Cooking with cannabis is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant, whether you’re looking to relax, ease pain, or simply try something new. This guide covers easy cannabis-infused recipes that anyone can make at home, with step-by-step instructions for popular treats like cannabis butter, brownies, and teas. Safe dosing, preparation tips, and flavor ideas are included to ensure a delicious and enjoyable experience.
Cannabutter is a foundational ingredient for many cannabis recipes. It’s easy to make, and once you have it, you can use it in everything from baked goods to savory dishes.
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup ground, decarboxylated cannabis (start with 7–10 grams for beginners)
Note on Decarboxylation: Before making cannabutter, decarboxylate (heat) the cannabis to activate the THC. Spread ground cannabis on a baking sheet and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan or double boiler, melt butter over low heat.
2. Add Cannabis: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter.
3. Simmer: Simmer on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature below 200°F to avoid burning.
4. Strain and Cool: Line a strainer with cheesecloth over a glass container. Pour the butter mixture through the strainer to remove cannabis plant material.
5. Store: Refrigerate the butter in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Dosage Tip: Start with a small amount of cannabutter per serving, as it can be potent. Adjust as needed after waiting an hour to gauge effects.
Once you have cannabutter, making cannabis brownies is simple. This classic recipe delivers fudgy, flavorful brownies with an infused twist.
½ cup cannabutter (use regular butter for less potency)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, blend melted cannabutter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Cut: Let cool before cutting into squares.
Flavor Tip: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Cannabis tea is a soothing way to enjoy the effects without the need to eat a full edible. Pair it with your favorite herbs for a customizable, calming beverage.
1 gram of ground cannabis (decarboxylated)
1 tea bag (green, chamomile, or black tea work well)
1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
Hot water
1. Add Fat to the Water: Cannabis needs fat to bind with, so add butter or coconut oil to the water.
2. Brew the Tea: Add the tea bag and cannabis to hot water, letting it steep for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain (Optional): Strain the cannabis if you prefer a smoother texture.
4. Flavor as Desired: Add honey, milk, or lemon for added taste.
Dosage Tip: Since cannabis tea tends to be mild, it’s good for beginners. Adjust strength based on personal tolerance.
Cannabis olive oil can replace regular oil in recipes or be used as a drizzle on salads, bread, and pasta. It’s versatile and perfect for savory cooking.
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup ground, decarboxylated cannabis (7–10 grams)
1. Heat the Oil: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Infuse: Add the cannabis to the oil and let it simmer on low for 2–3 hours. Keep the temperature below 200°F to preserve potency.
3. Strain and Store: Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container. Store in a cool, dark place.
Flavor Tip: Infuse additional herbs like rosemary or garlic to enhance flavor.
Cannabis gummies are great for those who prefer a sweet, portable treat. This simple recipe uses cannabis oil and flavored gelatin.
½ cup cannabis-infused oil or tincture
½ cup water
1 packet of flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (for added firmness)
1. Heat the Mixture: In a saucepan, combine water and cannabis oil, heating on low.
2. Add Gelatin: Gradually whisk in both flavored and unflavored gelatin until fully dissolved.
3. Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into silicone molds and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to set.
4. Store: Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Dosage Tip: Gummies are small, so start with one and wait an hour before consuming more.
Cannabis honey is a great option for those who prefer natural sweeteners. Use it in tea, drizzle over fruit, or spread on toast.
1 cup honey
1 gram ground, decarboxylated cannabis
1. Heat Honey and Cannabis: In a double boiler, combine honey and cannabis, and heat on low for 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Strain and Store: Pour through a cheesecloth into a glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place.
Flavor Tip: Add cinnamon or vanilla to enhance the honey’s flavor.
1. Start Small: Begin with a low dose (5–10 mg of THC per serving) if you’re new to edibles. Effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to appear.
2. Be Patient: Edibles are metabolized differently than smoked cannabis, so avoid consuming more until you’re sure of the effects.
3. Label Homemade Edibles: Keep track of dosing and clearly label homemade edibles to avoid accidental overconsumption.
Making cannabis-infused treats at home is fun and rewarding, but dosing accurately and starting small ensures a safe, enjoyable experience. These DIY recipes, from buttery brownies to soothing teas, offer simple ways to incorporate cannabis into delicious treats. Enjoy your culinary journey responsibly, and feel free to experiment with flavors to make each recipe your own. Happy cooking!