Baking pot cookies isn't the same no-fuss process as the cannabis-free boxed varieties. You need to be mindful of not only your oven's temperature tendencies and how much THC each nugget packs but also thetypeof strain you're using.

As it turns out, different kinds of weed make for different kinds of high. Since edibles are notorious for their lengthy, potent effects, it's important to have an idea of what you're ingesting before you start mixing it up in the kitchen. The last thing you want is a brownie-induced paranoia that lasts all night long.

To save you the headache (and possible stomach ache), we rounded up the best weed strains for baking, cooking, and eating so you can get the perfect high every time.

Best strains for making cannabis edibles

Cannabis tolerance is a lot like alcohol tolerance—it varies from person to person. A single puff of some strains might be enough for a first-time smoker, while others might need to smoke an entire joint on their own to feel any effects.

If you've experimented with edibles before, then you likely have an idea of how much THC your body can handle. But if you're new to the game, start with a strain that's on the lower end of the THC spectrum. You can always eat more if you don't feel anything—a good rule of thumb is to wait at least two to three hours—but it's hard to take away once it's baked into a brownie.

TheTHC and CBD percentages of the strain you use to make your edibles will also play a role in the type of high you experience. So you can also ensure that you won't be overdoing it by sticking to strains that are higher in CBD and lower in THC.

Of course, you want your cannabis creations to taste delicious. So it's important to pay attention to a strain's terpenes—the aromatic oils that give cannabis its distinctive smell. These chemical compounds come alive when you bake them and can seriously alter the flavor of your final product, so take note of what they are before you get cooking.

With all of that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best strains for making cannabis edibles.

Chocolate Haze

With a name like Chocolate Haze, it's easy to see why this strain would be a great choice for making edibles. It has a sweet flavor that's ideal for desserts like hot cocoa, brownies, and pretty much any kind of chocolatey treat you can think of.

It's also a pretty potent strain, with THC levels that can reach up to 20%. So if you're looking for a strain that will give you a powerful high, this is a good choice—unless you're a first-time smoker, in which case you might want to go for something with a lower THC content.

THC: 20%

CBD: 0%

Terpenes:Terpinolene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene

Cherry Wine

Want something just as sweet but a little less potent? Cherry Wine is a great choice. As the name suggests, it has a rich cherry flavor that's perfect for baking sweet treats. It supposedly gives off a relaxing scent of fine wine and cheese, but we think the CBD has more to do with that than the terpenes.

This strain has a pretty high CBD content, which makes it a good choice for those looking for the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the high. But it still contains some THC, but it's so little that it's unlikely to have much of a psychoactive effect.

THC:1%

CBD: 20%

Terpenes: Linalool, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene

Sour Diesel

Body highs are some of the best highs. And Sour Diesel is the perfect strain for those looking for a little bit of physical relief. It's heavier on the THC (and contains virtually no CBD), so expect more of a euphoric cerebral high than a body buzz. But it's still a good choice for those looking to take the edge off without getting too stoned.

Unlike the name implies, it's not sour. Rather, it has a peppery flavor that makes for truly delicious cannabis butter. It's probably not for the first-time user, but it's perfect for those who want to experiment with edibles and are looking for a strain that will pack a punch.

THC:19%

CBD:0%

Terpenes: Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene

Charlotte's Web

This is a high-CBD, no-THC strain that's perfect for those looking for the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. Probably one of the most well-known CBD strains, Charlotte's Web is frequently used by people who struggle with anxiety and panic disorders. It was actually named after a young girl named Charlotte Figi, who used the strain to help deal with her severe epilepsy.

Unlike some other CBD strains, Charlotte's Web actually has a pretty distinct sweet, citrusy flavor that makes it great for cooking. Think lemon bars or key lime pie. So if you're looking to take the edge off a long day without getting high, this is a great choice.

THC:0%

CBD: 12%

Terpenes: Humulene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-bisabolol

To Sum It Up

You don't have to be a professional cannabis chef to make potent, delicious edibles—but youdohave to know the right strains to use. Throwing just any old flower into your brownie batter will likely result in a subpar (and possibly unpleasant) experience.

But if you take the time to choose a strain that's flavor pairs well with what you're making and that has the THC/CBD ratio you're looking for, you're sure to end up with some potent, delicious edibles. Just make sure to start small and go slow—you can always eat more, but you can't un-eat a weed brownie.

FAQs

Which strain is best for making cannabutter?

Sour Diesel's peppery flavor and aroma make for a great cannabutter. OG Kush is another popular option for those looking for a strong, flavorful butter to cook with.