Cooking with Cannabis: How to Make Your Own Edibles at Home

Cannabis edibles are a popular and enjoyable way to experience the effects of THC and CBD, offering long-lasting, flavourful experiences. While store-bought edibles are convenient, many Canadians enjoy the creativity and control that comes with making edibles at home.

This guide provides a safe, beginner-friendly approach to cooking with cannabis, including dosage tips, methods, and recipe ideas for homemade edibles.

1. Understanding Cannabis in Cooking

Before you start, it’s important to understand the science behind cannabis edibles:

• THC and CBD: These cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means they bind well with butter, oil, or other fats.

• Decarboxylation: Raw cannabis needs to be heated to activate THC and CBD. This process, called decarboxylation, converts THCA into psychoactive THC.

• Dosing Matters: Homemade edibles can vary in potency, so careful measurement is key.

2. Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Decarboxylation is the first and most crucial step:

1. Preheat your oven to 220–240°F (105–115°C).

2. Break up cannabis buds into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Your cannabis should be lightly browned and fragrant—ready for cooking.

This step activates the THC, ensuring your edibles will produce psychoactive effects.

3. Step 2: Infuse Butter or Oil

Cannabis is usually infused into butter or oil, which can then be used in a variety of recipes:

Simple Infusion Method:

1. Melt butter or oil in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Add decarboxylated cannabis.

3. Simmer on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to preserve cannabinoids.

4. Strain through a cheesecloth to remove plant material.

5. Store in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer.

This infusion can be used in cookies, brownies, sauces, and more, providing flexibility for homemade recipes.

4. Step 3: Calculating Dosage

Proper dosing is critical to avoid overconsumption:

1. Know Your Cannabis Potency: Check the THC content of the strain you’re using (e.g., 15% THC).

2. Calculate Total THC: For 1 gram of 15% THC cannabis: 1000 mg × 0.15 = 150 mg THC.

3. Divide by Servings: If your recipe makes 10 cookies, each cookie contains roughly 15 mg THC.

4. Start Low: Beginners should start with 2.5–5 mg THC per serving.

Keeping careful track of dosage ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

5. Recipe Ideas for Beginners

Cannabis Brownies

• Ingredients: Infused butter, sugar, flour, eggs, cocoa powder.

• Method: Replace regular butter with cannabis butter, mix as usual, and bake.

• Tip: Cut into small pieces to control dosage.

Cannabis Gummies

• Ingredients: Gelatin, juice, infused coconut oil.

• Method: Combine juice and gelatin, mix in infused oil, pour into molds, chill.

• Tip: Start with small molds to keep doses low.

Cannabis-Infused Cookies

• Ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, chocolate chips, cannabis butter.

• Method: Replace regular butter with cannabis butter in your favorite cookie recipe.

• Tip: Clearly label cookies to avoid accidental overconsumption.

6. Safety Tips for Homemade Edibles

• Label Clearly: Keep edibles away from children or pets.

• Start Small: Begin with a low-dose portion and wait 1–2 hours for effects.

• Store Properly: Use airtight containers and keep edibles in the fridge or freezer.

• Know Your Tolerance: Effects can vary based on metabolism, prior use, and dose.

By following these tips, Canadians can safely enjoy homemade cannabis edibles without surprises.

7. Final Thoughts

Cooking with cannabis at home allows you to control potency, flavour, and ingredients, creating a personalized experience. From brownies and cookies to gummies and sauces, homemade edibles are versatile, enjoyable, and rewarding.

By understanding decarboxylation, infusion, and dosing, beginners can confidently start making edibles, unlocking a fun, creative, and safe way to enjoy cannabis in the comfort of their own kitchen.