How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

The essential guide to making potent cannabis coconut oil at home using simple kitchen equipment

How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil. Approximately ~84mg THC per tablespoon at full strength. 4 hours total, 250ml yield.


15 minPrep
3-4 hoursCook
4 hoursTotal
250mlYield
EasyDifficulty

Cannabis coconut oil is the versatile foundation of countless edible recipes, offering a shelf-stable alternative to cannabutter with superior heat tolerance and a subtle tropical flavour. This golden elixir works beautifully in everything from ANZAC biscuits to chocolate brownies, and its high saturated fat content makes it incredibly efficient at extracting and preserving THC and other cannabinoids.

This foolproof method produces approximately 5.6mg THC per gram of finished oil (assuming standard 10% THC flower), making it perfect for precise dosing in your favourite recipes. Each tablespoon delivers roughly 84mg THC — ideal for dividing into smaller portions, or calculate your exact dose with our free Edibles Dosage Calculator.


THC Per Serving

~84mg
Full Strength per tablespoon
~42mg
Half Strength per tablespoon
~21mg
Microdose per tablespoon

How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

Decarboxylate your cannabis by breaking it into small pieces and spreading on a baking tray. Bake at 110°C for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This activates the THC for maximum potency.

Pro tip: Use an Organic Cheesecloth (1.5m × 1.0m) to ensure accurate temperature — too hot destroys cannabinoids, too cool won’t activate them.

Grind the decarboxylated cannabis coarsely using a Herb Grinder (4-piece Metal) or coffee grinder. Don’t powder it — you want small chunks that will strain out easily.

Combine the ground cannabis with coconut oil in a slow cooker or double boiler. If using a slow cooker, set to low heat. For stovetop, maintain gentle heat with occasional stirring.

Infuse on low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The mixture should barely simmer — you’ll see tiny bubbles but no vigorous boiling. Temperature should stay between 70-80°C.

Pro tip: Longer infusion times (up to 6 hours) can increase potency, but watch for the oil darkening too much, which indicates cannabinoid breakdown.

Strain through cheesecloth into a clean glass jar, squeezing the plant material gently to extract remaining oil. Don’t press too hard or you’ll push unwanted plant particles through.

Cool completely before sealing. The oil will solidify at room temperature and develop its final golden colour. Store in ONGROK UV Glass Storage Jars (2-pack, Child-Resistant) with clear dosage labels.

Pro tip: Save a small amount in a separate container for testing potency before using in recipes.

Choose Your Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil has no coconut flavour and higher smoke point. Virgin oil adds subtle tropical notes but may overpower delicate recipes.

Start with Half Strength

New to edibles? Use 3.5g cannabis instead of 7g for your first batch. You can always make it stronger next time, but you can’t make it weaker.

Temperature Control

Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Staying between 70-80°C maximises extraction while preserving delicate terpenes.

Double Strain Method

Strain once through coarse mesh, then again through fine cheesecloth for the cleanest finished product with minimal plant taste.

Label Everything

Write the date, strain used, and estimated mg per tablespoon on every container. Your future self will thank you.

Lecithin Boost

Add 1 tablespoon of sunflower lecithin during the last hour of infusion to improve bioavailability and potency.

Method Duration Notes
Room temperature 3-6 months Solid at room temp, airtight container
Refrigerated 12 months Extends shelf life significantly
Frozen 2 years Portion into ice cube trays for easy measuring

Important Safety Information

  • Calculate your dose before cooking — use our free Edibles Dosage Calculator.
  • Start low, go slow. If this is your first time with edibles, try 1-2mg (about 1/4 teaspoon) and wait at least 90 minutes before having more.
  • Onset time: 30-120 minutes. Do not consume additional servings within this window.
  • Duration: Effects can last 4-8 hours.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis edibles.
  • Store securely — label all containers with contents, date, and dosage. Keep away from children, pets, and unsuspecting housemates.
  • Legal context: Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in most Australian states. Medicinal cannabis is available through TGA-approved prescriptions. Know your state’s laws.
  • Emergency: Australian Poisons Information Centre — 13 11 26 (24 hours)


Do I need to decarboxylate the cannabis first?

Yes, decarboxylation is essential. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which isn’t psychoactive. Heat converts THCA to THC, making your oil potent. Skip this step and you’ll have expensive coconut oil with minimal effects.

Can I use ABV (already been vaped) cannabis?

Absolutely! ABV cannabis is already partially decarboxylated, so you can skip the oven step and go straight to infusion. Use about 10-14g ABV to replace 7g fresh flower, as it’s less potent but still effective.

How long does cannabis coconut oil take to kick in?

Effects typically begin 30-120 minutes after consumption, depending on your metabolism, stomach contents, and tolerance. Coconut oil is absorbed faster than some fats, but still requires patience.

Why is my oil so dark/green?

Dark colour usually means high chlorophyll extraction from over-grinding, excessive heat, or too-long infusion. It’s still potent but may taste more “planty.” Next time, grind coarser and monitor temperature carefully.

Can I substitute other oils for coconut oil?

Yes, but results vary. Olive oil works well but has stronger flavour. MCT oil stays liquid and has neutral taste. Avoid low-fat options — cannabinoids need saturated fats for proper extraction.

What if I accidentally made it too strong?

You can dilute strong oil with plain coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio to halve the potency. Always test a small amount first and recalculate dosages. It’s easier to dilute than to strengthen weak oil.


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