Discover the Benefits of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil: The Ultimate Guide for Canadians

Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Marie Kathleen

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is becoming a popular choice for Canadians who want to enjoy the benefits of Cannabis in a versatile and flavorful way. Whether you’re interested in cooking or exploring new wellness options, this infused oil offers a unique and convenient consumption method.

Why Choose Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil?

Cannabis-infused olive Oil is gaining popularity among those looking for a versatile and health-conscious way to enjoy the benefits of Cannabis. Whether you are new to Cannabis or an experienced consumer, this infusion offers a smoke-free, customizable, and nutrient-rich alternative.

Health and Wellness Benefits

1. A Smoke-Free Alternative

For individuals who prefer not to inhale Cannabis, Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil provides a discreet and lung-friendly way to consume it. Unlike smoking or vaping, which can irritate the respiratory system, consuming Cannabis in edible form eliminates exposure to harmful byproducts of combustion.

Gentle on the lungs – No harsh smoke or vapour inhalation.
Discreet consumption – No lingering odour like smoking.
Easy to integrate – Add to meals or beverages without drawing attention.

2. Rich in Healthy Fats for Better Absorption

Olive oil is an excellent carrier for cannabinoids like THC and CBD because it is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help the body absorb these compounds more effectively.

Enhances bioavailability – Cannabinoids dissolve in fat, making them easier for the body to process.
Nutrient-dense – Olive oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart-healthy – Supports cardiovascular health while delivering Cannabis benefits.

3. Long-lasting Effects

Unlike inhaled Cannabis, which delivers fast but short-lived effects, edibles—including Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil—offer a prolonged experience. This makes it ideal for those seeking sustained relief or relaxation.

Gradual onset – Effects typically begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Extended duration – Can last 4 to 8 hours, depending on metabolism and dosage.
Steady impact – Provides more consistent and longer-lasting benefits than smoking.

Versatile Applications

1. Cooking & Culinary Uses

One of the best things about Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is its flexibility in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy sweet or savoury dishes, this infused oil can enhance both flavour and effect.

Salad dressings – Drizzle over greens for a nutritious, infused meal.
Sautéing & roasting – Use as a cooking oil for vegetables and proteins.
Baking – Swap out regular olive oil or butter in baked goods like brownies or muffins.

💡 Tip: Avoid overheating! Cooking at high temperatures (above 300°F or 150°C) can degrade cannabinoids, reducing potency.

2. Topical Use for Skin & Body Relief

Cannabis-infused olive Oil isn’t just for consumption—it can also be applied directly to the skin for potential soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Moisturizes and nourishes – Olive oil is packed with skin-friendly nutrients.
May relieve localized discomfort – Applied to sore joints and muscles for potential pain relief.
Supports skin health – Antioxidants in olive oil and Cannabis may promote healing and reduce irritation.

💡 How to use: Massage a few drops into the skin or mix with other natural ingredients for a DIY Cannabis-infused balm.

3. Microdosing for Controlled Consumption

For those who prefer subtle effects, microdosing Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil allows for controlled, low-dose intake.

Precision dosing – Add small amounts to meals or drinks.
Mild, steady effects – Great for daytime use without overwhelming psychoactivity.
Ideal for beginners – Start with a low dose and gradually adjust based on personal tolerance.

💡 Microdosing guide: Begin with ¼ to ½ teaspoon and wait at least 90 minutes before increasing the dosage.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil at Home

Making Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to control the quality, potency, and ingredients. This homemade infusion can be used in cooking, skincare, or as a base for other Cannabis-infused products.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a basic batch of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, gather the following:

1 cup Dried Cannabis flowers, finely ground
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (high-quality oil enhances flavour and absorption)
Cheesecloth or fine strainer (for filtering out plant material)
Double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan (to gently heat the mixture)
Baking sheet & parchment paper (for decarboxylation)
Glass jar with an airtight lid (for storage)

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust the Cannabis-to-oil ratio based on your desired potency. Using less Cannabis will create a milder infusion while increasing the amount will result in a stronger product.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Decarboxylation – Activating the Cannabinoids

Before infusing, you need to decarboxylate your Cannabis to activate its compounds, like THC and CBD. This process involves gently heating the Cannabis to convert THCA to THC (psychoactive) and CBDA to CBD (non-psychoactive).

🔹 How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:

Preheat your oven to 220°F (104°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the finely ground Dried Cannabis flowers evenly.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes for even heating.
Cool completely before using.

💡 Why is decarboxylation important? Skipping this step will result in an infusion with little to no psychoactive or therapeutic effects, as raw Cannabis contains inactive cannabinoids.

2. Infusion Process – Extracting Cannabinoids into Olive Oil

Once your Cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it into olive oil. Low, steady heat is key to extracting cannabinoids without burning the oil.

