Before diving into the recipe, gather the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

2 cups of olive oil: You can choose between extra virgin olive oil for its health benefits and flavor or pure olive oil for a more neutral taste.
1 ounce of CBD-rich cannabis flower: The strain you choose will affect the potency and flavor of your oil.

Tools

Oven: For decarboxylating the cannabis.
Mason jars: For the infusion process.
Crock-Pot or double boiler: To maintain low heat during infusion.
Strainer or cheesecloth: For filtering the infused oil.

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Decarboxylation is a crucial step that activates the beneficial compounds in cannabis. To decarb your cannabis:

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Grind the cannabis into small pieces and spread it evenly on a baking tray.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This process converts CBDA to CBD, maximizing its benefits.

Step 2: Prepare the Infusion

Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it with olive oil:

Combine the decarboxylated cannabis and olive oil in a mason jar, leaving some space at the top.
Seal the jar loosely to allow steam to escape during the infusion process.
Set up your Crock-Pot: Place a dishcloth at the bottom to prevent the jars from cracking, and fill it with water to cover the jars about halfway.
Heat the water to about 185°F (85°C) and then switch the Crock-Pot to low. Place the mason jars in the water and let them infuse for 4 hours.

Step 3: Strain the Infused Oil

After the infusion time is complete, remove the jars from the Crock-Pot and allow them to cool slightly. Then, strain the oil:

Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the plant material, ensuring a smooth oil.
Store the infused oil in an airtight container, preferably glass, in a cool, dark place. It can last for about 60 days if stored properly.

CBD-infused olive oil is versatile and can be used in various culinary applications:

Drizzle over salads as a dressing.
Use in cooking: Substitute regular oil in recipes, but avoid high heat to preserve cannabinoids.
Add to dips and sauces for an extra health boost.
Incorporate into baked goods: Just remember to keep the baking temperature below 340°F to avoid degrading the CBD.

What Type of Olive Oil Should I Use?

You can choose between extra virgin olive oil, which offers more health benefits and a robust flavor, or pure olive oil, which has a higher smoke point and a more neutral taste. For cold dishes, extra virgin is preferred, while pure olive oil can be used for cooking.

How Potent is CBD Olive Oil?

The potency of your CBD oil will depend on the strain of cannabis used and the ratio of cannabis to oil. Typically, using 1 ounce of cannabis in 2 cups of olive oil will yield about 28 milligrams of CBD per tablespoon of oil.

Can I Store CBD Olive Oil?

Yes, store your CBD olive oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration can solidify the oil, but it will return to liquid at room temperature. Properly stored, it can last for up to 60 days.

Making CBD oil with olive oil is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the benefits of CBD in a delicious and versatile form. By following the steps outlined above, you can create your own infused oil at home, perfect for enhancing your culinary creations or for personal wellness. Always remember to start with a low dosage and adjust according to your preferences. Happy infusing!