Consuming cannabis through edibles is easy and convenient, and you don’t have to worry about possibly damaging your lungs with inhaled chemicals. You don’t need a lighter, papers or any special equipment. It’s one of the best choices for medicinal patients who need relief from chronic pain in a convenient form, and if you make edibles at home rather than purchasing them, you may save money. Making edibles isn’t as simple as throwing dried weed into brownie mix or spaghetti sauce. Here’s how to make edibles.
Decarboxylation
Cannabis needs to be heated for your body to be able to absorb cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. People who smoke cannabis heat it with their lighter. To decarboxylate the cannabis, or activate the compounds, you will bake it in the oven at 225 degrees. Place a piece of aluminum foil over a baking sheet. Break the cannabis up into tiny pieces and spread it across the aluminum foil. Place another piece of aluminum foil on top and bake on the middle rack of your oven for 45 minutes.
Since oven temperatures can vary, if it turns brown too fast or smells like it’s burning, turn the temperature down. After 45 minutes, it should look golden brown and toasted. Cool for 30 minutes. Once it’s cooled, it can be stored in a storage container until it’s ready to use.
Canna-butter
Since THC and CBD need fats to dissolve for your body to use them, every edible starts with a cannabis-infused fat-soluble ingredient. A good one to use in baking is canna-butter. Use four sticks of butter for every ounce of cannabis. Make sure the cannabis is ground and decarboxylated. Melt the butter by simmering on low heat. Add in ground cannabis and simmer for two to three hours. Instead of simmering, you can heat in a crockpot for three hours. Once the butter has cooled, strain it over cheesecloth into a jar and refrigerate. It’s now ready to be used in baked goods.
If you prefer oil to butter, you can make cannabis-infused oil, which can be used not only in baking but can also be used over salads and to stir fry vegetables. Combine oil and cannabis in a slow cooker and heat on low for four to six hours or in a saucepan for at least three hours. Strain through cheesecloth and store.
Want more tips on making edibles? Get in touch with Foothill Wellness today!