Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis (ground)
Instructions:
- Combine the coconut oil and cannabis in a double boiler, or heat-safe bowl on top of a pot of water.
- Heat the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After the infusion, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove plant matter.
- Store the infused coconut oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This cannabis-infused coconut oil can be used as a base for various recipes, including baked goods and cooking.
What the science says:
While there isn’t extensive scientific research specifically on cannabis-infused coconut oil, there is research on cannabis edibles and the process of infusing oils with cannabis. Infusing coconut oil with cannabis involves decarboxylation and extraction, two important steps in creating edibles.
- Decarboxylation: This is the process of heating cannabis to convert the non-psychoactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into the psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). A study by Ross et al. (2013) explored the optimal conditions for decarboxylation, concluding that heating at 110°C for 110 minutes produced the highest THC content (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236235613).
- Extraction: Cannabis can be infused into oils, like coconut oil, through lipid extraction. The cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are fat-soluble and can bind to the lipids in the oil. A study by Ciolino et al. (2018) examined the extraction efficiency of cannabinoids into different edible fats, including coconut oil, concluding that cannabinoid extraction efficiency varied based on factors like the ratio of cannabis to oil and the extraction temperature (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286318301843).
- Benefits of coconut oil: Coconut oil is a popular choice for cannabis infusions because it contains a high concentration of saturated fats, which can effectively absorb and bind to cannabinoids. Additionally, coconut oil is solid at room temperature, making it suitable for recipes like gummies and baked goods. Coconut oil is also known for its various health benefits, such as its potential to improve cholesterol levels, promote weight loss, and provide a source of quick energy due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) content.
While these studies do not specifically focus on cannabis-infused coconut oil, they provide insight into the processes involved in creating it and the potential benefits it offers. More research is needed to understand the full implications and efficiency of cannabis-infused coconut oil and its effects on human health.
Always start with a small portion and wait 1-2 hours to feel the full effects before consuming more. The potency of cannabis-infused edibles varies depending on the strength of the cannabis used and individual tolerance levels. Be sure to clearly label any cannabis-infused products and store them safely away from children and pets.
More Cannabis Recipes: Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil – Cannabis Gummies – Cannabis Brownies