Cannabis-infused edibles have become a popular and convenient way for many people to consume cannabis. Edibles offer a discreet, smoke-free, and easy way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. The process of making cannabis-infused edibles may seem daunting to many people, but with a little knowledge and some practice, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
In this article, we will explore the different methods of making cannabis-infused edibles at home, the benefits of making your own edibles, and some tips to help you get started.
Why Make Your Own Cannabis-Infused Edibles?
There are several benefits to making your own cannabis-infused edibles. First and foremost, it allows you to control the dosage and quality of the cannabis used in the recipe. This is important because the potency of edibles can vary greatly depending on the strain and the amount of cannabis used.
Another benefit of making your own edibles is that you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary restrictions. You can use your favorite recipes and substitute cannabis-infused ingredients for non-infused ones. This way, you can enjoy your favorite foods while getting the benefits of cannabis.
Methods of Making Cannabis-Infused Edibles
There are several methods of making cannabis-infused edibles, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular methods.
- Decarboxylation
The first step in making cannabis-infused edibles is decarboxylation. This process involves heating the cannabis to activate the THC, which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Without decarboxylation, the cannabis will not have any effect when consumed.
To decarboxylate cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cannabis is dry and lightly browned. Be sure to stir the cannabis every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Cannabutter
Cannabutter is one of the most popular ingredients used in cannabis-infused edibles. It is made by simmering cannabis in butter, which extracts the THC and infuses it into the butter.
To make cannabutter, melt one pound of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add one ounce of decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture has cooled, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any plant matter. The resulting cannabutter can be used in any recipe that calls for butter.
- Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil is another popular ingredient used in cannabis-infused edibles. It is made by simmering cannabis in oil, which extracts the THC and infuses it into the oil.
To make cannabis oil, heat one cup of oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil) in a saucepan over low heat. Add one ounce of decarboxylated cannabis to the oil and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture has cooled, strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any plant matter. The resulting cannabis oil can be used in any recipe that calls for oil.
- Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are a liquid form of cannabis that can be added to food and drinks. They are made by soaking decarboxylated cannabis in alcohol or glycerin for several weeks, which extracts the THC and infuses it into the liquid.
To make a cannabis tincture, place one ounce of decarboxylated
