As more places have legalized marijuana, cooking with cannabis to make THC edibles has become increasingly popular. Weed edibles offer a tasty, smoke-free way to enjoy the effects of cannabis. By carefully preparing THC-infused ingredients and following some essential tips, you, too, master the art of cooking delicious marijuana edibles at home.
When cannabis is heated, such as through smoking or cooking, the THC is activated and produces a range of effects, such as relaxation, heightened senses, and altered perception. Consuming THC through edibles tends to make more potent, longer-lasting effects compared to inhaling it since the digestive system and liver process it before entering the bloodstream. Commercially-made THC edibles have become widely available and come in many forms, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, beverages and more. However, it’s also easy to make your weed edibles at home using THC-infused ingredients like cannabutter or canna oil. This allows you to create tasty, customized treats while controlling the potency and ingredients.
Tips for cooking with cannabis
If you’re new to making thc edibles, start low and go slow. Edibles can take 30-60 minutes to kick in, and the effects last for hours. It’s best to start with a low dose (such as 5mg THC or less), wait at least an hour before having more, and be patient. Taking too much too quickly is a recipe for an unpleasant experience. Proper dosing is critical for a positive edible experience. The potency of your THC ingredient will determine the THC content of your final product. Make sure you know the approximate THC concentration of your infused butter or oil, and calculate the dosage of each serving accordingly. Aim for 5-10mg THC per serving when starting.
To make THC-infused ingredients like cannabutter or oil, you’ll need to decarboxylate your cannabis first. Decarbing involves heating marijuana in the oven at a low temperature to activate the THC. Grind the flower and spread it on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Heat in the oven at 240°F for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Then, infuse the decarbed flower into butter or oil. When cooking with cannabis ingredients, avoid using high heat, which degrades the THC. Stick to recipes that call for lower cooking temperatures. Baked goods are very forgiving compared to stovetop recipes. Cookies and other sturdy desserts also hold up well for storage.
Tasty THC edible recipes
Classic cannabis brownies
Rich, chocolatey brownies are a quintessential edible weed. For 16 servings, you will need:
- 1/2 cup cannabutter
- 1/2 cup regular butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cannabutter, regular butter, and sugars until fluffy. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached. Slice the cake into 16 squares once it has cooled completely. Always label your THC creation stations properly, store them securely away from children or pets, and consume them responsibly.
