Cannabis-infused products are increasingly popular because of how versatile they are. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) syrup is one of those products that cannabis users have found to be an extremely versatile form of liquid THC. THC syrup might just be the versatile staple every canna-kitchen needs!

In this article, you’ll discover what THC syrup is, a few easy DIY cannabis-infused simple syrup recipes, what and how long a THC syrup high is like, and some delicious ways to use your canna syrup!

What is THC Syrup and What are the Benefits of Consuming It?

THC syrup, also known as cannabis-infused syrup or canna syrup, is a thick, sweet liquid with a similar consistency to cough syrup and a candy-like flavor that masks the taste of cannabis. While THC syrup is the most commonly made cannabis syrup, CBD syrups also exist. 

THC syrup is often a great alternative to cannabis-infused fats as there are more ways to use cannabis-infused syrups. Because weed syrup is another ingestible method of cannabis concentrate, it provides results similar to other THC edibles or edible cannabis concentrates. 

One of the biggest advantages of THC syrup over edibles like gummies is the ability to control your dosage more precisely. For those who prefer smaller THC doses or micro-dosing, cannabis-infused syrup makes it easy to measure out just the right amount. Likewise, if you want a slightly higher dose than what a typical edible provides, you can simply add a bit more syrup rather than having to bite off a piece of another edible like when consuming THC gummies.

Like other THC edibles, some of the most common uses for cannabis-infused products include relieving:

• Chronic pain
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inflammation

Of course, THC syrup is also great for those who simply want to enjoy the many therapeutic benefits of cannabis and as an effective way to relax after a long day.

Compared to other cannabis consumption methods such as smoking, THC in edible forms can pose less of a health risk while offering a more potent and longer-lasting high. 

Cannabis edibles in any form are also a bit more discreet, meaning no one will notice that splash of THC syrup in your otherwise normal-looking beverage. This is one of the many reasons THC-infused syrups have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and delicious taste.

DIY Cannabis Simple Syrup

Fortunately, mastering canna syrup is an easy task, meaning you’ll want to make this syrup again and again! This cannabis-infused simple syrup is made of only four ingredients, plus an option to add in the flavoring of your choice.

The great thing about DIY THC syrups is they are customizable not only in flavor but also because you can use the weed strain of your choice.

Before you begin making THC syrup, it’s important to note that cannabis needs to be decarboxylated first. Decarocylating weed is a necessary first step because it activates the cannabinoids in raw cannabis. By activating the cannabinoids, cannabis now has its therapeutic and psychoactive properties when consumed as an edible versus being smoked. 

There are two popular ways to make THC syrup: glycerin-based and tincture-based. Tincture-based THC syrup uses alcohol, resulting in a thinner, faster-acting syrup with a stronger cannabis taste. Glycerin-based THC syrup is thicker, sweeter, and more palatable but takes longer for the body to absorb. Two separate recipes are listed below to make each option. 

How To Make THC Syrup With Glycerin

The tools you’ll need:

• Small sauce pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mesh strainer*
• Cheesecloth*

The ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 – 3.5 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower 
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin
• Optional: flavoring of your choice (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extract, 1 cup of dried flower petals, herbs, etc.)

Steps:

1. Add water and sugar to a small sauce pot and heat the mixture on medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add decarboxylated cannabis flower to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes. If adding any herbs or other flowers for flavor, add those as well.
3. Remove heat and add vegetable glycerin. If you are using liquid flavor extracts, add them. Allow to sit for five minutes before straining the flower from the liquid. Store in an airtight bottle (bonus points if the bottle is opaque and blocks light).

Tincture-Based THC-Infused Simple Syrup Recipe 

To make an alcohol tincture-based THC syrup. First, you will need to make your own THC tincture using this guide. Or you can also purchase tinctures in various flavors at your local dispensary.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-3 tablespoons THC tincture
• Optional: flavoring of your choice (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extract, 1 cup of dried flower petals, herbs, etc.)

Steps:

1. Add water and sugar to a small sauce pot and heat the mixture on medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. If adding flavor with herbs or other flowers/aromatics, add those now and let simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in tincture and any liquid flavor extracts. Store in the fridge in an airtight, dark bottle.

If this recipe still seems too intensive, consider using an herbal infusion device like the LĒVO Lux. With precise time and temperature controls, this machine makes infusing simple syrups or honey as simple as possible — but without compromising quality.

Pro Storage Tips: If you’re looking for a way to store these homemade cannabis-infused syrups, a fun way to do so is to use bottles intended for coffee syrups. These have a spout that makes dosing out the syrup easier, and if you decide to make a variety of flavored THC syrups, this can be a fun way to keep them organized. Labeled mason jars can also be used for larger batches.

Temperature is one of the most important factors when storing THC syrup. High heat can break down the cannabinoids, weakening the potency and altering the consistency. For best results, store your syrup in a cool place, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). You can also store it in your refrigerator. 

How Long Does a THC Syrup High Last? (And Dosing Tips)

Because THC syrup is still technically a form of edible marijuana, the onset and duration of the high are comparable to other cannabis edibles or tinctures. 

On average, THC syrup acts faster than THC gummies or other cannabis-infused foods, with effects beginning within about 30 minutes of consumption.

While THC syrup effects vary, they typically last 2 to 6 hours based on factors like metabolism, tolerance, and product type.

If you’ve never used THC syrup or any other form of edible marijuana before, it’s important to start with a low dose. If it’s your first time using THC edibles, try 5 milligrams of a THC edible to see how it affects you. For daily cannabis users who are new to edibles, 10 milligrams might be a better starting point. Always wait two hours before taking any more THC edibles of any kind!

Be sure to measure out the amount of THC syrup you use the first time and take notes of how much you use so you can adjust your dose accordingly next time. Keep in mind the potency of the particular strain you use for each batch as well.

The Delicious Ways to Include THC Syrup in Your Daily Diet

THC syrup is so versatile that there are endless ways it can be used to enhance your food or drink. Lemonade, juice,  tea, carbonated beverages—you name it. Essentially, any beverage, especially drink mixes that call for simple syrup or equal amounts of sugar and water, is perfect for making a THC syrup-infused beverage! For foods, it can be drizzled over top or mixed in, depending on the type of food.

Ultimately, you’ll start to get creative with the many ways you can infuse your homemade THC syrup into your daily diet. 

In the meantime, here are a few unique and fun ideas to get you started.

DIY Cannabis Cocktails: A Hangover-Free Alcohol Beverage Replacement

Cannabis drinks continue to increase in popularity—and for good reason. Many are replacing alcohol in drinks with cannabis-infused drinks because they can be enjoyed as a replacement when drinking with friends, but without the nasty alcohol hangover the next day. 

Making a drink using THC-infused syrup means you have more options on not only the beverage type but also the amount of THC you want in your drink based on your tolerance level. A great way to start would be to add it to your favorite mocktail mix!

If you choose to add THC syrup to a beverage that does contain alcohol, reduce your usual edible dose significantly when combining the two. Alcohol can intensify THC’s effects or lead to a “crossfaded” effect, so it’s best to limit alcohol and edible intake when used in combination.

THC Honey Butter Glaze 

Mix the THC syrup with melted butter and honey for a sweet glaze on baked goods.

THC Snow Cones 

Drizzle THC syrup over shaved ice with other fruit syrups for a refreshing summer edible experience.

