Delving into the world of marijuana-infused culinary adventure? This detailed guide will equip you with all the essential knowledge and skills to start cooking with marijuana successfully. If you’re bored from ordering your cannabis from a delivery service or whether you wish to try cannabis edibles for medicinal purposes, recreational use, or simply to explore a new dimension of gastronomy, this guide covers everything you need to know about cannabis food.
Understanding the Basics of Cooking with Marijuana
Before you start your culinary journey with cannabis, it’s crucial to understand the basics of cooking with marijuana. Unlike regular cooking, preparing cannabis-infused food involves dealing with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives the ‘high’ feeling.
The Science Behind THC
Cannabis flowers, in their raw form, contain a chemical precursor known as THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid). When exposed to heat, THCA undergoes a process called decarboxylation, converting into THC. This is why marijuana is usually smoked. However, for creating edibles, you need to activate THC in the cannabis through a similar process.
Decarboxylation: Activating THC
Decarboxylation might sound intimidating, but it’s quite straightforward. It involves heat-activating the cannabis to convert the THCA into THC. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to approximately 240ºF.
- Use an herb grinder to break down your cannabis into smaller pieces.
- Spread the ground cannabis on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even heating.
- Once the cannabis turns light golden brown, your decarboxylated cannabis is ready.
Two Essential Recipes for Cooking with Cannabis
Now that you’ve decarboxylated your marijuana, it’s time to infuse it into a medium suitable for cooking. Since THC binds readily to fats, butter and oil are ideal candidates. With these two recipes for cannabutter and infused coconut oil, you’ll have versatile cannabis ingredients at your disposal.
Before you proceed, a word of caution: always label your cannabis-infused products clearly and keep them out of children’s reach.
Cannabutter: The Classic Cannabis Infusion
Cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, is a classic medium for delivering THC. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 7 grams of decarboxylated flower
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan with water on low heat.
- Add decarboxylated flower to the mixture.
- Simmer on low heat (about 170ºF) for 2-3 hours, but never let it boil.
- Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth while it’s still hot.
- Let it cool and refrigerate until solid.
Infused Coconut Oil: A Tasty Alternative
Coconut oil is an excellent alternative to butter for cooking with cannabis. It absorbs THC well and adds a distinct flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients:
- 7 grams of decarboxylated flower
- 1 cup of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Combine coconut oil and decarboxylated flower in a heat-resistant jar.
- Place the jar in a pot filled with water. Ensure the water level is above the oil-flower mixture.
- Slowly heat the water to a medium boil for 2 hours.
- After cooling slightly, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into another jar.
- Once cool, seal the jar.
Choosing the Right Strain for Your Edibles
The strain of cannabis you choose for your edibles can dictate the effects you’ll experience. If you’re preparing a daytime treat, opt for a strain that energizes, like a Sativa. For a nighttime snack, choose a relaxing Indica strain.
Determining Potency: How Much Weed Do You Need?
Determining the potency of your edibles is crucial for a controlled and enjoyable experience. The average marijuana strain has about 10% THC. So, if you’re using 7 grams (7000mg) of marijuana, you can assume it contains around 700mg of THC.
For beginners, it’s advisable to start with a lower dose, around 10mg of THC per serving. This would mean cutting your cannabis-infused treat into 70 pieces if you’ve used 7 grams of marijuana.
The Art of Infusing Your Edibles
Now that you’ve prepared your cannabutter or infused coconut oil, it’s time to actually start cooking with marijuana. You can simply substitute regular butter or oil in any recipe with your cannabis-infused variant. Remember to start with a small amount and gradually increase as per your tolerance and preference.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
If you’ve accidentally consumed too much of your cannabis edible, don’t panic. Consuming foods rich in pinene, like pistachios or pine nuts, can help regain mental clarity. Citrus fruits can also help due to the terpenes they contain.
Wrapping Up
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to start your journey of cooking with marijuana. Remember to start slow, monitor your dosage, and most importantly, enjoy the process and the unique flavors that cannabis adds to your dishes. Happy cooking!
