Cooking with Cannabis: What You Need to Know

As states continue to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, more people are looking for creative ways to use cannabis products. The most popular and well-known method of using cannabis is smoking it. However, many people are beginning to take an interest in learning how to cook with cannabis. Creating edibles provides a more subtle and smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis. Here’s everything you need to know about cooking with cannabis.

THC vs. CBD

The first thing you need to do when cooking with cannabis is to purchase your plant! Depending on what experience you’re looking for, the strain you choose may differ. The biggest thing you need to understand is the difference between THC and CBD, the two most well-known components of the cannabis plant.

The largest difference between THC and CBD is that THC causes cannabis users to experience the “high” effect associated with cannabis use, while CBD usually does not. Instead, CBD is typically used for health benefits such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety.

When choosing which strain you want to cook with, pay attention to the amount of THC and CBD each one contains. If you want to experience more of a high, opt for something with higher levels of THC. If you don’t want the high but still want a bit of relaxation, choose a strain with higher levels of CBD.

Decarboxylating Cannabis

Once you have the cannabis flower of your choice, you must decarboxylate it before using it for cooking. This is a critical step in cooking with cannabis, and one you should not skip. Decarboxylating simply means activating the flower by releasing carbon dioxide, which will make it easier to infuse and cook with later on. It will also provide more pronounced effects.

You need to heat your cannabis flower in the oven to activate its effects before cooking. Depending on the strain you’ve chosen, decarboxylation will look different. CBD activates at 295°F (146°C), and activation for THC starts at 240°F (115°C). But the temperature you choose depends on your preference.

We recommend setting your oven to 275°F (140°C), placing the cut-up flower into a pan lined with parchment paper, and then baking it for 20 to 30 minutes. No matter what temperature you choose to bake your cannabis flower at, never go beyond 300°F (150°C).

Creating Your Infusion

The most common method people use when cooking with cannabis is to create an infusion using a fatty substance like butter or oil. Infusing cannabis is usually done over heat by boiling the cannabis together with the oil or butter, then straining the mixture into a container.

Start Cooking with Cannabis: Easy Beginner Recipes

Once you have your infusion prepared, you’re ready to start cooking! The most common recipes people make with cannabis are baked goods. Here are some ideas on easy beginner cannabis recipes for you to try.