Cannabis is no longer just a recreational drug—it's a kitchen staple. Whether you want to add a bit of a buzz to your favorite snacks or increase your daily intake of CBD, cooking with cannabis can be a fun way to flex your culinary muscles. But how exactly do you add the herb to your food? Read on to discover the most potent (and tasty) cannabis cooking techniques that will help you elevate your meals and create delicious culinary experiences at home.

How To Add Weed to Your Food: Top Techniques

It's not as simple as just sprinkling the plant into your dishes—you have to understand how cannabis works in order to get the most out of it. Below are five techniques you can use to add the herb to your recipes.

Whip Up Some Cannabutter

Cannabutter is the key ingredient in many cannabis-infused dishes. It's made by combining butter withdecarboxylated cannabis and heating it for a few hours, usually in a crockpot. Cooking it longer at a lower temperature will produce a more potent butter, perfect for baking andmaking edibles.

Infuse Your Dishes With Cannabis Oil

Another super simple method for making delicious weed-infused dishes is to use cannabis oil. As with cannabutter,  cannabis oil is made by heating up decarboxylated cannabis. The difference here is that you'll be using a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Again,  the longer you cook it, the more potent it will be. Most cannabis cooks recommend eight to 24 hours to get the most out of your oil.

Try Cannabis Tinctures and Extracts

If you don't have time to make cannabis-infused oils or butter, you can always opt for tinctures or extracts. These are alcohol-based solutions that have been infused with THC or CBD, so all you have to do is add a few drops to your dish, and you're good to go. You can even add a little dash to your evening cocktail for a nice twist.

Add THC to Your Sweeteners

Love adding a little sweetness to your dishes? Incorporating cannabis-infused honey, sugar, or syrup into your recipes is an easy way to get a nice buzz from your favorite treats or even your afternoon cup of tea. Wrap somedecarbed weed into a cheesecloth (trust us, this will make it a lot less messy) and submerge it into a quart jar filled with a cup of honey. Close the lid and add it into a crockpot (lay a hand towel down first). Fill the crockpot with enough water to submerge the jar, and then cook it at 200 degrees for eight hours. Just make sure to use some tongs when taking out the jar, as it will be hot.

Play With Professionally Made Products

Finally, if you want to avoid the faff of making your own cannabis-infused products, there are plenty of professionally made ones on the market. From pre-made oils and tinctures to herb-infused spices and teas, you can find all sorts of cannabis-infused products online. Plus, they are a great option for those who don't want to go through the hassle of making their own.

Tips For Cooking With Cannabis

Unfortunately, learning to cook with weed isn't always as simple as following a recipe. The following tips will help you get the most out of your cannabis-infused dishes:

• Don't forget to decarb: Decarboxylation—or "decarbing"—is an essential step in cooking with cannabis that involves baking weed that’s beenfinely ground. It activates the compounds (THC and CBD) in the herb, making them more available for your body to absorb.
• Strain it out: If you're making your own oils or butter, it's important to strain out the plant material once you're done. This will ensure that it doesn't end up in the final product.
• Start low and go slow:You can always add more cannabis to your dishes, but you can't take it away. Start with a small dose and work your way up to find the level of potency that's right for you.
• Stay under 340 degrees.Cannabis will start to break down at temperatures above 350 degrees, which can affect the potency of your dish. Keep an eye on the temperature, and don't go above 340.
• Mix your heart out:A common issue with cannabis-infused dishes is an uneven distribution of the cannabinoids. To avoid this, mix your ingredients well and evenly.

To Sum it Up

Cooking with cannabis is a great way to liven up your meals and add a unique twist to your favorite recipes. There are plenty of different ways to make weed-infused dishes, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the method that works best for you. With a little bit of practice and patience, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of cannabis cooking.

FAQs

Are there any cannabis cooking classes I can take?

Yes! There are several cannabis cooking classes available in many states. These classes will give you the insider knowledge and hands-on experience that you need to master cannabis cuisine—and most of them are online!

What are some unique edibles I could make?

There's no limit to the kinds of edibles you can make with cannabis. From weed-infused ice cream and candy bars to savory dishes like cannabis-infused mac and cheese, the possibilities are endless.

Is there a cannabis food blog I could read?

Yes! There are tons of blogs out there devoted to all things cannabis food. Some of the most popular ones include Sous Weed, Laurie + Mary Jane, and Wake + Bake.

What is culinary cannabis?

Culinary cannabis is a term used to describe the art of cooking with marijuana. It involves infusing herbs, oils, and other ingredients with cannabis to create unique dishes and flavors.

What can cannabis be infused with?

Cannabis can be infused with a variety of ingredients, including oils, butter, honey, and more. Different recipes may require different infusion methods, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.