When we think of edible marijuana, the “pot brownie” immediately comes to mind, but that is only scratching the surface of cannabis cooking. Nearly anything can be infused with weed! And today you’ll learn how to make marijuana edibles from scratch (and it’s super easy).

Just sprinkling the bud dust from your grinder onto bacon before frying it can create a delectable dish! The grease can then be used in future meals for more benefits. But you can’t just sprinkle it on like salt and pepper and expect great results. So let’s talk some science.

Decarboxylate your flower

We need to heat it up; Any fat or oil can carry its medicinal properties, an active component known as cannabinoids. But one certain cannabinoid known as THCA only becomes the psychoactive THC when heated. This heating process is called decarboxylation. When recipes do not involve heat, like ice cream or salad dressing, the THC isn’t existent and no high occurs. This is why it’s important that we heat the marijuana first or use a ready to use product like our cannabutter.

For vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or allergy sufferers butter might not be a very appealing choice. Luckily, any oil can be used to create “cannaoil.” And we are going to tell you how to make it! But first…

Effect and Duration

If this will be your first time eating cannabis, you must be aware that edibles take a longer time to take effect because it is processed by our liver. This creates a stronger reaction that lasts 7-12 hours. For this reason, always wait at least one hour after eating any edible (homemade or store bought) before deciding to eat more — you cannot take back what you have eaten.

Although, you can’t technically “overdose” on cannabis, too much can make you feel extremely ill and cause vomiting. Since the high can last for 12 hours, that’s half a day of misery. So take care to dose low and listen to your body.

Now let’s go on to learn how to make marijuana edibles!

How To Decarboxylate your flower

What you will need:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) of dry, ground bud
• Cookie sheet
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 215-225℉. Do not let your oven exceed 245℉
2. Spread rice-sized pieces of bud across your cookie sheet evenly.
3. Bake for 45 minutes to one hour.
4. Let the buds cool before storing them for later use.

Now that we have our THC, let’s make it into a versatile oil!

How to make cannaoil

What you will need:

• 2 cups of cooking oil (your choice)
• 1 ounce (28 grams) of decarboxylated bud
• A slow cooker or crock pot

Instructions

1. Mix the bud into the oil evenly.
2. Cook on low for four to six hours.
3. Strain. If you don’t have a screen, cheesecloth or coffee filters will work!
4. Store in a clean jar in a cool, dark place. The oil’s shelf life is six months; refrigeration extends its life.

Once you have your butter or oil, you may substitute it for the butter or oil called for in any recipe! The possibilities are absolutely endless! From salad dressings to mashed pot-atoes and gravy!

And don’t forget dessert! In fact, I have a delicious, homemade chocolate ice cream recipe that will be perfect for the summer heat.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Chocolate Cannabis Ice Cream (6 Servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of cannabutter (melted)*
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ to1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Use a stand mixer, electric beater, or hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (when it’s thick enough to make mountains!).
2. In a separate bowl mix cannabutter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the whipped cream and mixture until it is a consistent chocolate color throughout.
4. Pour into a freezer safe container.
5. Freeze overnight.

This ice cream can be eaten alone or sandwiched between cookies and frozen again for later. You may also mix in broken candy bars or cookies, chocolate chips, M&Ms, or nuts in the 3rd step. If you want vanilla ice cream, simply omit the cocoa powder!

*If you intend to eat half or the entire amount in one sitting, reduce the amount of cannabutter to the right dosage for you.

Always use a minimum amount when first cooking with your butter or oil. If you have made your own, start with a teaspoon per serving, otherwise, aim for 5mg per person.

Some people prefer adding tinctures to their food instead. If this is an option you wish to pursue, follow the dosage recommendation on the label. Be aware that many tinctures are flavored, and that might not be very tasty in certain recipes.

Not Ready to Make Marijuana Edibles?

If you like the idea of how to make marijuana edibles but still aren’t brave enough to do it yourself, don’t worry! If you live in San Francisco, California, you can browse MediThrive’s vast edibles selection today and discover new products at a great price.

Bon Appetit!

Photo by cindy fernandez on Unsplash