
- 7-10 grams of cannabis
- Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
- A glass jar with a tight lid
- A double boiler or slow cooker, and a spoon or spatula
Promos & Deals
How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil, Step by Step
- Decarboxylate the cannabis. Break it up, spread it on a lined tray, and bake at 240-245F (115-120C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This activates the THC.
- Melt the oil. Gently melt the coconut oil in a double boiler or slow cooker over low heat.
- Add the cannabis. Stir the decarbed flower into the melted oil until it is fully immersed.
- Infuse. Keep the temperature at 160-200F (70-93C) and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it get hotter, or you degrade the cannabinoids.
- Strain. Pour through cheesecloth into the glass jar and press to squeeze out every drop; discard the plant material.
- Store. Cool, seal, and keep somewhere cool and dark for up to about two months, or refrigerate for longer.
Dosing note: edibles are strong and slow. Always start with a small amount, especially if you are new, and wait up to 2 hours before having more. For a full breakdown, see our guide to THC dosage for edibles.
What to Use Cannabis Coconut Oil For
In the kitchen, cannabis coconut oil is a brilliant all-purpose base. Swap it in for butter or other oils in almost any recipe, brownies, cookies, savory dishes, or use it to make gummies and other treats. Because it is a neutral, creamy fat, it blends in without overpowering the dish.
The main thing to watch when cooking is heat and dosing: very high temperatures degrade cannabinoids, so fold the oil into recipes rather than frying hard with it, and always calculate the dose per serving so a tray of brownies does not become a surprise. It also makes an easy base for capsules if you prefer a measured, tasteless option.
Skincare and Topicals
Beyond the kitchen, cannabis coconut oil works as a simple topical: blend it with a few essential oils for a moisturizing balm. Applied to the skin it is non-psychoactive, so it is an easy way to use a batch that is milder than you wanted for edibles.
A key point for topicals is that they are generally non-psychoactive: applied to the skin, cannabis coconut oil targets localized areas without getting you high, since the cannabinoids do not reach the bloodstream in the same way. Do a small patch test first for sensitivity, and store any balm somewhere cool so the coconut oil does not go rancid.
A Note on Coconut Oil and Health
Coconut oil is rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which the body absorbs easily, and that is partly why it works so well for infusions. You will see claims that coconut oil boosts metabolism or heart health, but the evidence there is mixed and debated, so take those with a pinch of salt. The honest benefit for our purposes is simple: it is an efficient, shelf-stable fat for carrying cannabinoids. Balance that convenience with the fact that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so edibles made with it are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a normal diet. Some people prefer MCT oil specifically for a lighter option. None of this is medical advice, so if you have cholesterol or heart concerns, factor your edibles into the bigger dietary picture.
Recipe Variations
For a stronger batch, double-infuse: run the strained oil through the process a second time with fresh decarbed flower for a higher cannabinoid content (dose it carefully, it will be potent). For flavor, a rich, flavorful strain pairs naturally with coconut oil’s creaminess; pick one whose aroma you enjoy, since it carries through into the finished oil.
A spoon of sunflower lecithin helps the oil emulsify and can make edibles feel more potent, while added flavorings or essential oils (for topicals only) let you customise a batch. Always strain the plant material out thoroughly through cheesecloth, and store the finished oil in the fridge, where it keeps for a couple of months.
Ways to Use Your Infused Oil
- Edibles: gummies, chocolates, baked goods, even salad dressings.
- Cooking: a one-for-one swap for butter or oil in most recipes.
- Topicals: blend into homemade balms, soaps or lotions.
- Capsules: fill empty gel caps for a simple, pre-measured dose.
Coconut Oil vs Butter for Edibles
Cannabutter is the classic, but coconut oil has real advantages for infusions. Coconut oil is higher in saturated fat than butter, and cannabinoids bind to fat, so it can carry a potent dose efficiently. It is also dairy-free and vegan, which makes it the better base for anyone avoiding dairy, and it works in both sweet and savory recipes as well as in capsules and topicals. Butter still wins on flavor in baked goods like classic brownies, where its taste is part of the appeal. A simple rule: use coconut oil when you want versatility, a neutral base or a vegan option, and cannabutter when the buttery flavor matters to the recipe.
FAQs about coconut oil weed recipe
Can I substitute cannabis coconut oil for butter in recipes?
Yes, in most recipes you can swap it roughly one-for-one for butter or other oils. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature like butter, so it behaves similarly in baking. Keep the total fat the same as the recipe calls for, account for the potency per serving, and remember that coconut oil adds a very mild coconut note to delicate recipes.
How long do you cook cannabis coconut oil?
On the stovetop or in a double boiler, infuse for 2-3 hours at a low 160-200F (70-93C), stirring occasionally. In a slow cooker on low you can go a little longer, but do not let the oil overheat, since high heat degrades the cannabinoids rather than extracting more.
What is the best way to strain cannabis coconut oil?
Pour the warm (not hot) oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into your jar, then press the cloth to squeeze out every last drop. Let it cool slightly first to avoid burns. This leaves a smooth, clean oil with no gritty plant material.
Do I need to decarb my flower first?
Yes. Without decarboxylation the THC stays as THCA and will not get you high. Bake the broken-up flower at 240-245F (115-120C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, before adding it to the oil. Skipping this step is the most common reason homemade edibles come out weak.
Do I need to add lecithin?
No, it is optional. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping the cannabinoids distribute evenly through the oil and, some say, absorb more consistently. It can improve the texture and consistency of edibles, but your oil will work fine without it.
How do I calculate the right dose?
Roughly estimate total THC from the flower’s percentage and weight, divide across the finished oil, and remember homemade infusion is never exact. The safe rule is to start with a very small amount, wait up to 2 hours, and increase slowly. Our edible dosage guide walks through the math.
How long should you infuse coconut oil with weed?
Two to three hours at a low 160-200F (70-93C) is the sweet spot. That gives the cannabinoids time to bind to the fat in the oil without the heat degrading the THC or CBD. Stir occasionally and keep the temperature down for the cleanest, most potent result.
