Making CBD oil from the comfort of home in 5 steps: a simple guide for beginners

17. 11. 2023

CBD oil is growing in popularity due to its potential health benefits. This simple guide is especially for beginners who want to make their own CBD oil without stress. You'll learn why homemade CBD oil is better quality. And most importantly, how to make it in just 5 steps. Follow these steps and discover how you can make your own CBD oil with positive effects on your health - all from the comfort of your own home.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a product derived from the cannabis plant that contains cannabidiol (CBD) as its main active ingredient. CBD is one of the many types of cannabinoids found in cannabis and has significant potential health benefits. Unlike another known cannabinoid, THC, CBD does not cause intoxicating effects and is not psychoactive.

People use CBD oil for many different purposes, including relieving pain, anxiety, depression, improving sleep and treating certain neurological and inflammatory diseases. However, it is important to remember that research into the effects of CBD is still ongoing and many of these effects are not definitively confirmed.

It is advisable to consult a doctor before using CBD oil, especially if you suffer from any health problems or are taking other medications.

Benefits of homemade CBD oil

There are several benefits to home-made CBD oil that may be appealing to people who want to have more control over the quality and composition of the oil. The main benefits include:

Quality of raw materials: with home production, you have the opportunity to choose quality hemp. You can opt for organic cultivation, without pesticides and herbicides that could negatively affect the quality of the resulting oil.

Chemical-free: with home production, you control the entire extraction process. You can choose methods that minimise the use of chemicals, such as alcohol extraction, which can lead to a cleaner and more natural oil.

Customizing the strength and composition: you can adjust the ratio of CBD to carrier oil to suit your own needs and preferences. This allows you to create an oil with exactly the concentration you desire.

Reduction of impurities and additives: when making at home, you can carefully filter the extract, which helps to remove impurities and maintain the purity of the product.

Cost: making your own CBD oil can be more cost-effective than buying ready-made oil, especially if you take the time to find more affordable ingredients.

CBD oil production

Step 1: Raw materials and tools needed

The beginning of successful home CBD oil production is all about choosing the right raw materials and acquiring the necessary tools. Below is a list of what you'll need:

The necessary raw materials:

Hemp material: dry buds and leaves of high CBD hemp.

Carrier oil: choose a good quality carrier oil such as olive, coconut or even hemp oil. The carrier oil is needed to dilute the CBD extract.

Medicinal alcohol: used to extract CBD from cannabis.

Tools needed:

Bowl: to mix and prepare the cannabis material.

Pot: for decarboxylation and extraction.

Fine sieve: to separate the solids from the extract.

Storage container: for safe storage of the resulting CBD oil.

Step 2: Decarboxylation of hemp

Decarboxylation is a key step in processing hemp to produce CBD oil. This process is necessary to activate the CBD and other cannabinoids contained in hemp. For example, CBDA is converted to CBD, which increases the potency and potential of cannabinoids for medicinal purposes.

Oven decarboxylation procedure:

Preheat the oven to a temperature of approximately 110-120 °C.
Crush the dry cannabis buds and leaves into smaller pieces.
Place the cannabis on a baking tray lined with baking paper and spread it out evenly.
Place the baking tray with the hemp in a preheated oven and leave it to decarbox for 30-45 minutes. During this process, CO2 is released and cannabinoids are activated.
After this time, remove the cannabis from the oven and allow it to cool.

Step 3: CBD extraction

Extracting CBD from decarboxylated hemp is a key step in the production of CBD oil. One commonly used method is alcohol extraction. This method easily separates the valuable substances of hemp, including CBD, from the plant material.

Alcohol extraction procedure:

Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a glass container.
Add enough alcohol to completely submerge the cannabis.
Mix the cannabis and alcohol gently with a spoon. This will facilitate the extraction of the cannabinoids.
Cover the bowl and allow the mixture to macerate for a few minutes to an hour. The maceration time depends on the preferred extraction efficiency.
Prepare a pot with a water bath and bring the water to a gentle boil.
Using a sieve, strain the alcohol and cannabis mixture into the water bath container. The cannabis material that remains in the strainer can be used later for further extraction.
Slowly heat the container of alcohol and cannabis in the water bath. The alcohol will gradually evaporate and only the extract will remain.
When most of the alcohol has evaporated, a viscous oil extract containing cannabinoids will be formed.

Step 4: Filtration and purification of the extract

After extraction, it is important to filter and purify the extract to remove impurities and residual alcohol. This step increases the purity of the resulting oil and ensures that it is safe for consumption.

Procedure for removing impurities and ridding the extract of residual alcohol:

First, prepare a fine sieve and another container into which you want to filter the extract.
Use the strainer to strain the extract, separating the solid parts of the cannabis from the liquid extract. This will remove the plant residue and any impurities.
If you have a vacuum press, you can use it to remove any remaining alcohol. Vacuum pressing will evaporate the alcohol at a lower temperature, minimizing heat damage to the CBD.

Step 5: Dilute with carrier oil

Once you have the CBD extract ready, you need to mix it with a carrier oil to create the final CBD oil for use. The right choice of carrier oil and the right ratio between the extract and carrier oil are important to ensure a quality final product.

Which carrier oil to choose and why:

Olive oil: olive oil is a popular carrier oil for CBD oil because it is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. It has a neutral taste and is suitable for all types of dishes.

Coconut oil: coconut oil also has its benefits due to its high content of healthy fats and antiviral effects. CBD oil can add an exotic coconut flavour and aroma.

Hemp oil: hemp oil is another possible carrier oil that is a good companion to CBD. It has an inherent content of cannabinoids and other nutrients that can amplify the effects of CBD.

Ratio between CBD extract and carrier oil:

The right ratio between CBD extract and carrier oil depends on preference and the desired concentration of CBD in the final product. It is usually recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it as needed. The standard ratio is approximately 1:10 to 1:30, i.e. one part CBD extract to ten to thirty parts carrier oil. This allows you to accurately control the oil's potency and dosage.

CBD carrier oil dilution procedure:

Choose a carrier oil according to your preference.
Heat the carrier oil slightly so that it is liquid but not boiling.
Gradually add the CBD extract to the carrier oil , stirring carefully to achieve even distribution.
Let the mixture sit for a while to allow the oils to combine sufficiently.
Transfer the finished CBD oil into a dark, airtight bottle for storage.

Storage and use of CBD oil

Once you have your finished CBD oil, it is important to store it properly so that it maintains its quality and potency.

Proper storage of CBD oil:

Dark and cool place: store CBD oil in a dark and cool place, preferably in the refrigerator. Light and heat can cause CBD to degrade and reduce its potency.

Airtight bottle: make sure the oil is stored in an airtight bottle to minimize access to oxygen, which could affect the quality of the oil.

Methods of use:

Adding to food and drinks: you can add CBD oil to food or drinks. Add the oil to smoothies, coffee, tea or a variety of dishes.

Application to the skin: CBD oil can be applied to the skin for topical effects. It can help with skin problems or pain in a specific area.

Making beauty products: you can make your own beauty products such as creams, ointments and oils containing CBD.

A few words in conclusion

Making CBD oil in the comfort of your home can be a satisfying and fun project for beginners. In this guide, we've outlined the steps from obtaining the basic ingredients to creating the final oil. Remember, you need to proceed carefully to achieve a quality result. CBD oil itself can have many health benefits. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the effects and consult an expert. By making CBD oil at home, you will not only be able to influence its quality, but you will also have a better understanding of cannabis and its potential.

If you are unsure about making your own CBD oil or prefer a ready-made product, get it from our e-shop! You will save time and ensure top quality.