The Perfect Bake: Mastering The Art Of Baking Pot

There are many factors to consider when baking pot, such as the type of cannabinoids you want to preserve and the desired potency and taste. The ideal temperature range for baking cannabis-infused edibles is between 185-205°C (365-401°F). This range ensures that both THC and CBD are present, providing the desired psychoactive and medical effects. However, it's important to note that not all cannabinoids are thermally stable, and using a lower temperature may be preferable if preserving cannabinoid content is a priority. Additionally, terpenes, which contribute to the taste of cannabis, are better preserved at lower temperatures. On the other hand, higher temperatures can make your marijuana more potent. Ultimately, the best temperature for baking pot depends on your specific goals and preferences.

Decarbing and making cannabutter

Decarbing

Decarbing, or decarboxylation, is the process of activating the THC in cannabis. This is done by heating the buds at a low temperature in an oven. The heat converts THCA, the starting form of THC found in fresh, live, and cured flowers, into THC, the psychoactive form. This process also applies to converting CBDA into CBD. Decarbing unlocks cannabis's psychoactive effects and allows lipids in butter and oil to bind more easily to the weed for better cannabis infusion.

To decarb your cannabis, first, preheat your oven to between 220°F and 245°F. Take your desired amount of cannabis flower, break the buds into large pieces, and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 20-40 minutes, checking and gently mixing the weed every 10 minutes to prevent burning. You will know the weed is decarbed when it changes colour from bright green to a deep brownish-green.

Making Cannabutter

Ingredients and Equipment:

• 1 cup (8 oz) of butter, preferably unsalted
• 3.5-7 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower
• 1 cup of water
• Saucepan, stock pot, double-boiler, or slow cooker
• Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Container for the cannabutter, such as a glass jar
• Thermometer (optional)

Method:

First, melt the butter in your chosen cookware over low heat. Adding water at this stage is optional but can help regulate temperature and prevent burning. Next, add your decarbed cannabis and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat between 150°F and 200°F for at least three hours, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to exceed 200°F, as this may burn out the cannabinoids. The mixture should never come to a full boil.

Once the mixture has finished simmering, strain it through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into your container. Place the container in the fridge and let the butter solidify, preferably overnight or for at least a few hours. If excess water forms at the bottom of the container, carefully remove the solid butter and drain out the water. Your cannabutter is now ready to use!

Dosing

It is important to note that dosing homemade edibles is complex and not an exact science. Each batch will vary depending on the type of cannabis and your cooking techniques. To calculate the approximate dosage, you can use the following formula:

Grams of flower) x 1000 x (percentage of THC) = total milligrams

For example, if you use 3.5 grams of flower containing 20% THC, you will have a maximum of 700 milligrams of THC (3.5 x 1000 x 0.2 = 700) in your batch of cannabutter. However, keep in mind that this formula provides a rough estimate, as factors such as potency, heating time, and temperature can affect the final potency.

When consuming cannabutter, start with a small amount, such as a quarter or half a teaspoon, and wait for about an hour to gauge the effects before consuming more.

Preserving cannabinoids

After decarboxylation, the cannabis can be infused into a carrier fat or oil such as butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. This process involves gently "cooking" the decarboxylated flower in the oil or fat at a temperature range of 160-200°F for about 2-3 hours, being careful not to let it come to a full boil. This lower temperature range helps to preserve the cannabinoids and prevent degradation.

When baking cannabis-infused foods in the oven, it is generally safe to cook at temperatures of 300°F or higher, as the food itself does not get too hot. For example, when roasting a chicken at 350°F, the internal temperature of the meat only reaches 165°F. However, when using stovetop cooking methods such as broiling, frying, or grilling over direct heat, it is important to keep the temperatures as low as possible to avoid destroying the cannabinoids.

