Do you want to explore the cannabis culinary creativity as a flavorful alternative to smoking? Well, not all people are fond of smoking, some are more inclined to edibles, oils, tinctures, etc. As the growing popularity of marijuana, cannabis brownies were also hyped among the cannabis enthusiasts and food lovers.
But today, they have come a long way from the classic pot brownie and are trying innovative cannabis recipes mixing THC & CBD. Whether you’re looking for a savory dish, a refreshing drink, or a gourmet dessert, cannabis can be a versatile ingredient. But before you dive into the kitchen, it’s essential to understand the basics of cooking with cannabis, including dosage, decarboxylation, and legal considerations.
In this guide, we’ll tell you all, including some creative cannabis-infused recipes that go beyond brownies. Okay, let’s cook!
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, known as marijuana is a plant that’s used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It’s known for its two important cannabinoids called THC and CBD and their psychoactive and therapeutic effects. People often use it to help with things like pain, anxiety, or sleep problems. Some also use THC just to relax or have fun. It can be smoked, vaped, or used in edibles. However, its legal status varies depending on where you live.
What is Cooking with Cannabis?
Cooking with cannabis means adding cannabis into your meal/food, usually in the form of cannabis oil or butter. Basically, people add cannabis infused oil and butters, plus, honey, sauce, tinctures, etc, into some recipes.
This allows you to enjoy the effects of cannabis while eating rather than smoking or vaping it. The active compounds in cannabis, like THC, can give you a relaxing or euphoric feeling. And CBD can give the medicinal benefits for your better health.
You can infuse it into dishes like brownies, cookies, drinks, teas, or even savory meals. It’s important to cook with the right dosage, as the effects can take longer to kick in compared to smoking.
Want to know more about CBD and its benefits? Explore this.
Why Do You Need Cannabis-Infused Recipes?
Cannabis-infused recipes are a great way to include cannabis into your routine in a controlled and enjoyable manner. They allow you to experience the benefits of cannabis, such as relaxation or pain relief, without smoking or vaping.
Plus, infusing food with cannabis has long-lasting effects compared to smoking. Now, let’s hear some reasons:
- Alternative Consumption: Provides a way to enjoy cannabis without smoking or vaping.
- Controlled Dosage: Allows for precise control over how much cannabis is consumed.
- Health Benefits: Offers potential benefits like relaxation and pain relief.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adds a unique flavor to your favorite dishes.
- Discreet: A more subtle way to consume cannabis in social or personal settings.
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Key Components of Cannabis for Cooking
Before jumping into the cooking, you must prepare, and we are gonna share the preparation steps that you should do:
- THC and CBD
You must decide according to your preferences what cannabinoids you want to put on your cooking. If you want to get “high” you can put THC over CBD in your recipes. On the other hand, if you want a subtle experience with medicinal benefits, you can choose the balanced ratio of CBD and THC.
- Right Strain
Now you have to choose the right strain for your recipe. Different strains (Sativa, Indica, or hybrid) can influence the flavor and effects of your dish. For example, a citrusy Sativa strain might pair well with a zesty salad dressing, while an earthy Indica could complement a rich stew. So, proper strain choosing is important.
- Decarboxylation
No matter what recipe you’re making, decarboxylation is a must. This means you should heat the cannabis until it breaks into THC and CBD from a carbon bond THCA. Without decarbing, your edibles won’t have the desired impact. You can bake the cannabis in an oven or sous vide. cannabis must be heated at a low temperature around 240-250°F (115-120°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Right Doses
Here we explain the easy way to calculate edible potency:
Figuring out how strong your edibles are is easier than it sounds! Just use this simple formula.
Total THC (mg) = grams of cannabis × 1000 × THCA % × THC retention %
For example, if you use 10 grams of cannabis with 20% THCA, and 70% of the THC stays active after infusion, the math looks like this:
10 × 1000 × 0.20 × 0.70 = 1,400 mg of THC
This helps you control the dosage so your edibles aren’t too weak or too strong.
- Infusions
Cannabis is commonly infused into oils, butter, and honey, making it easier to incorporate into recipes. Coconut oil and olive oil are excellent choices due to their high-fat content, which helps absorb cannabinoids.
- Ingredients
To make cannabis edibles, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Cannabis – Dried flower or concentrate, depending on your recipe.
- Infused Base – Cannabutter, canna-oil, or tinctures to mix with food.
- Fat Source – Butter, coconut oil, or another fat to help absorb cannabinoids.
- Sweeteners & Flavorings – Sugar, honey, vanilla, or spices for taste.
- Main Ingredients – Flour, chocolate, dairy, or anything needed for your specific dish.
- Tools
To complete your cannabis infused recipes, you will need some kitchen tools.
- Double boiler or saucepan for infusing oils or butter.
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for filtering plant material.
- Kitchen scale and thermometer for precise measurements.