The Ultimate “Wake-and-Bake” Breakfast, Brunch, or Breakfast for Dinner

If smoking isn’t your thing, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an edible version of the classic wake-and-bake. Since THC syrup is so versatile, there are numerous ways to incorporate it into your breakfast, such as adding it to your cup of coffee or tea in the morning. Of course, you could also add maple flavoring to your cannabis-infused syrup to pour over waffles, French toast, pancakes, etc. Creating a “breakfast for dinner” spread to enjoy a sweet cannabis-filled dinner after a long day is also fun!

Consuming Tinture-Based THC Syrup Sublingually

If you’d rather just consume your THC syrup straight-up, you can do so with a dropper by pacing a few milliliters under your tongue. Unlike other tinctures that have a bitter alcohol sting and strong cannabis flavor, the sweetness of THC syrups masks both of these negative effects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What method is best for making THC syrup? 

The best method depends on preference, but glycerin-based and tincture-based syrups are both popular and effective ways to make THC syrup.

How do you make liquid THC?

Liquid THC is made by infusing cannabis into a simple syrup using either decarboxylated cannabis flower with glycerin or a pre-made THC tincture.

What is THC syrup made of?

THC syrup typically consists of cannabis concentrate, water, a sweetener (such as sugar or glycerin), and optional flavoring.

Is THC syrup stronger than edibles?

THC syrup can have similar potency to other edibles but may act faster and allow for more precise dosing.

What is the best THC syrup?

The best THC syrup depends on personal preference, but homemade versions allow for customization in flavor and potency.

Is THC syrup the same as lean?

No, THC syrup is a cannabis-infused product, whereas lean is a dangerous and addictive mixture containing codeine and antihistamines.

What does THC syrup taste like?

THC syrup has a sweet, candy-like flavor that can be customized with different extracts, herbs, or fruit flavors.

The post How to Make THC Syrup and Easily Elevate Drinks and Desserts appeared first on Cannabis Central.

While pre-rolls and bong hits are certainly a good time, have you ever thought about juicing raw cannabis? The power of raw weed contains high levels of terpenes along with unique cannabinoid acids. Raw cannabis for juicing can be done with flowers, leaves, or a combination of the two — and can easily be added to smoothies to up the benefits. 

We’re sharing the health benefits of using raw cannabis in a regular diet. Try our raw cannabis smoothie recipe below to see the impressive benefits of the raw plant. 

Why Should I Consume Raw Cannabis?

The cannabis plant possesses over 750 secondary plant metabolites that can be beneficial for the body. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which contribute to the unique aromas of different strains.

Over 150 cannabinoids have been identified by recent scientific studies. These compounds from the plant can interact with the human body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which brings about various physiological effects.

Terpenes are found in almost all types of life forms on the planet. They possess medicinal properties through anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial benefits. Lastly, flavonoids are another set of compounds in cannabis and are associated with health-promoting effects – typically associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

These metabolites found in cannabis are believed to induce therapeutic effects when consumed. Remember that certain compounds are denser in plant leaves than in budding flowers.  

Health Benefits Of Raw Cannabis

By adding raw cannabis to a smoothie, you’re elevating your healthy intake with the power of the green plant through significant benefits.

Antioxidants

Cannabis leaves contain compounds that act as antioxidants. These can help the body protect itself from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are born naturally in the body but can also be elicited by illness, stress, or environmental factors. 

Too many free radicals building up in the body can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Instead of disposing of cannabis leaves, these benefits are motivation to consume them in methods like smoothies and salads that can help combat oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammation

Too much inflammation in the body can be associated with various chronic health issues.

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s disease)

In addition, poor diet, environmental toxins, excessive stress, and infections can all contribute to the development of inflammation – potentially leading to chronic inflammation.

Entourage Effect

Eating cannabis leaves and flowers can enhance your experience with consuming different parts of the plant. This is due to multiple cannabinoids interacting with the body simultaneously to produce what is known as an “entourage effect.”

The entourage effect occurs when different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are combined. This combination provides complementary effects with unique potential for therapeutic benefits.

Raw cannabis can introduce a full range of phytochemicals into the body’s system. This will allow for an experience of the plant’s beneficial properties to their full capabilities.

How To Juice Your Plant For Raw Cannabis Smoothies

These quick tips can help if you are preparing raw cannabis to be added to your smoothie. 

Tip #1: Roll The Leaves

Take the cannabis leaves that you are planning to use. Roll the leaves into tight cylinders when adding them through the juicer. This will help ensure the leaves are processed appropriately to keep all the beneficial properties.

Tip #2: Add In Fruits And/Or Vegetables

Add your favorite fruits, vegetables, or protein powder for how you prefer your smoothie to be built.

Apples and cucumbers are examples of food with a high water content, helping to create enriching smoothies for your day-to-day intake.

Tip #3: Use A Wheatgrass Juicer

If you want to add cannabis juicing to your routine, the type of juicer you use will be pivotal. Wheatgrass juicers are well-regarded for working at lower temperatures and using a press to extract the juice.

PB&J Raw Cannabis Smoothie Recipe 

With the knowledge of how the raw cannabis plant can up your smoothie game, you’re ready to get into action! We put together a simple raw cannabis smoothie recipe that requires no juicing – just a blender!

Here’s a delicious smoothie recipe that will satisfy your cravings and provide nutrition for your day. 

You Will Need

• Up to 0.5 oz of raw cannabis – leaves and flowers
• Handful of ice cubes
• One large, ripe avocado – skin and seeds removed
• A large handful of strawberries
• One spoonful of peanut butter
• 1 tsp of coconut oil
• (Optional) – 1-2 doses of choice protein powder

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a standing blender.
• Blend!
• Pour into a glass. You may want a straw, depending on the thickness.
• Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Smoothies are already so healthy. Why not make them even better for you?

Adding raw cannabis to your homemade smoothies is an excellent source of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This is a way to use cannabis for the benefit of long-term health and not just the short-term effects that we typically feel while smoking.

Regular consumption of raw cannabis can help the body over time. Providing benefits like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and the entourage effect.

Whether you use a juicer or a standing blender, consuming raw cannabis is a great perk for changing up your smoothie game.

The post Cannabis Smoothie Recipe: How To Use Raw Cannabis To Up Your Smoothie Game  appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Cannabis-infused lollipops are one of the most effective ways to get a dose of medicinal cannabis. They also require only a handful of ingredients and tools, making this recipe easy compared to other edible recipes like pot brownies. These versatile treats can be made with tincture or cannabutter and flavored just to your liking. Moreover, lollipops are an ideal form for an edible, as they are discreet, durable, and lack any of the usual telltale signs of weed that other edibles might give off.

Supplies Needed to Make Cannabis-Infused Lollipops

Cannabis lollipops come together with only a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The most important item you need is a candy thermometer. Candy-making is primarily a watch-and-wait game: you’re watching and waiting for the right temperature to create the perfect candy that snaps and cracks.

Tools

• Measuring spoon
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• Lollipop sticks
• Lollipop candy molds
• Candy thermometer
• Saucepan
• Stove
• Pastry brush
• A cold sheet pan lined with parchment paper

Ingredients

• 1-3 tablespoons cannabis tincture
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup organic light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon of your favorite extract (i.e., citrus, watermelon, grape) or ¼ teaspoon of your favorite flavoring oil
• Food coloring

As for how much cannabis to use, you only need a gram of cannabis for one batch of cannabis lollipops, depending on the desired dose. Choosing the right kind of cannabis for your needs is more important. Are you in search of anxiety relief or increased energy? Do you want something calming (CBD-heavy) or euphoric (THC-heavy)?

For best results, especially if you’re new to edibles, you should choose a strain that you are already familiar with through other consumption methods. It’s also always better to start with smaller quantities of cannabis until you find the right amount for your needs—you can always eat a second lollipop.

