If you’ve been curious about baking with cannabis, welcome aboard! There’s nothing quite like making your own delicious, mood-lifting treats. This guide covers the essentials, along with two classic recipes to help you master edibles at home.
Start Smart: Dosing & Safety
Before turning on the oven, it’s crucial to bake responsibly.
- Start low and go slow. If you’re new to edibles, begin with 2.5–5 mg THC.
- Effects can take up to two hours, so resist the urge for seconds.
- Keep edibles labeled and out of reach of kids or pets.
- Use lab-tested cannabis for safety and consistency.
- Edibles last longer than smoking—sometimes up to 8–12 hours.
- Never drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis.
Think of baking with cannabis like seasoning food—you can always add more next time, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Decarboxylation & Infusion Basics
Raw cannabis won’t get you high; it contains THCA, which needs heat to activate THC. To decarboxylate, bake ground cannabis on a tray at 230°F (110°C) for about 35–40 minutes.
Once decarbed, you’ll infuse it into butter or oil. A general ratio is 1 cup butter to 7–10 grams cannabis. Gently simmer the mixture for 2–3 hours, strain it through cheesecloth, and let it cool. The result: cannabutter—the secret ingredient in most cannabis baked goods.
To estimate potency, multiply grams of cannabis × THC % × 1,000, then divide by servings. Always test potency cautiously—homemade edibles can vary widely.
Recipe 1: Classic Cannabis Brownies
Few things beat a chewy, fudgy brownie with a mellow high.
Ingredients (makes 9–16 squares):
- ½ cup cannabutter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch pan.
- Melt the cannabutter and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting and labeling your brownies.
Cut smaller squares for lower doses—think “mini brownies” instead of giants. One small piece can go a long way!
Recipe 2: Cannabis Chocolate Chip Cookies
For those who prefer something snackable and shareable, cookies are the perfect choice.
Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):
- ½ cup cannabutter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream the cannabutter with sugars until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately and combine with wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and scoop onto baking sheet.
- Bake 9–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
These cookies are perfect for portion control—just one or two small ones can deliver a comfortable, relaxing high.
Tips for Better Baking
- Test potency first. Start with half a cookie or brownie and wait two hours before having more.
- Boost flavor. Add vanilla, cinnamon, espresso powder, or sea salt to complement the earthy notes of cannabis.
- Label clearly. Always mark edibles as containing THC and store them separately from regular snacks.
- Stay creative. Cannabutter works in muffins, pancakes, and even frosting—just swap it for regular butter.
- Freeze leftovers. Keep edibles fresh (and out of temptation’s reach) by freezing them in labeled containers.
Final Bite
Baking with cannabis isn’t just about getting high—it’s about enjoying the ritual of cooking, experimenting with flavors, and creating something that feels both indulgent and intentional. With the right preparation, dosing, and patience, you’ll have rich, delicious treats that deliver comfort, calm, and a touch of culinary pride.
So grab your whisk, warm up the oven, and bake your way to bliss—one cookie or brownie at a time.