Cannabis Edibles: Exploring Different Types and Infusions

In the last decade, the world of cannabis has undergone an incredible transformation. In particular, many users have turned to using edibles rather than smoking a joint or two. It’s no wonder that the edibles industry is growing faster than the whole industry and even making more money to show for it!

Gone are the days when smoking a joint or pipes were considered the only way to experience the benefits of marijuana. Today, an overwhelming number of people are using edibles, and for good reason. 

In this article, we will understand more about edibles including what they are and why they are so popular. And, before we begin, we’d like to put out this disclaimer that we are not associated with any of the edibles we have linked to in any way. You can purchase from them or not — that’s totally up to you. 

What Makes Edibles So Popular?

Marijuana edibles have garnered an amazing appeal for various compelling factors, which has a lot to do with customer choices. You can credit their popularity for various reasons, such as:

1. Discretion and Convenience

Edibles offer a very discreet and hassle-free method to consume cannabis, without you having to smoke or vape anything. This is particularly great for people who want to enjoy the effects of this wonderful herb without putting out noticeable odors that may attract a lot of attention. You can consume edibles almost anywhere you want, and those around you may never know unless they want a piece of your brownie or gummy!

2. Longer and Potent Effects

The onset and effects of cannabis depend on the way you consume it. For example, smoking and vaping have the fastest onset and effects. However, when you ingest it, the onset is slower but the effects last longer. When the liver metabolizes THC, it produces a more potent form of the compound that results in an extended and intensified high. 

If you’re looking to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, consuming edibles is great for you as the effects last longer when you’re dealing with pain. This is also good for recreational users that want to enjoy the effects a bit more. 

3. Precise Dosing

Edibles offer a level of dosing precision that may be challenging to achieve with other consumption methods. Many commercial edibles are labeled with specific THC or CBD content, and allow you to control your intake with more precision. If you’re new to cannabis, accurate dosing is very important as you don’t want things to go haywire. 

That said, you’re better off vaping marijuana if you haven’t tried any type of cannabis at all as edibles can get you higher than smoking or vaping. For medical cannabis users, dosing with precision is critical, so they seek edibles. 

4. Range of Options

The world of marijuana edibles is exceptionally diverse and offers several different products that cater to various consumers. In addition, edibles come in different tastes, potency, and styles, so you have a lot of options to choose from. 

From traditional brownies to gummies to artisanal chocolates, drinks, and mouthwatering treats, the opportunities are practically unlimited. This selection permits customers to choose edibles that match their preferences and dietary needs. 

5. Health and Wellness

As marijuana gets more popular for its potential health benefits, edibles offer a way for users to integrate it into their self-care regimens. And for those that want to experience the effects of cannabis without getting intoxicated, they can always choose to have CBD edibles. Also, if you don’t want to smoke or vape, consuming edibles is a great choice. 

6. Customer Experience

Many people feel that consuming edibles is more relaxing, compared to vaping or smoking as the effects are slow and last longer. This allows you to savor the anticipation and provides a smoother transition into the high while reducing the potential for overconsumption. 

7. Social Acceptance

As the stigma surrounding cannabis continues to diminish, more people are open to exploring different consumption methods. Consuming edibles is considered cooler as opposed to smoking, which is of course subjective. You may find smoking a joint way cooler than consuming edibles, but edibles are a good option for those that have never smoked in their lives. 

8. Innovative Culinary Culture

People have started experimenting with cannabis edibles in various ways. From chefs to homeowners posting videos on Youtube to uploading reels on Instagram, edibles give you the opportunity to try infusing cannabis and play with various recipes. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, a cannabis smoothie might be appealing whereas marijuana cookies may sound heavenly if you’re a sweet tooth. 

Types of Cannabis Edibles

As mentioned already, edibles are getting popular with every passing day. It’s almost like a revolution that has opened the doors for an assortment of culinary creations infused with the goodness of cannabis, catering to a diverse group of consumers. 

Today, you can find various edibles spanning from artisanal chocolates that tantalize your taste buds to gummies and candies that simply burst with flavors. Then, we have beverages including energy drinks and teas that you can consume whenever you want. 

If you want a twist on your regular chips, you can also go for cannabis-infused chips that come in a variety of flavors. Imagine getting high with your friends on these! You don’t necessarily have to smoke any more. And, those that have always felt left out just because they don’t smoke or vape can now enjoy too. 

If you don’t want to purchase any of these, you can make them at home! Simply find a good recipe, follow the instructions and dosing, and you’ll have an amazing treat!

