How to Make Cannabis Infused Olive Oil: A Step-by-Step Recipe

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Decarb. Infuse. Drizzle. Done. 

Let’s talk about how to make some cannabis infused olive oil that’s potent, easy-to-dose, and versatile enough to become your new daily driver.

After 13 years of developing cannabis recipes, I can confidently say: cannabis-infused olive oil is a champ.

If you’re looking for something elevating, this cannabis infused olive oil recipe is simple, strong, and packed with benefits – especially when made with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

If you’re seeking something balancing, CBD-infused olive oil can be the affordable supplement that can unlock better skin, sleep, mood, and digestion. 

Plus, if you’re looking to create a savory edible that tastes good, olive oil’s flavor profile goes great with cannabis’ herbaceousness (not a word, but should be 🤓).

And for all of those reasons – and for the many I’m going to share with you in this post – I’ve been making homemade cannabis infused olive oil for well over a decade and almost always have a bottle on hand.

But while wrapping up my new cookbook Highly Medicinal, I realized something wild: there’s never been a full step-by-step cannabis infused olive oil recipe on the blog.

I’ll be honest. While Wake + Bake is my first and most treasured love child, she’s been mighty neglected over the years as life has continued to life all over itself.

But not today!

Today, I’m sharing exactly how I make cannabis infused olive oil – from how to decarb cannabis for olive oil to choosing the best olive oil for cannabis infusion – along with tips on cannabis olive oil dosage, storage, and how to leverage the power of this healthy fat and medicinal plant to feel better than ever before.

Because this isn’t just about tossing weed in some oil and hoping for the best.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newcomer, using cannabis infused olive oil in your recipes can elevate your dishes to new heights.

This is about infusing with intention and science, unlocking the full potential of this plant medicine, and creating something that helps you feel great (and tastes amazing to boot).

Let’s do it.

What is Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil?

Cannabis-infused olive oil is like Martha and Snoop.
An unexpected duo that just works.

One’s an elegant staple, full of wholesome perfection.

The other brings a little edge, a little fun, and a shit ton of weed.

And when they team up? It has that feel-good, could do it every day, kind of quality to it.

Olive oil is known for its rich monounsaturated fats and antioxidants—great for heart health, reducing inflammation, and potentially even for things like weight loss and Alzheimers. It also happens to be an excellent carrier oil, meaning it extracts cannabinoids at a very high rate – making it a potent choice for infusions.

Now, enter cannabis.

Whether you’re infusing for THC, CBD, or a custom ratio, cannabis brings in compounds that interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) – your body’s built-in system for maintaining balance in things like mood, sleep, appetite, and stress response.

When you combine the two, olive oil and cannabis create something that’s more than the sum of its parts.

The fat in the olive oil bonds with the cannabinoids during infusion, making them more bioavailable (science-speak for easier to absorb and actually use).

It’s functional and healthy, but with a vibe.

And like Martha, you can make just about everything perfect with it. You can use it in cooking, skincare, or in a dropper bottle used like a tincture.

Why Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil?

Exploring the Benefits of Cannabis Infused Olive Oil

Still not sold on this combo? Let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about potency and cost.

Olive oil is one of the best extractors of cannabinoids like THC, CBD and CBG.

In Ardent Cannabis’ lab tests, it pulled up to 96% of the cannabinoids out of the plant material.

And if you use an Ardent FX to activate that material, you’re looking at 98% decarboxylation rates (compared to 60-80% using homespun methods).

Let’s break that down.

You go into a dispensary and buy 7 grams of sun grown, pesticide and fungicide free cannabis for $50.

If you start with 7 grams of cannabis that tests at 20% THC, you’re working with a total of 1,400 mg of potential THC. After decarboxylating with 98% efficiency and infusing into olive oil that costs $5 with 96% extraction efficiency.

You’ll end up with approximately 1,317 mg of activated THC in your final cup of infused oil for grand total of $55.

100mg edibles vary widely in dispensaries from $12-$20.

Let’s not forget that the overwhelming majority of store bought edibles are full of garbage ingredients that are at odds with this plant medicine.

While this plant is trying its best to reduce inflammation, those ingredients actively create inflammation, mess with your blood sugar, and sometimes contain all sorts of residual chemicals and heavy metals.

So you’re getting a better, healthier, more versatile plant medicine product to work with and you’ll save anywhere from $100-$205 per batch.

Let’s put those Snoop and Martha analogies aside for a minute, because while that’s silly, the savings and control over ingredients you get while making these oil are no joke.

What You’ll Need to make Marijuana Infused Olive Oil

Ingredients

• 1 cup olive oil: If I’m making this as a medicine to be used like a tincture, I go for a family reserve with high phenolic content like this one. If I’m using it for salves or for making edibles, I like this one.
• 7–14 grams decarboxylated flower (high in THC, CBD, or CBG)

Equipment

• Mason jar or infuser-safe container or the Ardent FX
• Cheesecloth, coffee filter or very fine mesh strainer
• Saucepan or oven-safe dish
• Storage jar (preferably dark glass)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

To decarb:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break your cannabis flower into small pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure it’s evenly toasted.

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the guesswork (and the smell), grab an Ardent FX decarboxylator and infuser. It’s like a tiny purple robot that does all the hard work for you.

Step 2: Combine Olive Oil and Cannabis

1. In a mason jar or infuser-safe container, combine your decarboxylated cannabis and olive oil.
2. Place the jar in an oven preheated to 180°F (82°C) or use a slow cooker on low heat.
3. Let it infuse for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Strain and Store

1. Carefully strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant bits.
2. Pour the oil into a clean, labeled glass jar or bottle.
3. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh and fabulous.

Tips for Dosage and Storage

Dosage

Calculating the potency of your cannabis olive oil is like doing a word problem in math class, except this time, the answer is delicious. If you know the THC or CBD percentage of your flower, you can figure out how much is in each serving.

Storage

Store your infused olive oil in a dark glass container in a cool, dark place. Treat it like a vampire: no sunlight, no garlic, and it’ll last up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does cannabis-infused olive oil last?

Up to 6 months, but let’s be real – with so many uses, it’ll probably be gone way before then.

Can I use CBD instead of THC?

Absolutely!

What’s the best olive oil for infusion?

If I’m making this as a medicine to be used like a tincture, I go for a family reserve with high phenolic content like this one. If I’m using it for salves or for making edibles, I like this one.

Is it legal to make cannabis-infused olive oil?

Check your local laws before you start infusing. While CBD flower is available in most states in the US, THC

Related Recipes and Resources

If you’re into this, you’ll love:

• Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe
• Wake + Bake eCookbook (on sale now for just $14.20!)
• Ardent FX (also on sale now!)

Conclusion

Cannabis-infused olive oil isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle. It’s the kind of thing you make once and then wonder how you ever lived without it, and then you make it 100 times and wonder how you never shared it on your edibles blog.

It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect way to elevate your meals (and your health).

So grab your olive oil, decarb your flower, and get infusing.

And don’t forget to share your creations! Tag me on Instagram @corinnetobias_

I can’t wait to see what you create!

And if you’re ready to take your cannabis game to the next level, check out the Wake + Bake eCookbook and the Ardent FX decarboxylator. Your future self will thank you.

With love,

CT

Disclaimer:
This recipe is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis or any infused products for medical purposes. Please be aware of and comply with the laws in your area—this recipe is not intended to encourage or promote illegal activity in any form. Use responsibly and at your own risk.

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