While cannabis oil can be purchased at dispensaries and online retailers, it can also be made at home using a few simple ingredients and tools. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make cannabis oil at home.
Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand the basics of cannabis oil and its uses. Cannabis oil is made by extracting the THC and CBD compounds from the cannabis plant using a solvent, such as alcohol or oil.
These compounds are responsible for the psychoactive and medicinal effects of marijuana, and can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Cannabis oil is also popular for its versatility – it can be taken orally, vaporized, or used topically.
Also, keep note that you require an online medical card from a licensed medical health professional to purchase medical marijuana in California.
Now that you have a general understanding of cannabis oil, let’s get started on the process of making it at home.
What You Will Need:
- Cannabis flowers or trim
- Solvent (alcohol or oil)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar or bowl
- Cooking thermometer
- Stirring utensil
- Slow cooker or double boiler
- Storage container (dark glass bottle with dropper or syringe)
Step 1: Decarboxylation
Before you can extract the THC and CBD from the cannabis plant, you must first decarboxylate it. This process involves heating the cannabis to a specific temperature in order to activate the THC and CBD compounds. Without decarboxylation, your cannabis oil will not have the desired potency.
To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 245°F (118°C). Grind your cannabis flowers or trim into a fine consistency, and spread it out evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cannabis is dry and crumbly.
Step 2: Extraction
Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to extract the THC and CBD. There are two methods for extracting cannabis oil at home – using alcohol or oil as a solvent. We will cover both methods below.
- Alcohol Extraction
For this method, you will need a high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear. Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a glass jar or bowl, and cover it with the alcohol. Stir the mixture for several minutes to ensure that all of the THC and CBD is extracted.
Next, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant matter. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Oil Extraction
For this method, you will need a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Place your decarboxylated cannabis in a slow cooker or double boiler, and cover it with the carrier oil.
Heat the mixture to between 245-295°F (118-146°C) for several hours, stirring occasionally. A cooking thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature.
Once the mixture has heated for several hours, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant matter. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 3: Evaporation
At this point, you should have a liquid mixture containing the THC and CBD from the cannabis plant. The next step is to evaporate the solvent, whether it be alcohol or oil, to leave behind the concentrated cannabis oil.
For the alcohol extraction method, place the liquid mixture in a wide, shallow dish and let it sit until the alcohol has evaporated, leaving behind the cannabis oil. This process can take several days, depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment.
For the oil extraction method, transfer the liquid mixture to a slow cooker or double boiler and heat it to between 220-250°F (104-121°C). The oil will begin to evaporate, leaving behind the cannabis oil. This process can take several hours, and a cooking thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature.
Step 4: Storage
Once the solvent has been fully evaporated, your cannabis oil is ready for storage. It’s important to store it in a dark, airtight container to preserve its potency and shelf life. A dark glass bottle with a dropper or syringe works well for this purpose.
It’s also important to label your cannabis oil with the date it was made and the strain of cannabis used. This will allow you to track the potency and effectiveness of your oil over time.
Conclusion
Making cannabis oil at home may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective process. It’s important to remember to always follow safety guidelines and to use caution when handling solvents. By following the steps outlined above, you can create your own high-quality cannabis oil for personal use.