How to Make CBD Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

CBD oil is everywhere these days, from health stores to online retailers, and it's used for everything from pain relief to skin care. But did you know you can make your own CBD oil at home? Whether you're using cannabis buds or hemp flower, you can create your own CBD-infused oil using simple ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil. In this blog, we'll break down how to make CBD oil at home, from using marijuana buds, to creating lotions or dog treats, and even how to do it without THC.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before you dive in, it's important to know that CBD oil is made from the cannabinoids in cannabis or hemp. The oil you make can be used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief, creating dog treats, or even turning it into lotion for skincare. Whether you're looking for a THC-free oil, want to make something for your dog, or need oil for vaping, there's a recipe for every need.

Let's get into the different ways you can make CBD oil at home.

How to Make CBD Oil at Home: Basic Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Coconut Oil	A common carrier oil that works well for CBD extraction. It's easy to work with and solidifies at cooler temperatures. Ideal for skin care and internal use.
Olive Oil	A healthy, versatile carrier oil with a milder flavor than coconut oil. Great for internal use and DIY topical creams or lotions.
Marijuana Buds	Marijuana buds contain both CBD and THC, depending on the strain. If you're making CBD oil without THC, use CBD-dominant strains or hemp.
Hemp Flower	Hemp flowers are rich in CBD and very low in THC, making them ideal for creating CBD oil without the psychoactive effects.
Male Cannabis Plant	Male plants have much lower CBD content than female plants but can still be used for making CBD oil, though the yield may be smaller.
Vape Pen	If you're making CBD oil for a vape, you'll need to use the proper carrier oil (like PG/VG), as regular oils might not work well in vaporizers.
Baking Sheets & Jars	To decarboxylate (activate) your cannabis, you'll need baking sheets for the oven and jars to store your final product.
Cheesecloth/Strainer	For straining the oil to remove plant matter after extraction.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make CBD Oil from Buds or Hemp Flower

1. Decarboxylation: Activate the Cannabinoids

First, you'll need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This means heating the flower or buds to activate the cannabinoids (including CBD). Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break your cannabis into small pieces (no need to grind it).
3. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This will activate the CBD and make it more bioavailable for your oil.

2. Infuse the Cannabis into Coconut Oil or Olive Oil

Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, you can infuse it into your choice of coconut oil or olive oil:

• Coconut Oil Method: Use 1 cup of coconut oil to 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis. Pour the coconut oil into a double boiler or a small saucepan.
• Olive Oil Method: Use 1 cup of olive oil to 7-10 grams of decarbed cannabis. Olive oil is great for internal use, while coconut oil is fantastic for topical applications.

Slowly heat the oil on a low setting, making sure it doesn't get too hot (below 200°F/93°C). Stir occasionally. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 hours for maximum infusion.

3. Strain the Oil

After the oil has infused, it's time to strain out the plant material:

1. Use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to separate the oil from the cannabis plant matter.
2. Squeeze the cloth to get as much oil out as possible.
3. Store the infused oil in an airtight jar or bottle for later use.

How to Make CBD Oil Without THC

If you want CBD oil without THC, using hemp flower is your best bet. Hemp is naturally high in CBD and contains very little THC (usually below 0.3%). Follow the same process as above, but ensure you're using CBD-rich hemp flower.

If you're looking for a completely THC-free CBD oil, make sure to use hemp-derived CBD oil or a CBD isolate (which has no THC at all).

How to Make CBD Oil for Dog Treats

Making CBD oil for dogs involves the same basic process, but with a few adjustments:

1. Choose an organic, high-CBD hemp flower (with no THC) to ensure it's safe for your pup.
2. Infuse the oil (using coconut oil or olive oil) as you would for yourself.
3. Mix the oil into your dog treats. You can add CBD oil to homemade dog biscuits, or mix it into their food, starting with a small amount (a few drops per meal).

Always consult your vet before giving CBD to your dog, especially if your dog is on other medications.

How to Make CBD Lotion from CBD Oil

Making your own CBD lotion is easy. Here's a simple recipe:

1. Mix 1 cup of CBD oil (made from coconut oil or olive oil) with 1/4 cup of shea butter and 1/4 cup of beeswax.
2. Melt the ingredients together in a double boiler.
3. Once melted, add 10-20 drops of essential oils (like lavender or peppermint) for added fragrance.
4. Let the mixture cool and solidify. Store in a jar and use it as a soothing CBD-infused lotion.

This is perfect for pain relief or moisturizing the skin with the added benefits of CBD.

CBD Oil for Vaping

If you're looking to make CBD oil for vaping, you'll need to follow a slightly different process:

1. Use a special carrier liquid for vaping, such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), because standard coconut or olive oil is too thick and can clog your vape pen.
2. Mix CBD isolate or CBD distillate with the PG/VG mixture to get the right consistency for your vape pen.
3. Fill your vape pen cartridge and enjoy!

Always make sure to use vape-specific carrier liquids for a safe vaping experience.

Conclusion: Homemade CBD Oil for Every Need

Making CBD oil at home is a fun, cost-effective way to harness the power of cannabis for pain relief, skincare, and even your furry friends. Whether you're using coconut oil, olive oil, or making dog treats or lotions, the possibilities are endless. Just be sure to choose the right plant material (hemp flower for THC-free, marijuana buds for higher potency), and always follow the right steps for infusion.

Making your own CBD oil allows you to control the ingredients, potency, and purity, ensuring you get the best possible experience.