Move over, cannabutter. Weed-infused coconut oil packs the potency without the animal fat for plant-based edibles. Nearly pure fat, coconut oil effortlessly binds to the cannabinoids in weed and has a higher smoke point than some other oils. Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor. Unlike butter, which contains water, coconut oil can be heated above boiling (212°F) for a faster infusion. And once infused, this oil can slip into any baking recipe. Beyond coconut, this technique works with any neutral oil, from vegetable to grapeseed.
For a more or less potent oil, use more or less cannabis flower, then calculate the dose. As with all edibles, dosing is tricky, since there is always loss during the decarboxylation, infusion, and cooking processes. Assuming the flower contains 20 percent THC after decarboxylation and infusion (calculating a 20 percent loss), this oil doses at 160 milligrams for ⅓ cup of oil, or 30 milligrams per tablespoon. (Some oil loss occurs in the process, so ½ cup of oil typically turns into ⅓ cup.) To calculate the individual dose of a recipe, divide the THC in the amount of coconut oil used by the final yield. For example, a cake calling for ⅓ cup of oil, yielding 24 servings, will land just below 7 milligrams of THC per piece.
To use hash, follow the same method of decarboxylation, but use less—hash tests upwards of 40 percent THC—and simply whisk the activated hash into the warm oil. To achieve the same potency at 40 percent, you’d want to use ½ gram of hash. Dry-sift hash works better in the kitchen than pressed. For distillate, weigh out ⅕ gram of distillate on parchment, then place in the freezer to harden, so you can easily add it to the warm oil; whisk to fully homogenize. Distillate potency ranges from 70 to 90 percent THC and comes fully activated. At 80 percent THC, ⅕ gram of distillate translates to 160 milligrams of THC. —Vanessa Lavorato
If you're considering enjoying this recipe, please consult and follow the legal restrictions for controlled substances where you live. Because there are so many variables with homemade edibles, go slowly. You may want to start with half a serving and determine your tolerance and ideal dose from there. And always wait a couple hours to feel the effects. —The Editors
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