Cannabis-Infused Food: Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis-infused food has taken the culinary and wellness world by storm, offering a flavorful and discreet way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. 

From buttery banana bread to gooey crispy rice treats, cannabis edibles provide a unique opportunity to combine creativity in the kitchen with the therapeutic properties of cannabis products. For many, this method of consumption is more than just a trend. It's a healthier, more enjoyable alternative to smoking or vaping.

If you’re looking for long-lasting relief, a discreet way to consume cannabis, or an easy method to incorporate cannabis into your daily routine, edibles are a great option. We’ll teach you some practical steps for making cannabis-infused food, including recipes so you can start enjoying it right away!

Why Is Cannabis-Infused Food So Popular?

There is a reason why cannabis-infused food has become a preferred method of consumption for many users. And it’s due to it offering unique benefits that set it apart from other methods like smoking or vaping.

So, what can you expect?

• Long-lasting effects: When you consume them, you metabolize cannabis edibles through your digestive system which leads to slower absorption compared to inhalation methods. This slower process creates effects that last much longer - often between 4 to 8 hours. For people managing chronic pain or insomnia, this extended duration can be incredibly beneficial.
• Discreet and convenient: Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles don’t produce any odor or require specialized equipment. Whether at home or in a social setting, consuming a cannabis-infused treat like banana bread or a caramel is subtle and convenient, making it an excellent option for those seeking privacy.
• Gentler on the lungs: For individuals who want to avoid inhaling smoke or vapor, cannabis-infused food is a healthier alternative. This is particularly appealing for older adults or those with respiratory conditions who need relief without compromising their lung health.
• Perfect for seniors: Cannabis edibles provide an easy and accessible way for seniors to benefit from cannabis. Unlike tinctures or oils, infused foods feel familiar and approachable, making them less intimidating for those new to cannabis.
• Versatility: From sweet treats like rice krispy bars to savory infusions like olive oil, cannabis-infused food offers endless possibilities for customization. This versatility allows you to experiment with flavors, recipes, and dosages to suit your preferences.

But to enjoy all these benefits, you first need to learn the basics.

Basics of Cooking with Cannabis

Before diving into recipes, it’s essential to understand the basics of cooking with cannabis. This section covers the foundational steps, including preparing cannabis-infused ingredients and understanding key processes like decarboxylation.

Choosing the Right Strain

Not all cannabis strains are the same, and the one you choose can greatly influence the flavor and effects of your dish. Here are a few tips:

• For relaxation: Use indica-dominant strains for calming effects.
• For energy: Choose sativa-dominant strains to promote focus and creativity.
• For a balanced experience: Opt for hybrid strains or CBD-rich options for a milder high.

For a detailed explanation, read our blog on differences among indica, sativa, and hybrid strains.

Decarboxylation: Activating the Cannabis

If you are starting with flower, cannabis needs to undergo a process called decarboxylation to activate its psychoactive and/or therapeutic compounds. Without this step, the cannabis won’t have the desired effects in your food.

Here is how to decarboxylate cannabis:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break cannabis buds into small, even pieces and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
4. Let it cool before using it in recipes.

This step is crucial whether you’re making butter, oil, or directly infusing your recipes.

Dosage

Start with small amounts of cannabis in your recipes and test the effects before increasing the dose. If you are starting with a pre-dosed oil (or know how to calculate the dosage in your homemade oil or butter), a general rule of thumb is 5 - 10mg of cannabinoids per serving for beginners. Always label your edibles to avoid confusion and ensure safe storage.

Example of How to Calculate Dosage

If you're ready for some math, you can create your own infused oil or butter and calculate the dosage. If you hate math, we recommend using a pre-dosed oil or butter. This is not a recipe to cook based on vibes alone.

• Calculate the total mg after decarboxylation and dehydration: Starting with 4 g of flower, with 12% moisture and 20% potency of CBD-A, your flower will decrease in weight to about 3.5g.
  • CBD-A potency X decarb constant = potency of CBD
    20% X .8775 = 17.55% potency of CBD
  • ending weight of flower x cbd potency = total CBD in grams
    3.5g X 17.55% = .61425 grams (converted to mg it is 614.25mg)
• Calculate the infusion range: Infusion isn't perfect, even in a lab setting. This means that you may have ~600 mg of CBD, but only a certain percentage will actually become infused. Labs usually shoot for an infusion rate of 85-90%. At home, you can expect anywhere from 40-80%. In this example, you could expect your end product to have between 400-500mg of CBD.
• Calculate your serving dose: You'll need to do this step whether or not you make your own infused oil. Let's say you're making brownies. You'll need to divide the total mg by the number of divisions you intend to make. In a 12 X 12 pan, maybe you want 2 inch square brownies. You'd end up with 12 brownies, so 450 mg / 12 = ~37.5 mg per brownie.

Top Cannabis-Infused Recipes to Try

Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into some easy and delicious cannabis-infused recipes. We’ve made sure that these recipes are beginner-friendly and versatile, allowing you to customize flavors and dosages to suit your preferences.

Cannabis-Infused Honey

Perfect for sweetening tea, drizzling over desserts, or spreading on toast, cannabis honey is a versatile staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of honey
• Your desired amount of decarboxylated cannabis flower

Instructions:

1. Combine honey and decarboxylated cannabis in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Heat on low for 40–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the honey through a cheesecloth into a clean jar, removing plant material.
4. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.
5. Make sure to date and label it clearly!

Or you can go the easy way and buy SouthTip’s CBD-infused honey and enjoy your next breakfast without a hassle!

Cannabis-Infused Banana Bread

A moist and flavorful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup of butter (adjust based on potency, like ¼ cup butter and ¼ cup infused butter... you just need 1/2 a cup overall)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
3. Mix cannabis butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla with the bananas.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil

This versatile oil is best used for drizzling on salads, or even dipping bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of olive oil
• Your desired amount of decarboxylated cannabis flower

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil and cannabis in a saucepan on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Strain through a cheesecloth into a jar, removing the plant material.
3. Store in a cool, dark place.

Cannabis-Infused Crispy Marshmallow Rice Treats

A nostalgic dessert that’s fun and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp butter total cannabis butter (adjust based on potency, like 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp infused butter)
• 6 cups of rice cereal

Instructions:

1. Melt cannabis butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the rice cereal until evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased baking pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

Dosage and Safety Tips

When it comes to cannabis-infused food, proper dosing is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Start low and go slow, especially if you're new to edibles. A beginner-friendly dose is 5–10mg of cannabinoids per serving. 

To calculate dosage, multiply the weight of your cannabis by its CBD percentage and divide by the number of servings. Remember, edibles take 30–90 minutes to kick in, so be patient before consuming more.

Pro tip: Always label your edibles with dosage and store them securely in childproof containers to prevent accidental consumption. Keep them separate from regular food and avoid consuming edibles in situations where focus or coordination is needed, like driving.