🔹 How to Infuse Cannabis into Olive Oil:

Choose your method: A double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan works best for gentle heat.
Combine ingredients: Add 1 cup extra virgin olive oil and the decarboxylated Dried Cannabis flowers to your heating device.
Heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Double boiler: Keep the water at a gentle simmer (around 160-200°F (70-93°C)).
- Slow cooker: Set to the lowest setting and check the temperature periodically.
- Saucepan: Use a very low flame, stirring frequently to prevent overheating.
Avoid overheating – temperatures above 245°F (118°C) can degrade cannabinoids, reducing potency.

💡 Tip: Infusing for a longer time (4-6 hours) at lower temperatures may result in a more potent oil.

3. Strain and Store – Keeping It Pure and Fresh

After infusion, it’s time to strain out the plant material, leaving you with a smooth, cannabinoid-rich olive oil.

🔹 How to Strain the Infusion:

Line a fine strainer or cheesecloth over a clean glass jar or bottle.
Slowly pour the oil through, letting it filter naturally.
Squeeze out the cheesecloth to extract every last drop of infused oil.

💡 Pro Tip: Straining twice will remove fine plant particles, resulting in a smoother oil with a longer shelf life.

4. Proper Storage – Maintaining Potency and Freshness

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil stays fresh longer when stored correctly.

🔹 Storage Tips:

Use a dark glass jar or store it in an opaque container to block light exposure.
Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
Refrigerate for longer shelf life – it may solidify, but you can warm it before use.
Label your jar with the date and estimated potency for future reference.

💡 Shelf Life: Properly stored Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil can last up to 6 months at room temperature and up to a year in the refrigerator.

How Much Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil Should I Use in Recipes?

Finding the right dose of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you are new to edibles. Unlike smoking or vaping, infused oils take longer to take effect, making it easy to overconsume if you’re not careful.

Start Low and Go Slow

Dosing edibles, including Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, requires patience. The golden rule is: to start with a small amount and wait before consuming more.

Begin with ¼ to ½ teaspoon per serving. This is a safe starting dose, especially for beginners.
Wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more. Edibles take longer to metabolize in the body compared to inhaled Cannabis.
Increase the dose gradually if needed, depending on tolerance and desired effects.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about potency, start with a small amount in your recipe and adjust over time.

Why Dosing Matters

Overconsumption of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil can lead to strong, long-lasting effects, which might be overwhelming for some users. Proper dosing helps you:

✅ Enjoy the benefits of Cannabis without unwanted side effects.
✅ Prevent overconsumption, which can cause discomfort, including drowsiness or dizziness.
✅ Control the experience, ensuring that each meal or snack is enjoyable and predictable.

💡 Tip: If you’re cooking for multiple people, always inform them that the dish contains Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil and recommend small portions at first.

Factors That Affect Potency

The strength of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil varies depending on several factors:

1. Strain of Dried Cannabis Flowers Used

Different strains have varying levels of THC (psychoactive effects) and CBD (therapeutic effects).
High-THC strains produce stronger effects, while high-CBD strains provide a more balanced experience.

2. Infusion Strength

The ratio of Dried Cannabis flowers to olive oil affects potency.
A higher concentration of Cannabis in oil results in a stronger infusion.

3. Individual Tolerance and Metabolism

Those new to Cannabis edibles may have a lower tolerance and require smaller doses.
People with a faster metabolism may feel the effects sooner than those with a slower metabolism.

💡 Tip: Keep a dosing journal to track how different amounts affect you.

How to Accurately Measure Doses

Since Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is potent, it’s important to measure doses carefully:

Use a teaspoon or dropper to control portions.
Stir the oil well before using it in recipes to ensure an even distribution of cannabinoids.
Test a small amount first before adding more to a dish.

💡 Tip: If making a large batch, calculate the total potency per serving by dividing the total THC content by the number of servings.

Legal Considerations of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil in Canada

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is a great way to enjoy the benefits of Cannabis in a smoke-free and versatile form. However, before making or using it, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape in Canada. While Cannabis in Canada is legal, certain laws and regulations must be followed, especially when it comes to homemade infused products.

Understanding the Legal Framework

In Canada, adults can legally purchase, possess, and consume Cannabis, including using it to create infused products like Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil. However, laws vary by province and territory, and there are key legal aspects to keep in mind.

1. Personal Possession Limits

Each province and territory has specific rules regarding the amount of Cannabis you can possess, including for homemade infusions.

Federal Law: Adults (18+ or 19+ depending on the province) can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried Cannabis or the equivalent in other forms.
Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil Equivalency: Since oils and other infused products are measured differently under the law, possession limits are based on THC content and weight.
Provincial Variations: Some provinces may have stricter rules on possession and storage. Always check your local regulations.

💡 Tip: Even though you can make infused products at home, you cannot exceed personal possession limits when transporting or sharing them.

2. No Unauthorized Sales – Homemade Cannabis Products Cannot Be Sold

While making Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil at home for personal use is legal, selling it is not unless you are licensed by Health Canada.

