Making edibles with cannabis is separated into two main phases. Phase one is heating the cannabis extract or plant matter to activate the THC and cannabinoids. Heating the cannabis concentrate or plant matter will activate the cannabinoids to amplify the psychoactive effects. If you joined us for our piece on THCA, you’ll recognize this phase as decarboxylation, which is the process of converting non-psychoactive THCA to the THC we all know and love. Phase two involves utilizing the infused oil or cannabutter (cannabis infused butter) to make a wide variety of different pastries, candies, and confections. Edibles are no longer limited to just brownies, because cannabis extracts allow us to infuse much higher levels of THC into edibles like THC gummies and hard candies that are a fraction of the size of a traditional “pot brownie.” Just 10 years ago most cannabis consumers were lucky to be able to source a brownie from a local connection. Nowadays, a whole bevy of cannabis edibles from cannabis gummies to infused drinks exist in the regulated adult use market and unregulated traditional cannabis market.
How to Make Cannabutter in Just Five Steps!
- Step 1: Identify and weigh your starting material. If you are using cannabis flower or trim, you will want to grind it as finely as possible by hand, using a coffee grinder or blender.
- Step 2: Add the ground plant material or extracts to your fat source. Two of the most popular fat sources for making edibles are coconut oil and butter, but you can technically use any oil that does not degrade through heating. One thing to consider is what ingredient your recipe calls for. If you are making candy, you will want to use refined coconut or MCT oil, while a brownie or cookie recipe might favor butter.
- Step 3: Heat the plant material and oil mixture slowly and carefully. Your ideal temperature range is 215-225 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that you only need enough oil to fully submerge the plant matter or extracts. If you are using concentrates, you can often get away with just a few tablespoons depending on your batch size. For using plant matter such as cannabis “buds” or trim, you will likely need 1/4 cup to 1 cup depending on the amount off plant matter you need to fully saturate.
- Step 4: Heat and stir frequently for approximately 2-4 hours. You will know you are done when you no longer see bubbles being produced in the oil or butter. The bubbles are a sign of the reaction of converting the non-psychoactive THCA molecules and activating them to Delta-9 THC, which is the potent and psychoactive form.
- Step 5: When the decarboxylation process is complete, let the oil return to room temperature and filter the plant matter using a cheesecloth or mesh strainer. Use the oil as required in your recipe. The oil that you do not use can be stored in a room temperature dark place, while infused butter should be stored in the refrigerator.
Why is it necessary to heat the THCA into THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the precursor to THC, found naturally in all cannabis plant varieties. THCA itself is non-psychoactive and must be heated to convert into THC to become psychoactive. The need for this conversion process explains why consuming raw cannabis does not produce the high that most people desire. Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary compound in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive effects. THC works together with terpenes, other cannabinoids, and various naturally occurring compounds to produce these effects. When cannabis is smoked, users apply heat through lighters, vaporizers, or other sources, converting THCA into THC. This transformation process, known as decarboxylation, is essential in all methods of cannabis consumption to activate the psychoactive properties.
How to Make THC Cookies in Just 3 Steps!
Total Cook Time: 22 minutes
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Bake Time: 16-18 minutes
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Cannabutter, Infused Margarine, or Spread* (Softened but not Melted)
- 1 Egg
- 1 Bag of Betty Crocker Cookie Mix (choose between peanut butter, snickerdoodle, or chocolate chip cookies)
*Make sure the spread contains at least 60% vegetable oil. To soften butter straight from the refrigerator, microwave on High for approximately 10-15 seconds.
- 1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to the temperature specified on your bag (approx 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- 2. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the cookie mix, softened cannabutter, and egg until dough forms. Drop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing each drop about 2 1/2 inches apart. Determine the size and quantity of cookies based on desired potency; the larger the cookie, the more THC will be in each one.
- 3. Bake the Cookies: Bake as directed on the package or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes before removing them from the cookie sheet.
