The Ultimate Guide to DIY Cannabis Edibles

Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift in how people consume cannabis. Instead of only smoking or vaping, cannabis users and even those who have never tried cannabis are more interested in edibles. While some do it because they detest smoking and long to try marijuana, others do it because edibles offer discretion and a wide range of culinary possibilities. From mouthwatering desserts to treats, the options are endless and limited only by your imagination.

We hope this guide will help you navigate the world of edibles and create some amazing dishes you love. Whether you're a cannabis connoisseur or a curious beginner, note that you must don your creative hat to create your own edibles. It's just like preparing another dish. Only, you should be very careful with the measurements. 

To create the edible you desire in terms of effects, you must understand the science behind cannabinoids so you can choose a strain that fits your purposes. However, before you start, you should understand the responsibility that comes with it. And, if you're going to share your precious creation with others, you must be extra cautious because the strength of homemade edibles can vary. You should be knowledgeable about the dosage so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. 

So, with that out of the way, let's get to the science of making some world-class, tasty edibles!

Understanding Cannabis and The Entourage Effect

Cannabis contains more than 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Among these compounds, two main cannabinoids have gained attention for their effects, such as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol).

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the primary cannabinoid known for producing psychoactive effects. It produces these effects when it interacts with the receptors present in the brain, creating a sensation known as being “high”. THC also has medicinal benefits and can help to relieve nausea, pain, etc. 

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce psychotropic effects, so you won't feel high. CBD has several medicinal properties that can help to reduce inflammation, anxiety, and more. 

• Terpenes

Terpenes contribute to the smell and taste of cannabis. Although they can't produce effects by themselves, they play a role in enhancing the effects of the cannabinoids. 

• Flavonoids

These compounds are responsible for the colors seen in cannabis plants. They might also contribute to the health benefits of using cannabis.

When all the compounds described above work in synergy to enhance the therapeutic effects, you get to experience something called the “entourage effect”. Thus, we can conclude that it's significantly advantageous to consume cannabis as a whole rather than using isolated cannabinoids. Once you understand this, it becomes easier to create edibles that offer more advantages. For this reason alone, you may want to choose strains that contain a balanced amount of cannabinoids rather than going for THC or CBD alone. 

How To Choose the Right Strain to Make Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis isn't a one-size-fits-all type of project, so you need to choose the right strain to make your edibles. Each cannabis strain is unique and produces various effects simply because it contains different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes. The type of strain you choose will determine the overall effects, so this is very important. 

1. Indica, Sativa or Terpenes

When you purchase cannabis buds, you'll typically see them classified into indica, sativa, or hybrids. While indica is famous for its sedative effects, sativas are meant to make you energetic. However, these classifications should be taken with a grain of salt since some strains can produce drastically different effects. 

Thus, take a look at the terpene profile rather than the indica or sativa distinction. You can also go for hybrids since they offer a combination of effects. For example, myrcene, a terpene found in many plants including cannabis is associated with relaxation and sedation. Thus, you can expect strains with high amounts of this terpene to produce a calming effect. 

On the other hand, limonene, which is also another terpene found in cannabis and citrus fruits like tangerine and lemon, is known for producing uplifting effects. They enhance your mood and have the potential to induce creativity. Therefore, you can go for strains rich in limonene if you want to make edibles that don't produce a couch-lock effect. 

2. THC and CBD Ratios

• THC Dominant: Strains with high levels of THC are more likely to produce psychoactive effects. You may also experience euphoria among other effects. However, note that you shouldn't try high-THC strains if you have no prior experience with cannabis as side effects may even include hallucinations if you're not used to THC. 
• CBD Dominant: CBD-dominant strains offer the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects. People choose them often for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Balanced Ratios: Some strains contain both THC and CBD in equal amounts, often resulting in a balanced and moderate experience. If you're looking to experience cannabis without extreme psychoactive effects, you can go for these. 

3. Important Considerations for DIY Cannabis Edibles

• Timing and Duration: Edibles take a longer time to kick in, compared to buds. In addition, they last longer compared to vaping or smoking buds. Thus, wait for at least 1 to 1.5 hours before eating more. Many people understand this a bit late as the effects kick in and there's nothing they can do for another 8 hours!
• Flavor Profile: The flavors of your chosen strain will also shape the edible, For example, if you want to make cookies, go for chocolate or cream-flavored strains so they complement the taste of your cookie. 
• Last but not least, don't hesitate to experiment with various strains before you choose something you like. This way you can personalize your experience based on whether you desire relaxation, creativity, or a balanced combination of effects. 

