Contents
The Cannabis.net cooking team is here to show you how to cook with cannabis. Check out our recipes, tips, and tricks for cooking with weed.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of cannabis cooking! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about cooking with cannabis. We’ll cover the basics of decarboxylation and how to infuse oils and butter, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your weed. So let’s get started!
The Science Behind Cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with cannabis is not just about throwing some weed into your brownie mix. There is a science to it, and it starts with decarboxylation. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the THC. The THC is what gets you high, and without decarboxylation, you won’t get high from eating cannabis.
Decarboxylation
The first and most important step in cooking with cannabis is decarboxylation, or “decarbing” for short. Decarbing activates the THC in cannabis so that it can be infused into foods and drinks. Without decarbing, your edibles will likely not get you high.
THC is in the form of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) when it is in raw cannabis. In order to decarb your weed, you need to expose it to heat over a period of time. This process changes THCA into Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you high.
You can decarb your cannabis in a few different ways:
-The most common way is to bake it in an oven at 240°F for about 40 minutes.
-You can also decarb your weed using a dehydrator set to 115°F for between 1-2 hours.
-If you’re in a hurry, you can decarb your weed by boiling it on the stovetop for about 3 minutes.
The Entourage Effect
When cannabis is consumed, the various compounds within the plant work together to produce what is known as the entourage effect. This means that the cannabinoids and other compounds work together to create an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual parts. For this reason, many people believe that cannabis is more effective when all of the compounds are present, rather than just isolated cannabinoids like THC or CBD.
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
If you’re new to cooking with cannabis, there are a few things you should know. Cannabis-infused oil is a great way to add the herb to your recipes. You can also infuse butter or milk. Keep in mind that the THC in cannabis is activated by heat, so be sure to use low temperatures when cooking. Start with a small amount of cannabis and increase the amount as needed.
Start with a small amount
When you’re cooking with cannabis for the first time, it’s important to start small and go slow. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s been added. Start with a small amount of cannabis and increase as needed. It’s also important to remember that not all cannabis is created equal. The THC and CBD levels in your cannabis will affect how it affects you, so be sure to know your personal tolerance before you start cooking.
And finally, don’t forget that cannabis is just like any other ingredient — it needs to be cooked properly in order to bring out its full flavor and potential. Be sure to follow recipe instructions carefully and take your time while cooking.
Be patient
Cannabis-infused foods can take a while to kick in. Start with a small portion (especially if you’re cooking for yourself), and wait at least an hour before deciding if you need more. It can take up to four hours to feel the full effects of a cannabis-infused meal, so go slow and don’t overdo it!
Recipes
You can cook with cannabis in a number of ways. You can infuse it into oils and butter, or bake it into goods like cookies or brownies. You can also add it to savory dishes like soups and sauces. Let’s explore some recipes that you can make with cannabis.
Cannabutter
Ingredients:
-1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
-1/4 to 1/2 ounce good-quality cannabis, finely ground
-Water
-4 tablespoons strained cheesecloth
-2 fans for ventilation
Directions:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the ground cannabis. Stir gently and continuously for 3 hours, making sure the mixture never comes to a boil.
After 3 hours, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the cannabutter mixture through the strainer into the bowl, using a rubber spatula to help press all of the liquid through.
Discard the solids in the cheesecloth. Pour the cannabutter into a glass jar or container and refrigerate until solidified. Cannabutter will keep in the fridge for up to 2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Cannabis-infused oil
Cannabis-infused oil is one of the most versatile cooking mediums. It can be used in place of other oils in just about any recipe, from salad dressings to baked goods. You can even use it as a butter replacement in recipes that call for melted butter, such as brownies or chocolate chip cookies.
To make cannabis-infused oil, you will need:
-1 cup of your chosen oil (olive, coconut, vegetable, etc.)
-1/8 to 1/4 ounce of ground cannabis (bud, trim, or kief)
Instructions:
1. Pour oil into a small saucepan.
2. Add ground cannabis and stir gently with a spoon until combined.
3. Place pan over low heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
4. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Pour infusion through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or container. Discard the solids.
6. Store infusion in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cannabis tea
Cannabis tea is easy to make and can be a great way to consume marijuana without smoking it. The effects of cannabis tea are more mellow and relaxing than other methods of consumption, making it a good choice for those who are new to cannabis or seeking relief from anxiety or stress.
To make cannabis tea, start by decarboxylating your cannabis. This process will activate the THC in the plant material and make it more potent. Then, infuse your cannabis into a liquid by simmering it in water, milk, or another liquid of your choice for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the plant material, then sweeten and enjoy!
Cannabis tea can be made with fresh or dry herb, and either cannabutter or oil can be used as the infusion method. If you use butter or oil, be sure to add it after the tea has been strained so that you don’t end up with oily tea. Start with 1 gram of herb per 8 ounces of liquid; this will give you a moderate dose of THC that is perfect for first-time users.
Conclusion
Cannabis-infused food has come a long way since the days of brownies and cookies. With infusion methods that are now more refined and consistent, as well as a better understanding of how to pair cannabis with other ingredients, chefs are able to create amazing gourmet dishes that are safe, delicious, and effective.
Cannabis-infused cuisine is not only for those who enjoy good food; it can also be a great way to medicate for those who need it. With the help of a qualified cannabis consultant, anyone can learn how to cook with cannabis and create their own infused meals.
