How to Prep Cannabis for Infusion Without Losing Potency

Before you infuse, how you prep your cannabis makes or breaks the final product. From drying to grinding, here's how to retain potency and flavor every step of the way.

Why Prep Matters for Infusion

Infusing cannabis into oil or butter isn’t just about throwing buds into a pot. The way you handle your flower before it hits heat can impact cannabinoid conversion, terpene retention, and ultimately how strong or flavorful your infusion ends up.

Step 1: Choose Quality Flower or Trim

Start with clean, properly dried cannabis. Avoid overly moist or moldy material. Both bud and sugar leaf trim can work, but quality in equals quality out. Look for:

• Trichome-rich appearance
• A clean, natural aroma (avoid anything that smells off or musty)
• No visible mildew or mold

Step 2: Make Sure It’s Cured Properly

Excessive moisture can lead to steam buildup and cannabinoid loss during infusion. If your material is freshly harvested or feels damp, cure it in a paper bag or on drying screens for a few days. You want it to feel dry and no longer smell like raw plant or chlorophyll.

Step 3: Don’t Grind Too Fine

For infusions, avoid grinding your cannabis too finely. Over-grinding releases excess chlorophyll, which can give your oil a bitter or grassy flavor. It also clogs strainers and makes filtering harder.

Instead, gently break your flower into popcorn-sized chunks. This helps preserve flavor, keeps your oil cleaner, and makes straining much easier.

Step 4: Use the Right Tools

Step 4: Use the Right Tools

For best results, use prep tools designed specifically for cannabis infusion. The CannaFuse Pouch Kit simplifies the entire process, helping to keep your oil clean and consistent. It includes a fine mesh strainer, a food-grade silicone spatula, and a tincture bottle for easy dosing and storage.

A quart-sized wide-mouth mason jar is also helpful — perfect for straining and storing your infused oil.

Step 5: Store Properly Until You're Ready

If you’re not infusing right away, store your prepped cannabis in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The freezer is ideal for long-term storage.

More Infusion Tips

Once your cannabis is properly prepped, make sure you’re using the correct decarboxylation method. Need help? Check out our blog: How to Decarb Cannabis the Right Way.

FAQ

What’s the ideal size for infusion?
Trim can be used as-is, but buds should be broken down into popcorn-sized pieces.

Can I use shake or trim instead of flower?
Yes — as long as it’s clean, dry, and mold-free. Shake and trim are excellent budget-friendly options for infusion.

Should I wash my cannabis before infusing?
No. Never wash cannabis before infusion — you risk introducing moisture and mold, which can ruin your final product.

Does old cannabis still work for infusion?
Yes, if it’s been stored properly and is free from mold. Keep in mind that over time, THC can degrade into CBN, which may produce more calming or sedative effects.

Is there a benefit to freezing cannabis before infusion?
Freezing can help break down plant cell walls, which may assist infusion. However, it’s optional — room temperature material works well as long as it’s properly cured and dried.

Proper prep is the first step to a smooth, flavorful, and effective infusion. Treat your flower with care, and your finished oil will show the difference.