Decarboxylation

Cannabis contains cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA in their acidic states. They are non-intoxicating. However, once they are converted to THC or CBD, they are potent and active. You can do this through a process called decarboxylation, where a carboxyl group is removed from a compound. 

In essence, the buds must undergo decarboxylation to unlock their full potential. For this, you will need to introduce heat to the buds to ensure they offer full value. When you're smoking or vaping buds, you introduce heat by lighting up a joint, but it's different for edibles. Without decarboxylation, the buds will not provide any effects, so this is an important step if you want to make edibles. In addition, decarboxylated cannabinoids are easily absorbed by the body resulting in an efficient and potent cannabis experience. 

Step-by-Step Methods for Decarboxylating Cannabis

Ingredients

• Cannabis flower or trim

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Parchment paper
• Grinder

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven to 240°F (115°C) for decarboxylating cannabinoids while preventing vaporization.
2. Use a grinder to break down the cannabis into smaller pieces. This is done to increase its surface area for decarboxylation.
3. Now, line your baking sheet with parchment paper so it doesn't stick. Spread the cannabis evenly across the sheet making sure it forms a uniform layer. 
4. To activate the cannabinoids, place your baking sheet in the oven for around 30 to 45 minutes. This timeframe is sufficient to activate the cannabinoids without degrading them. 
5. Once done, you'll see the buds change color. Typically, they become light brown in color. Now, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the buds cool down. Store it in an airtight container until you're ready to use it in your creations.

Infusing Cannabis into DIY Cannabis Edibles

Once decarboxylation is done, your buds are ready to be infused with oils or other mediums to make edibles. Primarily, there are three methods for infusion, including butter, oil, or tinctures. Let's take a look at each of these methods: 

DIY Cannabis-infused Butter

Advantages

• Cannabis-infused butter, or "cannabutter " is incredibly versatile, and you can use it in both sweet and savory recipes.
• Cannabutter not only adds the effects you want but also enhances the overall flavor of your dish. 

Disadvantages

• Like butter, cannabutter is rich in saturated fat, so you should use it in limited proportions if you're trying to lose weight. 

DIY Cannabis Infused Oil

Advantages

• Cannabis-infused oils like olive oil or coconut oil generally have a higher smoke point than butter, so they are perfect if you have to fry something. 
• Olive and coconut oils infused with cannabis are healthier than cannabutter. 

Disadvantages

• Some may not like the flavor of olive oil or coconut oil and they also influence the overall taste of your edible. 
• You cannot use olive or coconut oil in sweet dishes, so butter may be a better option. 

DIY Cannabis Tinctures

Advantages

• Tinctures provide precise dosage measurements, so they are perfect if you're conscious about the amount of cannabinoids you consume. 
• Tinctures act very fast, especially since you consume them through the sublingual method of absorption by placing them under your tongue. 

Disadvantages

• Although you can add tinctures to some dishes, they are not as versatile as oils and butter. 
• Traditional tinctures are alcohol-based, which might not be suitable for everyone, especially those avoiding alcohol for health or personal reasons.

Ultimately, the decision between using butter, oil, or tinctures depends on your preferences, dietary considerations, and specific recipe requirements. You can experiment with various infusion methods to customize your edibles just like you want them. Remember, the infusion method you choose will affect the final result drastically. 

How to Determine the Dosage When Making DIY Cannabis Edibles?

If you're going to use edibles for medicinal purposes, it becomes extremely important to understand and master the art of calculating the dosage. Even for recreational purposes, you need to use the right dosage. This is because the strength of your edibles can impact how you feel after consuming them. 

Also, you always look for a consistent experience when enjoying food, don't you? For example, the pancakes should taste more or less the same every time you make them. Similarly, it's important to maintain consistency with edibles. Therefore, you should calculate and control the dosage accurately to prevent any ugly surprises. 

Understanding Potency

The potency of the buds you use as the starting material will play a role in how strong your edibles are. So, use strong strains if you want strong effects and vice versa. Also, use popular strains to calculate the dosages easily. 

