What Oil Is Best for Cannabis Infusion?

Cannabis infusion has become a popular option for incorporating the benefits of cannabis into an array of products. So, understanding the infusion process is essential for creating quality cannabis products. One of the key aspects of successful cannabis infusions lies in choosing the right carrier oil. But what oil is best for cannabis infusion? 

We will examine cannabis infusion oils and uncover some of the most popular options. We will also provide information on the benefits and uses of the oils used for cannabis infusion, as well as tips on how to create cannabis-infused oils successfully.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Tinnakorn jorruang

What Oil Is Best for Cannabis Infusion?

Over the years, the infusion process has taken a central role in the cannabis industry. Nowadays, each manufacturer relies on a certain type of weed oil maker to produce cannabis products that maintain premium quality.

We find that using advanced technology is just as important as understanding the process of cannabis infusion. This brings us to the question: why is the choice of oil important in the infusion process?

Oils act as solvents that extract and carry the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes from the cannabis plant. That makes the compounds more easily digestible and effective when consumed or applied topically. Hence, the most popular oil options for cannabis infusion include coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable glycerin, and MCT oil.

Popular Oils for Cannabis Infusion

Your purpose will determine which oil is best for your cannabis infusion. While each option mentioned below makes excellent choices, some are better suited for certain recipes than others.

So, what oil is best for infusion? We explained below more about these oils, their use, and potential benefits.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is revered for its high saturated fat content, which makes it highly effective at absorbing cannabinoids. Its versatility allows it to be used in both cooking and topical applications. But is coconut oil good for cannabis infusion?

Many prefer this oil for cannabis infusion because it provides a mild, sweet flavor and solid consistency at room temperature. One of the biggest advantages of this oil is its long shelf life. Plus, it might not spoil even when kept out of the fridge.

Olive oil

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is another popular choice for cannabis infusion due to its ability to preserve the flavor and potency of cannabis. We can say that many choose olive oil as a carrier oil for their cannabis infusions for its versatility. It's ideal for dressings, dips, and low-heat cooking, offering a richer taste profile that complements the cannabis well.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: viennetta

Vegetable glycerin

Is vegetable oil good for cannabis infusion? Yes, it is. Vegetable glycerin stands out as a liquid base, and it is the preferred option for creating cannabis tinctures and sweet edibles. While it might not be as effective at binding with cannabinoids as oil-based solvents, it offers a sweet taste and is perfect for those seeking a non-fat option.

MCT oil

MCT oil is derived from coconut oil. This oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that are easier for the body to digest, making it an excellent choice for tinctures and energy supplements. It can be metabolized quickly and might offer a swift onset of effects.

Comparison of Infusion Oils

Each type of oil has its pros and cons. Coconut and MCT oil are highly efficient at cannabinoid absorption, making them excellent for strong infusions. 

Olive oil offers rich flavors, enhancing the sensory experience of infused dishes. Vegetable glycerin is less effective at binding with cannabinoids but is ideal for sweet, liquid infusions.

When considering suitability for different types of infusion, think about the end use—cooking, baking, tinctures, or topicals. For instance, olive oil is great for cooking and baking, while MCT oil and vegetable glycerin are better suited for tinctures and liquid edibles.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: kazoka

Considerations for Specific Applications

As mentioned, each of the oils has its specific purpose and advantages. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing an oil for cannabis infusion:

Cooking and baking with infused oils

Use oils with high smoke points and complementary flavors to your dish. Coconut oil is excellent for baking, while olive oil is better suited for dressings and low-heat applications.

Making cannabis tinctures and topicals

MCT oil and vegetable glycerin are popular for tinctures due to their digestibility and liquid form. For topicals, coconut oil is a favorite because of its skin benefits and solid consistency at room temperature.

Creating cannabis-infused beverages

When it comes to cannabis-infused drinks, vegetable glycerin, and MCT oil are the to-go options. Vegetable glycerin is ideal for sweet beverages, while MCT oil is usually used in coffee and smoothies. 

Tips for Successful Infusions

The overall success of cannabis oil infusion relies on several factors, among which the most important are the following: 

Decarboxylation process

Decarboxylation or decarbing is a process that helps you transform raw cannabis materials into active compounds. Simply put, the process of decarboxylation activates the THC and CBD found in the cannabis plant. The reason why decarbing is necessary for cannabis infusion is that, without it, you may not enjoy the effects of marijuana.

To activate the cannabis compounds, they should be exposed to heat. We should mention that temperature control is essential, as using excessive heat may harm cannabinoids and terpenes. For a successful decarboxylation, we recommend baking roughly grind cannabis buds in the oven. 

So, spread the cannabis buds over a baking dish and cover it with thin foil. Set the oven to 230 °F and leave the baking tray in for 50 minutes. Once done, let the cannabis cool down before proceeding.

Proper storage and handling of infused oils

Infused oils should be stored in air-tight containers and in a cool, dark place to preserve potency and ensure a longer shelf life. However, we wouldn’t recommend keeping cannabis-infused oils in the refrigerator, as they do well at room temperature.

The back of your cupboard is a good spot to place them, as they shouldn’t be exposed to light. Light is known to degrade oils, so the less light exposure they get, the better. 

The overall shelf-life of the majority of cannabis oils is usually six months. Still, this may differ based on the recipe or oil of choice.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Cannabis_Pic

Conclusion 

What oil is best for cannabis infusion? It depends on several factors. Some of the biggest factors include desired effects, type of application, and personal preferences. This is why understanding the properties of popular cannabis infusion oils such as coconut and olive oil becomes essential.

Comparing some of the most-used oils for cannabis infusion shows some oils are better suited for given applications than others. For instance, coconut oil is the preferred option for topical products, while vegetable glycerin is popularly used for tinctures and cannabis-infused drinks.