Making cannabis oil: Step-by-Step Instructions for Home - Easy & Safe

Cannabisöl is becoming increasingly popular - whether for relaxation, wellness or potentially as a supportive measure for certain ailments. It is particularly popular as a dietary supplement as it contains cannabinoids such as CBD, which act on the body's endocannabinoid system. But why are more and more people turning to it, Making cannabis oil yourself ? It's simple: if you make your own oil, you retain control over the ingredients and quality. You can also adapt it to your own preferences and needs, which makes it easier to personalise it.

For many, making their own is also a cheaper alternative to the often expensive products on the market. In addition, making it at home allows you to try out different carrier oils, such as olive oil, MCT oil or other base oils, to achieve the desired effect and flavour.

What is cannabis oil and what is it used for?

Cannabis oil is extracted from the hemp plant and contains valuable ingredients such as cannabinoids (e.g. CBD and, in smaller quantities, THC), terpenes and flavonoids. Depending on their composition and concentration, the oils are suitable for a wide range of applications:

- Relaxation and stress reduction Many use it to promote relaxation and as a natural alternative to synthetic products.

- Pain relief and inflammation It is often used as a supportive remedy for minor complaints and inflammations.

- Wellness and care Some use it as an additive in cosmetic products such as skin care oils.

Why make your own cannabis oil?

Your own needs and preferences take centre stage when making your own. For example, you can customise the CBD concentration or choose between different extraction methods to achieve the optimum result. Another advantage is that you have full control over the ingredients used: If you make your own oil, you can ensure that the end product is pure and contains no unwanted additives.

Making cannabis oil: The most important basics

To make your own cannabis oil, it's important to know the basic steps and equipment required first. This section will provide you with an overview of the basic tools and safety measures you need to safely and effectively produce high-quality cannabis oil.

Why the right equipment is important

The quality of the equipment has a major influence on the end result of your cannabis oil. If you make your own, you should use robust and heat-resistant utensils, as the extraction process requires temperature control and often precision. Here are the most important devices and tools:

1. Oven for decarboxylation

- This step is necessary to activate the active ingredients in cannabis, especially THC and CBD, through heating. This releases the cannabinoids and makes them usable for the body.

- Tip Set the temperature to 110-120 °C and heat the cannabis flowers for 30-45 minutes. This prevents overheating and the loss of active ingredients.

2. Thermometer for temperature control

- A thermometer helps you to precisely monitor the temperature during the extraction process. This is particularly important when producing with oils or alcohol, as the right temperature determines the quality of the end product.

3. Heat-resistant jars and lids

- These not only serve as mixing and storage containers, but are also necessary for the infusion of oil and cannabis. Make sure to use heat-resistant materials so that the jars do not break at high temperatures.

4. Sieve or coffee filter for straining

- A fine sieve or coffee filter is ideal for straining the plant material and for a clean extraction. This will give you a pure end product that is free from residues.

5. Special devices for advanced users

- For users who like to experiment, there are special extractors that enable even more precise and intensive extraction. However, these are more suitable for advanced users and are not absolutely necessary.

Safety measures for the production of cannabis oil

Safety is crucial, especially when working with heat and solvents such as alcohol. Here are some important tips to keep the process safe:

1. Working in a well-ventilated room

- If you are working with alcohol or other solvents, you should ventilate the room well to remove the vapours. Good air circulation is also important when heating in order to dissipate heat effectively and minimise the risk of vapour formation.

2. Take care when working with solvents

- Extraction methods that use alcohol or other solvents require special care as they can be flammable. Ensure that there are no naked flames or sources of sparks in the vicinity and wear protective clothing such as gloves and safety goggles if necessary.

3. Check the temperature and avoid overheating

- The temperature should remain constant both during decarboxylation and when heating the carrier oil. Excessively high temperatures can not only impair the quality of the oil, but also increase the risk of accidents.

4. Create a clean working environment

- Keep your work area tidy and clean equipment and utensils before and after use. This will ensure that the oil remains clean and does not contain any impurities that could affect quality and safety.

5. Correct storage of the finished extracts

- Store the finished cannabis oil in a dark, cool area, ideally in opaque containers. This keeps the active ingredients stable and maximises the shelf life.

Making cannabis oil with olive oil: simple instructions

Making cannabis oil with olive oil is one of the most popular methods, as olive oil is not only healthy but also binds the cannabinoids well. This method is particularly suitable for beginners as it is safe and easy to implement - without any solvents.