Illegal Sales: Selling homemade Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil without a license is against Canadian law and can lead to legal consequences.
Licensed Retailers: Only authorized dispensaries and producers can legally sell Cannabis-infused products, including oils.
Gifting: Sharing small amounts with another adult is legal, but selling or trading homemade infused oils is not.

💡 Tip: If you’re interested in commercial production, look into Health Canada’s licensing process for Cannabis processors and retailers.

3. Safe Storage – Keeping Infused Oils Secure

Proper storage of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is essential for safety and legal compliance, especially if you have children or pets in your household.

Childproof Storage: Keep infused oils in a sealed, clearly labelled container away from minors.
Pet Safety: Cannabis can be toxic to animals. Store infused oils out of reach of pets.
Dark, Cool Storage: Keeping the oil in a cool, dark place ensures potency while preventing accidental consumption.

💡 Tip: Use a lockable container or cabinet for extra safety, especially in households with children.

Where to Buy Cannabis for Infusion

To make high-quality Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, start with legal, safe, and tested Cannabis from licensed sources. Buying from government-approved retailers ensures that your Dried Cannabis flowers are free from contaminants and meet Canadian health standards.

How to Buy Legal Cannabis in Canada

Licensed Dispensaries: Physical Cannabis stores in provinces where retail sales are permitted.
Government-Approved Websites: You can buy online Cannabis in Canada through official provincial websites for safe, legal purchases.
Private Online Retailers: Some provinces allow regulated private sellers to offer Cannabis online.

💡 Tip: Always check for government licensing when purchasing Dried Cannabis flowers to ensure compliance and safety.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of Cannabis in cooking and wellness. Whether you want to elevate your meals or explore natural skincare, this infusion offers a convenient and effective method. Be sure to use it responsibly and always source Cannabis in Canada from trusted retailers. If you’re looking to stock up on Cannabis-infused olive oil ingredients, you can conveniently buy online Cannabis in Canada through licensed dispensaries.

With its health benefits, ease of preparation, and versatile use, Cannabis-infused olive oil is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of Cannabis in Canada!

FAQs

1. How long does Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil last?

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the potency and freshness of Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil. To extend its shelf life:

Store it in an airtight glass container to prevent oxidation.
Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator.
Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade cannabinoids.

When stored correctly, Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil can last up to six months. Refrigeration may help preserve freshness even longer, but the oil may solidify—just bring it to room temperature before use.

2. Can I use any type of olive oil for infusion?

While any olive oil can be used, extra virgin olive oil is the best choice due to its superior quality and high content of healthy fats. These fats help bind to cannabinoids, increasing their absorption in the body.

If you prefer a lighter taste, you can use light olive oil. However, avoid using low-quality or heavily refined oils, as they may lack the beneficial properties found in high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

3. How much should I use in recipes?

Dosing Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil properly is important, especially for those new to edibles. To start:

Begin with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per serving.
Wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more, as edibles take longer to take effect.
Gradually increase the dose if needed, depending on tolerance and desired effects.

Since potency varies based on the strain of Dried Cannabis flowers used, keeping track of your intake helps prevent overconsumption.

4. Can I buy ready-made Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil in Canada?

Yes, but availability depends on provincial regulations. Licensed dispensaries may sell pre-made Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, but not all provinces allow its sale.

To purchase legally, always buy from licensed retailers. You can buy online Cannabis in Canada through government-approved stores, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards.

5. Will Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil get me high?

It depends on the strain used for infusion:

THC-Dominant Strains: If the oil contains high levels of THC, it will have psychoactive effects, causing a “high.”
CBD-Dominant Strains: If you prefer a non-intoxicating option, use CBD-rich Dried Cannabis flowers, which provide relaxation without a high.

Understanding the THC and CBD content of your infusion helps you control its effects based on personal preference.

6. Can I use Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil for skincare?

Absolutely! Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, making it a great natural skincare product.

Some potential benefits of topical application include:

Hydration: Olive oil helps keep skin soft and nourished.
Reducing Inflammation: May help soothe skin irritation, redness, and minor discomfort.
Antioxidant Protection: Cannabis contains compounds that may protect against environmental stressors.

For best results, apply a small amount directly to the skin or mix it with lotions and balms.

7. How can I ensure consistent potency in my infusion?

To achieve consistent potency in your Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil, follow these tips:

Use lab-tested Cannabis: Ensure that your Dried Cannabis flowers have a known THC or CBD content.
Measure accurately: Weigh your Cannabis and oil precisely to maintain a predictable dosage.
Use a dosage calculator: Online calculators can estimate potency based on the amount of Cannabis used.
Stir thoroughly: Mixing the oil well ensures even distribution of cannabinoids throughout the batch.

By following these steps, you can create Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil with reliable strength, making it easier to dose in cooking and skincare applications.