Cannabis Gourmet: Dos and Don’ts for Beginners

Cooking with medical cannabis can be a wonderful way to enjoy its therapeutic benefits, all while giving you control over your dose and flavors. Plus, culinary cannabis can be a lot of fun! But if you’re new to this, you may wonder how to safely cook with cannabis without overdoing it or wasting valuable medicine. In this guide, we’ll cover all the essentials – from dosage tips to preparation basics and more.

The Basics of Cooking with Medical Cannabis

When using cannabis in the kitchen, there are a few things to understand right from the start. Unlike smoking or vaping, where effects are nearly immediate, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in but can last much longer. This slow onset means you need patience and precision to make sure you get a comfortable dose and an enjoyable experience. Here’s what to know:

Cannabis Needs Decarboxylation: Raw cannabis isn’t psychoactive on its own. To activate the THC, it needs a process called decarboxylation. This simply means heating the cannabis to a certain temperature to convert THCA into active THC. Baking ground cannabis flower in an oven at about 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes is a common way to decarb before cooking with it.

Choose Your Cannabinoids Wisely: Different cannabinoids provide different effects. For example, THC is the main psychoactive component and can help with pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation, while CBD is non-intoxicating and is often used for relaxation, anxiety relief, and inflammation reduction. Think about the effects you’re looking to achieve and select strains with appropriate cannabinoid profiles.

Use Fats for Better Absorption: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they bind well with fats like butter, oil, or milk. Infusing cannabis with a fat source is the most common way to make it edible-ready. You can make cannabis butter, coconut oil, or olive oil and use them in your recipes as a substitute for regular fats.

Dos and Don’ts for Safe Cannabis Cooking

Do: Start Low and Go Slow with Dosing

One of the most common mistakes in cannabis cooking is overdoing it on the dose. Since edibles can take up to 1-2 hours to take effect, the temptation to consume more too soon is real. But remember, once you consume an edible, you can’t undo it – you’ll have to wait for the effects to wear off, which can be uncomfortable if you take too much.

For Beginners: Start with 5 mg or less per serving.

Understand Your Tolerance: If you’re newer to cannabis, err on the side of caution, and even if you’re more experienced, know that the way your body metabolizes cannabis through digestion can produce stronger effects than inhalation.

Wait it Out: After consuming, wait at least two hours before deciding if you need more. Many people new to edibles make the mistake of consuming a second dose before the first has kicked in.

Don’t: Cook with Raw Flower Directly

Adding raw cannabis flower directly to your food is a common rookie mistake. The raw plant has very little activated THC or CBD, meaning it won’t deliver the effects you’re looking for. Always decarb your cannabis first, and then infuse it into a fat for optimal effectiveness.

Do: Use a Kitchen Scale

Accurate dosing begins with precision. Invest in a small kitchen scale so you can measure the exact amount of cannabis flower you’re using. A good starting ratio for infusing oils and butters is 1 gram of cannabis per 1 cup of fat. However, this can vary depending on the strain’s potency, so adjust as needed.

Don’t: Skip Straining

When infusing butter or oil, make sure to strain out the plant material. Leftover cannabis flower in your food can add a gritty texture and a strong, “green” taste that may not be pleasant. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out plant material, and squeeze gently to get as much infused oil or butter out as possible.

Do: Label and Store Properly

If you’re planning to make cannabis edibles, label everything clearly. It’s easy for infused butter or oil to get mixed up with regular cooking fats, especially if they’re stored in a shared kitchen. Labeling will also help you remember the potency so you don’t accidentally over-serve yourself later.

Don’t: Assume Everyone Can Handle the Same Dose

If you’re cooking for others, it’s crucial to communicate the dose in each serving. Not everyone has the same tolerance level, and for someone who doesn’t consume cannabis often, even a low dose can be quite potent. When sharing, be clear about the potency, and advise guests to start small.

Tips for Infusing Cannabis into Foods

Infused oils and butters are some of the most versatile ways to incorporate cannabis into your cooking. You can make everything from savory dishes to desserts with these infusions. Here’s how to get the most out of your cannabis infusions.

Choose the Right Fat: Coconut oil, butter, and olive oil are the most common fats used for infusions. Each has a unique flavor profile, so consider the dish you’re making when choosing a fat. Coconut oil has a neutral taste, while olive oil works well in savory dishes.

Keep Temperatures Low: High heat can destroy cannabinoids, so keep your cooking temperatures below 350°F (175°C). When sautéing or frying, opt for low to medium heat settings, and avoid deep-frying as it can degrade the potency.

Measure Portions Before Serving: Once your infused oil or butter is ready, measure out the amount for each recipe based on your desired dose. A kitchen syringe can be helpful here to ensure precision, especially if you’re making single-serving edibles.

Fun Beginner-Friendly Cannabis Recipes

Cooking with cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy recipes to get you started.

Cannabis-Infused Guacamole

This recipe uses infused olive oil, making it easy to add to any snack or meal.

Ingredients:

3 avocados

1 tbsp cannabis-infused olive oil (dose according to preference)

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chopped tomatoes, cilantro, onions

Instructions:

Mash the avocados in a bowl.

Stir in cannabis oil and lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper, adding any additional ingredients if desired.

Serve with chips or add to tacos.

 

Cannabis-Infused Chocolate

This dessert is simple, tasty, and perfect for beginner cooks.

Ingredients:

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 tbsp cannabis-infused coconut oil (dose according to preference)

Optional: toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or sea salt

Instructions:

Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Stir in the cannabis-infused coconut oil.

Pour the chocolate into a lined pan and add toppings if desired.

Chill until solid, then break into pieces and enjoy!

 

Troubleshooting and Safety Tips

Even with all the preparation, it’s possible to run into a few bumps along the way. Here’s how to handle them.

If You Take Too Much: Taking too much cannabis can lead to a phenomenon known as “greening out,” where you may feel dizzy, nauseated, or anxious. If this happens, stay calm, hydrate, and try to rest in a comfortable place. CBD can counteract THC’s psychoactive effects, so having some on hand may help alleviate symptoms.

Avoid Mixing with Alcohol: Combining cannabis edibles with alcohol can intensify effects in unexpected ways. It’s best to avoid consuming them together, especially when you’re new to edibles.

Store Your Infusions Securely: If you have children or pets in the home, be sure to store your cannabis-infused oils, butters, and edibles safely out of reach. Using child-resistant containers or locking cabinets can provide extra security.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with medical cannabis opens a world of culinary possibilities and can be a fantastic way to tailor your cannabis experience. By starting low, infusing properly, and practicing patience, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, safe, and effective cannabis-infused dishes. So, don your apron, pick a recipe, and enjoy the therapeutic potential of cannabis in your next meal!