Note that the cannabinoids present in your cannabis tincture will determine the effects of your lollipops. If you want traditional edibles that deliver a high—aka THC lollipops—use a tincture high in THC. If you would prefer CBD lollipops, however, use a CBD oil or tincture. CBD edibles, while non-intoxicating, are a great way to relax, ease anxiety, or get ready for bed.

Beginner edible consumers should aim for 5 milligrams of THC per lollipop, intermediate consumers 6-10 mg, and heavy users can make them with 15-100 mg or more. On average, a medicinal gram of cannabis flower has 16-20%, which translates to 160-200 mg of THC.

Cannabis Hard Candy Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide

Learning how to make cannabis-infused lollipops is relatively simple. However, you must be familiar with two other processes before starting: decarboxylation and tincture-making.

Decarboxylation: Seasoned edible makers likely know the first process of decarbing or activating cannabinoids like THC and CBD in their cannabis flower. No matter the infusion base (butter, oil, or alcohol), decarboxylating is an essential step in the edible-making process, and doing so ahead of time will greatly reduce your edible prep time. To activate the flower’s THC, bake roughly chopped cannabis on a covered baking sheet in a 240℉ oven for about 45 minutes.

Take a peek at this article for an in-depth explanation of decarboxylation: Weed Decarboxylation: How to Decarb Cannabis

Tincture-making: The second process you’ll need to know before making cannabis candy is how to make an alcohol-based cannabis tincture. Tinctures are typically made by combining high-proof alcohol with medicinal herbs (in this case, decarboxylated cannabis) and allowing them to steep for days to weeks (chef’s choice) before straining and using the resulting liquid in various ways. It is an effective infusion if you like to make drinks, gummies, or anything else that’s water-based rather than fat-based.

Need a refresher on making tinctures? Here’s a step-by-step guide: A Quick Start Guide to Making Cannabis Tinctures

Steps to Make Cannabis-Infused Lollipops

Before beginning the recipe, ensure you have all your ingredients and tools ready to go. Once the candy is ready, you must move quickly to pour it into the molds.

This recipe will make about 8-12 lollipops, depending on the size of your lollipop molds.

1. Place the molds on a cold sheet tray (ideally chilled overnight in the freezer), and add the sticks to the molds before you begin.
   1. Optional: Lightly wipe vegetable oil on the inside of the molds to make removal easier. Make sure to wipe out any excess oil with a clean paper towel, leaving the thinnest layer.
2. Add sugar, water, and light corn syrup to the saucepan and bring to a boil, constantly stirring until the sugar has dissolved. If sugar crystals begin to form around the pan, gently brush it down with a pastry brush soaked in water.
3. Monitor the temperature until it reaches 300℉, then turn off the burner heat. Add the flavoring, food coloring, and cannabis tincture. It may sputter and seize, but just continue stirring until incorporated.
4. Allow the mixture to thicken and cool a little bit (it will be easier to work with), then pour into the already set molds. It will cool quickly once off the burner, so move fast.
5. Allow the candies to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing them from the molds—ideally an hour or more.
6. To prevent sticking, wrap each lollipop individually and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Final Takeaway

If you’re looking for easy-to-make, discreet, and effective edibles that satisfy your sweet tooth, cannabis-infused lollipops are the answer. The ease, speed, and customizability with which this recipe comes together has made it a staple in my cannabis kitchen, and I’ll bet it will be in yours too. To learn more about incorporating edibles or medical cannabis into your lifestyle or healthcare routine, speak to an MMJ doctor or cannabis coach today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lollipops should I consume? 

The number of lollipops you can consume depends on a number of factors—the first being your tolerance level. If it’s your first time taking edibles, always start with one or even half a lollipop. Second, how much THC do your lollipops have? Typically, you’ll want to aim to make lollipops that have your ideal dose of THC so that you only need one or two at a time.

To estimate the potency of your cannabis lollipops, you will need to know the strength of your tincture and then divide that by the number of lollipops. Here’s an example: If each tablespoon of tincture has 150 mg of THC and you used 2 tablespoons for the recipe, that equals 300 mg total. Divide 300 by the number of lollipops, say 20, and you’ll get 15 mg per pop.

Can I use cannabutter in this recipe? 

You can make lollipops with cannabutter. They will be more caramel-flavored than the recipe described above, but that sounds just as delightful. To make cannabutter lollipops, replace the tincture with 4 tablespoons of cannabutter cut into cubes. Instead of adding butter at the end, you’ll add the cubes one at a time when the mixture starts boiling. Then follow the rest of the instructions (omitting the tincture, of course).

What is the best edible to feel high?

The best edible to feel high will ultimately depend on your tolerance level and preferences. You may experiment with this recipe, for instance, and find that using a certain strain to make your edibles produces more desirable effects. There are also various other ways to ingest edibles such as with capsules, gummies, chocolate, or brownies.

Is a 20 mg edible a lot?

For beginners, a 20 mg dose is considered high, and this could produce unwanted and overwhelming effects. It is advisable to start with a low dose of 5-10 mg and wait 2 hours before taking another 5-10 mg. This way, you can get an idea of what your tolerance level is and how cannabis edibles affect you.

How long does it take for cannabis lollies to kick in?

It is essential to remember that the effects of edibles take longer to feel and can last considerably longer than smoking or vaping cannabis. Lollipops bridge the gap between the two thanks to some sublingual absorption through the delicate skin of the mouth (like a tincture). For some, consuming this kind of edible candy means the effects set in a bit faster and more heightened than edibles that are absorbed primarily through the digestive system. This means cannabis lollipops may take effect as soon as 15-45 minutes, but it is still best to allow around 2 hours to pass before increasing your starting dosage.

This article was originally written by Lo Oliver in October 2022 and updated in December 2024. 

The post How to Make Tasty Cannabis-Infused Lollipops appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Have you ever wondered what it would take to make your own edibles at home? Have you ever been wowed by a friend’s or professional baker’s creations in a 420-friendly kitchen? If so, we can help you achieve those skills on your own. With this guide, you’ll learn the best practices for making cannabutter and turning any recipe into an infused, medicated delight. 

What is Cannabutter?

Cannabis-infused butter, or cannabutter, is a staple ingredient for any edible chef, whether home-based or professional. Learning how to make this simple infusion will allow you to medicate with your favorite recipes the way you want or need. 

You’ve surely heard, and likely seen, that oil and water don’t mix. The same is true of THC and other cannabinoids present in marijuana. This cannabinoid is lipophilic — or more plainly — fat-soluble. That means THC molecules want to bind themselves to fat. This is also why it can take weeks to leave your body; it naturally wants to stay stored in your fat cells and is best extracted into a high-fat substance. 

Butter is an excellent choice for infusion because it is high in saturated fat (about 63%). Many edible chefs have noted anecdotally that saturated fat attracts THC the best, which is why coconut oil is a commonly used infusion base. Olive oil is another popular choice, but it makes other vegetable and seed oils less ideal as infusion mediums. 

Making weed butter at home is a wonderful skill to add to your repertoire. The possibilities are endless when it comes to homemade edibles. Whether you spread a little cannabutter on your morning toast, melt a pad on top of a steak, or use infused butter as the star of buttercream frosting on a cupcake, you can make any recipe a medicated, delicious edible. Brownies are great, but wait until you try some infused better on a couple of over-easy eggs — now that’s a Sunday brunch dish!

