As any connoisseur knows, there are a variety of ways to consume cannabis. Some of these methods include the classics, such as inhalation, to more recently popular alternatives, like topicals and concentrates — yet there is one delivery method that seasoned consumers and sweet toothers alike enjoy.
As the name implies, weed edibles are edible forms of active compounds (i.e. all the active ingredients, like THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids) found in the plant’s buds.
THC’s health benefits are just as widespread, with medical cannabis patients across the globe turning to the plant for helping to address several ailments of all severities and with increased legalization, many can enjoy the cannabinoid in more ways than one. In this article, we delve into how you can make easy edibles to share or to hold.
The Benefits
Before we help you learn how to make marijuana edibles at home, first things first; We’d like to clear the air on marijuana’s THC.
While it’s important to note that some may not enjoy the feeling of being high or the effects that marijuana brings, this does not mean that this form of cannabis is dangerous in any way. On the contrary, it is quite the opposite! It’s easy to think that THC is used only for its psychoactivity, considering the number of products available on the market today — yet we are seeing many enjoying THC in combination with other cannabinoids for a more significant therapeutic effect.
With more and more people understanding the medicinal benefits of marijuana and recognizing the importance of proper dosing, it shouldn’t be too long before we see a nationwide acceptance of the complex plant and its novel properties.
Speaking of novel properties, one of the unique effects of marijuana is something that researchers have dubbed “the entourage effect.” This phenomenon is essentially the idea that when cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to produce an even more significant effect in the body than on their own.
What’s even better? While THC carries psychoactive properties and most other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBD does not, the theory is that when they work together, the high becomes more well-rounded and all-encompassing. So, when we just have high amounts of THC or high amounts of CBD (like with hemp), the compounds’ properties aren’t experienced as wholly.
Edibles: Most Popular Delivery Method?
No doubt, marijuana is a versatile cannabis variety, being able to be enjoyed similarly and in multiple ways.
Marijuana can be processed with its natural oils extracted to be transformed into oil. Marijuana oil (otherwise known as THC oil) can both be applied sublingually (under the tongue) or in your favourite food or beverage for a more full-bodied and powerful effect. Marijuana can also be enjoyed topically, whether this is through a lotion or oil. Topical application is best for those who are looking for localized relief delivery, as it can be applied directly to areas of pain or discomfort — and also won’t give a psychoactive effect for those looking to steer clear.
One of the most popular methods of marijuana consumption is smoking, as effects are felt powerfully and almost immediately compared to oils or edibles — the same can be said for vaping. Smoking marijuana can be done through different pieces of glass-like bongs or pipes or combustibles like joints or blunts. However, due to the widespread legality and availability of marijuana, more and more cannabis consumers love to make weed edibles. But, what are they exactly? In a nutshell, edibles are various foods such as candies, chocolates, or baked goods infused with weed — however, these days, we see edibles in the form of chicken, ice cream, and even popcorn!
Now, we must stress that nobody on the face of this earth has ever died from overconsuming THC. However, overdoing it may offer some people pretty unpleasant side effects. That said, if you have a low THC tolerance or things didn’t go as planned the first time, you can always get back up, dust yourself off, and try again with an alternative method of consumption. Still with us? Good.
How to Cook With Weed
While cannabis edibles can be relatively easy to make, it’s not done by placing a cookie sheet on your baking pan, crumbling weed into any kind of batter, and throwing it in the oven. Instead, there are several things you need to consider, and potency, perhaps, is the most important. By following these simple steps below, you’ll be enjoying weedy bites of goodness in no time. But first, you’ll need:
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing spoon
- Grinder
- Food processor
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- One large pot
Step 1
Like the edible you choose to make, picking the right strain matters and depends on the mood. While weed affects everyone differently, indicas provide a relaxing effect, and sativas offer a boost of energy. So, once you have an idea, grind up your weed and get ready to bake it.
Step 2
Next, you’ll want to decarb your weed. Heat your oven to 240ºF. Break the leaf down into small pieces, place them on a cookie sheet, and cook for 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown while closely monitoring. Be sure they are not toppling each other.
Step 3
Once out of the oven and cooled, pulse your toasted marijuana in your food processor until it’s coarsely grounded.
Step 4
In order to make an edible, you’ll need to make an infusion, known as cannabutter in this case. In a saucepan, boil a quart of water and add your two sticks of butter and stir until they are fully melted.
Step 5
Add your weed to the mixture and simmer on low for three hours until it starts to thicken at the top. It’s essential to make sure that your flower floats about 2 inches from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6
Line your large bowl with the cheesecloth, pour your mixture in and squeeze until you’ve collected all of the remaining mixtures.
Step 7
Once cooled for about an hour, place the mixture in the fridge until it develops a spreadable consistency. And voila! Feel free to add your weedy butter to any edible idea you can dream up!
Conclusion
So, what’s the best weed product for you? Well, that’s hard to say — it’s all up to you.
The more you know, the easier it becomes for you to stay safe and be informed about the laws surrounding cannabis in your state, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. But, more than that, you’re able to decide better which form of weed will provide you with the best experience possible for you specifically.
References
Department of Justice. (2019, October 17). Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. Available at: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28182367/
Barrus, Daniel B (2016, November). Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817
Lanz, C. (2016, January 19). Medicinal Cannabis In Vitro Validation of Vaporizers for the Smoke-Free Inhalation of Cannabis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4718604/
