Mason Delacroix
CBD oil is a refined hemp extract added to a carrier oil. The most straightforward way to make your own CBD oil is to start with CBD isolate, which is readily available in dispensaries and online. The two key steps for all methods are decarboxylation and infusion. Decarboxylation is the process of heating dried hemp buds to activate the compounds within. Infusion is the process of releasing the now-activated compounds into a carrier oil or alcohol. To make alcohol-based CBD oil, you can use high-proof alcohol and seal the mixture in a glass jar. Shake the jar once a day and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Then, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or sieve. Finally, store the CBD oil in a glass container with an airtight seal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits of making your own CBD oil | Customised recipe, control over ingredients, cost savings, and peace of mind about what's in the bottle |
| First step | Decide on the desired potency |
| Tools required | Jewellery scale, spoon or scoop, storage container, pot or saucepan, meat thermometer, coffee filter or paper towels, glass jar, sieve, oven |
| Carrier oils | Coconut oil, sunflower oil |
| Alcohol | Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, non-denatured 96% ethanol, Everclear |
| Decarboxylation | The process of heating dried cannabis/hemp buds to activate the compounds within |
| Infusion | Releasing the activated compounds into a carrier oil or alcohol |
| Extraction methods | CO2 extraction, alcohol extraction |
| Safety | Avoid butane and other explosive substances, ensure good ventilation when working with flammable liquids, consult a doctor before adding CBD to your health routine |
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Alcohol extraction
To extract CBD using alcohol, you will need:
- A high-proof alcohol, such as 190-200 proof food-grade ethanol
- A glass jar
- Cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a sieve
- A storage container with an airtight seal
- Begin by grinding the marijuana or hemp plant.
- Decarboxylate the plant material by heating it in an oven. This process activates the compounds within the plant, such as CBDA, which turns into CBD when heated.
- Soak the decarboxylated plant material in the high-proof alcohol. The alcohol must fully saturate the plant, which may require a significant amount.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark, and dry place for 2-3 weeks.
- Shake the jar once a day to ensure proper mixing.
- After the steeping period, strain the mixture through cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a sieve to remove the plant material.
- Store the extracted CBD tincture in a glass container with an airtight seal. The tincture can be stored for up to one year.
It is important to note that while alcohol extraction is a common method, it may not produce the same quality and retention of plant compounds as more advanced professional methods, such as CO2 extraction. Additionally, the use of warm ethanol in the extraction process can also extract chlorophyll and waxes, requiring additional dewaxing steps.
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Decarboxylation
To decarboxylate cannabis, the plant material must be heated to a certain temperature. This can be done in an oven, on a stovetop, or using a decarboxylator. When using an oven, the temperature should be set to 230°F/110°C. The cannabis flower should be ground into pea-sized pieces or smaller, spread on a baking sheet, and baked for 25-40 minutes. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and fully decarboxylate the CBDA into CBD.
Decarboxylators are also available on the market and can maintain precise temperatures to ensure complete activation of the compounds. Some recommended decarboxylators include the MB2e MagicalButter Machine and the Levo II, which offer features such as smartphone control, temperature control, and potency control.
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Infusion
To infuse alcohol with CBD, you can follow these steps:
- Mix the flowers or CBD isolate with a high-proof alcohol in a glass jar. Seal the jar well.
- Shake the jar once a day and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or sieve.
- Store the tincture in a glass container with an airtight seal for up to one year.
Alternatively, you can use a process called alcohol extraction, which involves soaking dried hemp in isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. After removing the hemp plant remnants from the alcohol, heat the solution to evaporate the alcohol, leaving an extract of CBD. This method can be completed in a few hours.
If you are adding oil to your alcohol-based CBD, it can take six hours or longer, depending on how many times you heat the mixture.
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Choosing a carrier oil
CBD oil is a refined hemp extract that has been added to a carrier oil. Carrier oils are key to the benefits they impart, acting as a vehicle to help deliver the active compound. They also enhance the bioavailability of the CBD product, helping your body absorb and utilize the CBD.
When choosing a carrier oil, it is important to first make sure you are not allergic to it. After that, consider which oil will give you the benefits you are looking for. Two of the most common and popular carrier oils are MCT oil and Hemp oil, because of the bioavailability they provide.
MCT oil is widely considered one of the best carrier oils for CBD due to its rapid absorption. The unique chemical structure of MCT oil allows it to be metabolized directly by the liver, which enhances the bioavailability of the CBD. MCT oil's stability and long shelf life further enhance its suitability as a carrier oil for CBD.
Hemp oil may allow the oil and the CBD to work together more effectively. Coconut oil is another option, but it is mostly solid at room temperature and therefore cannot be administered with a dropper bottle. It must be heated until liquid before dissolving the CBD.
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Adjusting potency
Adjusting the potency of your CBD oil is a crucial step in the process of making it. The potency of the oil depends on the total milligrams of CBD added, which is then divided by the total volume of the oil or alcohol used. This will give you the potency in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL).
To make a higher potency oil, simply dissolve more CBD in the same volume. The more CBD you add, the stronger your final product will be. For example, if you leave the oil to infuse for longer, more cannabinoids will be released into the oil, increasing its potency.
If you are using coconut oil, it must be heated until it becomes liquid. This can be done by heating a measured amount in a saucepan at a very low temperature, ensuring it does not exceed 2000F to prevent cannabinoids from evaporating. Alternatively, a double boiler can be used.
When using alcohol, it is important to use non-denatured alcohol, as denatured alcohol contains chemical additives that are not suitable for human consumption. You can use 96% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which is available in different strengths.
It is also important to consider safety when making CBD oil. While CBD is generally safe, it interacts with a broad range of medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before use.
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Frequently asked questions
Making CBD oil at home allows you to personalize the recipe to your tastes and needs, from using your preferred strain to adjusting the dosage. You can also avoid consuming additives and refined oils that may be present in commercial CBD oil.
There are two key steps: decarboxylation and infusion. Decarboxylation involves heating dried cannabis/hemp buds to activate the compounds within. Infusion is the process of releasing these activated compounds into a carrier oil or alcohol.
Mix CBD flowers or isolate in a glass jar with high-proof alcohol. Seal the jar and shake it once a day, storing it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Then, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or sieve.
After removing the hemp plant remnants from the alcohol, heat the solution to evaporate the alcohol. This will leave you with a CBD extract. You can then add a carrier oil at a ratio of 4 parts oil to 1 part CBD extract.
CBD is known to interact with a broad range of medications, so consult your doctor before adding it to your routine. Avoid using denatured alcohol, as it contains chemical additives that are unsuitable for human consumption. Ensure proper ventilation when working with flammable liquids.
