Marianne Martinez
Cooking with cannabis involves combining activated THC and CBD with fats like butter or oil. This is because cannabinoids bind effectively to fat molecules. The process of applying heat to cannabis to activate its psychoactive and therapeutic compounds is called decarboxylation. To decarboxylate cannabis, you must first grind the herb and place it on a baking sheet covered in wax paper. Then, bake it at 245 Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, mixing it every 10 minutes. Once the cannabis is a light golden brown, it is ready to be infused with butter or oil. To make cannabutter, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add water and the decarbed cannabis, and 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 the plant material. Allow it to cool and solidify in the fridge. The same process can be followed to make cannabis oil, replacing butter with oil. Infused butter or oil can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 months or in the freezer for longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Grind the cannabis with an herb grinder, spread it on a baking sheet covered in wax paper, and bake at 220-250°F for about 30 minutes until it turns light golden brown. Mix every 10 minutes for even cooking. |
| Fats | Use butter or oil as a base for the cannabis infusion. Butter and oil contain high amounts of fat, which is necessary for the body to absorb THC or CBD. |
| Dosage | Start with a small dose of 5-10 mg of THC and wait for at least 1-2 hours before consuming more. |
| Storage | Store cannabis-infused butter or oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Label the products clearly. |
| Strains | Choose the right cannabis strain depending on the desired outcome: Sativa for uplifting and energizing effects, Indica for relaxing and calming effects, or Hybrid for a combination of both. |
| Temperature | Keep temperatures below 350°F (175°C) when cooking or reheating to prevent losing potency. |
| Portioning | Use molds, cookie cutters, or a scale to portion edibles. |
| Recipes | Common recipes include gummies, brownies, cookies, and beverages. |
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What You'll Learn
- Decarboxylation: heat-activate the THCA to convert it into THC
- Combine THC with fats: cannabinoids bind to fat molecules, so use butter or oil
- Storage: store infused butter or oil in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer
- Dosage: start with a small dose of THC (5-10mg) and wait 1-2 hours before consuming more
- Portioning: use cookie cutters, moulds, or scales to accurately portion edibles
Decarboxylation: heat-activate the THCA to convert it into THC
Decarboxylation is the process of applying heat to cannabis to activate its psychoactive and therapeutic compounds, 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. This process is called decarboxylation.
To decarboxylate your cannabis, first, grind your cannabis with an herb grinder. Then, place the ground cannabis on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper or parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 220°F (some sources recommend 245°F, while another suggests keeping the temperature below 350°F to prevent losing potency) and bake the cannabis for about 30 minutes, mixing it every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. You'll know your cannabis is fully decarboxylated when it turns a light golden brown.
After decarboxylation, you can use the cannabis to infuse a carrier fat or oil of your choice. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so extracting them into butter or oil is a simple way to prepare cannabis for use in edibles. To do this, gently cook the decarboxylated cannabis in butter or oil over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and being careful not to let the mixture boil. After infusing, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container to remove the plant material. Allow the infused oil or butter to cool before using it in your desired recipe.
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Combine THC with fats: cannabinoids bind to fat molecules, so use butter or oil
When cooking with cannabis, it is essential to combine THC with fats, as cannabinoids bind to fat molecules. This is because THC is a highly lipid-soluble molecule. Butter and oil are foundational ingredients for any cannabis-infused product as they contain high levels of fat.
There are several options for fats to use when cooking with cannabis. Butter is the most common fat used for THC infusions, as it is used for both baked goods and savoury applications. European butter, in particular, is favoured by cannabis chefs due to its high butterfat content, which yields more potent infusions and increased quantities. However, in recent years, there has been a preference for coconut oil among amateur edibles-makers due to its unique chemical makeup and health benefits. Coconut oil is also suitable for vegans and can be used as a topical application to soothe sore muscles. Another option is avocado oil, which is favoured by Chef Payton due to its anti-inflammatory properties, high vitamin E content, and ease of digestion. Olive oil is also an option, although anecdotal evidence suggests that saturated fats absorb THC better than monounsaturated fats like olive oil.
To make cannabis-infused butter, melt one cup of butter over low heat and add one cup of water and 7-10 grams of decarbed cannabis. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, and be careful not to let it boil. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container to remove the plant material, then allow it to cool and solidify in the fridge. The same process can be followed for making cannabis-infused oil, simply replacing the butter with coconut oil, olive oil, or another oil of your choice.
It is important to store your cannabis-infused butter or oil properly to maintain potency and freshness. In the refrigerator, it can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 months. For longer storage, it can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 6 months or more. Always label your infused products clearly to avoid confusion with non-cannabis foods.
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Storage: store infused butter or oil in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer
When storing infused butter or oil, it is important to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This will help to maintain the potency and quality of the THC-infused product.
For infused butter, it is recommended to wrap the butter in two layers of plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. This extra layer of protection will help to prevent any moisture or air from reaching the butter and degrading its quality. When stored in the refrigerator, infused butter can last up to 2 months, and when stored in the freezer, it can last up to 6 months.
