Cooking with cannabis can be a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, there are plenty of delicious and easy recipes that you can try.
Did you know that cannabis is fat-soluble? That’s right. That means that these compounds disolve in fats and oils rather than in water. When cannabis is consumed, especially orally, the cannabinoids are absorbed more effectively when consumed with fats. This is why edibles are often made with butter or oil.
Before you start cooking, it’s also important to understand the basics of decarboxylation. This is the process of heating cannabis to activate the THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. Decarboxylation is essential for getting the most out of your cannabis when cooking with it. You can decarboxylate your cannabis by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking it in the oven at 245°F for about 45 minutes.
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, you can use it to infuse a variety of dishes.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
This is a versatile base for many cannabis-infused dishes. Check out the full recipe here.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 grams cannabis flower, about 1/8 ounce
- 3 tablespoons distilled water
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat immersion circulator to 200°F in a half-filled saucepan.
- Vacuum-seal ground cannabis and distilled water in a bag.
- Submerge the sealed bag in the 200°F water for 30 minutes, rotating occasionally.
- Cool the bag in ice water to halt cooking and preserve terpenes.
- Strain the cooled mixture, reserving the cannabis.
- Simmer cannabis and oil for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, then steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain into an airtight container and refrigerate; use within 30 days.
Cannabis-Infused Guacamole
This classic appetizer is even more delicious with a touch of cannabis. Check out the full recipe here.
Ingredients
- Avocado
- Lime juice
- Red onion
- Jalapeño
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Ground decarbed cannabis (see original article to learn more about decarbing)
Instructions
- Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, dice, and spoon out into a large mixing bowl.
- Add lime juice.
- Mash with a fork until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Add red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Cannabis-Infused Brownies
These classic treats are a delicious way to enjoy the effects of cannabis. Check out the full recipe here.
Ingredients
- ½ g cannabis flower
- ½cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray or room-temp unsalted butter (for pan)
- 1 cup (84 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups (250 g) light brown sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. instant espresso powder (optional)
- 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup (84 g) all-purpose flour
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F; bake broken cannabis flower on parchment-lined sheet, tossing occasionally, until brownish-green, 10-60 minutes; cool.
- Melt butter and water in a bowl over simmering water; crumble cannabis into butter, cook on low, not exceeding 190°F, for 1 hour.
- Toast chopped pecans or walnuts on baking sheet until fragrant, 8-10 minutes.
- Grease and parchment-line an 8×8″ baking pan.
- Strain cannabis-infused butter into a bowl; stir in cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla, espresso (if using), and salt; whisk in eggs until glossy; stir in flour and nuts; pour into pan.
- Bake brownies until set, 25-28 minutes; cool 15 minutes, then chill 45 minutes.
- Remove brownies using parchment overhang and cut into 9-16 pieces.
Important Considerations
When cooking with cannabis, it’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Remember that the effects of cannabis edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, so be patient and don’t overconsume.
***It’s also crucial to store your cannabis-infused edibles safely and out of reach of children and pets.
Visit Budr Cannabis to learn more about cooking with cannabis and find a wide variety of cannabis products to use in your culinary creations.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects individuals differently, and reactions can vary based on personal factors. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.