Over the years, cannabis-infused edibles have become increasingly popular as a long-lasting way to enjoy the benefits of the plant. If you’re interested in exploring the world of cannabis-infused food, this post will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to cook and bake with cannabis.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain
Selecting the strain of cannabis is crucial when it comes to making edibles. Each strain contains varying levels of cannabinoids like THC or CBD, which determine their effects. For beginners, it is recommended to choose strains with lower THC-to-CBD ratios for a gentle experience. If you need assistance in selecting a strain, consult your dispensary for advice.
Decarboxylation: Activating the Compounds
Before incorporating cannabis into your recipes, it’s important to go through a process called decarboxylation. This involves heating the plant material at a temperature for a specific duration to activate its compounds. To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Break down the buds into pieces and evenly spread them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Next, bake them for 40 minutes until they acquire a brown color. To ensure the results, allow the mixture to cool down before grinding it to a consistency using either a grinder or a food processor.
Infusing Cannabis into Butter
One popular method of including cannabis in baking is by creating butter, commonly known as “cannabutter.” The soluble components in cannabis blend with fats like butter, making it easy to incorporate into various recipes. To prepare cannabutter:
- Gently melt two sticks ( to one cup) of butter over low heat in a saucepan.
- Once melted, add one cup of water. Mix thoroughly.
- Introduce your ground herb and stir well.
- Maintain a low heat for 2 to 3 hours, occasionally stirring the mixture.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before straining the blend through cheesecloth to remove any plant material.
- Squeeze the cheesecloth firmly to extract all the butter.
- Transfer the cannabutter into a container and refrigerate until solidified.
For those seeking vegan options, you can also utilize different types of fats such as coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
A Recipe to Try
Now that you have your decarboxylated cannabis-infused butter ready, here is a recipe you can try.
1. Classic Cannabis Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of cannabutter
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until mixed.
- Add the cannabutter to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the mixture until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the brownie batter into the dish. Spread it evenly.
- For a burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Cannabis Infused Olive Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis
Instructions
- Grind your decarboxylated cannabis into a consistency using either a grinder or a food processor.
- Add the olive oil first in a pan set over heat. Then, introduce the ground cannabis.
- After simmering on heat for at least an hour, make sure to stir the mixture occasionally. Once done, take it off the heat.
- Strain it through cheesecloth to remove any plant material.
- Lastly, transfer the infused olive oil into bottles or containers for storage.
Dosing and Dosage
When incorporating cannabis into food preparation, it is crucial to consider dosage for a safe experience. Finding the right dosage is crucial when consuming edibles. Taking too much can lead to a strong high, while taking too little may not produce any effects. Starting with a low dose is recommended, especially if you’re new to edibles. It’s also important to wait for two hours before considering taking more, as the effects of edibles take time to kick in.
Know Your Edible Tolerance
Understanding your tolerance for edibles is essential. Factors like metabolism, body weight, and prior experience with cannabis can influence how you react to them. For those trying cannabis for the time being, starting with 5 to 10 milligrams (mg) of THC or less is advisable. Wait for two hours before assessing its impact on your body and deciding whether you need more.
Using Music Clubs & Cooperatives
If making homemade edibles feels overwhelming or intimidating, joining music clubs or cooperatives can be an alternative. These organizations not only provide resources for creating edibles but also foster a sense of community among cannabis enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating cannabis into baking and cooking can be an experience that opens up a world of creativity and exploration of the therapeutic benefits of plant medicine when used responsibly. By following these instructions, you’ll be on your way to creating edibles to enjoy by yourself or share with friends (in a responsible manner). Remember to start with low doses, be patient with its effects, and have fun experimenting!