The ideal temperature range for cannabis-infused edibles depends on the specific cannabinoids you want to preserve and the desired potency. THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects, boils at 314.6°F (157°C) and starts to degrade at lower temperatures. CBD, on the other hand, is more stable and has a boiling point of 320-356°F (160-180°C). The ideal range to preserve both THC and CBD is between 365-401°F (185-205°C).

Preserving terpenes

Terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its unique scent and contribute to its medical effects and benefits. Here are some ways to preserve terpenes:

Avoid Plastic Containers

Plastic containers can degrade terpenes, as well as cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Instead, store your cannabis in an airtight glass container, such as a mason jar, as soon as you purchase it. This will help retain the scents and keep your product fresh. Ensure that the glass container is clean and free from any residual scents of old resin.

Store Different Strains Separately

Different strains of cannabis should be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination of scents and to maintain the unique characteristics of each strain.

Find a Cool, Dark Place

Terpenes are sensitive to heat and light, which can damage their delicate chemical bonds. To preserve them, keep your cannabis in a cool, dark place, such as a basement cabinet or a drawer. Maintain a constant temperature and avoid placing it near heat sources like ovens or refrigerators, or areas with frequent airflow like doors or windows.

Use a Grinder

Using an herb grinder can help release the aromas found in the dense, resinous cannabis buds. Grinding unlocks these scents, enhancing the smoking experience.

Light Up with a Hemp Wick

Lighting up with a butane lighter can damage the flower, mask its scent, and dull the taste of the terpenes. Instead, use a hemp wick dipped in beeswax to light your joint or pipe.

Keep Your Stockpile Small

Freshness is key when it comes to terpenes. Avoid hoarding large amounts of cannabis, as it can become dry and brittle over time, losing some of its benefits. Opt for smaller, fresher batches to guarantee satisfaction.

Additionally, when baking with cannabis, it's important to note that terpenes may degrade at lower temperatures. While THC has a degradation temperature of 340°F (171°C), terpenes may require even lower temperatures to be preserved. Therefore, baking cannabis at temperatures above 300°F (149°C) could potentially destroy valuable terpenes.

Cooking methods to avoid

When cooking with cannabutter or cannabis oil, there are several cooking methods to avoid to prevent destroying valuable compounds.

Firstly, frying your edibles is not recommended. Hot oil can reach temperatures of 350-375°F, which can destroy the THC. Similarly, microwaving cannabutter or cannabis oil should be avoided as microwaves can reach unpredictable and very high temperatures, upwards of 500°F.

Grilling is also not ideal due to the variability in temperature. If you do choose to grill, it is suggested to wait until after cooking to add your infused option, such as adding infused pesto to grilled vegetables after they are cooked.

To preserve the cannabinoid content of your cannabis, it is recommended to use lower temperatures. However, it is important to note that some cannabinoids, like CBD, are more stable at higher temperatures. Therefore, if you want to make your cannabis more potent, a higher temperature is suggested.

Cooking methods to embrace

When baking with cannabis, it is essential to embrace cooking methods that allow you to control the temperature. This is because the ideal temperature range for cannabis-infused edibles depends on the type of cannabinoids you want to preserve and the desired potency.

For instance, if you want to preserve the cannabinoid content of your cannabis, you should use a lower temperature, as cannabinoids are classified as either thermally labile or thermally stable. Thermally labile cannabinoids will degrade at higher temperatures. However, if you want to make your edibles more potent, a higher temperature is recommended.

Appliances such as an Instant Pot for decarbing and infusing, a crockpot for making oil, or an infusion machine, provide excellent temperature control. Additionally, sous vide cooking allows for precise temperature regulation, ensuring that your cannabis edibles are cooked to perfection.

It is worth noting that the ideal temperature range for cannabis-infused edibles is between 185-205°C (365-401°F). This range ensures that both THC (responsible for the psychoactive effects) and CBD (responsible for the medical benefits) are present, providing a balanced experience.

Remember, the more control you have over the temperature, the better your results will be when baking cannabis edibles.

Frequently asked questions