Cooking with cannabis has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy its benefits while creating flavorful dishes. By incorporating cannabis into your meals, you can enjoy a more controlled and discreet experience compared to traditional methods like smoking or vaping. Here are three easy, delicious, and popular ways to include cannabis in your cooking.
1. Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)
Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient and a cornerstone of cannabis cooking. It can be used in everything from baked goods to savory dishes.
How to Make Cannabutter
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of decarboxylated cannabis (approximately 7-10 grams)
- 1 cup of water
- Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan with water on low heat.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis and simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container to remove plant material.
- Refrigerate until the butter solidifies. Discard the water layer.
How to Use Cannabutter
You can substitute cannabutter for regular butter in recipes like brownies, cookies, pasta sauces, and even mashed potatoes. Start with a small amount to control potency and adjust to your preference.
2. Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
Cannabis-infused olive oil is a healthier alternative to butter and perfect for salad dressings, sautés, or drizzling over finished dishes.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 cup of decarboxylated cannabis (approximately 7-10 grams)
- Instructions:
- Combine the olive oil and cannabis in a saucepan.
- Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to preserve potency.
- Strain through a cheesecloth into a glass bottle or jar.
How to Use Cannabis Olive Oil
Drizzle it over salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes. It’s also great for dipping bread or as a finishing touch for soups. Like with cannabutter, start with small amounts to gauge the strength.
3. Cannabis-Infused Honey
For those with a sweet tooth, cannabis-infused honey is a delicious way to add cannabis to your beverages, baked goods, or breakfast spreads.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of honey
- 1 cup of decarboxylated cannabis (approximately 7-10 grams)
- Instructions:
- Place the honey and cannabis in a double boiler to prevent burning.
- Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain through a cheesecloth into a jar and let it cool.
How to Use Cannabis Honey
Use it to sweeten tea, drizzle over yogurt, or spread on toast. You can also incorporate it into marinades or glazes for meats.
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
- Decarboxylation is Key:
To activate the cannabinoids (THC or CBD), you must decarboxylate your cannabis by baking it at a low temperature (around 240°F or 115°C) for 30-40 minutes before infusing it into fats or oils. - Start Low and Go Slow:
Begin with small doses to ensure you don’t overconsume. The effects of edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. - Store Properly:
Keep cannabis-infused ingredients in airtight containers and label them clearly to avoid accidental consumption.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating cannabis into your cooking is an exciting way to enjoy its benefits while exploring creative culinary possibilities. Whether you choose cannabutter, infused olive oil, or honey, these methods offer simple and versatile options for enhancing your meals. Remember to consume responsibly and experiment with flavors and recipes to find your favorites.
Sources
- Leafly: Cannabis Cooking Basics
- Weedmaps: Edible Recipes
- Personal insights from cannabis culinary experts.