Why is coconut oil popular for cannabis infusion?

Coconut oil’s popularity for cannabis infusion stems from its high concentration of fatty acids, making it an ideal binding agent for cannabis compounds like cannabinoids.

These compounds are lipid soluble and readily bind to fats. Compared to olive oil or butter, coconut oil boasts over 80% saturated fats, enhancing its ability to retain cannabinoids during infusion.

Additionally, coconut oil’s higher smoke point reduces the risk of burning during heating.

Weed butter vs. Coconut oil: Is coconut oil or butter better for edibles?

When considering whether to use infused butter or coconut oil for edibles, it boils down to personal preference and dietary requirements.

Coconut oil’s high-fat content allows it to absorb a greater concentration of cannabinoids, making it suitable for vegan consumers and those with lactose intolerance.

Conversely, butter offers a richer flavor and texture in baked goods and accommodates individuals with tree nut allergies.

How to make cannabis cooking oil

Coconut oil uses and health benefits

Beyond cannabis infusion, coconut oil offers numerous health benefits. With its abundance of healthy fatty acids, it serves as a healthier alternative to butter, canola, or olive oil for cannabis infusion.

Its solid state at room temperature facilitates convenient storage and makes it an excellent medium for topical applications.

Moreover, its solid form simplifies the process of encapsulating cannabis oil for precise dosing in gelatin capsules, ensuring accurate oral consumption.

Choosing the right coconut oil for your weed infusion

When selecting coconut oil for your cannabis infusion, you’ll encounter two primary categories: refined and unrefined (virgin). Unrefined coconut oil undergoes minimal processing, retaining the fresh aroma, flavor, and antioxidants of coconuts, making it ideal for topical applications and recipes where flavor is desired.

In contrast, refined coconut oil undergoes processes like deodorizing and bleaching, resulting in a milder flavor and a higher smoke point, making it better suited for baking and infusions.

MCT oil, derived from coconut oil, contains the same healthy fats but boasts smaller molecules, facilitating easier digestion.

All of these options are suitable for the recipes outlined in this guide, depending on your preferences.

How to make cannabis-infused coconut oil

Materials:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Saucepan, stock pot, double-boiler, or slow cooker
• Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Container for cannabis oil
• Cannabis grinder (optional)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground cannabis flower (7-10 grams)
• 1 cup coconut oil

For cannabis coconut oil, a recommended ratio is 1:1 of cannabis to oil. Adjust the amount of cannabis for milder effects as desired.

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Directions for making cannabis-infused coconut oil

1. Decarb the Cannabis: Activate the cannabis by decarboxylating it, converting THCA into THC, the psychoactive compound. Break up the cannabis and place it loosely on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Heat it in an oven at 245ºF for 30-40 minutes.
2. Grind or Break Down Cannabis: Achieve an even consistency by grinding the cannabis using a grinder or your hands. Avoid grinding it into a fine powder, as anything small enough to fit through a strainer will end up in your final product.
3. Heat Oil and Decarbed Cannabis: Combine the oil and decarbed cannabis in a double-boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, ensuring that the oil’s temperature remains between 160-200ºF.
4. Strain and Store the Oil: Place a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a container for the oil and pour the oil-cannabis mixture through it. Avoid squeezing it out, as this can introduce more chlorophyll, resulting in a more vegetal taste. Discard the plant material. The oil can be stored for at least two months and can be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.

Can I infuse RSO, shatter, or distillate into coconut oil?

Absolutely! If the concentrate is oil-based and contains lipids, coconut oil will effectively bind to it. You can utilize our recipe for infusing coconut oil with cannabis with slight adjustments to accommodate these concentrates.

It’s important to note that various extracts and concentrates may have different decarboxylation temperatures compared to cannabis flower due to their varying degrees of plant material.

Additionally, because they boast a much higher concentration of cannabinoids, especially THC, monitoring your dosage closely is essential to avoid getting too high for your personal tolerance levels.

How to use cannabis coconut oil?

Cannabis coconut oil is commonly added to food during cooking to infuse dishes with cannabis goodness. We advise starting with a small amount to gauge its potency before incorporating it into larger portions of a dish.

You can also incorporate it into hot beverages, as it will melt into a liquid form, although it may impart an oily mouthfeel.

Edible recipes with coconut oil

Infused coconut oil serves as an excellent substitute for weed butter in edible recipes. Moreover, it can be used alongside weed butter for added potency.

Below are some of our favorite recipes that can be prepared using coconut oil.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

Other ways to use cannabis-infused coconut or MCT oil

Cannabis-infused coconut oil offers versatility beyond culinary applications. Here are alternative ways to harness its benefits:

1. Topical Pain Relief: Apply cannabis coconut oil directly to the skin for localized pain relief. Use it as you would a salve or cream, or enhance your regular body and facial moisturizers with a dollop for added smoothing and antioxidant properties.
2. Sensual Lubricant: While cannabis coconut oil can serve as a sensual lubricant, exercise caution as it may weaken condoms. Oil and latex do not mix well.
3. Discrete Capsules and Suppositories: Utilize infused coconut oil to create discrete capsules or suppositories for convenient and discreet consumption.
4. Oil Pulling: Incorporate coconut oil into your oral hygiene routine through oil pulling. Swish a small amount of coconut oil during regular teeth brushing to help eliminate bacteria from teeth and gums, offering anti-inflammatory benefits as well.

Explore the diverse ways to integrate cannabis-infused coconut or MCT oil into your lifestyle for both wellness and pleasure.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.