Decarboxylation Efficiency

Make sure you decarboxylate the buds properly to ensure that you have potent buds. Otherwise, you will have edibles that taste like grass and don't produce any effects at all.

Calculating Dosage

Formula for THC Dosage

THC per serving (mg) = ( Total THC x Extraction efficiency) / Number of Servings

• Total THC stands for the THC present in your buds or starting material. 
• Extraction Efficiency stands for the percentage of cannabinoids you have extracted during the infusion. Since you're making edibles at home, it's tough to know the extraction efficiency. In this case, go with 80% as 20% is lost during decarboxylation. 
• The Number of Servings indicates individual servings. 

Therefore, for instance, if your starting material contains 10% THC with an extraction efficiency of 80% during the infusion process with a recipe that yields 20 servings you can calculate it as: 

THC, per serving = (10 x 0.80) / 20 = 0.4 mg THC per serving

Controlling the Dosage

• Ensure Consistency: Make sure you mix the infused material throughout your recipe so that each serving contains an equal amount of cannabinoids.
• Test in Batches: When experimenting with recipes or adjusting potency, it's best to start with a small batch and test it to gauge its effects before consuming the whole batch.
• Keep Detailed Records: Maintain records of everything you do, including the type of strain used and the calculations for future reference. 
• Individual Tolerance: Cannabis affects everyone differently, so consider your tolerance and others you may share your edibles with. 
• Food Interaction: Other ingredients in your recipe can impact how your body absorbs and metabolizes the cannabinoids. Take note of any interactions you feel after consuming the edibles. 
• Time: Edibles typically take longer to take effect compared to smoking cannabis. Consider this delay when consuming edibles to avoid overconsumption.

Mastering the art of dosage calculation requires practice and meticulous attention to detail. Although it may seem difficult at first, you will get the hang of it once you practice, just like you do with your favorite dishes. 

How To Make Cannabis Edibles

Now that you know the basics of cannabinoids, potency and even calculating the dosage, let's go over a few basic recipes to make cannabis edibles. 

Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting Cannabis Edibles

• Grinder to break down the buds into manageable pieces for infusion
• Measuring tools like weighing scales to get accurate measurements
• Baking Sheet to decarboxylate cannabis before infusion
• Parchment Paper to line the baking sheet and prevent it from sticking
• Boiler or Saucepan to gently heat and control the infusion process when combining cannabis with butter or oil.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth to strain out any plant material from infused liquids 
• Heatproof Bowl that fits over your saucepan or double boiler 
• Spoons and Airtight containers to store the finished edibles
• Molds or Pans to make gummies in specific shapes. 

Cannabutter Recipe

As mentioned already, cannabutter can be used in a variety of dishes. You can make this, store it in an airtight container, and use it only when required. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter
• 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis buds
• 1 cup of water

Instructions

1. If you haven't already, decarboxylate your cannabis buds by preheating the oven to 240°F (115°C). Grind the buds and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40 minutes. Remove and let the buds cool down. 
2. Now, let's get to the process of infusion. For this, start by melting the butter in a saucepan or double boiler to prevent burning it.  
3. Add the water. 
4. Add the cannabis buds to the butter once it has melted completely 
5. Mix everything and let it simmer for approximately 2.5-3 hours. Stir the mixture frequently so it doesn't burn. Always ensure that the mixture doesn't boil. Do not go beyond 200ºF or you might burn away the cannabinoids. The process is complete when the butter appears golden brown and smells like cannabis. 
6. Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth and store it in an airtight container for future use. 
7. Place the container in the fridge to allow the butter to solidify. If there's too much water collected at the bottom, strain it out. 

Feel free to experiment and adjust according to your personal tastes and preferences! You can use this just like regular butter. 

Cannabis-Infused Cooking Oil Recipe

Cooking oil infused with cannabis or cannabis-infused cooking oil is pretty easy to make. As always, you can make it and store it so you don't lose time when making the actual dish. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of your cooking oil (such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil)
• 7 10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a double boiler or saucepan. 
2. Add the cannabis to the oil.
3. Simmer on heat for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure not to let it reach a boil.
4. The infusion is complete when the oil takes on a golden hue and smells distinctly like cannabis. 
5. Strain the mixture with a cheesecloth and store the oil for future use. Remember to use airtight containers to store the oil. Keep the cannabis-infused cooking oil in a dark place until you're ready to use it. 

