Introduction
Making CBD oil at home can be a cost-effective and fun experience, giving you a chance to explore your creativity and make something that you can use for various health purposes. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through a step-by-step process of making CBD oil at home using simple equipment and ingredients available in most households. We will also highlight the different recipes you can use to tailor your CBD oil to your specific needs. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits, risks, and how homemade CBD oil compares to commercial varieties.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before diving into the actual process, it’s important to note that CBD oil extraction should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Here are the essential steps to follow.
1. Obtain a high-CBD strain of cannabis- This is the first and foremost step in making CBD oil at home
2. Decarboxylate the cannabis – Get the oven heated to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet that is flat with parchment paper and grind your chosen cannabis buds coarsely. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and allow it to bake in the oven
3. Extract the CBD – Once you’ve decarboxylated the cannabis, it’s time to extract the CBD. This is done in either of the following ways;
a. Using alcohol- Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a jar then pour in an alcohol solvent like ethanol or 99% isopropyl alcohol till it’s fully submerged. Stir the mixture gently for 3-5 minutes.
b. Using carrier oil – You may choose to use carrier oils like olive, coconut or MCT oil. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to a double boiler with sufficient oil to completely submerge the cannabis. This oil cannabis mixture should be simmered for 2 to 4 hours.
4. Strain the Oil – After the extraction process is complete, it’s time to strain the oil to remove the plant material. A cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve can be used for this.
5. Store the CBD oil – Place the oil in an airtight and dark container, preferably glass. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
DIY CBD Oil Recipes
Here are different recipes you can use to make CBD oil at home:
Recipe 1: Olive Oil CBD Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of high-CBD cannabis buds (decarboxylated)
- 1.5 cups of olive oil
Instructions:
- In a jar, mix the cannabis buds and olive oil.
- Seal the jar and place it in a pot filled with water, creating a makeshift double boiler.
- Simmer on a low flame for 2-4 hours, stirring frequently.
- Allow the oil to cool and then strain it through a cheesecloth into a container.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place.
Recipe 2: Coconut Oil CBD Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of high-CBD cannabis buds (decarboxylated)
- 1 cup of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Place the decarboxylated buds and coconut oil in a jar.
- Seal the jar and place it in the pot filled with water to make a makeshift double boiler.
- Simmer for 2-4 hours, keeping an eye on the temperature and stirring regularly.
- Allow the mixture to cool and then strain it through cheesecloth, pouring the oil into a container.
- Store in a cool place where it can solidify.
Benefits and Risks of Making CBD Oil
Just like anything else, there are benefits and risks of making CBD oil at home. On the positive side, homemade CBD oil is often more cost-effective, more potent, and free from contaminants that may be present in store-bought varieties. However, extracting CBD oil can have certain risks, such as flammable solvents, explosions, and fire hazardous. Therefore, it is important to take precautions while making CBD oil at home, including working in a well-ventilated area, wearing personal protective gear, and using the appropriate equipment.
Comparison with Commercial CBD Oil
Homemade CBD oil is often cheaper and more potent than store-bought varieties and can be tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Despite this, commercially available CBD oil is often tested for purity, potency and quality in order to guarantee safe use. Since extraction methods and equipment vary, homemade CBD oil may not be as pure or have consistent strength compared to commercial varieties.
Essential Equipment
In order to make CBD oil at home, one requires the proper equipment. Here are some of the essential tools you’ll need to create homemade CBD oil:
1. Fine mesh strainer – Used for effectively straining the plant material from the oil or alcohol solvent.
2. Double boiler – It’s used for heating up the mixture of oil or solvent and the cannabis herb evenly. You can also create a double boiler by placing a jar containing the cannabis and oil in shallow hot water for added safety.
3. Suitable solvent – Ethanol or a high percentage isopropyl solvent designed for use in this process.
4. Thermometer – Check temperature range, due to the need to maintain the exact temperature for decarboxylation purposes or throughout the extraction process.
5. Cheesecloth – A cheesecloth is essential for straining the CBD-infused oil/solvent to remove the plant material.
Conclusion
Making CBD oil at home is a fun and cost-effective way of creating a CBD product personalized to satisfy your unique needs and preferences. With the right equipment, procedure, and following the safety precautions, you can make high-quality CBD oil that is also affordable. No matter your reason for wanting to make CBD oil on your own, this guide gives you an understanding of how to go about the process, the benefits, and risks involved.