Cannabis oil, which is ideal for cooking and is a proven health aid, is extracted from the cannabis plant. Some varieties of the plant contain high levels of THC, the psychoactive substance responsible for the “high” that comes from smoking or ingesting cannabis leaves or resin.

While both cannabis oil and CBD oil offer healing properties, CBD oil does not produce the psychoactive effects due to its minuscule amount of THC, typically less than .3%. So, if you’re open to an effective natural health aid that can also get you high, cannabis oil would be the way to go.

Cannabis Bud and CBD Oil Vial

What conditions does cannabis oil help?

Marijuana Bud with CBD Oil

Studies show that cannabis oil offers natural relief for a wide array of health issues – without the harmful side effects of Big Pharma drugs. Keep in mind that cannabis oil is not necessarily a replacement or substitute for pharmaceutical prescriptions. In some cases, and with certain conditions, it may be. But in others, it’s more of a supplement. It’s always advisable to consult with your physician if you have a chronic, serious health issue.

Following are just some of the conditions that cannabis oil is known to aid:

  • Stress and anxiety, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Asthma
  • Pain
  • Heart health
  • Seizures
  • Cancer side effects, including nausea and loss of appetite

Cannabis Oil: DIY

Cannabis-infused oil is a versatile medium that can be used for virtually any recipe that you would use oil for: from baking desserts and sauteing vegetables to creating your own salad dressing. One advantage of making your own cannabis oil at home is that you can adjust the potency yourself. Plus, you’ll feel secure knowing where the ingredients came from. Finally, it can be hard to acquire pre- made cannabis oil – even though cannabis itself is usually accessible through legal means.

If you are indeed interested in a DIY approach to cannabis oil, here are some easy instructions:

Ingredients:

  • Approximately one cup of ground cannabis flower
  • One cup of the cooking oil of your choice (i.e. coconut or olive oil)
  • Utensils and accessories:
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Grinder (a hand grinder works best)
  • Double-boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan

Directions:

  1. Grind the cannabis. You can include the entire plant, just the flower – or a little of both. Keep in mind that anything small enough to fit through the strainer will end up in your finished product, so do not grind your cannabis to a fine powder.
  2. Combine the oil and cannabis in your double-boiler or slow cooker, then heat the two together on low or warm for a few hours. This allows for the activation of THC without scorching, which destroys the active ingredients.

Note: If using a slow cooker, keep on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. In a double-boiler, keep on low for at least 6 hours, stirring occasionally. In a saucepan, keep on low for at least three hours, stirring frequently (because a saucepan is most susceptible to scorching). In all cases, a small amount of water can be added to the mixture to help avoid burning.

  1. Strain and store the oil. All remaining plant material can be discarded. The oil’s shelf life is at least two months and can be extended with refrigeration.
  2. Enjoy with your favorite recipes!

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates, information, and education on all things cannabis!