For many, crafting edibles at home is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Not only does it offer endless possibilities for experimenting with flavours, but it also allows for precise dosing and control over ingredients. How do fresh-out-of-the-kitchen cannabis-infused brownies sound? Or perhaps some homemade gummies infused with your favourite strain?

Before diving into the world of DIY cannabis edibles, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While the process may seem simple, safety and responsibility should always be top priorities. Follow these tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.

Why make your own edibles?

Sure, buying edibles is convenient, from the variety of products available to the consistent dosing. But there are plenty of reasons why making your own can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Customization: Choose your favourite strains, flavours, and dosing. You have complete control over the ingredients and potency.

Cost-effective: Buying cannabis-infused products can be expensive. Making your own edibles allows you to save money in the long run.

Control over ingredients: Allergen-free, vegan, organic - you decide what goes into your edibles. This is especially important for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Plus, making edibles can be just as enjoyable as consuming them. It's a great way to get creative and experiment with different flavours and dosages. Regardless of your cooking skills, there are many simple and delicious recipes available online for all levels of experience.

The secret to stronger edibles

Before you mix cannabis into your favourite brownie batter, you'll want to make sure you activate the THC and CBD in the plant. This process is known as decarboxylation, and it's what makes edibles potent.

When you decarboxylate cannabis, the inactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) in the plant are converted into THC and CBD, respectively. The resulting compounds are what give cannabis its psychoactive and medicinal effects.

Decarboxylation involves heating the cannabis to a specific temperature for a certain period. This allows the THCA and CBDA molecules to lose a carboxyl group and become THC and CBD.

To decarb your cannabis, grind it up and spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it in the oven at 240°F (115°C) for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool before using it in your recipe.

How to infuse cannabis into butter, oil, and more

After decarboxylation, the next step is to infuse your cannabis into a fat-based ingredient like butter, coconut oil, or even heavy cream. Why? Because THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in fats rather than water.

When you infuse cannabis into a fat-based ingredient, whether it's for cooking or baking, the cannabinoids are better absorbed and utilized by the body, resulting in a more potent and longer-lasting effect. Plus, it also adds a delicious nutty or earthy flavour to your dishes.

To infuse your cannabis, you can use the traditional stovetop method or opt to use a Magic Butter or infusion machine. Here's an easy stovetop recipe that you can try at home:

Basic Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter) Recipe:

• 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water (optional, helps prevent scorching)

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter and water together on low heat.
• Add the cannabis and simmer on the lowest setting for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil!
• Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container.
• Refrigerate until solid, then separate the butter from any excess water.

Once you have your basic cannabis butter, the possibilities are endless. You can use it in any recipe that calls for butter, and with a little experimentation, you can find the perfect ratio of cannabutter to regular butter for your desired effects.

Tasty recipes you can make at home

Not a chef? No problem! Here are a few beginner-friendly recipes that even non-cooks can make at home.

Cannabis-infused brownies: Swap regular butter for your cannabutter in your favourite brownie recipe. Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra decadence!

Salad dressing blend: Mix cannabis-infused olive oil with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a gourmet salad topper.

Cannabutter toast: Spread a little cannabutter on warm toast, sprinkle with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a quick and easy snack.

Popcorn party mix: Drizzle melted cannabutter over a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, then sprinkle with your choice of seasoning or spices for a savoury snack.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich: A childhood favourite with a grown-up twist! Spread cannabutter with your PB&J for an infused twist on a classic.

The limit is your imagination! From super easy to gourmet recipes, adding cannabutter to your cooking can turn any meal into a deliciously infused experience. Experiment with different recipes and find your personal favourites. 

How to avoid overdoing it

One of the most common mistakes with edibles is underestimating their strength. Just because they're delicious doesn't mean you should go overboard. The key to successfully dosing with cannabis edibles is to start low and take it slow.

Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, and the effects can last much longer than smoking or vaping. If you're a beginner, start with 2.5–5 mg of THC and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.

Use an edible dosage calculator to estimate the THC content per serving. This helps take the guesswork out of homemade edibles and allows you to make a more precise dosage for your desired effects.

Every batch of edibles can vary in strength, so starting low and gradually increasing your dosage until you find your comfortable level is key. Remember, you can always eat more, but you can't un-eat what you've already consumed.

If you happen to have a negative reaction, just remember that the effects will wear off in a few hours. It's also helpful to have a trusted friend or caregiver nearby to support you through the experience. Munchie foods help too!

Ready, set, bake!

Cannabutter opens the door to a world of culinary innovation, putting you in control of your desired dose and taste. From sweet to savoury, there's a recipe for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure to dose properly and enjoy responsibly. The world of cannabis cooking is waiting for you to explore, so get your apron on and start cooking!