Cannabis-Infused Brownies or Edible Recipe

Brownies infused with cannabis are a great way to make new friends! If you have some experience baking goodies, this should be even more easier for you. Just make sure you use decarboxylated cannabis so the cannabinoids are active and the brownies produce the desired effects. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Canna butter
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl combine the cannabutter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth.
• Now, sift the flour, cocoa powder baking powder, and salt in a bowl so there are no lumps. 
• Add the dry ingredients described above to the cannabutter mixture and mix it all well. If you like, now is the time to add some chocolate chips or nuts. 
• Add this batter to the pan you have prepared and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the very center to check the doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your brownie is ready! If not, let it cook for another ten minutes and you can check again. 
• Let the brownies cool in the pan for a minimum of 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack. Once they are cool, cut them and store them in airtight containers. If you've calculated the dosage, you should know how much THC or CBD every serving holds, so enjoy responsibly!

Cannabis Infused Gummies Recipe

Making brownies or cakes may not be your cup of tea, especially if you don't have the time or expertise in baking to do so. You can make gummies instead. Not only do these gummies offer a precise way to consume cannabinoids, but they are tasty too! Here's the recipe to make some lip-smacking cannabis-infused gummies. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cannabis tincture (prepared beforehand)
• 1/2 cup of fruit juice (cherry or grape work very well)
• 3 tablespoons of gelatin
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar (can also use honey)
• Gummy molds

Instructions

• Prepare your molds by spraying some cooking spray so they don't stick. 
• Use a saucepan to mix and heat the tincture and fruit juice gently on heat. 
• Add the sugar. 
• Add the gelatin to this mixture and stir until it's fully dissolved. 
• Let the mixture simmer and stir it occasionally until everything is blended well. Make sure it doesn't boil at any point. 
• Pour the mixture into the molds while it's still hot. Use a dropper if your gummies are too small. 
• Let the mold cool down and transfer it into the fridge until it sets completely. This may take 3-4 hours. Finally, pop the gummies out and store the leftovers in an air-tight container. Enjoy!

The recipe mentioned above uses an alcohol-based tincture; however, if you want to make gummies without alcohol, here's a recipe you can make using cannabis-infused oil. 

Cannabis Gummies WIth Cannabis-Infused Oil Recipe

If you don't like using alcohol, this is a perfect recipe for you to try!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of gelatin (unflavored)
• One packet of flavored Jello
• 1/2 cup of oil infused with cannabis (recipe mentioned above)
• 1/2 cup of cold water
• 1/2 a teaspoon of soy lecithin

Instructions

1. Prepare the molds by spraying them with some non-stick cooking spray. 
2. Mix the water, oil, and lecithin in a saucepan and use low heat. If you're using coconut oil infused with cannabis, let it dissolve. 
3. Add the gelatin to this mixture and stir everything until it forms a uniform texture. 
4. Add the Jello and mix everything again. 
5. Once everything is mixed, pour it into the molds using a dropper or funnel. Remember, the mixture shouldn't cool down or you'll have a hard time pouring it. Also, the oil will start separating, so pour it when it's very hot. Wait until the mixture cools down in the molds and transfer them to the fridge until it hardens. You can also use the freezer as it sets quickly. Once they are set, pop them, and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy!

One thing to note about gummies is that they are so delectable that it's easy to overconsume. Remember, these are not your regular gummies where you can pop a few into your mouth every now and then! Edibles will give you a bad trip if you eat too many, so ensure you eat according to the dosage you've calculated. 

Tips for Adjusting the Dosage in Different Recipes

Now that you're armed with a bunch of recipes, you're probably excited to try them all. However, here are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Always test a small batch of gummies or brownies before you eat the entire batch. Test a small batch, wait for a couple of days, and then consume more. This way, you'll know more about the effects they impart and also make any adjustments in your future recipes. 
2. Make notes about recipes you create so you get consistent results. You don't want batches that hardly impart any effects only to try a new batch that's super strong!
3. Always calculate the amount of cannabinoids using the calculations described above to ensure that you're doing it right. If you're unsure about anything, a quick search for calculations online will help. 
4. Make sure you label your creations along with the date, potency, and recipe you used to keep detailed records. 
5. Educate your friends about using your edibles responsibly if you decide to share them. 