How to Make Cannabutter

A good rule of thumb for infusing cannabis oil is to use about 1 gram of flower per 1 ounce of infusion base (whether that is butter, coconut oil, or grain alcohol). Therefore, for 1 cup of butter, you’ll want to use 7 grams (or 1/4 pound) of cannabis. It is possible to use more, but more than a 2:1 ratio (flower:infusion base) runs the risk of wasting flower. 

Option 1: Making Cannabutter on the Stovetop 

A quick way to make weed butter is to make it on the stovetop, in a saucepot, directly over the heat. Let’s break it down step-by-step. 

Option 2: Making Cannabutter in a Slow Cooker

Using your slow cooker and a mason jar will give you both a reduced smell and a more hands-off method of cooking. As a bonus, the cannabis edible scent is contained by the tight lid of the cooker and the lid of a mason jar.

It’s not completely scent-free, but it is considerably more palatable than the open-air stovetop method, and it’s far less likely to encroach into a neighbor’s space if that is a concern. Since the crock pot method relies so heavily on water — and water can only get so hot before it evaporates — whether you use the “low” or “high” temperature setting, the infusion will never reach over 212 degrees Fahrenheit (less the further away from sea level you are), preserving the terpenes with a lower temperature. 

Alternative: if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can implement this same method on a stovetop with a pot of water and a mason jar. However, you should add a tea towel to rest the mason jar on in the pot, start with cold water, and make sure to keep an eye on the pot in case you need to refill the evaporated water with more HOT water. Remember, start with cold water, and only add HOT as it evaporates. 

Note: You might be curious about whether you should infuse for more time or less, and frankly, you may get a slightly more potent result at 8 hours vs. 2 hours, but there won’t be a significant difference. What will be noticeable is the greenness in both color and flavor. So, if you’re not into the “green” flavor, especially in baked goods and pastries, aim for a shorter infusion time. You can always compensate for the slight decrease in potency by adding a little extra flower (an extra gram per stick of butter). 

Conclusion

Learning how to make cannabis-infused butter is an easy process. It is an incredibly versatile ingredient that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Other than the introduction of cannabinoids, cannabutter is just like regular butter and can be incorporated into any butter-based recipe.

The key thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re new to eating medicated dishes, is to take it easy with your taste tests.  Start with a low dose, and give it some time when you’re testing the results of your newly learned butter-infusing skills. And if you do overdo it, go ahead and indulge in a little nap, water, and your favorite snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store cannabutter?

Cannabutter should be stored in an airtight container, and it is best kept in the refrigerator. Uninfused butter is generally safe on the countertop, but once you introduce marijuana flower, heat, and potentially water, you are at risk of mold. Unless you know you’ll use it within 48 hours, it’s ideal in the safe and cool temperatures of your fridge. For longer-term storage, it’s recommended to wrap the butter in parchment paper before storing it in a separate airtight container, especially if it’s heading into your freezer. 

If stored incorrectly, or if it is exposed to any kind of light, you run the risk of degrading the potency of your infused butter or recipe that uses the infused butter. That’s why it’s important to make only what you will use within a couple of weeks. Freezer storage can help prolong the shelf life of the infusions, but it’s always recommended to work with fresh ingredients in the kitchen, infused or not. For the most part, if stored correctly, your infused recipes or cannabutter will not lose potency before the base ingredients start to turn. 

What are the ratios for making cannabutter?

Without a lab or home testing device, it may seem impossible to figure out just how potent your freshly made marijuana butter is. Thankfully, there’s a pretty simple way to calculate the dose if you already know what percentage of THC is in your flower. If you purchased it from a dispensary, it is likely labeled on the container or the dispensary’s website. Most marijuana is in a range of 15-25% THC. 

For this article, let’s assume that the flower used in the infusion was 20% THC. That means for each gram of marijuana flower, at maximum, there is 200 mg of THC. 

Since this cannabutter recipe called for 3.5 grams of flower (more commonly known as an eighth), we can multiply 200 by 3.5 and get 700 mg of THC. That sounds pretty potent in 4 ounces of butter at about 87.5 mg per tablespoon; however, to play it safe, we can assume that only about 75% of that 700 ended up in the butter. That brings it down to about 66 mg per tablespoon. 

To figure out the dose, you’ll need to know three basic equations: 

• (THC% x 100) x Grams = Maximum THC
• Maximum THC x .75 = Approximate Total Infused THC
• Approximate Total Infused THC/Number of Servings = Dose Per Serving 

Using the numbers from the example above, let’s say you want to make a half dozen chocolate chip cookies that are 10 mg each. Your recipe calls for ½ stick, or ¼ cup, of butter. You know that your butter contains approximately 66 mg of THC per tablespoon. And 66 mg of THC divided by 6 cookies is 11 mg each. This means you need just 1 tablespoon of the infused cannabis butter and can use regular butter to make up the rest (which would be just 3 more tablespoons to fill out the quarter cup). 

With this recipe and the example butter, you could go all the way up to 44 mg of THC per cookie by using only the cannabis butter. If you’re unsure of what dose works for your body, you should start on the lower end and work your way up. The best way to find out is to safely test it out yourself. 

For help figuring out dosing, use Veriheal’s Edible Dosage Calculator.

How long should I infuse my cannabutter?

If you are using the slow-cooker method, you might be curious about whether you should infuse for more time or less. You may get a slightly more potent result at 8 hours vs. 2 hours, but it won’t make a significant difference. What will be noticeable is the greenness in both color and flavor. If you don’t want a strong cannabis flavor or color, aim for a shorter infusion time.

How many sticks of butter do I use per ounce for cannabutter?

This recipe calls for 3.5 grams of cannabis flower for a stick of butter, so you would need 8 sticks of butter to prepare an ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower. However, you could potentially infuse your butter with more or less THC by increasing or decreasing the amount of cannabis you use. A good rule of thumb is to aim for no more than 7 grams (1/4 ounce) of cannabis per 1 cup of butter.

How long does cannabutter take to start working?

Cannabutter typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. Factors like individual metabolism, tolerance, and how recently you’ve eaten can influence the onset time for your cannabutter or edibles. It is best to start with a small dose of about 5-10 mg and wait around 2 hours to feel the effects before consuming a second dose.

The post How to Make Cannabutter: 5 Simple Steps appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Few ingredients encapsulate the holiday season and Christmas like cranberries. Their vibrant red hue reminds one of Christmas lights, Santa’s iconic scarlet suit, and Rudolph’s glimmering nose. So, what better way to celebrate this joyous holiday than by giving this iconic Christmas berry a cannabis twist?

Our infused Cranberry Christmas Tree Cocktail mixes stunning presentation with a delicious taste that’ll have you coming back for more. This drink is perfect for a cozy night around the fire watching Home Alone, a lively ugly Christmas sweater party, or as a treat for the adults of the family as they watch wrapping paper fly off carefully chosen gifts.

What You’ll Need

For 2 1/2 Cups of THC-Infused Cranberry Simple Syrup

• 2 1/4 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• THC tincture, check out this guide to learn how to make it at home.

For  Cranberry Christmas Tree Base

• Enough water to hold up the “Christmas Tree”
• Rosemary leaves
• Club soda to taste

How To Make It

1. Make the Christmas tree base. Pour water into the cup until you have a base tall enough to hold up the rosemary leaf. Drop 4-5 frozen or fresh cranberries into the water. Set a rosemary leaf stem down into the water. Lightly tie a piece of string around the rosemary leaf, taping the string to the side of the cup to make the leaf stand upright. Place the cups in the freezer until the water turns to ice.
2. Make the cannabis-infused cranberry simple syrup. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cranberries, sugar, and water to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the cranberries until they are tender but intact — this shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes. Stir in tincture and cranberry juice and let the mix cool. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove cranberries, pouring the liquid into an airtight, and dark jar or container. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
3. Bring everything together. Grab your cups out of the freezer and pour in 1.5oz of the infused cranberry simple syrup — this may be different depending on how much THC tincture you put into the syrup. Want to add a little alcohol to the mix? We recommend using gin or Tito’s vodka! Fill the rest of the cup with club soda, and your infused cranberry cocktail is done.

