How to Make Edibles: A Beginner’s Guide for Legal Consumption

Cooking with cannabis to create your own infused edibles for personal use is legal if you’re 18 or older. Learn the basics of making edibles with these beginner-friendly tips, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Making Your Own Edibles – Using dried cannabis and cannabis oil to craft infused edibles is legal for personal consumption, as long as you don’t share them with underage individuals or sell them.

Making Edibles with Dried Cannabis vs. Cannabis Oil

Choose between using dried cannabis to infuse ingredients like butter or incorporating pre-made cannabis oil into various recipes. The terpenes in both dried flower and oils contribute to the taste and aroma of the final dish.

How to Make Edibles with Dried Cannabis

Decarboxylation, the process of converting THCA to THC, is crucial when making edibles with dried cannabis. Follow these steps:

1. Decarboxylate the Cannabis:

   • Break up dried flower into evenly sized pieces.

   • Spread on parchment paper-lined sheet and bake at 245ºF for around 35 minutes.

   • Let it cool before moving to the next step.

2. Infuse an Ingredient (Making Cannabutter):

   • Melt 2 cups of butter in a slow cooker.

   • Stir in 1 cup of water and 28 g of decarbed cannabis.

   • Simmer for two to three hours, ensuring it doesn’t boil.

   • Strain through a fine mesh and chill until solidified.

   • Pat dry and refrigerate for three to six months.

3. Cook or Bake with the Ingredient:

   • Adjust the potency by using a mix of regular and infused butter.

   • Stir the ingredient until fully blended for consistent cannabinoid distribution.

How to Make Edibles with Cannabis Oil

Pre-made cannabis oil can be used in various recipes. Follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Cannabis Oil:

   • Select an oil with the potency and cannabinoid profile you prefer.

2. Calculate the Desired Dosage:

   • Determine the amount of THC and CBD per drop by reading the product label.

3. Add the Oil to Your Recipe:

   • Stir the oil thoroughly into your recipe or prepared food.

Dosing: How Much Should I Take?

Determining the dosage for homemade infusions involves considering factors like temperature and cooking time. Start with a small portion and wait to feel the effects before consuming more. CBD may moderate the effects of THC.

The Effects of Consuming Edibles

The unique response to cannabis varies among individuals. Effects from ingesting edibles may take 30 minutes to two hours to manifest, peaking around four hours post-consumption. The impact can linger, with effects like drowsiness lasting up to 24 hours.

Safety Tips for Cooking with Cannabis

Ensure safe consumption by following these precautions:

• Stir in the infused cannabis ingredient thoroughly.

• Monitor temperatures to avoid cannabinoid destruction.

• Divide food into even portions for consistent servings.

• Store cannabis products in labelled, locked containers to prevent accidental consumption.

• Handle, prepare, and store all food products safely.

Making Edibles FAQ

Find answers to common questions:

• Best Cannabis Oil for Infusing Recipes: MCT oil-mixed cannabis oil offers a neutral flavour.

• Best Strain for Decarboxylation: Choose a strain with terpenes complementing other ingredients.

• Storage of Decarboxylated Cannabis: Sealed jars can preserve decarbed cannabis for up to six months.

• Best Way to Store Edibles: Airtight containers at room temperature or freezing for baked goods (not recommended for gummies and fudge). Consume homemade edibles within three to six months.

Over-consumed Edibles: What to Do?

While THC overconsumption isn’t fatal, cannabis poisoning is serious. Seek medical attention if experiencing harmful effects. If a child or pet accidentally consumes edibles, contact your local poison control centre or seek immediate medical attention.