Mistakes To Avoid When Making Cannabis Edibles

When you're learning, you are bound to make mistakes. You will become perfect only after trying a few batches. Remember that crafting these treats is both an artistic and a scientific process. Here are a few things to watch out for when making edibles:

Calculating Dosage Inaccurately

Always use proper measuring tools. Try and use digital scales rather than volumetric measurements as they are not precise. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of water, measure 473 ml of water rather than using a cup. This allows for more precision and prevents mistakes. Also, if you're purchasing cannabis, always go for products that are labeled properly so you can calculate the dosage. If you're growing cannabis at home, you will have to rely on the seed bank for more information. Again, go for trusted seedbanks so you know what you're doing. 

Overheating During Infusion

Never overheat your infusions even if you want to create your recipes quickly. Always use medium or low heat so the cannabinoids and terpenes don't burn. Vigorous boiling can degrade cannabinoids and you'll end up with a gummy or brownie that doesn't impart the effects you want. Use a double boiler or make your own by placing two bowls on top of each other if you can't use medium or low heat. 

Insufficient Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is extremely important, whether you're using cannabis for medicinal or recreational reasons. This process activates cannabinoids, so make sure the buds are spread evenly on the baking sheet. All the buds should get decarboxylated evenly so don't crowd them. 

Poor Straining Technique

Use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain your infusions. Gently press the material to extract as much liquid as you can but don't overdo it as it can also introduce too much plant matter. 

Neglecting Individual Tolerance Levels

We have mentioned this already, but it's so important that we will reiterate it again. Never ignore your tolerance levels as cannabis can affect everyone differently. Advise your friends to start slow and then consume more if they are trying your edibles. 

Not Distributing Cannabis Evenly

Make sure that your cannabis-infused ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your recipe. Stir them thoroughly during the infusion process, otherwise, you'll end up with one brownie that's super potent while another brownie may not be so effective. 

Not Considering Flavor Profiles

Although you're making gummies or brownies for medicinal or recreational purposes, you need to make edibles that taste good. For this, make sure you use strains that complement the dish you're making. 

Not Calibrating the Equipment

Calibrate your equipment including measuring tools to make sure they give you accurate measurements. Inconsistent measurements can ruin an entire batch, so do this before you begin making edibles.

Summary: The Ultimate Guide to DIY Cannabis Edibles

You don't have to smoke or vape cannabis as edibles provide a great way to enjoy your favorite herb with discretion. But, first, you need to understand the fundamentals of cannabis including the cannabinoids, strains, and the entourage effect to truly experience something magical. Although isolated cannabinoids work effectively, full-spectrum cannabis products that include all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are better. 

Before making edibles, put some serious thought behind choosing strains that work for you. This is because cannabis strains are unique and produce different effects. Thus, pay more attention to the terpene profile of the buds to understand how they impart effects. 

Once you've understood the basics, it's time to start making edibles. The first rule of making edibles is to decarboxylate the buds so you can enjoy the full effects of the cannabinoids. Whether you're making cannabis-infused oil or butter, decarboxylation is necessary. You can decarboxylate the buds and store them for future use. 

Always use clean tools to avoid contamination. Store your edibles properly in airtight containers so they last a long time. In addition, label your edibles properly so there's no confusion when you want to duplicate the same recipe later. Needless to say, label them so your children don't use them by mistake. 

Edibles are very different than smoking or vaping buds. While smoking and vaping cannabis will produce quick effects, edibles are slow to produce effects. However, unlike smoking, where the effects last just a little while, edibles last for a long time. Due to this slow onset, many people make the mistake of assuming that they aren't working and tend to overconsume them. Although the side effects such as an increased heart rate, dry eyes, dry mouth, etc are temporary, it's never a good idea to overconsume edibles. If you don't pay attention to your personal tolerance, you will not be able to enjoy cannabis the way you should. 

It's also important to consult a healthcare professional particularly if you are taking medications. Cannabis may interact with medications so it's important to be aware of risks.

We have mentioned a few recipes, but there are tons of recipes you can find online. However, make sure you test a small batch before devouring everything. Finally, enjoy your edibles responsibly and you'll keep going back to them!