Last reviewed October 18, 2026
To make cannabis oil at home, you gently heat decarbed cannabis in a cooking oil, such as coconut or olive oil, for a few hours, then strain out the plant material. The result is an infused oil you can cook or bake with, measured by the spoonful. It’s the oil version of cannabutter.
“Cannabis oil” can mean four different things:
- Infused cooking oil: what this guide makes. For food only.
- Tincture: a measured extract in a dropper bottle. See What is a tincture?
- Vape oil: the extract inside carts and disposables. Never vape cooking oil or tinctures.
- Solvent extracts (such as RSO): made with solvents. In Canada, you’re not allowed to make cannabis products at home with organic solvents.
You’ll need
- Decarbed flower (see How to decarb weed)
- 1 cup (about 240 ml) of oil: coconut oil sets solid and suits baking; olive or a neutral oil suits cooking
- A slow cooker, double boiler or small saucepan
- Cheesecloth or a fine strainer, and a clean jar
Step by step
- Combine the oil and decarbed flower in your pot or slow cooker.
- Heat low and slow: keep it at about 70–90 °C (160–200 °F) for 2 to 3 hours. Never let it simmer or smoke.
- Stir occasionally, and add a little water to a saucepan if you’re worried about scorching. Pour it off after chilling.
- Strain through cheesecloth into a clean jar without squeezing hard.
- Label it with the date and an estimated strength, and store it sealed in a cool, dark place or the fridge.
How to use it
- Swap it for some of the regular oil in a recipe, keeping it to low and medium heat.
- Drizzle a measured amount over finished food.
- Mix the batch well before measuring, since cannabinoids can settle.
Estimate strength the same way as for cookies: grams of flower × THC % × 1,000 × 0.877 gives the most THC the batch could hold. Divide by the number of teaspoons (a cup is 48), and treat it as an upper limit.
Common questions
Which oil is best for cannabis oil?
Coconut oil is popular because it’s high in fat and sets solid for baking. Olive oil is better for savoury cooking.
Can you fry with cannabis oil?
It isn’t a good idea. High heat degrades THC and burns off flavour. Add it at the end or use it in baking.
How long does homemade cannabis oil last?
About as long as the oil itself if kept sealed, cool and dark. Throw it out if it smells off.
How long does it take to work?
Like any edible: 30 minutes to 2 hours to start, and up to 4 hours to peak.
