Cannabis-Infused Sesame Oil
A nourishing, versatile oil for culinary, topical, or medicinal use.
This homemade cannabis-infused sesame oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and the natural properties of cannabis. Sesame oil is known for its deep-penetrating qualities and is a preferred base oil in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and herbalism. When infused with cannabis, it becomes a potent carrier for cannabinoids like THC and CBD, depending on your strain.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups virgin sesame oil (organic, cold-pressed recommended)
- 1 ounce (28 grams) marijuana, finely ground (use a high-quality, dried flower)
Equipment Needed
- Coffee grinder or herb grinder
- Heavy-bottom saucepan or double boiler
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
- Glass jar or bottle with a tight lid (preferably amber or dark glass)
Instructions
1. Grind the Cannabis
Use a coffee grinder or herbal mill to grind your cannabis into a fine, powdery consistency. This increases the surface area, allowing more cannabinoids and terpenes to infuse into the oil. A coffee grinder usually holds about 7 grams at a time—process in batches for the full ounce.
2. Heat the Oil
Pour the sesame oil into a saucepan or double boiler. Gently heat over medium-low heat. You’re aiming for a temperature around 160°F to 180°F (71°C to 82°C)—hot, but not bubbling.
3. Add the Ground Cannabis
Once the oil is warm, slowly stir in the finely ground cannabis. Maintain a gentle simmer, never allowing the oil to boil. Stir consistently and keep a close eye on the temperature.
Important: Boiling or overheating can destroy the beneficial cannabinoids (especially THC), reducing potency and altering effects.
4. Simmer and Infuse
Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the infusion, the more complete the extraction. Keep the heat low and never leave the pot unattended.
If using a double boiler, you can simmer safely for 2+ hours without the risk of burning.
5. Strain and Cool
Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool for 10–15 minutes. Then pour the oil through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a clean, dry jar or glass bottle. Use tongs or clean hands to squeeze the cheesecloth tightly to extract every drop of infused oil.
6. Store
Seal the jar or bottle tightly. Store in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Properly stored, the oil can last up to 6 months or more.
Usage Ideas
- Topical: Massage into sore muscles, joints, or skin irritations
- Culinary: Use sparingly in salad dressings, soups, or drizzle over vegetables (do not use for high-heat cooking to preserve cannabinoids)
- Capsules: Fill veggie capsules for measured doses
- Oil Pulling or Oral Use: In traditional medicine, sesame oil is used for mouth rinsing—caution advised if psychoactive
Dosage & Potency Tips
The strength of your oil depends on the cannabis strain (THC vs CBD), the temperature, and infusion time. Start with small doses (¼ to ½ teaspoon) if you’re ingesting, and wait 1–2 hours to gauge effects.
If you’re using CBD-rich or non-psychoactive strains, the oil can be used more liberally and frequently without intoxication.
Optional Step: Decarboxylation (If Potency Is Desired)
To activate THC or CBD, you can decarboxylate your cannabis before infusion:
- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Spread broken-up cannabis on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway.
- Let cool before grinding and adding to oil.
This step is optional if you’re using the oil topically or for mild effects, but it’s essential if you want strong psychoactive or medicinal properties when ingesting.
Precautions
- Keep out of reach of children or pets.
- Label your oil clearly to prevent accidental consumption.
- Avoid high-heat frying with this oil—it can degrade the cannabinoids.
- Always test small amounts when trying a new batch.
Cold-Pressed or No-Heat Cannabis Sesame Oil Infusion
Cannabis-infused sesame oil can be made without heat, but with important considerations. This method is often called cold infusion or raw infusion, and while it preserves more delicate plant compounds (like terpenes), it will not activate cannabinoids like THC or CBD unless the cannabis is decarboxylated beforehand.
Here’s what you need to know:
Pros of Cold Infusion:
- No risk of overheating or damaging nutrients
- Preserves raw plant constituents (chlorophyll, flavonoids, terpenes)
- No smell or kitchen mess
- Can be considered more “natural” or “raw” by traditional or spiritual standards
Limitations:
- Cannabinoids remain in acidic form (THCA, CBDA) — not psychoactive or strongly medicinal unless decarbed first
- Takes more time (weeks instead of hours)
- Potency may be milder or different unless decarboxylated cannabis is used
Cold Infusion Method (Without Heat)
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups organic cold-pressed sesame oil
- 1 ounce dried, finely ground cannabis (decarboxylated if desired)
Optional Decarboxylation (Before Infusion):
If you want active THC or CBD in your final oil, decarb your cannabis first:
- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
- Bake broken-up cannabis on a baking tray for 30–40 minutes
- Let it cool, then grind and infuse
Instructions:
- Place the ground cannabis in a clean glass jar.
- Pour sesame oil over the herb until fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Shake the jar gently every day to aid infusion.
- After the infusion period, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Store the finished oil in a clean, dark glass bottle.
THCA & CBDA: Cold Infusion Benefits Without High
If you skip decarboxylation and use raw cannabis, the cold infusion will contain THCA and CBDA — the non-psychoactive, acidic forms of THC and CBD. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immune-modulating properties, but won’t cause a “high.”
This makes cold-infused oil great for:
- People sensitive to THC
- Daytime or regular use
- Children, elders, or pets (with professional guidance)
- Inflammation, pain, or immune balance without intoxication
Summary: Can You Make Cannabis Sesame Oil Without Heat?
Yes — but:
- Without heat + no decarboxylation = raw, non-psychoactive oil
- Without heat + pre-decarbed herb = active THC/CBD in raw oil
- With heat = faster extraction, more THC/CBD activation
Your choice depends on intended use (topical, edible, psychoactive or not) and personal preference.
Conclusion
Cannabis-infused sesame oil is a versatile, natural remedy that can support the body through topical or internal use. It combines the anti-inflammatory and nourishing benefits of sesame oil with the therapeutic properties of cannabis, making it a powerful tool for wholistic wellness.
References
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x - Hazekamp, A. (2018). The Trouble with CBD Oil. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 1(1), 65–72.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000489287 - Backes, M. (2014). Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
— A comprehensive guide on cannabis preparation and therapeutic use.
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