How to Make Edibles
Updated September 11, 2024
As a result of the legalization of cannabis in many countries, there has been an uptick in the consumption of edibles as an alternative to smoking weed.
Nowadays, creating your own edible marijuana treats can be one of the more satisfying and imaginative ways to get high. Plus, it's much healthier for your lungs than smoking bud or using a vape pen.
But what if you're inexperienced and unsure how these edibles will taste? Look no further than this handy guide to making indulgent edibles at home. Keep reading to learn how to make your own unique cannabis-infused treats.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drinks that provide a discreet, convenient, and delicious way to consume marijuana. These come in many forms, such as:
- Gummies
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Chocolates
- Hard candies
- Syrups
- Beverages
Depending on the desired effect, you can make these weed edibles with either THC or CBD.
THC edibles are known for providing a longer-lasting high, as the cannabinoids are soaked in when you ingest the edible. They have psychoactive properties that give you that high or light-headed feeling.
In contrast, CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that doesn't induce an altered state or “high.” Whether you're a weed connoisseur or a newbie, it's crucial to understand these basics before you start cooking up your cannabis-infused treats.
Effects of Eating Edibles
The effects of eating edibles can vary considerably depending on your relationship with cannabis. For most, the effects last anywhere from four to six hours, with some people experiencing a more intense high than others.
You have control over how potent your homemade edibles are by accurately determining the dosages. One way to do this is by multiplying the total amount of cannabis you use in your edible by the THC strength of your strain.
Edible effects can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to be felt. However, those made with cannabis concentrates, like tinctures with a strong cannabis flavor profile, have a significantly higher strength and take effect sooner.
Your setting can also influence your high. And finally, you will feel the edible more quickly on an empty stomach than a full one.
How to Make Edibles at Home?
Making edibles at home is a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoke or vaping impacting your lungs. You can make delicious edibles with various ingredients tailored to your tastes.
Choose Your Cannabis Strain
First, when making marijuana edibles, you must choose from one of the following cannabis strains:
- Indica
- Sativa
- Ruderalis
- Hybrids
Indica
Indica strains are known to have a full-body effect. This makes them perfect for unwinding and relaxing.
Sativa and Ruderalis
In contrast, Sativa strains are mostly known for having more psychological effects. Meanwhile, Ruderalis has lower THC content and produces similar effects.
Hybrids
Finally, hybrids cross-blend Indica and Sativa strains to provide a combination of both types’ effects.
Decarb Your Cannabis Flower
Once you've chosen your flower, you can now decarb it. Decarboxylation, or decarbing, is an essential step for unlocking the full potential of your cannabis flower.
This process activates the THC in the plant material and allows it to be absorbed by your body when you consume it.
To decarb your cannabis:
- Place it on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 240°F for about 30 minutes. This should dry out the buds enough that they're nice and crispy.
- Once cooled down, grind the flower into a coarse powder, as it will be ready to use for your recipes. Some choose to prepare cannabutter with this, while other edible recipes would prefer cannabis oil.
- If desired, add flavoring agents—cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder.
Prepare Your Cannabutter
Prepare cannabutter after your cannabis is decarboxylated. Cannabutter is a cannabis-infused butter used in many edible recipes, like brownies and cookies.
- Set up a double boiler using two pans over medium heat. In the top pan, add one or two sticks of unsalted butter. In the bottom pan, add one or two cups of water.
- When the butter melts, add ¼ oz (seven grams) up to ½ oz (14 grams) of the decarboxylated cannabis to the regular butter, depending on how strong you want your weed edibles to be.
- Stir it until fully mixed, and turn down the heat.
- Let the cannabis butter simmer for up to three hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, allow to cool. You can strain the butter through a strainer and cheesecloth and store it in something airtight like a mason jar.
Your kitchen will have a strong weed aroma, so keep the room well-ventilated as the heat source from the oven and stove mixed with the scent can lead to a contact high.
Cook or Bake Edibles
After your cannabutter is ready, you can cook or bake edibles, depending on your chosen cannabis-infused edibles. Many recipes use cannabutter, such as brownies, cookies, and cakes.
When cooking with cannabutter or cannabis-infused cooking oil, remember that the potency of the edibles will depend on how much cannabis you use and your tolerance.
We suggest you begin with a small dose for your sweet treat recipe. Remember that edibles take longer to take effect than if you smoke a blunt or use a THC vape pen. So wait a couple of hours or until you feel the high coming down before consuming more.
If you've made a big batch, you can freeze your delicacies for up to two weeks in a refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Making edibles at home can be fun. But it can take time, especially if you're already high. So we recommend you invite someone with you. Decarboxylate your cannabis flower, prepare the cannabutter, and then cook or bake your edibles.
To infuse edibles, you will need to make cannabutter first. To do this, melt one cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat and add ¼ ounce (seven grams) of decarboxylated cannabis.
Stir and combine the ingredients until they’re fully mixed, then strain the mixture into a container or mason jar. Let it cool before you use it, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to start baking or cooking.
Making cannabis edibles at home DIY-style is usually less expensive than purchasing them from a dispensary. However, the cost of the ingredients will vary depending on where you buy them.
The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4-12 hours, depending on the potency, amount consumed, and your tolerance. Beginners taking edibles for the first time will likely feel stoned for longer than veterans.
A 100 mg edible will produce a strong psychoactive effect, so it’s not advisable to take it in one sitting, no matter how high your tolerance is. It’s crucial to start small when it comes to this kind of cannabis product.
Even if you're a regular cannabis consumer, the effects can last the whole day. So be aware of your dosage, plan accordingly, and invite others to partake with you.