Step-by-step instructions for making with olive oil

With the following steps you can make your own cannabis oil, easily and with just a few ingredients. This gives you full control over quality and ingredients:

1. Prepare the ingredients

- Cannabisblüten : Dried and crushed cannabis flowers are best suited for this method.

- Olivenöl : A high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil is ideal, as it has a high binding capacity for cannabinoids.

2. Decarboxylation of cannabis flowers

- Heat your oven to 110-120 °C.

- Spread the chopped cannabis flowers on a baking tray with baking paper and heat them for 30-45 minutes. This step activates the cannabinoids (THC, CBD) so that they can unfold their full effects.

3. Mix cannabis and olive oil

- Place the decarboxylated cannabis flowers in a heat-resistant glass jar and add the olive oil. The amount of oil should cover the Flowers well.

- Stir the mixture carefully so that the Flowers are completely immersed in the oil.

4. Allow oil to infuse

- Heat the glass jar in a water bath at a low temperature (approx. 70-80 °C) for 2-3 hours. Make sure that the water does not boil, as high temperatures could destroy the active ingredients.

- Stir occasionally to keep the infusion even.

5. Strain and bottle the oil

- Allow the oil to cool and then pour it through a fine sieve or coffee filter to remove the plant parts.

- Pour the finished oil into a dark glass bottle or opaque jar and seal it tightly.

Quality tips: How to achieve the best result

To maximise the quality of your cannabis oil, follow these tips:

- Freshness and storage : Store the finished cannabis oil in a cool, dark place so that it keeps for as long as possible.

- Adjust dosage : For a stronger effects, you can increase the amount of cannabis flowers or leave the oil to infuse for longer. Test the strength carefully by starting with small amounts.

- Use of high-quality olive oil Cold-pressed, organic olive oil is the best choice as it absorbs the active ingredients particularly well and has a long shelf life.

Produce cannabis MCT oil: A popular alternative

If you are looking for a lighter alternative to olive oil, you will find it in MCT oil. MCT-Öl which stands for "medium-chain triglycerides", is usually obtained from coconut or palm oil and contains medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are processed particularly quickly by the body so that the cannabinoids are quickly available. In contrast, olive oil contains predominantly long-chain fatty acids, which are broken down more slowly and may achieve a prolonged effects. MCT oil is also neutral in flavour and is therefore ideal for anyone who wants a mild, light oil.

Make your own cannabis MCT oil: Here's how

To produce cannabis oil with MCT oil, you need decarboxylated cannabis flowers and high-quality MCT oil, as with the olive oil variant. First, the cannabis flowers are heated in the oven at 110-120 °C for around 30 to 45 minutes to activate the cannabinoids. This step is essential so that the active ingredients can actually take effect in the body.

Once the Flowers are prepared, place them together with the MCT oil in a heat-resistant glass container so that the Flowers are completely covered. To ensure that the oil absorbs the active ingredients effectively, it should be gently heated in a water bath at around 70-80 °C for two hours. You should avoid high temperatures or even boiling water, as this could damage the active ingredients. Stir occasionally to keep the infusion even.

After the infusion, allow the oil to cool slightly and then filter it using a sieve or coffee filter to remove the plant parts. It is best to pour the finished cannabis MCT oil into a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool place away from light. This keeps it fresh for a long time and the cannabinoids retain their effects.

Tips for the use and storage of MCT cannabis oil

A major advantage of MCT oil is that it is quickly and effectively absorbed by the body. It is therefore well suited to users who want to feel the effects of cannabis oil as immediately as possible. Some users combine it with olive oil to benefit from the properties of both carrier oils and create a customised blend. Stored in a cool, dark place, MCT cannabis oil has a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of ways.

Making cannabis oil with alcohol: extraction method for advanced users

The production of cannabis oil with alcohol is an effective method of obtaining a highly concentrated oil. Alcohol is excellent for extraction as it effectively dissolves the cannabinoids from the plants. However, this method requires a little more caution and experience, as alcohol is highly flammable and must be vaporised correctly.

Suitable alcohols for extraction

Not every alcohol is suitable for extraction. High-proof potable alcohol, such as ethanol or pure vodka, is best suited as it binds cannabinoids and terpenes safely and effectively. Do not use isopropyl alcohol, as it is not suitable for consumption. The alcohol must evaporate completely after extraction to ensure a pure, safe oil.