Here’s a list of the types of edibles that will mesmerize you today:

1. Baked Goods

Baked goods infused with cannabis are extremely popular as they have been the standard in the world of edibles for generations. To make these baked edibles, you can replace butter or oil with cannabis-infused versions. In the end, you’re going to be left with treats that deliver both delightful flavors and the effects of cannabinoids. 

Brownies, for example, are often rich and fudgy, and compliment cannabis very well as they mask the taste of cannabis with the sweetness of chocolate. Cookies, on the other hand, come in a variety of textures and flavors, from chewy chocolate chips to crisp ginger snaps. You can also experiment with muffins, chocolate crisps, and cakes if you’re inclined, but make sure you find specific recipes and read about the dosing. 

Apart from baked goods, you also get dietary-specific cannabis edibles that cater to people with different nutritional needs. For instance, gluten-free edibles guarantee that those with gluten sensitivities can still appreciate cannabis-infused treats without having to worry about their health. 

And, if you’re vegan, you have options too. Last but not least, you could also find sugar-free edibles that are great for those suffering from diabetes or simply want to keep calories at bay. As you can surmise by now, there are endless choices. You can either purchase them to ensure the dosing is accurate or make them at home. For starters, begin with low doses and increase only if your body reacts well to it. 

2. Gummies, Candies, and Chocolates

Gummies and sweet candies have progressed from basic confections to jazzy-looking glittery stuff that is manufactured professionally. They are available in many different colors and shapes. Almost everyone loves a candy or two sometimes, and it’s even better if it's infused with cannabinoids that have become the next health fad, right?

What gives these gummies an edge is that they offer a precise way to ingest cannabis. For example, if you purchase a box of 10 gummies of 200mg THC or CBD, every piece will contain 20 mg, which is perfect if you’re keeping an eye on how much you consume every day. Plus, nobody’s going to bat an eyelid if you’re popping a gummy in your mouth, no matter where you are. Thus, it’s super discreet and an easy way to use cannabis. 

Next, we come to sweet sweet chocolates infused with cannabis. And, we aren’t talking about just regular chocolates; these are next-level gourmet edibles that have elevated the edibles industry a great deal. The taste of bitter cocoa mixed with the effects of cannabis is incredible, to say the least. 

And, you don’t get just chocolates out there; bars, caramels, toffees, bonbons, and truffles — you name it, they have it. The fact that you get to choose between dark and bitter chocolates to white milk cannabis-infused chocolates is amazing too.

3. Drinks

Cannabis-infused drinks have reinvented the way individuals consume cannabinoids. Rather than eating or smoking them, you can now drink cannabinoids. Marijuana teas and coffees offer a delicious and relaxing experience if you love teas or coffees. 

But, if you’re not into coffee, you could go for sodas infused with cannabis for a refreshing and bubbly twist that you can savor at any party. If you want to take it another level, you could try alcohol infused with cannabis as legalization has gotten many spirit manufacturers in the US to try various combinations. However, truth be told, this is meant only for seasoned veterans and not recommended for beginners, as cannabis mixed with alcohol does strange things to the body. 

4. Snacks

If you can have gummies, drinks, and chocolates with cannabis, why should we leave munchies behind? After all, they should be the first ones to be mixed with marijuana. Typically, you smoke a joint and munch on chips or other snacks, but you can now simply skip the joint and eat cannabis-infused chips instead. 

Infused potato chips, popcorn, crackers, biscuits, pretzels, and other types of cannabis-infused snacks have already made their way into the edibles market. Primarily, these snacks offer a delightful contrast to the typical sweetness associated with edibles. Savory snacks are perfect for you if you enjoy munching on snacks every now and then and love cannabis too.

5. Cooking Oils and Butters

If you’ve ever used cannabis, perhaps you already know about cannabis-infused butter or cannabutter. Now, you also get oils infused with cannabis and you can replace them with regular oil. Of course, you should be very strict about dosing as a couple teaspoons of extra olive oil in your dish may not be a great deal but it can be if you do the same with cannabis oil. 

Regardless, these oils and butter allow you to experiment with your favorite dishes and cannabis at the same time. Whether you love sautéed vegetables or decadent desserts, simply infuse them with your oil containing cannabinoids. 

6. Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts that are typically made by soaking cannabis buds or concentrates in a solvent like alcohol or glycerin. The onset of effects is rapid if you consume it sublingually, as your mucous membranes absorb the cannabinoids quickly.

Tinctures come in small bottles with droppers, enabling precise dosing. You can choose from various ratios of THC to CBD to tailor your experience according to your needs. You can also make these at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

7. Cannabis Pills and Capsules

Eating capsules and pills infused with marijuana is reminiscent of taking medicines, so it may not appeal all that much to you. However, they are great for a quick way to consume cannabis if you’re out traveling somewhere as they are pre-dosed with specific concentrations of THC or CBD. 

