4 Steps: How to Infuse Olive Oil with a tCheck THC Potency Tester

This guide is for the canna enthusiasts who like their edibles to be savory. THC infused olive oil is perfect for creating homemade edibles like salad dressings or marinades. Using a tCheck at-home THC & CBD Potency tester helps you ensure that your infusion is at the perfect potency. Here's how to do it:

🫒 4 Steps to Infuse Olive Oil with THC

🫒 Why Olive Oil Is Excellent for Cannabis Infusions

Olive oil’s high monounsaturated fat content makes it a natural carrier for cannabinoids. THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they bind readily to the fatty acids in olive oil during the infusion process. Extra-virgin olive oil also brings its own health benefits — antioxidants, oleocanthal (a natural anti-inflammatory), and heart-healthy fats — making your infusion both potent and nutritious.

Unlike coconut oil, olive oil stays liquid at room temperature, which makes it ideal for salad dressings, pasta drizzles, and dipping sauces where you want easy dosing. It has a stronger flavor than MCT oil, so it pairs best with savory dishes rather than baked goods where the taste might clash.

📊 Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil vs. MCT Oil for Cannabis

Each carrier oil has distinct advantages depending on how you plan to use your infusion:

• Olive oil: Best for savory cooking. Strong flavor. Stays liquid at room temperature. Good cannabinoid binding. Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Coconut oil: Neutral-sweet flavor. Solid at room temperature (convenient for measuring). High saturated fat content = excellent cannabinoid binding. Great for baking.
• MCT oil: Completely flavorless. Stays liquid. Fastest absorption due to medium-chain triglycerides. Ideal for capsules, tinctures, and keto recipes.

For a complete guide to choosing the right oil, see our best oils for cannabis edibles breakdown.

🌡️ Storage Tips for Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil

Store your infused olive oil in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator. Unlike plain olive oil, the infusion is more vulnerable to light and heat degradation — both of which can degrade THC potency over time. Refrigerated cannabis olive oil keeps for 2–3 months. Let it come to room temperature before using since cold olive oil can become slightly cloudy (this is normal and doesn’t affect potency).

Always label your bottle with the potency in mg/mL — which you’ll measure precisely using the tCheck at-home potency testing device before storing. Never rely on estimates; actual extraction efficiency varies significantly based on your cannabis’s starting potency and the infusion time and temperature.

What You'll Need

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
• Saucepan
• Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
• tCheck device and kit
• Baking sheet

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Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

To activate the THC in your cannabis, it needs to be decarboxylated. If you're new to the infusing world, no worries, we've explained decarboxylation too.

To properly decarboxylate your weed, preheat your oven to 240°F and place your cannabis on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes. This will convert THCa into THC which is the main psychoactive compound that'll make you feel lifted and fuzzy.

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Step 2: Infuse Olive Oil with Cannabis

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis. Heat the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature below 200°F, as higher temperatures can degrade the THC.

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Step 3: Strain Infused Oil

Once the infusion is complete, let it cool and use a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to ensure that all the pulp is removed but don't throw it out! There are many ways you can use the leftover sludge to your benefit.

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Step 4: Test the Potency with a tCheck

Using a dropper, transfer a small amount of the infused oil into the tCheck syringe. Place a filter on the syringe and put 3-5 drops into your reusable tray. Insert the tray into your tCheck device and wait 60 seconds for your results. If the potency is too low, add more herbs to the infusion and repeat the process. If the potency is too high, dilute it with more olive oil.

And there you have it! Olive oil infused to perfection. Olive oil is the crux of perfectly fried sausages or yummy salad toppings. Either way, it's fun to get high on your own supply and it's even better when you know the potency! Don't guess how strong your new infusion is– just test!

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On The Whole

Infusing olive oil with cannabis is a simple and great way to add something special to your everyday meals. With the right steps and a little patience, you can create a smooth and flavorful infusion at home.

The most important part is knowing your potency so you can enjoy it the right way. With tCheck, you can test your oil and stay in control every time. Keep it easy, enjoy the process, and create better infusions with tCheck!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use olive oil to make cannabis edibles?

Yes. Olive oil binds well to cannabinoids and adds a pleasant flavor. It works for dressings, sautés, and baked goods where its taste complements the recipe.

What temperature should I use to infuse olive oil with cannabis?

Keep the temperature between 160–180°F during infusion. Higher temperatures can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.

How long does cannabis-infused olive oil last?

Refrigerated in an airtight container, cannabis olive oil typically lasts 1–2 months. Freeze for longer storage.

Does olive oil’s smoke point affect cannabis infusions?

The smoke point of EVOO (~375°F) is well above infusion temperatures (160–180°F), so it’s not a concern during infusion.

How do I measure THC potency in cannabis-infused olive oil?

The tCheck Potency Tester reads THC and CBD in any oil-based infusion in about 2 minutes, giving you an accurate mg/mL result for dosing calculations.

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