Cooking with cannabis is a fun and creative way to enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant. From sweet treats to savory dishes, cannabis-infused recipes can elevate your culinary experience. If you’re curious about how to start, this guide will provide you with the basics of cooking with cannabis.
Understanding the Basics
1. Know Your Strain
Cannabis comes in various strains, each with unique effects. Indica strains are known for their relaxing properties, while sativa strains tend to be more uplifting and energizing. Hybrid strains offer a mix of both. Understanding the strain you’re using can help you choose recipes that complement the desired effect.
2. THC vs. CBD
THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a “high,” while CBD is non-psychoactive and is known for its therapeutic effects. Decide which compound suits your needs before selecting your cannabis product.
3. Decarboxylation is Key
Raw cannabis won’t produce psychoactive effects unless it’s heated to activate its compounds. This process, known as decarboxylation, involves baking cannabis at a low temperature (around 240°F or 115°C) for 30-40 minutes before using it in recipes.
Making Cannabis Infusions
Cannabis is fat-soluble, meaning it binds well to fats like butter or oil. Creating cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter) or oil is the foundation for many recipes.
1. Cannabutter
•Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
•Add decarboxylated cannabis and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
•Strain through cheesecloth to remove plant material.
•Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Cannabis Oil
•Combine your favorite cooking oil (e.g., olive, coconut) with decarboxylated cannabis.
•Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.
•Strain and store as you would with cannabutter.
Cooking with Cannabis
Once you have your infusion ready, you can incorporate it into a variety of dishes. Here are a few tips:
•Start Low and Go Slow
It’s easy to overdo cannabis in recipes. Begin with a small amount and adjust based on your tolerance.
•Mix with Regular Fats
To control potency, combine cannabis-infused butter or oil with regular butter or oil.
•Versatile Dishes
Cannabis-infused oils and butters can be used in baked goods, pasta, sauces, and even beverages.
Dosage Guidelines
Calculating the dosage of THC or CBD in your recipes requires some math. Start with the percentage of THC or CBD in your cannabis flower and multiply it by the weight used in your infusion. Divide the total by the number of servings in your recipe.
Example: If your flower has 15% THC and you use 7 grams, that’s 1050 mg of THC. If your recipe makes 20 servings, each serving will contain approximately 52.5 mg THC. Adjust servings to suit your needs.
Safety First
•Label cannabis-infused foods clearly, especially if you share a kitchen.
•Keep edibles away from children and pets.
•Wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more, as the effects of edibles can take time to set in.
Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With the right techniques and precautions, you can create delicious, infused dishes tailored to your taste and preferences.