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Cannabis isn’t just for smoking or vaping; it’s an ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations! Whether you’re new to cannabis edibles or looking for simple ways to integrate it into your cooking routine, this guide will help you get started.

In this post, we’ll explore the basics of cooking with cannabis, how to make cannabutter, and easy recipes to try.

How Does Cooking with Cannabis Work?

When cooking with cannabis decarboxylation is the process that activates the plant’s THC and CBD. This step involves heating cannabis to a specific temperature to convert THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive). Without decarboxylation, you won’t get the desired effects from your edibles.

Here’s a quick overview of the basic steps:

1. Decarboxylate your cannabis by baking it at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes.
2. Infuse cannabis into a fat like butter or oil, as cannabinoids are fat-soluble.
3. Add the infused butter or oil into your recipes for a delicious edible treat!

How to Make Cannabutter (The Foundation of Cannabis Cooking)

Cannabutter is the most common ingredient used in cannabis cooking. It’s easy to make, and it can be incorporated into many dishes. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of ground cannabis (about 7-10 grams, depending on desired potency)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Decarboxylate the cannabis: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes.
2. Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over low heat. Add 1 cup of water to help regulate the temperature.
3. Infuse the cannabis: Add your decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter. Simmer on low heat melted butter. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain the Mixture: After simmering, strain the butter through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container. Discard the leftover plant material.
5. Cool and Store: Let the cannabutter cool and solidify in the fridge. Use it like regular butter in recipes!

Easy Cannabis Recipes to Try

Once you’ve got your cannabutter, the possibilities are endless! Here are some easy recipes to get you started:

1. Cannabis-Infused Brownies Ingredients:
   • 1/2 cup cannabutter
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 2 eggs
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 1/2 cup flour
   • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
   • 1/4 tsp salt
   • 1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cannabutter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool, slice, and enjoy!

2. Cannabis-Infused Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cannabutter
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the cannabutter and whisk with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour over your favorite salad, toss, and enjoy a fresh, infused twist on your greens!

3. Cannabis-Infused Guacamole Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 tbsp cannabutter (melted)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 small lime (juiced)
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 small tomato (diced)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocados in a bowl
2. Stir in the melted cannabutter, lime juice, onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt.
3. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos

Important Tips for Cooking with Cannabis

1. Start low, go slow: Edibles can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. Start with a small portion (5-10mg THC) and wait 1-2 hours to gauge the effects.
2. Label your edibles: Keep track of the dosages in your infused recipes to avoid accidental consumption.
3. Infuse other fats: Besides butter, you can infuse olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee for a variety of cooking options.
4. Store edibles safely: Always store your cannabis infused foods out of reach of children and pets.

Conclusion

Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of possibilities for delicious homemade edibles. Whether you’re making cannabutter or infusing other ingredients, the key is to start small, experiment with flavors, and enjoy responsibly.

Ready to get cooking? Try the beginner friendly recipes and elevate your next meal with the magic of cannabis.