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Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil: The Golden Elixir of Cannabis Cooking
Because butter isnโt the only thing that gets you baked.
(Simple, Effective, and Delicious)
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
This isnโt just olive oilโitโs olive oil with benefits. Whether youโre elevating roasted veggies, dressing up a salad, or mellowing out pasta night, cannabis-infused olive oil lets you sneak therapeutic magic into your mealsโwithout sugar, smoke, or complicated prep.
Olive oil is already a health food darling. Add cannabis, and youโve got yourself a multifunctional edible thatโs as functional as it is flavorful. Plus, itโs discreet, easy to dose, and ideal for people looking to manage pain, anxiety, inflammation, or sleepโminus the lung irritation.
Health Perks of This Herbal Power Couple
โ๏ธ Anti-inflammatory support (great for achy joints and muscles)
โ๏ธ Brain benefits (thanks to olive oilโs polyphenols + cannabis neuroprotection)
โ๏ธ Gut-friendly (a smoother edible experience for your stomach)
โ๏ธ Relaxation without the rollercoaster (ideal for winding down or sleeping soundly)
What Youโll Need
๐ ๏ธ Materials
Mason jar (for storing your potion)
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Saucepan or double boiler
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven-safe thermometer (optional but helpful)
๐ฅฌ Ingredients
3.5 grams decarboxylated cannabis (strain of your choice)
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (choose one youโd enjoy raw)
Step-by-Step Instructions
๐ฅ Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis
This is what โactivatesโ THC. Without it, youโve got expensive grass-flavored oil.
Preheat oven to 225ยฐF (105ยฐC)
Break cannabis into small, even pieces
Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Bake for 30โ40 minutes, stirring every 10โ15 minutes
Your cannabis should look dry and lightly goldenโnever dark or charred
๐ก Fun Fact: THCA (non-psychoactive) becomes THC (psychoactive) via heat. Thatโs why this step is non-negotiable.
Pro tip: If you want a milder effect, decarb for slightly less time, or use a higher CBD strain.
๐ณ Step 2: Infuse the Oil
Now we bring the fat and cannabinoids together.
Combine decarbed cannabis and olive oil in your saucepan or double boiler
Simmer on low heat for 2โ3 hours, keeping it between 200โ245ยฐF (93โ118ยฐC)
Stir occasionally. Do not let it boilโboiling burns off cannabinoids = sadness
If youโre worried about smell, use a lid or infuse outdoors
Keep it just below a simmerโslow and steady preserves potency.
Tip: If youโre concerned about odor, use a double boiler setup with a lid.
๐ซ Step 3: Strain & Store
Let the oil cool slightly
Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into a clean mason jar
Label your jar with the date and strain used
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months
Refrigeration can extend shelf life to a year (but the oil may solidifyโjust warm it before use)
How to Use It
Use it as you would any high-quality finishing oil:
Drizzle over roasted veggies or avocado toast ๐ฅ
Swirl into hummus, soups, or pasta ๐
Add to dressings or sauces (off heat!)
Take a spoonful before your in-laws arrive (kiddingโฆ mostly)
โ ๏ธ Avoid high-heat cooking (above 300ยฐF/150ยฐC) to preserve cannabinoid content.
Dosing Guide: Donโt Wing It, Measure It
๐ก Dosing is not one-size-fits-allโbut hereโs a solid starting point.
Assuming your cannabis is 20% THC:
3.5g = ~700mg THC total
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp
1 tbsp = ~43.75mg THC
1 tsp = ~14.6mg THC
๐ง Recommended Starting Doses:
Beginner: ยผ tsp (~3.6mg THC)
Moderate: ยฝ tsp (~7.3mg THC)
Strong: 1 tsp (~14.6mg THC)
โ ๏ธ Start low and slow. Edibles take 30โ120 minutes to kick in, and the effects can last 4โ8 hours. Patience prevents panic.
๐ก Pro Tip: Want to be sure about your oilโs potency? Consider having it tested by a local lab for accurate dosing. If youโre an experienced consumer and choose to skip testing, start with a very small amount and increase graduallyโunexpectedly high doses can turn a relaxing experience into an uncomfortable one.
Storage & Safety Tips
Keep away from kids, pets, and unsuspecting guests
Label clearly (no accidental salad surprises)
Cloudiness from refrigeration is normalโjust warm it up before use
Why Olive Oil?
Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Itโs stable at room temp, delicious raw, and an ideal carrier for cannabinoids. In other words, itโs not just tastyโitโs smart.
Downloadable recipe card for Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil:
๐ฅย Cannabis_Infused_Olive_Oil_Recipe_Card