Marianne Martinez
Cooking with marijuana involves a process called decarboxylation, which converts the cannabinoids into THC or CBD to achieve the desired effects. The time it takes to release cannabinoids depends on the method used, such as baking, slow cooking, or using a saucepan or double boiler. When baking weed, it's recommended to bake the flower for 25 to 30 minutes at temperatures below 350°F (176°C) to avoid burning the cannabinoids. Slow cooking methods can range from 2 to 3 hours at 160–200°F to as long as 2 or 3 days for more potent infusions. Using a saucepan or double boiler typically takes around 3 hours. The longer the cooking time and the higher the temperature, the more the weed will infuse with the oil or butter. It's important to note that precise dosing is crucial, and the potency of the flower or oil used will impact the overall strength of the edibles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Between 160°F and 350°F (71°C and 176°C) |
| Time | 2-3 hours, up to 8 hours or more for greater potency |
| Method | Baking, slow cooking, double boiler, crockpot |
| Notes | Do not let the temperature get too high, or burn the cannabinoids and terpenes. |
| Pre-cooking | Dry the flower, clean away seeds and stems, decarboxylate |
| Dosage | Depends on the potency of the flower, start low and go slow |
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What You'll Learn
- Decarboxylation: Heat raw cannabis to activate cannabinoids (THC, CBD)
- Temperature control: Avoid temperatures above 350°F to preserve cannabinoids
- Timing: Cook for 2-6 hours, longer for stronger infusion
- Dosage: Multiply desired dose by number of servings
- Storage: Oxygen and light degrade oil. Refrigerate or freeze
Decarboxylation: Heat raw cannabis to activate cannabinoids (THC, CBD)
Decarboxylation is a crucial step in preparing raw cannabis for consumption. It is a process that activates the psychoactive compounds in the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, which are responsible for the high feeling when consumed. The cannabis plant naturally contains THCA and CBDa, which do not induce a high. Decarboxylation converts these compounds into THC and CBD, respectively.
To decarboxylate cannabis, it is important to use a low and slow heating process. Ovens are commonly used for this purpose, providing precise temperature control, which is vital for preserving the potency of cannabinoids. The recommended temperature for decarboxylation in an oven is around 220ºF (104ºC). Higher temperatures can lead to the boiling away of cannabinoids, affecting the potency of the final product.
Before placing the cannabis in the oven, it is advisable to grind it to increase the surface area and allow for more uniform and consistent decarboxylation. However, grinding should be done coarsely to avoid turning the material into a fine powder, which may burn easily. The ground cannabis is then spread evenly on a lined baking sheet or roasting pan, ensuring that the buds are not crowded to allow for even heating.
The baking sheet is placed in the upper half of the preheated oven for 30 to 60 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the age of the cannabis flowers, with older flowers requiring less time. It is crucial to monitor the process closely to prevent overheating, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. The decarboxylation is complete when the cannabis turns from green to an amber or golden brown colour, indicating that the cannabinoids have been activated.
Once the desired colour is achieved, the cannabis should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool completely before storage or immediate use. Proper cooling helps stabilize the cannabinoids and prevents the introduction of moisture, which may lead to mould growth. After decarboxylation, the activated cannabis can be infused into a carrier fat or oil, such as butter, coconut oil, or olive oil, by gently cooking it together. This step further enhances the potency of the product.
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Temperature control: Avoid temperatures above 350°F to preserve cannabinoids
When cooking with cannabis, it's important to maintain temperature control to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes. While there are numerous cannabinoids and terpenes with varying boiling points, it's generally recommended to avoid temperatures above 350°F (177°C).
The temperature range for activating cannabinoids and terpenes typically falls between 126°F and 428°F (300°F and 500°F in some sources). However, the specific range for terpenes is usually between 180°C and 210°C, with temperatures above 230°C degrading these compounds.
To preserve cannabinoids and terpenes while cooking, it's best to keep the temperature between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C). This ensures that the cannabis doesn't burn, preserving the desired compounds. At temperatures above 350°F, not only are these compounds depleted, but there is also a risk of producing harmful substances.
Additionally, when cooking with cannabis, it's important to consider the carrier oil or butter used for infusion. Oils with higher boiling/smoking points, such as canola, are recommended over coconut or olive oil to prevent burning. It's also crucial to monitor the cooking process, especially when using a saucepan, to prevent boiling over and maintain the desired temperature range.
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Timing: Cook for 2-6 hours, longer for stronger infusion
The length of cooking time depends on the desired potency and the equipment used. For a potent product, it is recommended to cook cannabis at a low temperature for a longer duration. This ensures that the cannabinoids are effectively released without burning off.