Making cannabis oil with alcohol - step-by-step

To make cannabis oil with alcohol, follow these steps:

1. Decarboxylation of Flowers Heat the crushed cannabis flowers in the oven at 110-120 °C for 30-45 minutes to activate the cannabinoids.

2. Add alcohol : Place the decarboxylated Flowers in a glass container and fill it with high-proof alcohol (e.g. ethanol or vodka) until the Flowers are completely covered.

3. Extraktion Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes and shake the jar occasionally so that the active ingredients dissolve optimally.

4. Filtern Pour the solution through a sieve or coffee filter to remove the plant residues.

5. Allow the alcohol to evaporate Pour the filtered solution into a fireproof dish and heat it carefully in a water bath to evaporate the alcohol. The room should be well ventilated and naked flames must be avoided at all costs.

6. Abfüllen Once the alcohol has completely evaporated, a highly concentrated cannabis oil remains. Pour the oil into an opaque jar and store it in a cool, dark place.

Safety tips for alcohol extraction

As alcohol is highly flammable, caution is advised. Work in well-ventilated areas and keep the oil away from naked flames. If necessary, wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid skin contact. Make sure that all the alcohol evaporates to ensure a safe and pure end product.

Special devices for the production of cannabis oil

For those who regularly make cannabis oil or want to achieve a particularly consistent result, specialised equipment can be a great help. These devices often offer more precise temperature and time controls and allow for a clean and efficient extraction of the active ingredients. From extraction machines to simple household appliances like a straightener, here's an overview of different options and how you can use them.

Making cannabis oil with special devices: Advantages and disadvantages

The use of specialised devices has both advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when choosing the method:

- Extraktionsmaschinen These appliances are ideal for larger quantities and offer automated extraction with precise temperature control. They are often easy to use, but also somewhat more expensive to purchase.

- Straightener or Rosin press These household devices are cheaper and easy to use. They use heat and pressure to extract the oil directly from the Flowers, without solvents. A smoothing iron is ideal for small quantities, while a Rosin press is specially designed for this purpose.

Instructions: Making cannabis oil with a hair straightener

The method using a smoothing iron is ideal for small quantities. The steps are simple and the equipment is manageable. This is how it works:

1. Vorbereitung : Place a small amount of decarboxylated cannabis flowers in a baking paper folded in half.

2. Apply pressure and heat Switch the straightener to a low to medium temperature and press the baking paper between the irons for 3-5 seconds. The heat and pressure ensure that the oil escapes from the Flowers and settles on the paper.

3. Collecting the oil Carefully open the baking paper and remove the oil that has settled on the inside of the paper. You can use this extract directly or store it for later use.

When is it worth using special devices?

Specially developed extraction machines are particularly helpful if you regularly produce larger quantities or want to achieve a particularly consistent quality. They are easy to use and enable clean extraction with minimal effort. The method using a smoothing iron or Rosin press, on the other hand, is more suitable for occasional users who want to extract small quantities quickly and without solvents. Both devices have advantages, depending on the quantity and quality you are aiming for.

Conclusion: Make the perfect cannabis oil for your needs

The production of cannabis oil offers many possibilities to customise the end product to your own needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the method with olive oil, MCT oil or alcohol - each method has its own advantages and is tailored to different needs. The choice of carrier oil plays a major role here: while olive oil is particularly stable and achieves a long-lasting effects, MCT oil ensures faster absorption in the body. Alcohol extraction, on the other hand, offers a highly concentrated solution and is ideal for advanced users.

Possible uses for homemade cannabis oil

Home-made cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some popular applications:

- For relaxation A few drops placed under the tongue or in a drink can have a calming effects effect.

- In skin care Cannabis oil is also suitable as an additive for creams or oils for skin care and dry patches.

- In recipes The oil can be added to dishes such as smoothies, salads or dressings - perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate the benefits of cannabinoids into their daily diet.

Tips on storage and shelf life

To keep your home-made cannabis oil fresh for a long time, correct storage is crucial. Keep the oil in a dark, airtight bottle and store it in a cool, dry place. This way it will keep for several months and retain its full potency. MCT and olive oil-based extracts in particular are relatively stable, while alcohol-extracted oil prefers cool storage.