Cannabis is no longer just for smoking. As legalization spreads and understanding of its properties deepens, people are getting more creative with how they use cannabis, and one of the most popular new trends is cooking with it. However, cooking with cannabis isn’t as simple as tossing some dried flowers into a dish. There’s a bit of science behind it. If done right, cannabis can add both flavor and its famous therapeutic effects to your favorite meals. Here’s what you need to know to get started cooking with cannabis like a pro.
1. Understanding Decarboxylation – The Essential Step
Before cannabis can be effectively used in cooking, it needs to undergo a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis contains cannabinoids in their acidic form (such as THCA and CBDA), which are not psychoactive. To unlock the effects of THC (the compound that causes a high) or CBD (the non-psychoactive compound with various therapeutic benefits), you need to heat the cannabis.
Decarboxylation is simply the process of applying heat to cannabis to convert THCA into THC and CBDA into CBD. This process typically occurs when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, but when cooking, it must be done deliberately before adding cannabis to your recipe. To decarboxylate, finely grind your cannabis and spread it evenly on a baking sheet. Then, bake it at 100-115°C (225-240°F) for about 30 to 40 minutes. The cannabis should turn a light brown color and give off a slightly toasted aroma.
Skipping this step will result in a dish with little to no psychoactive effect, even if you use high-quality cannabis. So, if you want to feel the effects, decarboxylation is a must.
2. Choosing the Right Strain for Cooking
Not all cannabis strains are created equal, especially when it comes to cooking. Different strains have different effects, flavors, and potency levels, so selecting the right strain is crucial to complement your dish and deliver the desired effects.
- For relaxation: Choose strains high in CBD like Critical Kush or Gelato. These strains tend to have calming effects without strong psychoactive effects.
- For creativity or energy: Choose strains higher in THC like Amnesia Haze or New York Diesel. These strains are more likely to give you a mental boost and a creative spark.
- For flavor: Strains like Blueberry Haze or Cheese add unique and bold flavors to your recipes, infusing dishes with sweet or savory undertones.
It’s essential to understand the effects and terpene profiles of the strain you’re using because the final dish will not only carry the effects but also the taste of the cannabis itself.
3. Infusing Cannabis into Fat (Butter, Oil, and More)
Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, they bind well to fats like butter, oils, or even milk and cream. This is why most cannabis recipes call for cannabutter or cannabis oil rather than using raw cannabis.
To make cannabutter or cannaoil:
- Start by decarboxylating your cannabis.
- In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine the decarboxylated cannabis with butter (or oil). For every cup of butter, use about 7-10 grams of cannabis.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure it doesn’t come to a boil, as too much heat can degrade the cannabinoids.
- After simmering, strain the butter through a cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Let the butter cool and solidify before using it in recipes.
You can substitute cannabutter or cannaoil in any recipe that calls for regular butter or oil, from baking cookies to sautéing vegetables. Keep in mind that infused fats are potent, so it’s essential to dose carefully.
4. Dosing and Potency – Start Low and Go Slow
When cooking with cannabis, dosing is one of the trickiest aspects. It’s easy to underestimate how potent an edible might be, leading to an overwhelming experience for those not prepared. Here’s a general rule of thumb: start low and go slow.
A good starting point is 5-10 mg of THC per serving for beginners. However, to accurately measure potency, you’ll need to consider the percentage of THC or CBD in your cannabis strain. For example, if your cannabis has 15% THC, 1 gram of it would contain 150 mg of THC. If you use that gram to make cannabutter for a recipe that yields 10 servings, each serving would have 15 mg of THC.
However, edibles take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the full effects, so wait before consuming more. Over-consuming edibles can lead to an intense and uncomfortable experience, so always exercise caution when dosing.
5. Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Low and slow is the key: When cooking with cannabis, keep temperatures low to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes. Never cook cannabis-infused oils or butter at high temperatures, as this can degrade the potency and flavor.
- Stir often: Whether you’re baking or making a sauce, stir your infused butter or oil regularly to ensure the cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Experiment with flavors: The terpenes in cannabis give it distinct flavors and aromas, from earthy and piney to fruity and sweet. Play with these flavors in your recipes. For example, strains with citrus notes pair beautifully with seafood dishes, while more earthy strains may complement a rich pasta or steak sauce.
- Keep portions small: While a large cannabis-infused brownie might sound fun, smaller portions make it easier to control the dose. Consider cutting your edibles into bite-sized pieces.
6. Safety and Responsibility
When cooking with cannabis, it’s essential to keep your creations safe from unintended consumers, especially children or pets. Store edibles in clearly labeled containers and keep them out of reach of anyone who might accidentally consume them.
Always inform your guests if a dish contains cannabis. Not everyone is familiar with or comfortable consuming cannabis-infused foods, so it’s respectful to let people know before they partake.
Conclusion
Cooking with cannabis is a fun and creative way to incorporate its effects into your culinary adventures, but it requires a bit of knowledge and preparation. From decarboxylation to selecting the right strain, infusing fats, and dosing responsibly, following these basics will set you up for success.
As you gain confidence in your cannabis cooking skills, feel free to experiment and innovate. Whether you’re making a batch of cannabis-infused brownies or a savory cannabis-infused pasta sauce, the possibilities are endless. Just remember: respect the plant, and enjoy the journey—both culinary and otherwise.