Guide to Making Homemade Cannabis Edibles

Guide to Making Homemade Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles have gained immense popularity as a discreet, flavorful, and smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis. That’s why the team over at Blaze DC put together our own guide to making homemade cannabis edibles. Whether you prefer gummies, brownies, or savory treats, edibles offer a consumption method that appeals to all types of consumers, from recreational users to those seeking medical benefits. But why should you consider making your own cannabis edibles at home?

Creating homemade cannabis edibles allows you to customize your products, control the dosage, and experiment with a variety of ingredients. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making your own edibles, including the benefits, essential equipment, safety tips, and techniques to craft the perfect infusion.

Understanding Cannabis Edibles

It’s important to understand how they differ from other consumption methods. Unlike smoking or vaping, where cannabinoids are absorbed directly through the lungs, cannabis edibles take a longer route through the digestive system and liver.

Delayed Onset and Prolonged Effects
Cannabis edibles typically take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. This delayed onset occurs because the cannabinoids must first be metabolized by the liver. During this process, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is converted into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC, which results in a stronger and longer-lasting high.

Precise Dosage Control
The metabolization process can make dosage control more challenging, but it’s crucial for ensuring a pleasant experience. Beginners should start with low doses, such as 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC per serving, and wait at least two hours before consuming more.

Why Make Your Own Cannabis Edibles?

There are numerous advantages to making your own cannabis edibles at home:

• Cost Savings
  • Commercially-produced edibles can be pricey due to packaging, branding, and distribution costs. By making your own, you can save money, especially if you buy ingredients like raw cannabis or oils in bulk.
• Customization
  • Homemade edibles allow you to control the dosage, potency, flavor, and even cater to specific dietary restrictions. You can use different strains for various effects or create low-sugar, gluten-free, or vegan options based on your preferences.
• Creativity and Experimentation
  • Experimenting with new recipes and ingredients can be a fun way to explore the culinary possibilities of cannabis. From sweet to savory dishes, you have endless options to play with, whether you want to make brownies, salad dressings, or infused beverages.

Essential Equipment and Supplies for Making Cannabis Edibles

Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the necessary equipment and supplies. Here’s a list of must-have tools and ingredients:

Basic Kitchen Tools

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Baking trays and parchment paper
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Grinder (for breaking down cannabis flower)

Ingredients

• Decarboxylated Cannabis: The raw flower must be decarboxylated—meaning it needs to be heated at a low temperature to activate THC and CBD. This is a crucial step to ensure your edibles are potent. Need to get some bud? Look no further than Blaze DC’s fast and discreet delivery service in Washington DC! Click here to view our full online menu of flower.
• Fat-based Carriers: Butter, coconut oil, or olive oil are commonly used to infuse with cannabis because cannabinoids bind to fats. You can also use plant-based oils for vegan-friendly recipes.

Decarboxylation: The Key to Activating THC

The first step in making any cannabis edible is decarboxylation—a process that involves heating cannabis to activate its psychoactive properties. This is because raw cannabis contains THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is non-psychoactive. Only when THCA is heated does it convert to THC, the compound responsible for the high.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis

1. Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C).
2. Grind the cannabis flower into a coarse consistency.
3. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
5. Once the cannabis is lightly browned and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Infusion Techniques: Creating Cannabis Butter and Oil

Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, the next step is to infuse it with a fat-based carrier. Two popular methods for making cannabis-infused butter or oil include stovetop infusion and the use of a slow cooker.

Stovetop Infusion Method

1. Combine 1 cup of butter (or oil) and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
2. Add 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis.
3. Simmer on low heat (160-180°F or 70-80°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the mixture turns a rich green color, strain it through a cheesecloth into a glass container, discarding the plant material.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Place 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water in the slow cooker.
2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring every hour.
4. Strain through cheesecloth and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage Tips

• Store edibles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Use child-proof containers and clearly label your products to prevent accidental consumption.
• Keep edibles out of reach of pets and children.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cannabis Edibles

Even experienced cooks can make mistakes when working with cannabis. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overheating the Cannabis:
  Exposing cannabis to high temperatures (above 300°F) can destroy its cannabinoids and terpenes, making your edibles less effective.
• Inaccurate Dosage Measurements:
  Accurate dosing is crucial. Overestimating or underestimating the amount of cannabis used in the recipe can lead to unpredictable effects.
• Improper Mixing:
  Uneven distribution of cannabis in the mixture can result in some servings being overly potent while others have little to no effect. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

FAQs About Cannabis Edibles

• What’s the best strain to use for making edibles?
  The best strain depends on the desired effect. Indica strains tend to have a relaxing, body-focused effect, while Sativa strains are more uplifting and cerebral. Hybrid strains offer a balance of both.
• How long do cannabis edibles take to kick in?
  It varies, but most edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, depending on your metabolism, what you’ve eaten, and the potency of the edible.
• Can I use raw cannabis in my recipes?
  No, raw cannabis won’t produce the desired effects because it hasn’t undergone decarboxylation. This process is necessary to activate the THC.
• What is the shelf life of homemade cannabis edibles?
  It depends on the ingredients used. Infused butter or oil can last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, while baked goods typically last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the edibles.
• How can I avoid getting too high from edibles?
  Start with a low dose, such as 5mg of THC, and wait at least two hours before consuming more. Be mindful of portion sizes, and always label homemade edibles to keep track of potency.
• Can I use CBD instead of THC in my edibles?
  Yes, CBD can be used instead of THC for a non-psychoactive experience. It’s ideal for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the high.

Conclusion

Making your own cannabis edibles at home is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to enjoy cannabis in a completely new way.  Whether you’re looking to save money, customize your experience, or simply have fun experimenting in the kitchen, homemade cannabis edibles are a great option. We hope you enjoyed our Homemade Cannabis Edibles Guide and encourage you to checkout our online menu for the  best greens in Washington DC.

For more information on cannabis edibles and recipes, visit Just Blaze DC.