How to Create Your Own Cannabis Infusions for Cooking at Home

cannawannafl
Aug 29
4 min read

Cooking with cannabis can elevate your culinary experience, bringing new flavors and effects to your meals. Infusions are a popular way to incorporate cannabis into your cooking, providing an easy route to adding the herb's unique properties to a variety of dishes. In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn how to make your own cannabis infusions for cooking at home, perfect for those just starting their culinary cannabis journey.

Understanding Cannabis Infusions

Cannabis infusions are created by extracting the active compounds—primarily THC and CBD—from cannabis into a fat or oil. The most common bases for infusions include butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. These infusions can then be used in a variety of recipes, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a delicious, homemade format.

Infusions are not only great for cooking but also for medicine, opening up a world of possibilities for culinary creativity and wellness.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain

Before starting your infusion, it's essential to select the right cannabis strain. Different strains offer varying levels of THC and CBD, with unique flavors and effects.

Indica strains tend to provide relaxing effects, making them suitable for evening meals.
Sativa strains can be uplifting and energizing, ideal for daytime cooking and snacks.
Hybrids offer a balanced option, depending on the characteristics of the parent strains.

Consider what effects you want from your infusion and choose a strain accordingly. Always start with a small amount, especially if you're new to cooking with cannabis.

Decarboxylating Your Cannabis

To unlock the full potential of cannabis for cooking, you need to decarboxylate your herb. This process activates the cannabinoids, making them psychoactive when heated. Here’s how to decarb:

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break your cannabis into smaller pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Remove from the oven and let it cool; your cannabis is now ready for infusion.

Decarboxylated cannabis can be stored in an airtight container for later use if you're not ready to infuse immediately.

Making Cannabis-Infused Butter

One of the most popular types of infusion is cannabis-infused butter, or cannabutter. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup decarboxylated cannabis
1 cup water

Instructions:

Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, combine butter and water. Heat on low until melted.
Add Cannabis: Stir in the decarboxylated cannabis.
Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to keep everything moving and to prevent the mixture from burning.
Strain: Once the infusion is done, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a bowl or container, discarding the plant material.
Cool: Let it cool at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator. The butter will solidify on top of the water. Once solid, remove the butter and discard any leftover water.

Your cannabutter is now ready to use! You can incorporate this into your favorite recipes, from brownies to savory dishes.

Making Cannabis-Infused Oil

Cannabis-infused oil is another fantastic option, particularly for those who prefer a healthier alternative to butter. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil or coconut oil
1 cup decarboxylated cannabis

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker or double boiler, mix the oil and decarboxylated cannabis.
Heat: Maintain a low temperature (around 160°F to 200°F, or 70°C to 93°C) for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally.
Strain: Once done, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a container, discarding the plant material.
Store: Keep the infused oil in a cool, dark place. It can be used in dressings, drizzles, or any recipe calling for oil.

The result is a fragrant infused oil that’ll add a distinctive flavor and effects to your dishes.

Tips for Cooking with Cannabis Infusions

Start Low and Go Slow: When cooking with cannabis, it’s crucial to understand the potency. Always start with a small amount of your infusion in a dish, especially if you’re unsure of its strength.
Baking Time and Temperature: Baking or cooking at high temperatures (above 350°F or 175°C) can degrade THC, so try to keep cooking temperatures moderate.
Flavor Pairing: Cannabis has its own unique flavor profiles. Choose dishes that mesh well with the herbal notes of your infusion.
Label Your Infusions: If you have multiple infusions at home, be sure to label them with the strain and potency to avoid any confusion while cooking.

Cooking with Cannabis: Recipes to Try

Now that you've made your infusions, here are a few simple recipes to begin experimenting:

1. Cannabis-Infused Brownies

Use your cannabutter in a classic brownie recipe for a sweet treat that packs a punch.

2. Garlic Cannabis Oil Pasta

Drizzle cannabis-infused olive oil on your favorite pasta, sauté with garlic and vegetables, and enjoy a flavorful, aromatic dish.

3. Salad Dressing

Combine cannabis-infused oil with vinegar, mustard, and herbs for a tasty salad dressing with a twist.

Conclusion

Creating your own cannabis infusions for cooking at home opens up endless culinary possibilities. By understanding the basics of infusions and experimentation with different strains and recipes, you can elevate your cooking while enjoying the unique benefits of cannabis. Remember to start with small amounts, and always label your creations. Happy cooking!