The post Infused Cranberry Christmas Tree Cocktail appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Are you looking for a new way to enjoy shrooms — or maybe for a tea-drinking experience that’s completely out of the ordinary? We’ve got you covered! From important things to remember to ingredients and how to prepare your shrooms, we’re here to help you brew the perfect cup of shroom tea. 

What is Shroom Tea?

Shroom tea is exactly what it sounds like: an infusion of magic mushrooms brewed in water. Magic mushrooms are fungi that can produce hallucinogenic effects through the psychedelic compounds that they contain, namely psilocybin and psilocin. 

There are hundreds of species of magic mushrooms that have been in use for thousands of years, so the substance has a long and complex history.

In shroom tea, the mushrooms are dried and ground into a fine powder. The color and taste of the tea will vary based on what you add or don’t add to the mixture, but you can expect an earthy flavor. 

Prepping Your Shroom Tea

Before you start making your tea, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that you are preparing correctly:

Location (Set and Setting) 

Even if you’ve taken shrooms or other hallucinogenic drugs before and feel confident, it’s always important to make sure that you’re in a safe space. This means that you should be in a secure location, and if someone else is going to be with you (whether they’re also partaking or not), they should be someone you trust. 

This will help you be more relaxed and put you in the headspace for a good experience! 

Know Yourself (And Start Small)

When making your tea, start with a dose that you feel comfortable with. If you’re not sure, try it with a smaller amount first. The amount you choose will also likely depend on the type of shrooms you’re using, as different strains can have different potencies or strengths. You can always experiment and work your way up in the future. 

Ingredients and Tools

Ready to start making your tea? Get all of your ingredients and tools together first! Fortunately, it’s a pretty short list.

Ingredients

• Mushrooms of your choice
• Water
• Your favorite decaffeinated tea (optional)
• Sweetener, ginger, or lemon (optional)

Tools

• Teapot, kettle, or pot for boiling water
• Knife and/or grinder 
• Coffee strainer or filter
• Bowl (optional)

Instructions

Once you’re in the right place and you’ve gathered everything that you need, it’s time to start making your tea! 

1. Measure your shrooms. Again, make sure that you go for an amount that you know you can comfortably handle, or start small. 
2. Ensure that you completely dry your shrooms if they are not dry already. 
3. If your shrooms are in large pieces, cut them up, or more ideally, grind them with a coffee grinder. Grinding your shrooms helps to ensure a smoother, more potent infusion. 
4. Boil water. You can do this with a teapot or tea kettle if you have one, or you can just boil it in a small pot or saucepan. 
5. If you boil your water with a teapot or tea kettle, you can now pour it into a bowl. If you use a small pot or saucepan, you can remove it from the heat and make the tea in it, or pour it into a bowl. 
6. Add your shrooms and optional tea to the water. Steep for approximately 10-15 minutes. If you want to use ginger slices, you can add them now. 
7. Strain the shrooms and tea out using a strainer or coffee filter. 
8. Add any other ingredients you like, such as sweetener or lemon. 
9. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways

Shroom tea can be a super fun way to savor and enjoy shrooms, and with only a couple of ingredients and tools, the prep is easy and quick. Plus, by trying out different types and amounts of mushrooms, as well as combining your shrooms with different teas, you can experiment with flavor and potency. 

Taking shrooms is a rich and unique journey for each person who tries them, and taking them in the form of tea can enhance the experience. If you don’t love it or get it perfect the first time, you can always practice and adjust your recipe and technique over time. Have fun! 

The post How to Make Shroom Tea appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Weed brownies are a staple in cannabis culture. They’re referenced in countless stoner movies and TV shows, and anyone who consumes cannabis has probably tried them at least once. 

While you can make edibles of any sort, cannabis-infused brownies have firmly positioned themselves as the go-to homemade edible. This is partially due to their common appearance in media, but they also serve a logistical purpose. When baked correctly, the strong, rich, and chocolatey taste of brownies successfully covers up the skunky taste of the cannabis itself. 

So if you’re an adult in an area where cannabis is legal, read on to discover all you need to know about this iconic dish!

Understanding Cannabis for Baking

Choosing the Right Strain

Different cannabis strains have different effects. For example, Indica strains tend to be relaxing, whereas Sativa strains are usually more energizing. Choosing an Indica vs. Sativa strain can make a big impact on your edibles. 

Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), along with the terpenes found in a strain, greatly affect the strain’s medical and recreational effects.

THC is the “psychoactive” compound in cannabis that produces a high. CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with relaxing effects.

Calculating the Dosage

It’s important to properly dose your brownies — both to have fun and avoid a bad time. It can be easy to take too high of a dose while consuming edibles since their effects are delayed by several hours, so deciding how much weed will be in each brownie is vital.

Generally speaking, a good dose for the average casual cannabis user would be 5-10 mg per brownie. Decide ahead of time how many brownie pieces you’ll cut so you can dose properly. 

Let’s go over the calculations you need to figure out how much weed to use. 

Grams of Flower x THC% = Grams of THC

If you want 10 brownies with 5 mg of THC in each, and your weed has 25% THC, you would do the following equation:

5 mg x 10 Brownies = 50 mg Total THC

Convert the THC% into a decible.

25% = .25

Last, do some division:

50 mg THC Divided By .25 = 200 mg of Flower Needed

Once you reach your final calculation, you’ll know how much cannabis you need for your recipe. Measure the cannabis on a scale and grind it to prepare it for decarboxylation. You can check out our in-depth guide on how to weigh weed for further guidance if needed. 

Additionally, if you’d like help with your math, check out our handy edible dosage calculator. 

Preparing for Your Weed Brownies

Decarboxylation: The First Step

Decarbing your weed makes it so that orally consuming it produces a high. Without decarbing your weed, you need to combust it to feel its intoxicating effects — and that’s not going to work for marijuana brownies. This step is vital when learning how to make edibles.

Decarboxylation is the process of removing a carboxyl group from a molecule. When the carboxyl groups are still attached, THCA and CBDA can’t bind to the receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Decarbing your weed turns THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, making the compounds bioavailable so you can feel their effects.

Let’s talk about how to decarb weed in the oven. To decarb your weed, first preheat the oven to about 230°F. Bake your ground cannabis for about half an hour, stirring regularly and paying attention to avoid burning. It’s ready when the cannabis darkens in color.

Equipment and Ingredients

You’ll need the following kitchen equipment to bake weed brownies:

• Large bowl
• Baking pan
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife
• Toothpicks
• Funnel
• Cheesecloth

You’ll also need the following ingredients to bake weed brownies:

• 1 cup (8 oz, or 2 sticks worth) cannabutter. Use less cannabutter and compensate with regular butter to decrease potency.
• 2 eggs 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 

How to Make Weed Brownies: Step-by-Step Recipe

This simple recipe will walk you through the basics of making cannabis-infused brownies.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes 
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hours
• Yield: 12 brownies 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F or 175°C
2. Melt the cannabutter in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 15-second increments.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: eggs, vanilla extract, and melted cannabutter.
4. Slowly add in the dry ingredients: sugar, cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder and thoroughly mix.
5. Spread batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until sides start to pull away from the edges and the center has completely set. 

