Beginner's Guide to Cannabis Cooking

Getting Started

Welcome to the world of cannabis cuisine. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start cooking with cannabis safely and effectively.

Important Note: Always start with small doses and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Effects can vary significantly between individuals.

Understanding Cannabis Strains for Cooking

Different cannabis strains can significantly impact your culinary creations.

Indica Strains

Generally provide more relaxing effects, ideal for evening dishes and desserts.

Sativa Strains

Often produce energizing effects, better suited for daytime recipes and social gatherings.

Hybrid Strains

Offer balanced effects, versatile for various cooking applications.

Essential Equipment

Kitchen Scale

For precise measurements of cannabis and ingredients

Thermometer

To monitor temperatures during decarboxylation

Grinder

For consistent cannabis particle size

Strainer/Cheesecloth

For filtering infused oils

Storage and Shelf Life

  1. Cannabis Butter & Oils

    Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Can be frozen for up to 6 months.

  2. Tinctures

    Keep in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

  3. Baked Goods

    Store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

  4. Candies & Gummies

    Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.

Safety Considerations

  • Always label cannabis-infused products clearly
  • Store away from children and pets
  • Never cook above 345°F to preserve cannabinoids
  • Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more
  • Keep detailed records of potency and ingredients

Calculating Potency

Basic Formula:

(Cannabis weight × THC% × 1000mg) × 0.88 (decarb factor) = Total THC mg

Example:

7g of 20% THC cannabis = (7 × 0.20 × 1000) × 0.88 = 1,232mg total THC

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping Decarboxylation

    Raw cannabis won't produce desired effects without proper activation.

  2. Grinding Too Finely

    Over-grinding can lead to chlorophyll leaching and green taste.

  3. Incorrect Temperature

    Too high temperatures destroy cannabinoids, too low won't activate them properly.

  4. Poor Strain Selection

    Choose strains based on desired effects and flavor profiles.

Quality Control Tips

  1. Testing Small Batches

    Always test new recipes with small amounts first.

  2. Keeping Records

    Document strains, amounts, and effects for future reference.

  3. Proper Labeling

    Include potency, date made, and ingredients on all products.

  4. Consistency Checks

    Regular testing of products for consistent potency.

Decarboxylation Process

  1. Preheat your oven to 245°F (118°C)
  2. Break up cannabis into small pieces
  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet
  4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally
  5. Let cool completely before use

Dosage Guidelines

Experience Level Recommended THC (mg) Notes
Beginner 2-5mg Start here if you're new to edibles
Intermediate 5-10mg For occasional consumers
Experienced 10-15mg For regular consumers

Infusion Methods

  1. Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)

    The most versatile infusion, perfect for baking and cooking

  2. Cannabis Oil

    Great for both cooking and topical applications

  3. Cannabis Tincture

    Alcohol-based extract for precise dosing

  4. Cannabis Coconut Oil

    Excellent absorption and great for vegan recipes

Advanced Techniques

  1. Water Curing

    Removing chlorophyll and improving taste through water processing.

  2. Sous Vide Infusion

    Precise temperature control for perfect infusions.

  3. Terpene Preservation

    Techniques for maintaining flavor profiles during cooking.

  4. Emulsification Methods

    Creating stable cannabis-infused beverages and sauces.