When using a slow cooker, it is recommended to cook on low heat for at least 6-8 hours, and up to 2-3 days for a more potent infusion. This longer cooking time allows for a more thorough extraction of cannabinoids into the oil or butter. However, it is important to note that the slow cooker method may not be suitable for decarboxylating the flower, which is a crucial step in activating the cannabinoids.
If using a saucepan, the cooking time is reduced by half compared to a slow cooker, but it still requires at least 3 hours of heating. This method requires more frequent mixing and monitoring to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
The type of oil or fat used also influences the cooking time. For instance, when using butter, the slow cook method involves simmering it between 8 to 24 hours. Oils with higher boiling/smoking points, such as canola oil, may require shorter cooking times compared to oils with lower smoke points like coconut or olive oil.
It is important to maintain temperatures below 350°F (176°C) to avoid burning off the cannabinoids and terpenes, which can reduce the desired effects. Additionally, the decarboxylation process, where raw cannabis is heated to activate cannabinoids, should be completed before cooking to ensure the effectiveness of the final product.
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Dosage: Multiply desired dose by number of servings
When cooking with cannabis, it's important to understand the basics of decarboxylation, infusion, and dosage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Decarboxylation, or "decarbing", is the process of applying heat to raw cannabis to activate its psychoactive and therapeutic compounds, such as THC and CBD. This process involves baking the cannabis flower at a specific temperature to convert the inactive cannabinoids (THCA and CBDA) into their active forms.
Once decarboxylation is complete, you can infuse the activated cannabis into a carrier oil or fat, such as butter, coconut oil, or olive oil. This infusion process allows the cannabinoids to bind effectively with the fat, creating a versatile ingredient for edibles.
Now, let's focus on dosage, which is a crucial aspect of cooking with cannabis. The desired dose will depend on factors such as individual tolerance, potency of the cannabis, and the intended number of servings. It's important to remember that edibles have a slower onset than smoking or vaping, but the effects can be longer-lasting.
To determine the dosage per serving, you should first decide on your desired total dose. For example, if you want to make brownies with a total potency of 80 mg of THC and your recipe yields eight servings, you would need to add 80 mg of THC to the batter. This can be achieved by using cannabis-infused butter or oil, following the guidelines mentioned earlier for infusion.
It's always recommended to start with a low dose, especially if you're a beginner. You can gradually increase the dosage in subsequent batches until you find the sweet spot that provides the desired effects without overwhelming your body. Remember to label your creations, exercise portion control, and enjoy the exploration of cooking with cannabis responsibly.
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Storage: Oxygen and light degrade oil. Refrigerate or freeze
Oxygen and light are the enemies of cannabis oil, as they can lessen the potency and freshness of the oil. If you store it properly, your oil can last up to 60–90 days. To extend its lifespan, you can refrigerate or freeze it.
When it comes to storing cannabis products, the goal is to maintain optimal humidity and limit exposure to oxygen, light, and extreme temperatures. Proper storage can help deter mould, preserve terpenes and cannabinoids, and keep weed fresher for longer.
- Use airtight containers: Glass jars with rubber seals or opaque, airtight containers are ideal for limiting oxygen exposure and protecting against light degradation.
- Maintain humidity levels: Aim for relative humidity between 55% to 62%. Humidity control packets can help maintain the desired humidity range.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Keep containers in a cool (but not cold) location, away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is between 55°F to 70°F (12°C to 21°C).
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not store cannabis in refrigerators or freezers, as changing humidity and temperature can spoil the product and promote mould growth.
- Store whole buds: Grinding cannabis increases its surface area and exposure to air, accelerating the degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids.
- Check for degradation: Before each use, inspect the product for changes in texture, smell, or colour, as these can indicate degradation.
By following these storage guidelines, you can help preserve the potency, effectiveness, flavour, and aroma of your cannabis products.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the equipment you're using. If you're using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, but if you want it more potent, you can cook it for up to 2 or 3 days. If you're using a saucepan, heat it for about half that time, but at least 3 hours. If you're using a double boiler, it will take about 3 hours, while a crockpot takes 4 to 6 hours.
Avoid temperatures above 350°F (176°C) as higher temperatures can burn the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the desired effects. Keep temperatures between 160 – 200°F and never let the mixture come to a full boil.
The cannabis will turn golden brown when it's fully decarboxylated and the cannabinoids have been activated.
Decarboxylation is a process in which raw cannabis is heated to activate the plant's cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. This process converts the cannabinoids from their acid forms, THCA and CBDA, which our bodies can't process, into the desired THC or CBD.
Oxygen and light lessen the potency and freshness of the oil, so store it in an airtight container in a dark place. Stored properly, your oil can last up to 60-90 days. To make it last longer, you can refrigerate or freeze it.