Baking and Aftercare Tips

Baking

Generally speaking, cook brownies for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. 

Some ovens “run hot” or “run cold,” meaning the temperature you set is not the exact temperature in the oven. For example, an oven that runs hot may sneak up to 270 degrees when you set it at 250.

Set the temperature to cooler than recommended to compensate for an oven that runs hot. Similarly, set the temperature to hotter than recommended to compensate for an oven that runs cold.

Storage

Brownies don’t need to be stored in the fridge. On the contrary, putting them in the fridge makes them hard and dense.

Instead, keep your brownies tightly covered with foil. Do not put the foil on top of the brownies until they’re fully cool. You can also transfer them to an air-tight container. If you want to warm or soften them up before eating, put your brownie in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Allergy and Health Considerations

One common allergen in pot brownies is dairy, which can be substituted by using dairy-free chocolate. This is easy to find in the dark chocolate section.

Another common allergen in pot brownies is gluten. The flour can be substituted with almond flour, rice flour, or mixes of flour meant to imitate wheat flour.

Nut allergies become a concern when nuts are mixed in with brownies, which is a popular variation. Be sure to inform people when your brownies have nuts in them.

Lastly, make sure your pot brownies are clearly labeled so that no one eats one without knowing it’s psychoactive. Keep out of reach of children and pets. As always, consume your pot brownies responsibly. 

Customizing Your Brownies

Variations and Add-Ins

There are plenty of weed brownie variations and add-ins. Some common combinations include:

• Double chocolate
• Peanut butter
• M&M
• Fudge
• Caramel

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

To make pot brownies gluten-free, substitute the flour for gluten-free flour, such as almond or rice. Mixed gluten-free flours mimic gluten-filled flour by using multiple flours.

There are a couple of easy vegan substitutions necessary for brownies. The first is the butter, which can be replaced with vegan butter. Vegan butter is usually made of condensed oils.

Next, you need to replace the eggs. The two most common ways to do this are:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of flax seed with 1 tablespoon of water and let it sit for half an hour to make the equivalent of one large egg.
• Use 2 tbsp of applesauce per egg.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue that people come across when baking marijuana brownies is that they taste too much like weed. A more thorough strain of your cannabutter using cheesecloth should fix the problem. That being said, if you’re using a high dose of cannabis, then some taste is unavoidable.

If your pot brownies are too weak, you may not have decarbed your weed properly. Likewise, you could have miscalculated the amount of weed needed. If they’re too strong, cut them into smaller pieces for the time being and use less weed in the next batch.

Overly firm brownies indicate that you baked them for too long or overworked the batter. Brownies that fall apart and won’t solidify need a longer baking time or higher heat. If you don’t let your brownies cool completely before cutting them, that’s the most likely culprit.

If your brownies don’t have a good consistency, mix the batter more thoroughly. Check for lumps before pouring the batter into the baking pan.

One final note: it’s important to know how to recover from edibles for responsible consumption!

Final Thoughts

Weed brownies are a great way to consume cannabis both recreationally and medicinally when within legal boundaries.

Due to their onset time, it can be easy to get impatient and re-dose before the first dose kicks in. Wait a few hours before eating more.

Veriheal is here for all of your cannabis health needs, and we can help you get a medical cannabis card online for a large range of ailments. We also value consumer education, regularly posting articles to keep our readers and patients informed.

For further guidance on your cannabis journey, book an appointment with us today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weed do you need to make brownies?

Pot brownies need different amounts of weed depending on how strong you want them to be and how much THC is in your weed. Calculate how much weed you need by starting with how strong you want your dosage to be, and then use the amount of THC in your weed to find how many grams of weed to use.

What is the shelf life of weed brownies?

The shelf life of weed brownies is up to 3 days on the counter when stored correctly.

What are the effects of eating weed brownies?

Weed brownies can make you feel relaxed, pain-free, euphoric, energized, and more depending on the strain used to make them. Edibles typically take anywhere from 2-6 hours to kick in, and the effects can last many hours.

This article was originally written by Lo in 2019 and updated in November 2024. 

The post How to Make Weed Brownies appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Cannabis coconut oil is an excellent alternative to the more traditional edible baker favorite: cannabutter. Not only is cannabis-infused coconut oil non-dairy and vegan, but it is also an incredibly effective carrier oil for THC.

Edibles are a fantastic way to medicate for many reasons. Firstly, the effects of edibles last longer than smoking or vaping. Typically the effects of smoking or vaping can wear off in as little as 20 minutes, while edibles are effective for hours. Another benefit is that oftentimes smaller doses are more effective, so your flower will last longer. And, if you like to be in your kitchen, it is incredibly fun customizing your edibles to your liking. 

Let’s take a look at how to make cannabis-infused coconut oil with an easy recipe that is very beginner-friendly.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Oil

Supplies

To make this simple cannabis-infused coconut oil recipe, you will need the following tools and supplies: 

• 1 cup of coconut oil 
• 7-14 grams of cannabis flower
• Baking sheet
• Tinfoil/Aluminum foil
• Mesh strainer
• Mason jar
• Scale
• Cheesecloth
• Medium saucepan or crock pot/slow cooker

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

One of the most essential steps for making cannaoil is decarboxylation, aka decarbing. Weigh your cannabis flower, then roughly break it apart and spread it on a baking sheet in an even layer. Use ground cannabis or break your flower down into smaller pieces, so that it decarbs evenly.  

Bake the flower in an oven that has been preheated to 240 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes. To preserve the terpenes, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, and allow the flower to come to room temperature while remaining covered. 

Step 2: Combine Flower and Coconut Oil

Place your flower and coconut oil in a mason jar (choose a size that will fit in your crock pot with the lid on). Stir gently. Add the lid to the mason jar, and screw it on tight enough to prevent outside water from getting into the jar, but not so tight that it will fully seal during the infusion process. 

Step 3: Give the Jar a Hot Bath

Place the mason jar in a crock pot filled with room-temperature water. You’ll want to make sure there’s enough water to cover the jar (or jars if you’re making several batches or splitting one batch among several smaller jars). Optional: line the crockpot with a towel to protect the jars from bumping into each other. 

Step 4: Let it Simmer

Set the crock pot on low and let it simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 6 hours. Stir or shake the jars occasionally.

Step 5: Strain the Flower Out

Once the coconut oil is infused, and the jar(s) has had a chance to cool down enough to handle, you’ll need to remove the plant matter from the cannabis. Line a mesh strainer with some cheesecloth, and pour the oil through into a new, clean storage container or jar. 

Allow the oil to fully drain. You can gently squeeze the cheesecloth, or press the mixture down to expel more oil, but this may introduce more chlorophyll into your cannabis coconut oil. Seal the new jar and store it in a cool, dark place.

Alternative Methods

• Stovetop and Mason Jar: Instead of using a crockpot, you can accomplish the same kind of infusion method using a saucepan filled with water. Start with cold or room temperature water, and let the water boil for two hours. Keep an eye on the pot though. You’ll want to replenish with more hot water as it boils off, especially if your mason jar is too large to cover with the pot lid.

• Saucepan Only Method: Rather than doing a water bath, you can place both your coconut oil and decarboxylated plant material in a saucepan and simmer together on low heat for up to two hours. You’ll need to keep a close eye on this method though, because you run the risk of the oil getting too hot and ruining the final product. You do not want to fry your flower. This is not unlike consuming edibles — when infusing, you want to go low and slow. 

