How to Cook With Cannabis? – Step by Step Guide
Cannabis edibles offer a slow, controlled release of cannabinoids, making them ideal for both recreational and medicinal use. Unlike smoking or vaping, which delivers cannabinoids immediately, edibles take longer to metabolize but provide a longer-lasting effect. Whether you want to bake, cook, or create beverages, understanding the fundamentals of cannabis infusion is key to making safe and delicious edibles.
| Step | Process | Details |
| 1. Decarb Your Cannabis | Bake at 220°F (105°C) for 30-45 minutes | Activates THC and CBD to prepare for infusion. |
| 2. Infuse Your Fat | Simmer the decarboxylated cannabis in fat for 2 to 3 hours. | For Cannabutter: Use butter and water. For Cannabis Oil: Use coconut or olive oil. |
| 3. Use in Recipes | Add cannabutter/oil to food | Incorporate into baked goods, cooking, or beverages. Avoid heating above 350°F (175°C). |
| 4. Store Properly | Airtight container in fridge or freezer | Butter/oil can be refrigerated for 1-2 months, and frozen for up to 6 months. |
| 5. Know Your Strain | Select a cannabis strain based on the effects you’re looking for | Sativa for energy, Indica for relaxation, and Hybrid for balanced effects. |
| 6. Serving and Eating Tips | Start low and go slow (5-10 mg of THC per serving) | Edibles take 1-2 hours to kick in; be patient before consuming more. |
How To Cook With Cannabis?
1. Decarb Your Cannabis
Decarboxylation is the process of applying heat to cannabis to activate its psychoactive and therapeutic compounds, particularly THC and CBD. In its raw form, cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which need to be converted through heating to become the active compounds THC and CBD.
How to Decarb Cannabis?
- Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C).
- Break your cannabis into small pieces.
- Arrange the cannabis pieces evenly across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for consistent heating.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Your cannabis is now ready to be infused into fats like butter or oil.
This step is essential because without decarbing, your cannabis-infused food won’t have the desired psychoactive effects.
2. Infuse Your Fat
To cook with cannabis, it’s essential to combine the activated THC and CBD with fats like butter or oil, as cannabinoids bind effectively to fat molecules. This process involves simmering your decarbed cannabis in a fat like butter or oil. Here’s how to make both cannabutter and cannabis oil.
For Cannabutter:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of water, 7-10 grams of decarbed cannabis.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add water and the decarbed cannabis.
- Simmer the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container, removing plant material.
- Allow it to cool and solidify in the fridge.
For Cannabis Oil:
- Use coconut oil or olive oil for best results.
- Follow the same steps as for cannabutter, replacing butter with oil.
Infused butter or oil can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 months or in the freezer for longer.
Also Read: Cannabutter Recipe – How to Make Cannabutter in 6 Easy Steps?
3. Use in Recipes
Once you have your cannabis-infused butter or oil, it can be used just like regular butter or oil in a wide variety of recipes. Here are some common ways to incorporate cannabis into your meals.
Baking:
Cannabis is popularly used in baking treats such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. Simply substitute regular butter or oil in your recipe with your cannabis-infused version.
Cooking:
Cannabis-infused oils are perfect for making savory dishes like sauces, soups, and even pasta. Just make sure the heat doesn’t exceed 350°F (175°C) to avoid degrading the cannabinoids.
Beverages:
Infuse your cannabis oil into smoothies, teas, or even cocktails. Cannabis milk or cream can also be used in coffee or hot chocolate for a relaxing, edible experience.
4. Store Properly
Cannabis-infused butter or oil must be stored properly to maintain potency and freshness.
- Refrigerator: Cannabutter or oil can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 months. Ensure it’s in an airtight container.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cannabis butter or oil. It can last up to 6 months or more when stored in a sealed container.
- Labeling: Always label your infused products clearly to avoid confusion with non-cannabis foods.
5. Know Your Strain
Different cannabis strains provide different effects. When cooking with cannabis, it’s essential to choose the right strain depending on your desired outcome.
- Sativa strains: Uplifting and energizing, best for daytime use.
- Indica strains: Relaxing and calming, ideal for evening use or for those looking to unwind.
- Hybrid strains: Offer a combination of effects from both sativa and indica strains.
Understanding the balance between THC (psychoactive) and CBD (non-psychoactive) can also help tailor your cannabis-infused dishes for recreational or medicinal purposes.
6. Serving and Eating Tips
Edibles can be potent, and their effects can last much longer than smoking or vaping cannabis. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose, such as 5-10 mg of THC, and wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more. It’s easy to overconsume edibles due to their delayed onset.
- Be Patient: Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, so don’t rush to take more if you don’t feel the effects immediately.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating or cooking with cannabis, keep temperatures below 350°F (175°C) to prevent losing potency.
Final Tips
Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from baked goods to savory meals and beverages. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, mastering the basics of decarboxylation, infusion, and dosage ensures safe and enjoyable edibles. Always label your creations, start slow, and enjoy the experience of cooking with cannabis. With practice, you’ll find the perfect balance of flavor and potency in every dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much cannabis should I use in cooking?
A: For beginners, 1 teaspoon of cannabis-infused butter or oil per serving is a good starting point. Always adjust based on your tolerance and the potency of the cannabis.
Q: What is the best cooking oil for cannabis?
A: Coconut oil is widely considered the best oil for cannabis infusion due to its high-fat content, which helps bind cannabinoids effectively. Olive oil is another popular option for savory dishes.
Q: What is a cannabis shake?
A: A cannabis shake consists of leftover bits of cannabis flowers, such as small buds and leaves. It is less potent but can be used for cooking or making edibles at a lower cost.