Cannabis suppositories are made by melting a fat-based carrier, mixing in a cannabis concentrate, pouring the blend into silicone molds, and chilling until solid. The process takes about 30 minutes of active work plus cooling time, and the ingredients are straightforward. The key to getting it right is temperature control, since both the base material and the cannabinoids are sensitive to heat.
Why Suppositories Over Other Methods
When you swallow cannabis in an edible or capsule, it passes through your liver before reaching your bloodstream. This “first-pass” processing breaks down a large portion of the THC, which is why oral cannabis can feel unpredictable and slow to kick in. Rectal administration partially bypasses that liver processing, which changes the experience in a few ways: onset is faster (around 15 minutes), effects can last up to 12 hours, and the intensity tends to be more consistent from dose to dose.
Suppositories are particularly useful for people who can’t swallow pills or edibles, those dealing with nausea, or anyone who wants localized relief in the pelvic region without a strong psychoactive effect. That said, rectal bioavailability of THC is still relatively low. A study in primates found that a specially formulated THC compound delivered only about 13.5% bioavailability rectally, and standard THC showed essentially no absorption from basic suppository formulations. This means the form of cannabis you use matters enormously. Distillates and concentrates that are already activated (decarboxylated) tend to work far better than raw flower.
Choosing a Base Material
The base is the fat that holds the cannabinoids and melts at body temperature. Your two main options are cocoa butter and coconut oil, and each behaves differently.
Cocoa butter is the traditional suppository base used in pharmaceutical compounding. It’s solid at room temperature (up to about 77°F) and melts between 86°F and 95°F, right around body temperature. This makes it ideal: the suppository holds its shape in storage but dissolves after insertion. The major catch is that cocoa butter is polymorphic, meaning its crystal structure changes if you overheat it. If you heat it above 95°F, it can permanently shift to a form that melts at a lower temperature, leaving you with suppositories that turn soft and unusable at room temperature. Cocoa butter suppositories are shelf-stable when stored in a cool room or refrigerator.
Coconut oil is easier to work with because it’s more forgiving with heat. It melts at around 76°F, which means it’s softer at room temperature and must be stored in the freezer or refrigerator. Coconut oil suppositories are slightly less firm, but they work fine as long as you keep them cold until use.
What You’ll Need
- Cannabis concentrate: Distillate or RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) works best because it’s already decarboxylated. If you’re using raw concentrate, you’ll need to decarboxylate it first by heating it in an oven at 240°F for about 40 minutes.
- Base fat: Cocoa butter or coconut oil. Plan on roughly 1 tablespoon of fat per suppository, though this depends on your mold size.
- Silicone suppository molds: These are available online and typically hold 2 mL per cavity, which is the standard suppository size. A standard mold tray makes 10 to 20 suppositories.
- Double boiler or makeshift version: A heat-safe bowl set over a small pot of simmering water.
- Oral syringe or small measuring cup: For filling molds precisely.
Step-by-Step Process
Melt the Base
Set up a double boiler with an inch or two of water in the bottom pot. Place your measured cocoa butter or coconut oil in the top bowl and let it melt slowly over low heat. For cocoa butter, keep the temperature below 95°F. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one. Coconut oil is less fussy but should still be melted gently, not brought to a simmer.
Add the Cannabis Concentrate
Once the base is fully liquid, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. You want the mixture warm enough to stay liquid but not so hot that it degrades the cannabinoids. For cocoa butter, aim for about 90°F. Stir in your measured dose of distillate or RSO thoroughly. The cannabis concentrate needs to be evenly distributed so each suppository contains a consistent amount. Stir for at least a minute to avoid hot spots where cannabinoids clump together.
Dosing is personal, but a common starting point is 10 to 25 mg of THC per suppository for someone with experience, or 5 to 10 mg for a cautious start. Divide your total amount of concentrate across the number of molds you’re filling.
Pour Into Molds
Use an oral syringe or a small spoon to fill each mold cavity. Work relatively quickly, especially with cocoa butter, because it begins to solidify as it cools. If the mixture starts to thicken before you finish, you can briefly rewarm it over the double boiler, but avoid repeated heating cycles with cocoa butter.
Chill and Store
Place the filled molds in the freezer. They’ll be fully set within 30 to 60 minutes. Once solid, pop them out of the silicone molds. Coconut oil suppositories should stay in the freezer until you’re ready to use one. Cocoa butter suppositories can be stored in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cabinet if your home stays below 77°F. In warm climates, refrigerate them regardless.
Wrap individual suppositories in small pieces of parchment paper or store them in a sealed container to prevent them from picking up odors or moisture. Label the container clearly with the dose per suppository and the date.
Hygiene During Preparation
Anything you insert into your body needs to be made in clean conditions. Wash your hands, molds, and all utensils with hot soapy water before starting. Use food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade cocoa butter and coconut oil, not cosmetic-grade products that may contain additives. If you’re sourcing cannabis concentrate, dispensary products that have been tested for contaminants are significantly safer than unregulated ones. Unregulated products can contain pesticides, fungal contamination, or adulterants like vitamin E acetate, all of which pose real risks when absorbed through mucosal tissue.
How to Use Them
Insert the suppository about 1 to 1.5 inches past the opening. Lying on your side for a few minutes afterward helps it stay in place as it melts. Effects typically begin within 15 minutes and can last up to 12 hours, which is considerably longer than most other delivery methods. Start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before considering a second one, since the extended duration means effects can build gradually.
Who Should Be Cautious
Cannabis suppositories carry the same contraindications as other forms of cannabis. People with unstable heart conditions should be aware that cannabinoids can cause increased heart rate and drops in blood pressure. Cannabis in any form is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anyone with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, or a family predisposition to these conditions, faces elevated risk from THC specifically. And as with any cannabis product, suppositories should be stored securely away from children and pets.