Cooking with Cannabis
Description: Glass jars filled with cannabis
Written by: KEELY DYER
Have you ever wanted to cook with your medicinal cannabis? Many of us have dreamed of getting the relief we need with a bite or two of a “special brownie” but aren’t sure where to begin.
I’m going to explain the simple process of Decarboxylation so that you can broaden the ways you consume your medicine if you so choose. Decarboxylation is not just a fancy word but the beautiful process of using gentle heat and time to awaken the desired cannabinoids and prepare them to deliver their powerful medicine to your body, mind, and spirit.
Remember to always act with beautiful intention and deep awareness. Shall we begin?
1. Preheat your oven: Get ready to awaken the magic of your cannabis by preheating your oven to 220°F (105°C). This temperature sweet spot will give you the perfect decarboxylation without compromising those precious cannabinoids.
2. Prepare the cannabis: Show your buds some love and break them up into smaller pieces. You can use a trusty grinder or get your hands in there for a more hands-on approach. Just make sure the cannabis is evenly spread out for a consistent decarboxylation experience.
3. Line a baking sheet: Set the stage for a clean and hassle-free decarboxylation process by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Spread the cannabis: Let your cannabis take center stage as you spread it evenly onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Remember, not to overcrowd.
5. Bake in the oven: Place your cannabis-filled baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic begin! Allow it to bake for about 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring that those precious cannabinoids are activated while keeping their potency intact.
6. Stir occasionally: Be the attentive chef and give your cannabis a gentle stir every 10 minutes or so. This way, you ensure that all parts of your cannabis get their fair share of warmth and love. No hot spots here!
7. Observe the color: As the show goes on, keep a close eye on the color transformation. Your cannabis will start off green and gradually transform into a beautiful light brown. It's like watching nature's artwork unfold before your eyes!
8. Check for dryness: After the estimated baking time, it's time for a touch test. Gently feel your cannabis. It should be crumbly and dry. If it's still a bit moist, let it have a few more minutes in the oven, but keep a watchful eye to avoid overcooking.
9. Allow to cool: Once the decarboxylation spectacle is complete, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let your star performers cool down.
10. Store or use: Now that your decarboxylated cannabis is ready to shine, you can store it in an airtight container for future use or dive right into creating your favorite cannabis-infused concoctions.
Now that the Decarboxylation process is complete, let's create cannabis-infused magic with these instructions for Cannabutter!
Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in 1 c. water. Add 1 cup of decarboxylated ground cannabis and stir. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours. Let the mixture cool a bit, then strain it into a glass container through cheesecloth or a coffee filter, thanking and discarding the plant matter left in the cheesecloth. Refrigerate to solidify the butter, discarding any remaining water.
Now, get creative! Use your homemade Cannabutter in recipes like cookies, brownies, cakes, and even mac-n-cheese.
While you are getting to know the strength of your medicine, it is wise to start with small portions and be patient with the effects before consuming more. And remember, the effects can take up to an hour to be felt. Try to be patient and loving during this process. Gratitude goes a long way.
Keep out of reach of children and consult a healthcare provider before use. Enjoy the culinary journey and savor the results of your cannabis-infused creations!