- Cannabis Edible Methods
Two popular methods for making edibles are:
- Infused Ingredients: Making cannabutter or canna-oil to use in both sweet and savory recipes, including brownies, cookies, and dishes.
- Direct Infusion: Adding cannabis directly to beverages like tea, without needing butter or oil.
9. Cannabis-Infused Base Ingredients
- Cannabutter: A classic base for baking and cooking.
- Cannabis Oil: Versatile for both savory and sweet dishes.
- Tinctures: Alcohol-based extracts that can be added to beverages or sauces.
- Alternatives: Cannabis-infused honey, coconut oil, or even milk.
Edible Cannabis Recipes Beyond Brownies
Here’s the game-changer for you! Tell you some recipes beyond the brownies. Cannabis can add a fun, flavorful twist to all kinds of dishes—savory, sweet, and even drinks. Whether you’re craving a creamy mac & cheese, a refreshing smoothie, or gourmet chocolate truffles, these recipes will take your cannabis cooking game to the next level.
1. Savory Dishes
- Cannabis-Infused Pesto Pasta: Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and cannabis oil for a flavorful twist on a classic.
- CBD-Infused Guacamole: Add a few drops of CBD oil to your favorite guacamole recipe for a relaxing snack.
- THC-Infused Mac and Cheese: Stir cannabutter into your cheese sauce for a comforting, elevated dish.
- THC-Infused Pizza Sauce: A fun way to enjoy cannabis with homemade or store-bought pizza.
2. Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
- Cannabis-Infused Pancakes with Maple Syrup: Mix cannabutter into your pancake batter and drizzle with infused syrup.
- CBD-Infused Smoothie Bowl: Blend frozen fruit, yogurt, and a dose of CBD oil for a refreshing start to your day.
- THC-Infused Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs with cannabis-infused oil and wrap them in a tortilla with your favorite fillings.
- Cannabis-Infused Garlic Butter: Spread on toast, melt over steak, or mix into mashed potatoes for an elevated dish.
3. Snacks and Appetizers
- Cannabis-Infused Hummus: Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and cannabis oil for a unique dip.
- CBD-Infused Popcorn: Drizzle melted cannabutter over freshly popped popcorn.
- THC-Infused Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a cannabis-infused cheese mixture and bake until golden.
4. Main Courses
- Cannabis-Infused Thai Curry: Stir cannabis oil into your curry sauce for a flavorful and relaxing meal.
- CBD-Infused Grilled Salmon: Brush salmon fillets with a CBD-infused glaze before grilling.
- THC-Infused Pulled Pork Tacos: Slow-cook pork with a cannabis-infused barbecue sauce and serve in tortillas.
5. Desserts (Beyond Brownies)
- Cannabis-Infused Cheesecake: Add cannabutter to the crust or filling for a decadent treat.
- CBD-Infused Chocolate Truffles: Mix CBD oil into melted chocolate and roll into bite-sized truffles.
- THC-Infused Ice Cream: Churn cannabis-infused cream into your favorite ice cream flavor.
- THC-Infused Honey for Drizzling: Perfect for drizzling over yogurt, ice cream, or fresh fruit.
6. Beverages
- Cannabis-Infused Cold Brew Coffee: Add a few drops of cannabis tincture to your morning coffee.
- CBD-Infused Herbal Tea: Stir CBD oil into a soothing cup of tea.
- THC-Infused Mocktails: Mix cannabis tincture with fruit juices and sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
- Cannabis-Infused Matcha Latte: Blend matcha powder, milk, and cannabis-infused coconut oil for a soothing drink.
- CBD Lemonade: A refreshing and non-psychoactive option using CBD-infused honey.
- THC-Infused Smoothies: Mix fruits, yogurt, and cannabis-infused coconut oil for a delicious morning boost.
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
- Store your homemade edibles and infused dishes in airtight containers and label them clearly.
- Keep infused oils and butters refrigerated to maintain freshness and potency.
- Don’t be afraid to try new flavor combinations and techniques.
- Cannabis has an earthy taste, so pair it with bold flavors like garlic, citrus, or chocolate.
- Stir well to ensure even cannabinoid distribution in your dish.
- Use cannabis-infused honey or sugar in baked goods or beverages.
- Don’t do the cannabis dosing incorrectly, make your edibles or dishes following the proper formula.
- Cannabis edibles take about two hours to kick in, so eating more too soon can hit you harder than expected!
- Before cooking with cannabis, familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations.
- Always consume responsibly and avoid sharing infused foods without informing others.
Wrap-Up
Cooking with cannabis is all about creativity, flavor, and fun! Whether you’re whipping up a cheesy mac & cheese, a refreshing lemonade, or decadent chocolate truffles, the possibilities go way beyond brownies. Just remember—start low, go slow, and enjoy the process! Looking to explore cannabis cooking legally and safely? MedCardNow makes it easy to get your medical cannabis card hassle-free. Get approved quickly and start experimenting with cannabis-infused recipes today!
