As a medical cannabis patient, incorporating cannabis into your meals is a creative and effective way to experience its therapeutic benefits. Cooking with cannabis offers precise dosing, discretion, and an alternative to smoking or vaping. Whether you’re new to cannabis cooking or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide explores the most common and consumable ways to cook with cannabis.
Decarboxylation: The Essential First Step
Before cooking with cannabis, you need to activate its therapeutic compounds through a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis contains cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. Heating the cannabis converts these into their active forms, THC and CBD.
To decarboxylate cannabis:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break cannabis flower into small pieces.
- Spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Cannabis Infusions
Once decarboxylated, cannabis can be infused into fats or liquids, which are the foundation of cannabis cooking. Here are the most popular methods:
- Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)
Cannabutter is a versatile staple in cannabis cooking. Simply simmer decarboxylated cannabis with butter and water, then strain out the plant material. Cannabutter can be used in baked goods, savory dishes, or melted over toast. - Cannabis Oil
Infusing cannabis into oils like coconut, olive, or avocado oil is another popular method. Cannabis oil is ideal for making salad dressings, sautéing vegetables, or adding to smoothies. - Tinctures
Alcohol-based tinctures are concentrated cannabis extracts that can be added to sauces, soups, and beverages. They offer a fast and discreet way to consume cannabis. - Cannabis Milk or Cream
For dairy-based infusions, decarboxylated cannabis can be gently simmered with milk or cream. Use this infusion in coffee, tea, or creamy soups.
Edible Options
Once you have your infused ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Here are some easy ways to cook with cannabis:
- Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, and cakes are classic options. Use cannabutter or cannabis oil in the recipes.
- Savory Dishes: Infused oils work well in pastas, stir-fries, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
- Snacks: Popcorn with infused butter, granola bars, or dips like guacamole are easy to prepare and dose.
- Beverages: Add cannabis-infused milk or tinctures to teas, coffees, or smoothies for a soothing experience.
Dosing Tips
When cooking with cannabis, start low and go slow. A typical dose for beginners is 2.5–5 mg of THC per serving. Always mix infused ingredients thoroughly to ensure consistent dosing across servings.
A Note
Cooking with cannabis is a fun and practical way to enjoy its medical benefits while adding flavor and variety to your meals. By mastering basic infusions and experimenting with recipes, you can create custom cannabis edibles that suit your taste and therapeutic needs. Remember to store your infused creations securely and label them to avoid accidental consumption.