What to Do with Canna Oil: Uses, Recipes, Tips

Understanding Canna Oil

Canna oil, sometimes referred to as cannabis oil or CBD oil, has been growing in popularity recently as more research emerges highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits. But what exactly is canna oil and what can you do with it once you have obtained some?

What is Canna Oil?

Canna oil is an oil infused with compounds from the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The oil is created by extracting compounds from cannabis flowers using a solvent like olive oil or alcohol. The solvent pulls the active compounds from the plant material into the oil.

Canna oils can have varying concentrations of THC and CBD, depending on the strain of cannabis used to create it. THC is the main psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis. CBD does not produce psychoactive effects but may have other therapeutic properties.

Benefits and Uses of Canna Oil

Research indicates that compounds in cannabis like CBD and THC have potential health benefits, including:

• Relieving pain and inflammation
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Improving sleep
• Protecting brain health

There are many different ways to use canna oil and benefit from these effects. Some of the most popular uses include:

Topicals

Canna oil infused into lotions, salves and balms can be applied topically to treat localized pain and inflammation. Applying it on the skin allows the active compounds to work their effects in that area without getting user high.

Cooking Oil

Canna oil can be used as a substitute for traditional cooking oils. Infusing olive oil, coconut oil or butter with cannabis allows you to benefit from the effects while cooking your favorite recipes.

Capsules

Encapsulating cannabis oil allows for easy, consistent dosing. Much like a vitamin, capsules provide effects as they are processed by digestion.

Tinctures

Tinctures designed for use under the tongue provide quick-acting effects in an easy-to-dose liquid form. Tinctures allow cannabinoids to absorb into the bloodstream faster than other methods.

Edibles

Of course, infusing canna oil into most any baked good or candy opens up a whole world of possibilities. The options are practically endless when it comes to edibles.

How to Make Your Own Canna Oil

Creating your own canna oil at home is a simple process. Though time-consuming, making your own allows you to control the strain and quality of the starting material. It also saves you money in the long run over buying premade oils.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed are simple:

• Cannabis material dried buds or trim (1 oz)
• Oil for infusion (1-2 cups) coconut, olive or MCT oil work well

You also need common kitchen supplies like a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, a baking dish or oven safe container, cheesecloth and a covered container for storage.

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation activates compounds in the starting cannabis material so they can provide maximum effects. All you need to do is spread the cannabis buds or trim out on a baking sheet and bake for 30-45 minutes at 240F.

Canna Oil Infusion

Next is the actual oil infusion. Combine the decarbed cannabis with oil in a covered baking dish and return to the oven. Bake for 2 hours at 200F, mixing every 30 minutes. The heat allows the cannabinoids to infuse into the oil for maximum extraction.

Straining

Once complete, you must strain the plant material from the infused oil. Let the oil cool slightly and then slowly pour it through a cheesecloth lined funnel into an airtight container. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove all possible oil before discarding the plant material.

Storage

Finally, store the finished canna oil in an airtight container, preferably refrigerated, for up to 2 months. Now youre ready to enjoy your homemade creation!

Getting the Most from Canna Oil

Here are some tips to help you maximize the benefits you get from any canna oil:

• Start with small doses (5-10mg THC or CBD) until you know how your body reacts
• Record your doses and their effects to best understand your optimal dosage
• Consume with food or drink to aid processing and avoid unwanted effects
• Buy from reputable brands providing detailed ingredient information
• Talk to your doctor, especially if taking other medications that could interact

Common Questions

For newcomers, there are often some common questions about how to use canna oils:

Does Canna Oil Get You High?

It depends on the specific oil. THC is responsible for the high feeling while CBD is non-intoxicating. Seek out high CBD oils if looking to avoid the head high effects.

How is Canna Oil Made?

Canna oils are made by extracting cannabis compounds like THC and CBD into an oil base like coconut or olive oil. The most common methods use solvents like alcohol, CO2 or heat to pull the desired elements from the plant material.

Can You Cook with Canna Oils?

Absolutely! Replacing traditional cooking oils with infused canna oils allows you to impart the effects into anything you cook or bake from savory dishes to sweet treats.

Continue Exploring Canna Oil Uses

Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of what canna oil is and the many potential ways to use it. As cannabis products become more mainstream, expect to see continued growth in the variety of applications for oils, edibles, topicals and other ingestion methods.

Research is still uncovering the many therapeutic benefits of cannabis compounds. But anecdotal evidence already shows exciting promise. With so many possible wellness advantages, interest in canna oil and other derivatives continues to expand.

The future looks bright when it comes to cannabis legalization and new innovations for consumption. Weve only begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities. Stay informed on new developments so you can take advantage of everything this versatile plant has to offer!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.