As for infused oils, they can be stored in a sealed, dark glass container with an airtight lid. Mason jars are a good option, but they should be kept in a dark place to avoid exposure to light, which can break down cannabinoids. Infused oils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for around 6 months.
It is important to note that even when stored in ideal conditions, fats can still go rancid over time, so it is best to use the infused butter or oil within a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, before cooking or baking with infused butter or oil, it is recommended to test the dosage by starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
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Dosage: start with a small dose of THC (5-10mg) and wait 1-2 hours before consuming more
When cooking with cannabis, it's important to remember that everyone's experience with THC is different. The effects of edibles can last much longer than smoking or vaping cannabis, so it's crucial to start with a small dose and increase gradually.
- Start with a low dose: Begin with a small amount of THC, such as 5-10 mg. This allows you to gauge your tolerance and ensure a pleasant experience.
- Wait and assess: After consuming the initial low dose, it's important to wait at least 1-2 hours before considering consuming more. Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, so patience is key.
- Go slow: If you don't feel the effects immediately, resist the urge to consume more right away. The effects of edibles can be potent and long-lasting, so it's better to increase your dose gradually.
- Know your limits: Be mindful that edibles can provide a high that lasts between 6 to 8 hours. Understand your own tolerance and don't exceed your limits.
- Experiment with strains: Different cannabis strains offer varied experiences. Sativa strains are uplifting and energizing, perfect for daytime use. Indica strains provide a relaxing and calming effect, ideal for unwinding in the evenings. Hybrid strains offer a combination of these effects.
- Understand THC and CBD interplay: THC is psychoactive, while CBD is non-psychoactive. Balancing these two components can help tailor your cannabis-infused dishes for recreational or medicinal purposes.
- Proper storage: Properly storing your cannabis-infused butter or oil is crucial to maintaining potency and freshness. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 months or freeze for longer-term storage.
- Portioning: When creating edibles, consider using molds, cookie cutters, or a scale to ensure consistent portion sizes. This helps in accurately dosing your creations.
- Practice makes perfect: Don't expect perfection with your first attempt. Give yourself time to experiment and adjust your recipes accordingly.
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Portioning: use cookie cutters, moulds, or scales to accurately portion edibles
Portioning is an important step in the baking process, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your bakes. There are several methods and tools you can use to portion your edibles, such as cookie cutters, moulds, or scales. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:
Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters are a fun and creative way to portion your edibles, especially if you want to achieve specific shapes or designs. They come in various materials, such as plastic, aluminium, and stainless steel, and you can even find customized 3D-printed cutters online. Here's how to use them:
- Choose a sturdy cookie cutter that can hold its shape when you apply pressure.
- Roll out your dough to a thickness of approximately 3/8" to 5/8" with a rolling pin.
- Brush flour or confectioner's sugar onto the cutter to prevent sticking.
- Press the cookie cutter firmly into the dough to create your desired shape.
- If needed, use a knife, shaped cutter, or pastry wheel to refine the edges of your shape.
- Remove the excess dough around your cut-out shape.
- Chill the cut-out dough in the fridge for a few minutes to help retain its shape during baking.
Moulds
Moulds offer a unique way to create three-dimensional shapes or detailed designs on your edibles. Here's a general guide on how to use them:
- Roll out your dough to the desired thickness, usually between 3/8" and 5/8".
- Apply flour or confectioner's sugar to the mould using a dry, clean pastry brush.
- Cut a piece of dough slightly larger than the mould.
- Press the dough into the mould, working from the centre outward.
- Smooth the back of the dough with a rolling pin if needed.
- Carefully remove the shaped dough from the mould.
- Trim any excess dough and dry the shaped piece before baking.
Scales
Using a scale is an accurate and precise method to portion your edibles, especially when working with recipes that require specific weight measurements. Here's a simple process:
- Prepare your dough according to your recipe.
- Place your scale on a flat surface and turn it on.
- Place a bowl on the scale and press the "tare" or "zero" button to reset the weight.
- Scoop your desired amount of dough and place it in the bowl on the scale.
- Note the weight of the dough and adjust the portion size as needed.
- Repeat this process for each portion to ensure consistency.
These methods will help you accurately portion your edibles, ensuring uniform size, shape, and weight. Remember to choose the method that best suits your specific recipe and desired outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to decarboxylate the cannabis by heating it in the oven. This process activates the THC and CBD compounds in the plant, which in its raw form contains THCA and CBDA. Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C) and spread the cannabis pieces evenly across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for around 30 minutes, until the pieces turn a light golden brown.
To make cannabutter, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat and add water and the decarbed cannabis. Simmer the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, and be careful not to let it boil. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container, removing the plant material. Allow it to cool and solidify in the fridge. For cannaoil, follow the same steps but replace the butter with oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Always label your infused products clearly to avoid confusion and ensure they are stored away from the reach of children. Cannabutter or cannaoil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
