Cooking with cannabis is becoming increasingly popular as more people explore the wellness benefits and unique flavors that this plant can bring to the kitchen. Canna cooks are exploring creative ways to serve up cannabis-infused dishes that are truly elevated, delicious, and therapeutic. If you’re ready to go beyond hash brownies, this post will offer some cannabis cooking basics and tips to help you get started on your culinary journey.

Understanding the Active Ingredients

The two primary cannabinoids in cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), each offering distinct effects. THC is known for its psychoactive properties, providing a euphoric and relaxing experience, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing inflammation and anxiety.

Decarboxylation: The Key to Potency

One of the most crucial steps in cooking with cannabis is decarboxylation. This process involves heating the cannabis to activate the cannabinoids, transforming THCA into THC and CBDA into CBD. To decarboxylate cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C), spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures that your cannabis-infused dishes have the desired potency.

Infusing Cannabis Flower into Cooking Mediums

Cannabis can be infused into various cooking mediums such as butter, oil, honey, and even milk. Cannabutter and cannabis-infused oils are among the most popular choices and can be used in a wide range of recipes.

We recently posted an easy Cannabutter Recipe that can be used for a wide variety of cooking and baking applications.

Cooking with Cannabis: Tips and Techniques

1. Start Low and Go Slow: When incorporating cannabis flower into your recipes, start with a small amount to gauge its potency and effects. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out once it’s mixed in.
2. Pairing Flavors: Cannabis has a distinct, earthy flavor that can complement a variety of dishes. Experiment with pairing it with ingredients like chocolate, citrus, nuts, and herbs to create harmonious flavors.
3. Temperature Control: High temperatures can degrade cannabinoids, reducing the potency of your dish. When cooking or baking with cannabis, keep the temperature below 350°F (175°C) to preserve its efficacy.

Tips for Cooking with Cannabis Tinctures

1. Ease of Use: Tinctures can be added directly to recipes without any additional preparation. Simply measure out the desired dosage and mix it into your dish.
2. Flavor Considerations: Some tinctures may have a strong, herbal flavor that can affect the taste of your food. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
3. Temperature Sensitivity: To preserve the potency of cannabinoids, avoid exposing tinctures to high heat. Add tinctures to recipes after cooking or to dishes that require minimal heating.
4. Versatility: Tinctures can be added to both savory and sweet dishes, as well as beverages. They are particularly useful in salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods.

Follow-worthy Canna-chefs

Cynthia Sentito (@cynfulfood_) — Celebrity Chef from Top Chef + Netflix’s Cooked w/ Cannabis, known for fusing art, flavor + celebration.

Monica Lo (@sousweed) — Author of the Weed Gummies Cookbook.

Jamie Evans (@theherbsomm) — Author, sommelier, and cannabis gourmet.

Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to explore new flavors and therapeutic benefits. Remember to start with small doses, experiment with flavors, and always label your cannabis-infused creations clearly to ensure safe and enjoyable consumption. Whether you’re making a savory dish or a sweet treat, cannabis can add a unique twist to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!