Cooking with Cannabis: A High-ly Delicious Adventure

Cooking with cannabis is like adding a little magic to your meals—but instead of fairy dust, it’s a carefully composed herb that can level up your mood. If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a batch of “special brownies” we’ve got you covered. This guide provides newbies to cannabis a “get started guide” for finding your sweet spot. 

Health Benefits of Cooking with Cannabis 

Before we get into the tasty stuff, let’s talk about why cannabis-infused food isn’t just about getting baked—it can actually be good for you!

A 2018 study says that medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain by reducing symptoms and improving sleep. 

Unlike smoking, edibles provide a slower onset and longer-lasting effects. This means you get a gradual, sustained experience instead of launching to another dimension. If you love cannabis but hate coughing, edibles are a fantastic alternative to smoking or vaping. 

Many people use cannabis-infused foods for pain management, anxiety relief, and even as a sleep aid. Could it be? A bedtime snack that actually makes you sleep like a baby instead of giving you existential dread at 3 a.m.

Cannabis contains beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. You can pair cannabis with nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, and dark chocolate for an extra health boost.

Cannabis Cooking 101: The Do’s and Don’ts

You’ve just opened your bud bag for your first batch of special brownies. If you just toss raw cannabis into your batch, congrats—you’ve just made expensive, slightly earthy-tasting cookies with zero psychoactive effects. 

This past weekend I made my first batch of Cannabrownies and while the process took a bit longer than expected, the results were high! (I used coconut oil) 

After having two (rookie mistake) within the same day a few hours apart, I recommend only having one. (Or suffer from a high hangover) Now they are in the freezer to save for special occasions.

To activate the THC, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis first. It is crucial to maintain low temperatures (between 160°F to 200°F) to preserve THC and other cannabinoids. This prevents them from burning off or evaporating. 

Similarly, be patient with your cooking process—rushing may result in suboptimal infusion and potency. I know, patience is tough – but this is worth it! 

Cannabinoids bind to fat, so infusing them into butter, coconut oil, or even olive oil is the best way to incorporate them into food. For dosing, start low and go slow. Stick to 5-10mg of THC per serving until you know your tolerance.

Unless you want one brownie to be better than the rest, make sure your infusion is evenly distributed throughout your recipe. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get cooking!

Cannabis-infused recipes 

Searching for just the right recipe takes a bit of time, but it is worth it. There are some pros and cons for deciding on the infusion base and the infusion process. 

If you are looking for morning motivation, you can start your day on a high note with a classic: avocado toast. 

Simply mix a little cannabis-infused olive oil with mashed avocado, spread it on whole-grain toast, and top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey.

Lunch is more fun when you mix a bit of cannabis in your mac and cheese! Stir some cannabutter into your cheese sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and euphoric. 

Are veggies more your style? Roast brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots—with a touch of cannabis-infused olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This is healthy, delicious, and brings smiles and giggles to your afternoon. 

If you don’t like the taste of cannabis, you have some great pairing options to enhance the flavor. Rosemary, basil, sage, or citrus fruits can provide a natural taste profile. 

Are you looking for more savory options? Try out cannabis chicken wings or homemade pizza with cannabis-infused olive oil. Bonus points if you add extra cheese because, let’s be real, pizza should always have extra cheese.

Quench your thirst while elevating your experience with cannabis tea. Steep your favorite herbal tea with cannabis coconut oil for a relaxing and cozy experience that pairs perfectly with a good book. If you are looking for a good read, check out this recent article High Literature: The Best Books for an Elevated Mind. 

Sweet cannabis-infused smoothies can be a wonderful addition to your daily routine. Blend up banana, spinach, almond or oat milk, a scoop of peanut butter, and a dose of cannabis coconut oil for a smoothie that’s both nutritious and euphoric.  

Sour beer doesn’t compare to this awesome summertime lemonade. Mix fresh lemon juice, honey, water, and a bit of cannabis tincture for a refreshing drink that keeps you cool while taking you higher. Check out more THC drink ideas on our blog. 

Not a sour enthusiast? Maybe salty is more your style. Try some magic popcorn: drizzle cannabis butter over air-popped popcorn. 

Having a sweet craving after that salty snack? Let’s talk about Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries! Melt some dark chocolate with cannabis coconut oil, dip in fresh strawberries, and chill until set. Perfect for date night or, you know, a solo night of watching conspiracy theory documentaries.

If you are thinking about something on-the-go that looks just like any other snack try homemade granola bars. Mix oats, nuts, dried fruit, honey, and cannabis-infused coconut oil for a grab-and-go snack that’s way better than store-bought granola bars.

If all of this sounds like too much work – we got you. Check out our wide variety of edibles including soda shop gummies, nerds dope ropes, and cereal snackers. Pop some snacks and enjoy a movie, or invite over some friends for an enlightening evening of games and conversation. If you want to get into cooking, make it easy by inviting over your best friends to cook, bake, and get baked with you! 

Cooking with cannabis is a fun, tasty, and creative way to enjoy all the benefits of the plant without the need for rolling papers or lighters. 

Just remember: decarb your weed, start with a low dose, and always have snacks on hand for when the munchies inevitably strike. 

Happy cooking and happy munching!