Cooking with Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Infused Culinary Meals

Cannabis has evolved from being solely a recreational substance to a versatile ingredient that’s making its way into kitchens around the world. Cooking with cannabis offers a unique way to incorporate the plant’s therapeutic properties into your meals, whether you're looking for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or simply want to enjoy an infused culinary meal. 

What Is Cooking with Cannabis?

Cooking with cannabis involves including cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, into food and beverages. These compounds are typically extracted and infused into oils, butters, or tinctures, making them easy to add to a wide variety of recipes. The goal is to use the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while also enjoying a variety of delicious meals.

Cooking with Cannabis Oil: How to Use It?

If you want to cook with cannabis oil, then using a cannabis-infused oil can help. Cannabis oil can be made by infusing a neutral oil (like olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil) with decarboxylated cannabis. Decarboxylation is a process that activates the cannabinoids, ensuring they deliver the required effects when consumed.

Here’s a basic method for making your own cannabis oil:

1. Decarboxylate the Cannabis: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
   
2. Infuse the Oil: Combine the decarboxylated cannabis and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker. Simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours, ensuring the temperature doesn’t exceed 200°F (93°C), as high heat can degrade the cannabinoids.
   
   
3. Strain: After the oil has infused, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.

Cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways, such as drizzling over salads, adding to marinades, or cooking with it just like any other oil. The potency will depend on the strain of cannabis used, so it’s always important to start with a small amount to monitor the effects.

Cooking with Cannabis Recipes: Some Suggestions 

Once you have your cannabis oil, the world of cooking opens up. You can add cannabis into almost any recipe, from sweet to savory, or even drinks. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

 Cannabis-Infused Salad Dressing

Add cannabis oil with ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and your choice of herbs and spices to make a healthy salad. This simple dressing will include the benefits of cannabis without compromising the flavor.

Weed Brownies or Cookies

If you like sweet dishes, then cannabis can be also added in baked goods like brownies, cookies, or cakes are a classic choice. Cannabis butter is typically used in these recipes, and it’s easy to adjust the dosage based on the strength of your cannabis butter.

Pasta Sauce

You can also make a delicious pasta sauce using cannabis oil, and other vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh basil. The oil will add a subtle earthy flavor that will enhance the herbs and spices, creating a gourmet dish with a twist.

Smoothie

For a refreshing and healthy option, you can also blend cannabis and coconut oil into a smoothie with fruits, greens, and seeds. 

Tips and Tricks While Cooking With Cannabis 

If you’re new to cooking with cannabis, there are a few key things that can enhance the flavors of your dishes while also ensuring a safe process. 

Start Low and Go Slow

Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it’s important to start with a small amount of infused oil or butter and wait at least an hour or two before consuming more. The effects of cannabis edibles can take longer to set in compared to other forms of consumption.

 Know Your Dosage

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve used when you are using cannabis. To avoid overconsumption, it’s helpful to measure the dosage of your cannabis oil or butter based on the THC content of the cannabis you used. Start with about 5-10 milligrams of THC per serving, which is a common dosage for beginners.

Store Infused Products Safely

Always store your cannabis-infused products in a safe, clearly labeled container, out of reach of children or pets. Since cannabis-infused food looks and tastes like regular food, it’s important to keep it secure.

Bottom Line

Incorporating cannabis in your meal can give you diversity while also ensuring your required nutritional intake. Whether you’re using cannabis oil for a subtle infusion or diving into more advanced recipes, it’s important to start slowly and understand the effects of cannabis on your body. By experimenting with different recipes, and techniques, you can find the perfect balance between flavor and therapeutic benefits.

If you’re just getting started, consider taking a class or trying out beginner-friendly recipes to build your confidence. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Yes, cooking with cannabis can be safe, but it requires precautions. The main safety concerns are dosage and the potential for overconsumption. Because the effects of cannabis edibles take time to set in, it's easy to mistakenly consume more than intended. Always start with a small amount, wait at least 60-90 minutes before consuming more, and ensure your cannabis-infused products are clearly labeled and stored safely away from children and pets.

Q. What should I do if I consume too much cannabis?

If you accidentally consume too much cannabis, stay calm; overconsumption usually isn’t dangerous, but it can cause discomfort. Common effects include dizziness, anxiety, dry mouth, and lethargy. To ease symptoms, try drinking water, eating light foods, or resting in a calm, quiet space. If you feel overwhelmed, consuming CBD (which has a calming effect) may help counteract the effects of THC.

Q. Can I use CBD in my cooking instead of THC?

Yes, CBD can be used in cooking as well! Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect, so it’s ideal for those who want the medicinal benefits of cannabis (such as pain relief or anxiety reduction) without the high.