When you look beyond its long list of potential benefits and therapeutic purposes, cannabis is simply an edible herb with distinct aromas, flavors, and nutritional properties. And like any other herb, you can use cannabis for cooking – although the final product isn’t quite like anything you’d typically whip up in the kitchen.
How to Cook with Cannabis
Cannabis-infused edibles are nothing new. As far back as 1000 BC, there have been a variety of foods and drinks made with cannabis. Today, MMJ dispensaries carry a broad range of edibles for you to choose from, including marijuana gummies, chocolates, capsules, teas, candies, and other delicacies.
For the true edible enthusiast, taking a DIY approach to cannabis-infused food can be a fun way to explore new possibilities. So if you’re considering venturing into the world of homemade MMJ edibles, we’ve put together a list of our five essential tips for success.
Start with high-quality cannabis
No matter what you’re cooking, the result will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Look at it this way: if you wanted to craft a gourmet-level chocolate cake, you probably wouldn’t use low-quality chocolate from a no-name brand.
This same principle applies to all varieties of cooking, especially when it comes to cannabis edibles. The potency, quality, and even the freshness of marijuana significantly impact the flavor and effects of an edible. So make sure you’re coming to a trusted dispensary (like FLUENT) to get the highest-quality cannabis possible.
Choose the right marijuana strain or product
Quality is key, but selecting a strain or product that suits your needs is equally important. First, consider how you want the edible to make you feel – and don’t want to feel – so you can browse strains accordingly. You can also factor in each strain’s distinct aroma and flavor since it will be part of the whole edible experience.
Finally, you’ll want to weigh your options between cannabis flower and tinctures. There isn’t necessarily one that’s “better” than the other because it’s mainly a matter of personal preference.
Think about your ingredients
Once you’ve chosen a cannabis strain/product, it’s time to begin assembling your other ingredients. Suppose you want to use a cannabis edible recipe instead (we’ve given you a couple to try below!). In that case, this step is as simple as gathering the items from your pantry.
However, if you’ve opted to craft your edibles from scratch on your own – no recipe needed – then be sure to consider your ingredients list carefully. Will the various flavors complement or compete with cannabis? Do you want to highlight the natural taste of cannabis, or are you hoping to tone it down?
Don’t forget to decarboxylate!
One of the most common mistakes made by cannabis home cooks is forgetting to decarboxylate raw cannabis flower. Decarboxylation helps enhance both the flavor and effects of cannabis edibles, and it’s an easy step that can make a big difference.
The cannabinoids in raw cannabis must be exposed to heat to convert into their active forms, such as THC and CBD (a process called decarboxylation). So, your edible won’t produce the same effects as you would expect from a pre-made option without decarboxylation.
Set your oven at 275°F (140°C), then place pea-sized pieces of flower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—Bake for about 20 minutes. Using the flower to make a cannabis infusion, such as cannabutter or cannabis oil, is the easiest way to cook with it.
Don’t be afraid to try new recipes for cannabis edibles
Every chef spends a fair amount of time experimenting with various recipes, including individuals cooking with MMJ at home. Try out a few different recipes to see what you like (and what you don’t), and you’ll be able to learn a lot about making DIY MMJ edibles.
Here are two quick and easy favorites:
MMJ Bacon
Spice up your breakfast with cannabis-infused bacon, or use it for salads, sandwiches, and more.
- Sprinkle ground flower onto one side of each piece of bacon.
- Bake at 275°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Medical Marijuana Brownies
Cannabis brownies are a classic and for a good reason. There isn’t an official “recipe” for this one because it’s just that easy. Use your favorite brownie box mix, but substitute your homemade cannabis-infused oil for the standard canola/vegetable oil.
Explore the Best in Medical Marijuana in Florida When You Shop with FLUENT
Whether you want to try cooking with marijuana or buy pre-made MMJ edibles, FLUENT has you covered with an outstanding selection of high-quality strains and products.
Purchasing premium-quality medical marijuana is the best way to create an excellent cannabis experience tailored to your needs. Find everything you need for homemade MMJ edibles and more when you visit your local FLUENT FL medical marijuana dispensaries today!