Cooking with Cannabis: the Basics (Part 1)

Dec 1

Cooking with cannabis can be a great way to elevate any dish. I remember the first time I made infused brownies when I was in undergrad at Howard. I did such a poor job. I ate a decent-sized square from the pan and felt virtually nothing while a friend of mine had a severe panic attack about an hour after they took effect. I imagine the butter didn’t distribute very well. It didn’t help that I knew nothing about dosing, cooking temperatures, onset times, or how to deescalate the situation in the event of overconsumption. She ended up riding an intense wave of emotions before eventually succumbing to the need to “sleep if off.”

I’ve come a long way from experimenting in my dorm room. Brands like Aster Farms and Potli have made it easier to understand how to properly dose. Not to mention the confidence that comes with trusting the quality of cannabis you’re ingesting.

Because we’re talking basics: Let’s start with the difference between cannabis-infused oils and butters. Commonly used in cooking, both ingredients can be added to a wide range of recipes to give them a more earthy flavor and full-bodied psychoactive effects. When cooking with cannabis, it is important to understand why the effects of THC are so potent when ingested. Keep in mind that cannabis in it’s acid form is THCA and is activated when heated through a process called decarboxylation. When digested THC then converts into 11-hydroxy-THC, its metabolized form which results in more significant psychoactive effects. 11-hydroxy-THC is thought to be 2-3 times more potent. So it is important to dose carefully. Believe it or not, a tablespoon with do.

In this three-part post, I’ll explore the best oils and butters to infuse cannabis with, cooking temperatures, dosing for beginners, and food pairings that increase bioaccessibility, allowing you to get the most out of every bite.

Cannabis butter versus cannabis oil

Cannabis Butter

Cannabis butter, or more affectionately known as weed butter, is a type of butter that has been infused with the active ingredients in cannabis. It is made by combining butter with cannabis plant material and allowing the mixture to simmer for an extended period of time. This allows the THC and other active compounds in the cannabis to be extracted into the butter. Cannabis butter can be used in a variety of recipes in place of regular butter, and it can add a rich flavor and strong effects.

Cannabis butter is the most common and is easy to substitute for regular butter in a lot of recipes. It's best when used for low to medium heat recipes. I would also recommend using it in unsalted butter since it lessens the likelihood that you’ll end up with an overly salty dish. I like cannabis butter because it is creamy, smooth, and I can find a use for it in just about any recipe.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis cooking oil is a type of oil that has been infused with the active ingredients in cannabis. It is made by combining cannabis plant material with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and heating the mixture for an extended period of time. This allows the active compounds in the cannabis to be extracted into the oil, which can then be used in a variety of cooking applications. Cannabis cooking oil can be used in place of regular cooking oil in many recipes, and it can add a bold flavor and sedating effects.

When infusing cannabis oils, it’s all about the fat. Coconut oil, olive oil, avacado oil, and sunflower oil are a few standard options. How to choose the best one? It depends on what you’re preparing. Here’s a few things to consider when determining the best carrier oil for you:

Coconut oil is a great option for many recipes because it's high medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which support a healthy gut and over wellbeing. It has a rich nutty, sweet flavor. It is best used for low to medium heat recipes.

Olive oil is rich in flavor and healthy benefits. Olive oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. It also has a long average shelf life. Should be used for medium heat recipes.

Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties, a high in omega-6 contents and vitamin E. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Best used with medium to high heat recipes.

Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, most commonly used for preventing heart disease and reducing cholesterol. Avocado oil is also rich in antioxidants and is one of the healthiest cooking oils amongst them all. Avocado oil is buttery with a nutty flavor. Best used with high heat recipes.

….Stay tuned for Part 2!