How to Make Cannabis Oil at Home (CBD and THC)

Quick answer: To make cannabis oil at home, decarboxylate your ground flower (about 240 F / 115 C for 30-40 minutes), then gently warm it in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for a couple of hours, strain, and store. Use CBD-rich flower for non-intoxicating CBD oil, or high-THC flower for THC oil. Dose carefully, as edibles are strong and slow.

Making cannabis oil at home is simpler than it sounds, and it puts you in control of quality, potency and flavour. The same basic method makes either a non-intoxicating CBD oil or a THC oil for edibles; the only real difference is the flower you start with. It is also cheaper than buying ready-made and lets you know exactly what is in your oil.

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The process comes down to two essential steps, decarboxylation and infusion, plus careful dosing at the end. Get those right and you can turn flower into a versatile oil for cooking, capsules or adding to food. The sections below walk through each step.

CBD Oil vs Cannabis Oil

Although people use the terms loosely, CBD oil and cannabis oil are different products. CBD oil is made from CBD-rich hemp or strains and contains very little THC, so it is non-intoxicating and used mainly for wellness and calm. Cannabis oil is made from high-THC flower and does get you high, which makes it the base for most edibles.

The good news is the home method is identical for both; you simply choose your starting flower. Decide first what you want: a clear-headed CBD oil, a potent THC oil, or a balanced blend from a mixed-ratio strain. That choice drives everything else.

What You Need

You do not need special gear, just a few kitchen basics:

• Your chosen flower (CBD-rich or high-THC), ground, roughly 7-14 g per cup of oil.
• A carrier oil: coconut or olive oil works best for absorbing cannabinoids.
• A double boiler or slow cooker for gentle, controlled heat.
• A grinder, a fine strainer or cheesecloth, and a clean glass jar for storage.
• An oven and baking tray for decarboxylation.

Step-by-Step: Decarb, Infuse, Strain

Here is the full process from flower to finished oil:

1. Decarboxylate: spread ground flower on a lined tray and bake at about 240 F (115 C) for 30-40 minutes to activate the cannabinoids.
2. Combine: add the decarbed flower and your carrier oil to a double boiler or slow cooker, roughly 7-14 g per cup of oil.
3. Infuse: warm gently (ideally 160-200 F / 70-95 C) for two to three hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil or scorch.
4. Strain: pour through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar, squeezing out the oil.
5. Store: seal and keep cool and dark. Label it clearly with the date and strength.

Dosing Your Homemade Oil Safely

Homemade oil potency is approximate, so treat dosing with care, especially for THC oil. Edibles and oils take 30 to 90 minutes to take effect, which is exactly why people accidentally take too much. Start with a small amount, wait at least an hour or two, and only then decide whether to take more.

To estimate strength, consider the flower’s cannabinoid content and how much oil you made, then start well below what you think you need. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to THC dosage for edibles. For more on the oil itself, our guides to cannabis oil extraction methods and cannabis coconut oil go further.

FAQs

How do you make cannabis oil at home?

Decarboxylate ground flower at about 240 F (115 C) for 30-40 minutes, then gently warm it in coconut or olive oil for two to three hours without boiling. Strain through cheesecloth and store in a sealed glass jar, cool and dark. Use CBD-rich flower for CBD oil or high-THC flower for THC oil.

What is the best oil to make cannabis oil with?

Coconut oil and olive oil are the top choices, because their fat content absorbs cannabinoids well. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which binds cannabinoids efficiently and sets solid for capsules; olive oil has a pleasant flavour for food. Both work; pick based on how you plan to use the oil.

How long does homemade cannabis oil last?

Stored in a sealed glass container, cool and dark, homemade cannabis oil typically keeps for several months, and longer refrigerated. Coconut oil lasts especially well. Keep it out of light and heat to slow degradation, label it with the date and strength, and keep it well away from children and pets.

Can you make cannabis oil without decarbing?

You can, but it will be weak. Raw flower contains THCA and CBDA, which are not very active until heat converts them to THC and CBD. Skipping decarboxylation leaves most of the potential locked up, so your oil will have little effect. For potent oil, always decarb the flower first.

How strong is homemade cannabis oil?

It depends on the flower’s potency and how much you use per batch, so homemade oil strength is always approximate. Because you cannot measure it precisely at home, treat it cautiously: start with a very small dose, wait an hour or two, and scale up slowly once you know how a given batch affects you.

Is it legal to make cannabis oil at home?

It depends entirely on where you live and your local cannabis laws. In places where growing and possessing cannabis is legal, making oil for personal use is generally allowed, but rules vary widely by country and state. Check your local regulations first, since this is general information, not legal advice.

Can I use cannabis oil in cooking?

Yes. Cannabis-infused coconut or olive oil works in most recipes where you would use oil or butter, from salad dressings to baked goods. Avoid very high heat, which can degrade cannabinoids, and dose by the finished portion so each serving is consistent. Start low, since edibles are slow to take effect and easy to overdo.