• Double Boiler Method: The double boiler method is more or less the same as using a saucepan and a mason jar or the crockpot. Water goes in the bottom while flower and oil go in the top. Let it simmer for 2-6 hours. 

The longer your canna oil and plant material simmer together in the heat, the more likely your final infusion will taste like the plant. This is a personal preference, but if you find the flavor to be unpleasant, try shorter infusion times. 

Why is Coconut Oil Popular for Cannabis Infusions?

Why is coconut oil a favorite option for home edible makers everywhere? Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. This means that those yummy little THC and CBD molecules have plenty of fatty acids to grab onto during the infusion process. THC loves fat, so much so that the effects of edible cannabis are most prominent when ingested in a fatty recipe or food (this is probably why cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil brownies are so popular). It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing recipes for your own medication making at home so that you’ll enjoy the full health benefits.

How to Use Infused Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cannabis-infused coconut oil should be an essential in any edible maker’s pantry. It is incredibly shelf-stable and, more importantly, versatile. You can use it in place of butter or other vegetable oils in nearly any recipe. You can add a spoonful of cannabis coconut oil to coffee or tea (author’s tip: skip the caffeine if you’re prone to anxiety). 

In addition, you can spread a little on your toast at breakfast, or cook some protein or vegetables in it. You can even just take coconut oil directly, by the spoonful without any other cooking, mixing, or recipe researching. Furthermore, cannabis coconut oil can be used as a topical ointment, massage oil, or lubricant. 

The Benefits Of Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

Aside from being a tasty choice for cannabis-infused edibles, here are some key benefits of using cannabis-infused coconut oil:

1. Better Absorption

Coconut-infused cannabis oil has healthy fats that help your body absorb the good stuff in cannabis, like THC and CBD. This means you might feel the effects faster and stronger.

2. Helps With Pain

Cannabis-infused coconut oil can help with pain, like sore muscles or headaches. You can put it on your skin or eat it to feel better.

3. Good for Your Skin

This oil can help with skin problems like dry skin or acne. Coconut oil keeps your skin soft, and cannabis can help reduce redness or swelling.

4. Reduces Swelling

Both coconut oil and cannabis help reduce swelling in the body. This can be helpful for people with arthritis or sore muscles.

5. Helps You Sleep

Cannabis-infused coconut oil can help you relax and sleep better. Some people use it before bedtime to help them sleep more soundly.

6. Lasts a Long Time

Coconut oil helps keep cannabis fresh longer. If stored right, cannabis-infused coconut oil can stay good for months.

7. Versatility

You can eat this oil, cook with it, or put it on your skin. There are many ways to use it, making it a good choice for everyone.

8. Supports Brain Health

Both cannabis and coconut oil have been linked to neuroprotective benefits. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are thought to fuel the brain and improve cognitive function. When combined with cannabis, it may enhance these benefits for conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

9. May Help Fight Cancer

Some studies show that cannabis could help slow down the growth of cancer cells. Coconut oil also has antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage.

10. Digestive Aid

Eating cannabis-infused coconut oil might help with digestive disorders like IBS or Crohn’s disease. Coconut oil also fights bad bacteria, which can help your gut stay healthy.

Learning how to make cannabis-infused oil may seem like a daunting task, but with a little time and patience, you’ll be able to find the perfect dose, method, and recipe for your lifestyle. Many home chefs use cannabis-infused coconut oil in their kitchens for a reason, so put this article into practice and see what you think.

Bonus Tips For Making Effective Cannabis Coconut Oil Every Time

Here are some bonus tips for making effective cannabis coconut oil every time:

Use High-Quality Coconut Oil

For the best results, choose organic, unrefined coconut oil. It has more nutrients and a richer flavor compared to refined oils, which will enhance the quality of your infusion.

Low and Slow Cooking

Cook your cannabis and coconut oil at a low temperature for a longer time to ensure the cannabinoids fully infuse into the oil. Using a slow cooker or double boiler can help maintain a consistent low heat.

Test Potency Gradually

To calculate the dose of your edibles or infusions, you’ll first need to know the approximate THC percentage of the flower. Typically, you can get this information from the dispensary. If the flower came from a homegrown plant, you may be able to find an estimated percentage on the web for the strain, or just go with an average of 15%. 

For the purposes of this equation, let’s assume the flower we’re using is 15% THC. We also need to know that one gram weighs 1000 milligrams.

If the cannabis flower is 15% THC, that means each gram has a maximum of 150 mg of THC. You most likely won’t be able to extract each and every one of those milligrams. On the high end, you can possibly expect 100 mg of THC. If you prefer stronger edibles, assume you’ll have only 30% absorption (or in this example about 50 mg per gram of flower), so you can be sure to get the dosing right. You can always cut your infusion with more coconut oil. 

Don’t forget: it’s a lot easier to weaken the dose than strengthen it. 

The next thing you’ll need to know is what you want the final dose per edible to be. Is it 10mg? 50? If you’re a newbie, start at 10 and work your way up from there. You’ll also need to decide: how many edibles are you going to make? A dozen cookies? A square pan of brownies cut into 9 equal pieces?

Multiply the dose by the number of finished medicated treats, and you’ll know the total amount of THC you’ll need in your recipe. Let’s say we’re making 9 brownies, and we’d like them to be 10 mg each. We know our flower is 15% THC. We would only need 1 gram of cannabis flower for this recipe, maybe two if we’re under assuming the rate of absorption. You can calculate the potency of your infused oil using Veriheal’s Edible Dosage Calculator. 

Store Properly

If stored properly, cannabis-infused coconut oil has a shelf life of 2-3 months stored at room temperature, and up to three years if stored in your fridge, before degradation starts to change the potency and flavor.

To store the cannabis coconut oil, you’ll need a clean, dry, airtight container or jar. And you’ll most likely want to keep it in a cool dark place (like a pantry or kitchen cabinet), or in your refrigerator. An amber or dark-colored jar can protect your infusion from degradation by protecting it from the light.

Add Lecithin for Better Effects

Adding a small amount of lecithin (a natural emulsifier) can help the cannabinoids bind more effectively to the coconut oil, making the oil stronger and longer-lasting.

Use Accurate Measurements

Be precise with your cannabis and oil measurements to ensure consistent potency in each batch. Keeping notes of your ratios will help you replicate successful batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD coconut oil safe to consume?

Yes, CBD coconut oil is generally safe to consume if made properly. Always start with small doses to see how your body reacts. Make sure the CBD and coconut oil you use are high-quality and free of harmful additives.

What is the best ratio for cannabis coconut oil?

A common starting ratio is 1 ounce of cannabis to 1 cup of coconut oil. You can adjust based on how strong you want the oil to be. Remember, the more cannabis you use, the more potent your oil will be.

What is the best oil to infuse cannabis in?

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for cannabis infusion because it has a high-fat content, which helps absorb cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Olive oil and MCT oil are also popular choices.

Is refined or unrefined coconut oil better for cannabis infusion?

Unrefined (or virgin) coconut oil is better for cannabis infusion because it retains more nutrients and has a richer flavor. Refined coconut oil is more processed and may lack some beneficial properties.

What is cannabis-infused oil used for?

Cannabis-infused oil can be used in cooking, added to drinks, or applied to the skin. It’s great for making edibles, salves, or lotions for pain relief and relaxation.

What are the best oils to infuse with cannabis?

Coconut oil, olive oil, and MCT oil are the best oils to use for cannabis infusion. They have high-fat content, which helps absorb more cannabinoids for stronger effects.

