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How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey and Honey Oil
Cannabis-infused honey offers a natural, versatile way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a delicious form. Whether you're looking to make weed honey for therapeutic purposes or exploring how to make honey oil for a more concentrated product, this guide covers everything you need to know. Both processes are relatively straightforward but require attention to detail to ensure potency and quality.
Understanding Cannabis-Infused Honey
Cannabis-infused honey, often called canna honey or pot honey, combines the natural sweetness of honey with the therapeutic compounds of cannabis. The process works because honey acts as a carrier for cannabis's fat-soluble compounds. When making cannabis honey, you're essentially extracting cannabinoids like THC and CBD into the honey.
Unlike honey oil (which we'll cover later), cannabis-infused honey is an actual edible product that can be used in various recipes or consumed directly. It's important to note that the potency will depend on several factors including the strain used, decarboxylation process, and infusion time.
Equipment and Ingredients Needed
For Cannabis-Infused Honey
- 1 cup of raw, unfiltered honey
- 3-7 grams of ground cannabis (decarboxylated)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Double boiler or slow cooker
- Thermometer (for temperature monitoring)
- Storage jars with airtight, child-resistant caps for proper preservation
For Honey Oil
- 10-14 grams of ground cannabis
- High-proof alcohol (99% isopropyl alcohol or food-grade ethanol)
- Glass containers for extraction
- Coffee filters
- Ventilated area for evaporation
- Small glass vials for storage
Making Cannabis-Infused Honey: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Decarboxylation
Before making weed-infused honey, you must decarboxylate your cannabis to activate the THC:
- Preheat your oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
- Break up cannabis buds into small pieces
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Let cool before grinding coarsely
Step 2: Infusion Process
There are two popular methods for how to make cannabis honey:
Double Boiler Method:
- Set up a double boiler with water in the bottom pan
- Add honey to the top section
- Heat honey to 160-180 °F (never above 200 °F)
- Add decarboxylated cannabis
- Maintain temperature and stir occasionally for 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place honey in the slow cooker
- Set to lowest setting (ideally below 200 °F)
- Add decarboxylated cannabis
- Cover and let infuse for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally
Step 3: Straining and Storage
Once infused, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove plant material. Press gently to extract all honey without pushing plant particles through. Transfer to sterilized jars and seal tightly. For detailed instructions on this process, check out our comprehensive step-by-step guide on making cannabis-infused honey.
How to Make Honey Oil: A Different Approach
Despite its name, honey oil doesn't actually contain honey. It's a cannabis concentrate with a honey-like appearance and consistency. Here's how to make honey oil:
The Alcohol Extraction Method
- Grind decarboxylated cannabis finely
- Place in a glass container and cover with high-proof alcohol
- Seal and shake vigorously for 3 minutes
- Strain through coffee filters into a clean glass dish
- Allow alcohol to evaporate in a well-ventilated area away from any flames or heat sources (this is crucial for safety)
- Collect the resulting amber oil using a razor blade or scraper
This process creates a potent concentrate similar to RSO (Rick Simpson Oil). When learning how to make RSO honey, some people combine this concentrate with actual honey for easier consumption and dosing.
Storage and Dosing Recommendations
Proper storage is essential for maintaining potency and preventing contamination:
- Store cannabis-infused honey in a cool, dark place
- Use airtight containers to prevent degradation
- Label clearly with date and potency information
- Keep away from children (use child-resistant packaging)
For dosing edible honey:
- Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more
- Effects can last 4-8 hours, significantly longer than smoking
- Keep a journal to track your ideal dosage
Recipe Variations and Creative Uses
Once you've mastered how to make pot honey, experiment with these variations:
- Flavored Cannabis Honey: Add vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or lavender during infusion
- Honey Butter: Mix with butter for a spreadable treat
- Honey Tincture: Dilute with small amounts of alcohol for faster absorption
Use your cannabis-infused honey in:
- Tea or coffee
- Baked goods (though avoid high-temperature baking)
- Salad dressings and marinades
- Directly as a sweetener
For more creative cannabis edible ideas, explore our guide on making delicious cannabis edibles.
Advancing Your Infusion Skills: Beyond Basic Recipes
As you become more comfortable with how to make canna honey and honey oil, consider these advanced techniques:
- Experiment with different strains to achieve various effects
- Try water-curing cannabis before infusion for milder flavor
- Create multi-herb infusions by adding medicinal herbs alongside cannabis
- Explore precision dosing using concentrates instead of flower
The versatility of cannabis-infused honey makes it an excellent gateway to other infusions. Once you've mastered this process, you might want to explore making cannabis-infused gummies and hard candies or dive into our comprehensive guide to crafting various cannabis products.
With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to create consistent, potent cannabis honey products that can be enjoyed in numerous ways while providing the therapeutic benefits you're seeking.
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