Capsules are also suitable if you’re looking for an extremely discreet way to consume cannabis. Nobody ever looks into your pills (hopefully). You can choose pure CBD, THC or go for balanced ratios to experience the best of both worlds. 

8. Pre-Packaged Meals

Forget sweet goodies because what if we told you that you can now get pre-packaged meals infused with your favorite herb? Many companies are now indulging in providing cannabis-infused meals that don’t compromise potency and taste. 

Carefully crafted by chefs and culinary experts, these meals offer an easy way to experience the effects of cannabis while enjoying a complete culinary experience. Whether it's a hearty pasta dish, a flavorful curry, or a mouthwatering dessert, you can now appreciate high-quality cuisine without the need for cooking or preparation.

9. Cannabis Sprays

Cannabis sprays are a very discreet and precise technique of ingesting cannabinoids that have become very appealing to a lot of users for their convenience of usage. Typically available in small portable containers with a nozzle that supplies a precise quantity of fluid containing cannabinoids every time you spray it, you can administer it orally, either under the tongue (sublingually) or on the inside of the cheek, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who require specific dosages for medical purposes.

In addition, consuming the cannabinoids provides a very fast onset of effects, which is often just a few minutes. And, we don’t even have to mention how discreet cannabis sprays are, what with the small and inconspicuous design of the spray bottle, so you won’t draw attention pretty much anywhere. Furthermore, this is made for you if you don’t want to eat, smoke, or vape cannabinoids. 

10. Cannabis Dissolvables

Cannabis dissolvables are unique as they provide a special means to ingest cannabinoids in the form of powdered or by supplying powdered or tab-like formulas that can be dissolved in different fluids. You can add these dissolvables to drinks, including water, tea, juice, or any other beverage. Once dissolved, the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system.

One advantage of using cannabis dissolvables is that they allow you to customize your consumption experience as you can adjust the dosage based on your preferences and desired effects.

In addition, most of these dissolvables are devoid of flavor so it doesn’t change the taste of the drink you’re infusing it into. Plus, they are lightweight and portable and you can carry them no matter where you go. 

Another advantage is that the effects of cannabis dissolvables may have a longer duration compared to other ingestion methods, as the cannabinoids are metabolized through the digestive system.

11. Cannabis Inhalers

Cannabis inhalers provide a controlled way to inhale vaporized cannabinoids, similar to asthma inhalers. These inhalers are designed to deliver a precise dosage of vaporized cannabis extracts that allow you to get consistent inhalation every time. 

Inhalers may not appeal to everybody, but if you’re accustomed to them for respiratory conditions, you may feel familiar and comfortable. And, yet again, inhalers provide fast relief as the cannabinoids you inhale enter the bloodstream quickly through your lungs. So, if you want immediate relief, inhalers work very well. 

Different Ways to Infuse Edibles

There are numerous ways to infuse cannabis edibles into your food, with each of them offering distinctive benefits, flavor, potency, and intricacy. 

But, before we begin, you must understand the concept of decarboxylation. It’s a crucial step in cannabis infusion, as it activates the cannabinoids by heating them. Most products are decarboxylated, so you don’t need to do anything much; however, you will have to read the instructions and decarboxylate them if they aren’t already. 

To do so, you need to heat the buds at specific temps and time periods so you can use the resulting extract to infuse a variety of edible bases, including oils, butter, honey, and more. This method allows for greater flexibility in choosing the infusion base and can result in a broader range of edible options.

Here are a few ways to infuse edibles with your food:

1. Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)

All you need to do is simmer buds or trim in butter on low heat for an extended period, and allow the cannabinoids to bind to the fat in the butter. All cannabinoids bind to fat easily. You can use cannabutter as a direct substitute for regular butter in various recipes, such as brownies, cookies, and other savory dishes that call for butter. 

2. Cannabis-Infused Cooking Oil

Like cannabutter, cannabis-infused cooking oil is nothing but the process of infusing cannabis into oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Perfect for any dish requiring oil as a base, such as sautés, dressings, and marinades, cannabis-infused oil adds a distinct flavor profile to your dish while providing a versatile way to incorporate cannabinoids.

3. Cannabis-Infused Tinctures

You can infuse cannabis tinctures in various recipes. As mentioned already, tinctures are alcohol-based extracts of cannabis, and sometimes glycerin is used too. They are made by soaking cannabis buds or concentrates in high-proof alcohol. You just need to add a few drops of tinctures to beverages, sauces, or desserts to enjoy a discreet and accurate dose of cannabinoids. Of course, the dosing will depend on the recipe you’re using, so follow the instructions carefully as you don’t want to mess it up with edibles.

4. Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates, including hash oil or distillate, are highly potent extracts that can be added to edibles for a quick infusion. These concentrates are rich in cannabinoids and can be mixed directly into recipes. Be cautious when using concentrates, though, as they can significantly increase the potency of the final product. Do not proceed until you get a recipe that tells you how to measure dosages.

5. Cannabis Distillates

Cannabis distillates offer a versatile way to create potent cannabis-infused edibles with precision. Distillates are concentrated cannabis extracts known for their high levels of cannabinoids, particularly THC or CBD. Distillation is a refining process that separates and purifies cannabinoids from the raw cannabis plant material, resulting in a clear and potent liquid.

Most cannabis distillates can contain THC or CBD levels upwards of 90%, making them one of the most potent forms of cannabis extracts available. Therefore, you should be careful and try to calculate the dosing in a precise manner.

Distillates often have a neutral flavor and aroma, which can be advantageous for infusing edibles. Also, they don’t interfere with the flavors of the dish you’re trying to create as they are pretty much tasteless and can be used in a variety of recipes. 

Distillates are decarboxylated already, so you don’t need to heat them. Due to their high potency and ease of measurement, you can infuse many dishes with them and ensure that every dish contains a reliable amount of cannabinoids. Distillates are ideal for no-bake recipes such as energy balls, granola bars, raw desserts, melted chocolate, or confectionery coatings for making cannabis-infused chocolates, truffles, and candies.

When you consume distillates, you can be sure of immediate relief as the onset of effects is pretty rapid. You have to mix the distillate directly into the recipe, ensuring an even distribution of cannabinoids. However, if the recipe recommends another method, you can follow that. 

Distillates are not meant only for baked goods, as you can incorporate them into beverages like smoothies, juices, and mocktails. You can also add them to syrups, honey, or other liquid sweeteners, creating an easy-to-dose drizzle for pancakes, waffles, desserts, or even savory dishes. Remember, they are tasteless, so they won’t overpower the flavor of your drink. 

While cannabis distillates offer many benefits, you need to be a tad careful with the dosing as they are super potent. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you should start with low doses and gradually increase them to find your optimal level. Precise dosing is crucial to avoid overconsumption, as the effects of distillates can be intense.

6. Cannabis-Infused Alcohol

If you want to incorporate cannabis with alcohol, you can purchase cannabis-infused alcohol, which is nothing but cannabis soaked in alcohol. You can use it effectively as a base for cocktails or add it to other alcoholic beverages for a cannabis-infused twist. Keep in mind that the effects of cannabis-infused alcohol can be potent, so dose carefully.

7. Cannabis-Infused Sweeteners

You can purchase sweeteners that are infused with cannabis and mix them with honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness to a variety of dishes. Infused sweeteners are versatile and can be used in beverages, desserts, and even as a drizzle over savory dishes.

8. Cannabis-Infused Milk or Cream

You can buy milk or cream infused with cannabis and create creamy beverages, such as lattes or hot chocolate, and desserts like puddings or ice creams. If you want to do this at home, you need to infuse the milk or cream with cannabis by heating them gently on low heat and then strain out the plant material. 

9. Infusion Pods and Disposables

Some companies offer pre-packaged infusion pods or disposables containing coffee designed for specific culinary or beverage applications. These products contain precisely measured doses of cannabis extracts and can be added directly to recipes, eliminating the need for traditional infusion methods.

10. Sous Vide Infusion

Sous vide infusion is a technique where you vacuum-seal the ingredients and cook them in a water bath at a precise temperature. You can also use this method for infusing cannabis with butter and oils. First, decarboxylate your buds. Place the butter or oil and cannabis buds in a vacuum-sealed bag and then cook them at a controlled temperature for an extended period, ensuring efficient cannabinoid extraction. Let it cook for at least 4 hours and allow the oil to extract the cannabinoids. Then, strain it and you have a cannabis-infused oil or butter that you can add to various dishes. 

Summary: Cannabis Edibles: Exploring Different Types and Infusions

When infusing edibles, you should consider variables such as dosage, effectiveness, and flavors. It's advised to start with low doses and gradually increase them, based on your experience. 

As you can understand, there are various types of edibles that you can purchase. Or, you can go for products that are infused with cannabis and incorporate them into your dishes. Just make sure you follow the instructions provided in the recipe you’re following and you should be good to go.