Make your own edibles: fun and easy DIY cannabis treats

"Making your own cannabis edibles at home is a fun and creative way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. You get to control the dosage, choose the ingredients, and create delicious treats that suit your taste. Here’s an easy guide to get started!"

Why make your own edibles?

Making your own edibles lets you customize everything, from flavor to strength. You can select healthier ingredients, cater to specific diets (like vegan or gluten-free), and save money by avoiding store-bought edibles. Plus, it’s fun to experiment and create your own unique cannabis snacks.

Step 1: Decarboxylation (activating the cannabis)

Before making edibles, you need to “activate” the THC or CBD in your cannabis. This process is called decarboxylation, and it’s simple:

1. Preheat your oven to 240 °F (ca. 116 °C).
2. Break the cannabis into small pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once it turns a golden brown, it’s ready to be used in your recipes.

Step 2: Make cannabutter or cannabis oil

Most edibles start with cannabutter or cannabis oil. These are fats that absorb the THC or CBD, making your edibles potent and effective.

How to make cannabutter:

1. Melt 1 cup (0.24 l) of butter in a saucepan on low heat.
2. Add 1 cup (0.24 l) of water and 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis.
3. Simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally (don’t let it boil).
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
5. Refrigerate the butter and use it in your recipes!

How to make cannabis oil:

1. Combine 1 cup (0.24 l) of coconut or olive oil with 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis in a slow cooker or saucepan.
2. Heat on low for 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain through a cheesecloth, and your oil is ready for cooking.

Step 3: Pick your edible recipe

Once you have your cannabutter or cannabis oil, you can use it in all kinds of recipes. Whether you prefer sweet or savory snacks, here are some easy ideas:

• Cannabis Brownies: Just replace regular butter with cannabutter in any brownie recipe.
• Cookies: Make chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies with your infused butter.
• Popcorn: Drizzle cannabis oil over freshly popped popcorn for a quick snack.
• Salad Dressing: Use cannabis oil in your favorite salad dressing recipe.

Step 4: Dosing your edibles

Getting the dosage right is important with edibles because the effects take longer to kick in and can be stronger. Here’s a simple way to calculate:

1. Know the potency of your cannabis (for example, if it’s 20% THC, 1 gram has 200 mg of THC).
2. If you used 7 grams of cannabis in your butter or oil, multiply by the THC amount (7 grams × 200 mg = 1400 mg THC total).
3. Divide by the number of servings (if you make 20 brownies, that’s 70 mg THC per brownie).

Always start with a low dose (5-10 mg per serving) and wait at least 2 hours before eating more to avoid overconsuming.

Have fun and experiment!

Making edibles is a great way to experiment in the kitchen. Try different recipes, play with flavors, and adjust the strength to your liking. Whether you’re making brownies, cookies, or savory dishes, the process is simple and rewarding.

Making cannabis edibles at home is easy and gives you full control over the dosage and ingredients. By following this simple guide, you can create delicious and effective edibles that fit your taste. Just remember to start with small doses, be patient, and enjoy!