Cannabis-infused MCT oil is one of my favorite base infusions because of its light and neutral flavor, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of homemade edibles without altering the taste of your recipes. From drizzling it over salads to blending it into smoothies or incorporating it into baked goods, MCT oil is a reliable choice for sweet and savory edibles. It has a smooth texture and fast absorption making it a great option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis through food. I prefer to use MCT oil that is 100% coconut-derived because it is flavorless and stays liquid, even at room temp!
About This Recipe
MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) is typically derived from coconut or palm oil. Coconut oil, as its name suggests, is extracted from coconuts and contains a mix of fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut oil will remain solid at room temperature and can have a mild coconut flavor, while MCT oil remains liquid at room temperature and has a pretty neutral flavor.
Before we continue, lets go ahead and gather up our ingredients and supplies. For cannabis-infused MCT oil (coconut oil) we will need..
- decarboxylated cannabis flower or concentrate
- MCT oil (or coconut oil)
- heatproof glass jar
- medium-sized saucepan
- thermometer
- fine-mesh strainer
- cheesecloth
Tips & Tricks
Calculate Potency: Take note of the total starting THC/CBD percentage of the cannabis flower or concentrate, (flower typically ranges from 10-35% THC, while concentrates range from 70-90% THC) and estimate the potency of the cannabis infused MCT oil using an online THC/CBD calculators.
Keep the Temperature Low: While infusing, avoid letting your cannabis-infused MCT oil exceed 190°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, keep the water at a very gentle simmer, and never let it reach a full boil.
Avoid Water Contamination: Make sure your glass jar stays upright in the saucepan, while infusing. If it’s unsteady, add more oil or cannabis to weigh it down and keep it stable.
Be Gentle When Straining: When separating the plant material, press lightly to release the infused-cannabis MCT oil. Avoid squeezing hard, as this can cause extra chlorophyll to get into the oil, resulting in a grassy flavor.
Proper Dosing: Always start with a small dosage and wait about 45–60 minutes before deciding if you need to take more for higher potency. Remember, you can always take more, but you can’t take less!
Infused MCT Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cup MCT Oil (Coconut Oil)
- 7 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower or concentrate
Instructions
- Combine MCT Oil and Cannabis: In a mason jar, add the MCT (or coconut) oil and decarbed cannabis. Fill a saucepan with water until it reaches halfway to three-quarters up the side of the jar, then place the jar into the saucepan.
- Heat and Infuse: Set the saucepan over low heat to create a double boiler effect. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, and avoiding boiling water. Ensure the cannabis is fully submerged in the oil and maintain a temperature between 160°F and 180°F for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and Store: Carefully remove the mason jar from the water bath and let the infused MCT/coconut oil cool for at least 10 minutes. Strain it through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean container. Label your infused cannabis coconut oil, and store it in an air-tight container. Store in a cool and dark spot.
FAQ
How do I store Cannabis-Infused MCT Oil (coconut oil) ?
Store your cannabis-infused MCT oil in an airtight container and a cool, dark place. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it, although just keep in mind that it may solidify, just warm it up before using. Be sure to properly label the container with the infusion date.
How long can Cannabis-Infused MCT Oil (coconut oil) be stored for?
Properly stored, your infused MCT oil can stay fresh for 2-3 months, but Ive had success with infusions that have been over 6 months old (with proper storage, it can last you a very long time).
For cannabis-infused coconut oil, should I use refined or unrefined (virgin) coconut oil?
Coconut oil comes in both refined and virgin (unrefined) versions. Virgin coconut oil is minimally processed and thus contains more nutrients and a strong coconut flavor, while refined coconut oil has a more neutral flavor and a higher smoking point. When making cannabis-infused coconut oil, I generally use unrefined coconut oil.
Can I make Cannabis-Infused MCT Oil (or coconut oil) without decarboxylating cannabis?
Decarboxylating is a crucial step for making infused oils, its the reason why you cannot eat raw cannabis flower get “high”. There is a whole scientific process and chemical reactions that occur when decarbing cannabis flower. If you would like a different (and quicker) method that combines the decarbing step and infusing step into one, you can follow my guide.
Conclusion
Cannabis infused MCT oil is an extremely versatile ingredient and I make sure to always have it stocked in my pantry. Since MCT oil is naturally tasteless and liquid at room temperature, its very easy to mix into drinks (e.g. teas, coffee, smoothies). I hope you have found this guide helpful, and as with any edibles always start with consuming a small dosage, and wait at least 40-60 mins before consuming more.
