As the legal status of cannabis continues to evolve, more and more people are becoming interested in cooking with this versatile plant. Cannabis can be added to a wide range of foods, from savory main courses to sweet desserts. It gives each recipe a unique twist.
However, cooking with cannabis is not as simple as adding a few leaves to your dish. It is important to understand the basics of cooking with cannabis to ensure that your meals are both delicious and safe.
Preparing Your Cannabis
First and foremost, it is important to understand that raw cannabis does not contain the specific type of THC that causes a high. Cannabis must be heated at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time in order for the body to be able to absorb the THC. This process is called decarboxylation. This process activates the THC and allows it to bind to fats and oils, which can then be used in cooking.
Using Your Infusion
Once you have decarboxylated your cannabis, you can begin to incorporate it into your recipes. One of the simplest and most versatile ways to use cannabis in cooking is to infuse it into oils or butter. This can be done by heating the oil or butter over low heat and adding the decarboxylated cannabis.
The mixture should be heated for at least an hour to ensure that the THC is fully infused into the oil or butter. Once the infusion is complete, the mixture can be strained to remove any plant material and used in a variety of recipes.
Cannabis-infused oils and butter can be used in place of regular oils and butter in any recipe. Some ideas for using infused oils and butter include sautéing vegetables, baking cookies or brownies, or making sauces and marinades.
Now that you have a basic understanding of cooking with cannabis, here are a few delicious recipes to try at home:
5 Elevated Edible Recipes
Cannabis-infused olive oil: This versatile infused oil can be used in a variety of dishes, from salad dressings to roasted vegetables. To make the oil, heat 3/4 cup olive oil and 1 gram decarboxylated cannabis for at least an hour over low heat. Strain the mixture to remove any plant material and store the oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cannabis-Infused Brownies: These fudgy brownies are a classic favorite and easy to make with cannabis-infused butter. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Melt 1 cup cannabis-infused butter and 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of sugar, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, and 3 large eggs. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool before slicing and serving.
Cannabis-Infused Pasta Sauce: This flavorful pasta sauce is a delicious way to incorporate cannabis into your meals. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of cannabis-infused olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy.
Cannabis-Infused Lemonade: This refreshing drink is perfect for a summer day and is easy to make with cannabis-infused simple syrup. To make the syrup, heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add in 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove any plant material and store the syrup in the refrigerator. To make the lemonade, mix the cannabis-infused simple syrup with equal parts lemon juice and water. Add ice and enjoy.
Cannabis-infused grilled cheese: This elevated version of a classic comfort food is sure to be a hit. Spread cannabis-infused butter on one side of each slice of bread and place a slice of cheese in between. Heat a pan over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan, butter-side down. Spread additional cannabis-infused butter on the top slice of bread and cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve the grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup for a classic combination.
As with any recipe that involves cannabis, it is important to be mindful of dosing and to use caution when consuming. It is also important to remember that cannabis can impair judgment and coordination, so it is not recommended to consume it before operating heavy machinery or driving. With these guidelines in mind, cooking with cannabis can be a fun and enjoyable way to add some variety to your meals.
