Cannabis has come a long way in recent years, and with legalization sweeping the country, more people are looking for ways to incorporate it into their daily lives.
One popular way to consume cannabis is through edibles, or foods infused with marijuana. Cooking with cannabis can be a fun and creative way to enjoy the benefits of marijuana, and it's not as complicated as you might think. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about cooking with cannabis.
What is Cannabis Infused Cooking?
Cannabis-infused cooking, also known as "medible" cooking, involves using marijuana to add a psychoactive component to your favorite dishes. Marijuana is typically infused into butter or oil, which is then used to cook with. The cannabinoids in the marijuana are then absorbed into the food, providing a unique experience.
How to Infuse Your Food with Cannabis?
The key to infusing your food with cannabis is to first infuse it into butter or oil. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 cup of ground cannabis (decarboxylated)
Instructions:
Grind your cannabis using a grinder or food processor.
Preheat your oven to 240°F.
Spread your ground cannabis on a baking sheet and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will activate the THC and CBD in the marijuana, making it more potent.
Melt your butter or coconut oil in a saucepan on low heat.
Add your ground cannabis to the melted butter or oil, stirring well.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture is done, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any leftover plant material.
Now that you have your infused butter or oil, you can use it to cook with. Keep in mind that the potency of your edibles will depend on the strength of your cannabis, the amount you use, and the recipe you're making.
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
Start with a small amount of cannabis. It's important to start with a small amount of cannabis and work your way up until you find the right dose for you. This will help you avoid any unwanted side effects.
Decarboxylate your cannabis. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the THC and CBD. This step is important for making potent edibles.
Use quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your edibles. Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Be patient. Cooking with cannabis takes time and patience. Be sure to give your infused butter or oil enough time to simmer on low heat to ensure the THC and CBD are fully infused.
Label your edibles. If you're making edibles to share, be sure to label them clearly with the dosage and any other relevant information.
Store your edibles safely. Keep your edibles in a sealed container in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency and freshness.
Popular Cannabis Infused Recipes
Cannabis-Infused Brownies: Brownies are a classic cannabis-infused recipe. Simply substitute your infused butter or oil for regular butter or oil in your favorite brownie recipe.
Cannabis-Infused Mac and Cheese: Mac and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for a cannabis-infused twist. Add your infused butter to your cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Share your favorite cannabis-infused food in comment!