Why is cannabis-infused coconut oil so powerful?

Cannabis-infused coconut oil is powerful because coconut oil’s fats improve the absorption of THC and CBD. This means you get stronger, longer-lasting effects when using it compared to other oils.

This article was originally written by Lo Oliver in 2023 and updated in November 2024. 

The post Infuse Anything With This Simple Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe appeared first on Cannabis Central.

Edibles, especially weed gummies, have become very popular among cannabis users. According to data released by Global Market Insights, the global cannabis edible market was valued at $8.01 billion in 2022 and it is projected to explode to a $37.11 billion industry by 2032. 

And for good reason.

They offer a tasty and discreet way to consume the herb. Plus, making your own gummies at home has many benefits. For starters, you can control the ingredients, ensuring they are natural and healthy. You also have the power to decide how strong you want them to be, which can help you have a better experience. Furthermore, making gummies at home can save you money compared to buying them from a store. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making weed gummies from start to finish. You’ll learn about the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, how to properly prepare and infuse your cannabis, and tips for perfecting your gummy recipe. We’ll also cover important topics like dosage, storage, and how to troubleshoot potential pitfalls. 

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create your own delicious and potent cannabis gummies at home. So, let’s get started and explore how you can learn to create this cannabis-infused culinary treat from scratch.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• Cannabis tincture or cannabis oil
• Gelatin or agar-agar (for vegan option)
• Fruit juice or flavored water
• Sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
• Citric acid (for tartness and preservation)
• Optional: Food coloring, flavor extracts

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Gummy molds
• Dropper or small spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Decarbing Your Cannabis

Before you start making your weed gummies, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process is important because it uses heat to activate the THC, which is the part that gives you the high. If you skip this step, your gummies won’t be as potent.

Here’s how you can decarb your cannabis in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break your cannabis into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Bake the cannabis in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally to make sure it heats evenly.
4. Once it’s done, let it cool. Your cannabis is now ready to use in your gummies.

Now that you’ve done this step, you’re ready to move on to making your cannabis tincture or oil.

Making Cannabis Tincture or Oil

This will be the base for your gummies. There are two main methods you can use: making a tincture with alcohol or infusing coconut oil. Both methods are effective, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Making Cannabis Tincture with Alcohol

A tincture is a liquid extract of cannabis. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Decarboxylated cannabis
• High-proof alcohol (like Everclear)
• Mason jar
• Cheesecloth or coffee filter
• Small dropper bottles

Steps:

1. Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar.
2. Pour enough alcohol into the jar to completely cover the cannabis.
3. Seal the jar tightly and shake it for a few minutes.
4. Store the jar in a dark, cool place for about 2-3 weeks. Shake it once a day.
5. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean jar.
6. Pour the tincture into small dropper bottles for easy use.

Making Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can make cannabis-infused coconut oil instead. Here’s how:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Decarboxylated cannabis
• Coconut oil
• Double boiler or slow cooker
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Mason jar

Steps:

1. Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a double boiler or slow cooker.
2. Add enough coconut oil to cover the cannabis.
3. Heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot.
4. After 2-3 hours, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a mason jar.
5. Let the oil cool and store it in a cool, dark place.

Both of these methods will give you a potent cannabis extract to use in your gummies. Once you’ve made your tincture or oil, you’re ready to move on to the next step of preparing your gummy mixture.

Preparing the Gummy Mixture

Follow these steps to combine the ingredients and create your weed gummies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fruit juice or flavored water
• 2 tablespoons of gelatin or agar-agar (for a vegan option)
• 1-2 tablespoons of sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
• Cannabis tincture or oil (amount depends on the desired potency)
• 1 teaspoon of citric acid (optional, for tartness and preservation)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Flavor extracts (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat the Fruit Juice or Flavored Water:

Pour 1 cup of fruit juice or flavored water into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Don’t let it boil.

2. Add Gelatin or Agar-Agar:

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gelatin or agar-agar into the heated liquid. Whisk continuously until it’s completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

3. Mix in the Sweetener:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener to the mixture. Stir until it’s fully dissolved and well combined.

4. Incorporate the Cannabis Tincture or Oil:

Slowly add your cannabis tincture or oil to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed. The amount you add will depend on how potent you want your gummies to be. Start with a small amount, especially if you’re new to making edibles.

5. Add Citric Acid, Food Coloring, and Flavor Extracts:

If you want your gummies to have a tangy taste, add 1 teaspoon of citric acid. For more vibrant colors, add a few drops of food coloring. You can also add flavor extracts to enhance the taste. Stir everything until well combined.

Pouring and Setting the Gummies

With your gummy mixture ready, it’s time to pour it into molds and let it set. Follow these tips to ensure your gummies come out perfect.

Tips for Evenly Distributing the Gummy Mixture:

• Make sure your gummy molds are clean and dry before you start.
• Place the molds on a flat surface, like a baking sheet, to make moving them easier once they’re filled.
• Work quickly, as the mixture can start to set if left too long.

Using a Dropper or Spoon:

• To fill the molds precisely, use a dropper or a small spoon. This helps you avoid spills and makes sure each gummy has the same amount of mixture.
• If using a dropper, squeeze the bulb to fill it with the gummy mixture, then release it slowly into each mold.
• If using a spoon, gently pour the mixture into each mold, taking care not to overfill.

Setting Time and Refrigeration:

• Once the molds are filled, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
• After that, transfer the molds to the refrigerator. Let the gummies chill for at least 1-2 hours to fully set.
• Once the gummies are firm, carefully remove them from the molds.

Now you have your very own homemade weed gummies, ready to enjoy! But before you do, let’s discuss how to calculate the dosage and store your gummies properly.

Dosage and Potency

Knowing the potency of your homemade weed gummies is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. To calculate the potency, determine the strength of your cannabis tincture or oil. For example, if you used 1 gram of cannabis with 20% THC to make your tincture, it contains 200 mg of THC. If you made 20 gummies, each one would have about 10 mg of THC (200 mg ÷ 20 gummies).

For beginners, start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5 mg of THC per gummy. It’s easier to take more if needed, but you can’t take less once you’ve eaten the gummy. Be patient and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more, as edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping.

Storing Your Weed Gummies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and potency of your weed gummies. To keep them fresh, store your gummies in an airtight container. This helps prevent exposure to air, which can make the gummies dry out and lose their potency. For best results, keep the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the gummies and keep them from melting or getting sticky.

If you have a lot of gummies, you can also freeze them. Place the gummies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can take out a few gummies at a time without thawing the whole batch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, making weed gummies doesn’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

If your gummies aren’t setting properly, it might be because the mixture wasn’t heated enough or didn’t have enough gelatin or agar-agar. Make sure to follow the recipe closely and heat the mixture until everything is well dissolved.

Uneven distribution of cannabis can be another issue. This usually happens if the tincture or oil isn’t mixed well with the gummy mixture. To avoid this, stir the mixture thoroughly before pouring it into the molds. Using a dropper can also help ensure each gummy has an even amount of cannabis.

Taste issues are common, too. If your gummies taste too strong or have a bitter aftertaste, you might have used too much cannabis or not masked the flavor well enough. Adding more flavor extracts or sweeteners can help improve the taste.

The Bottom Line

Making weed gummies at home is a fun and satisfying way to enjoy cannabis. By following these steps, you can control the ingredients, potency, and flavors to suit your preferences. From executing a flawless decarb process to creating the perfect gummy mixture, each step is important for making delicious and effective gummies. Remember to start with a low dose and to store your gummies properly for the best results.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.

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