People have traditionally smoked cannabis to enjoy its effects, but now there are other ways to experience it without smoking. Edibles weed is a product infused with cannabis and allows users to feel the effects in a delicious way.
Cannabis-infused products have become increasingly popular in the Canadian cannabis market, ranking as the second most popular product category. These products boost cannabis sales and allow customers who prefer not to smoke or vape to try cannabis. The best part is that one can even make their own cannabis edibles and put their culinary skills to the test.
Are you curious about cannabis-infused products and how to make one at home? This article covers about edibles and provides helpful tips on creating your own.
Brief History of Edibles Weed
Edible cannabis has a long history, dating back to at least 1000 BCE in India, where people used it in food preparations. In more recent times, edibles gained popularity during the hippie movement (60s and 70s). Today, they are widely available in dispensaries and have become a staple of the cannabis industry.
Edible refers to products infused with cannabis, ranging from baked goods like brownies and cookies to savoury dishes like pizza and pasta. Compared to smoking or vaping, edibles offer a discreet alternative to consuming cannabis and getting high.
What to Consider When Cooking Cannabis?
Choosing the Right Recipe
When selecting a recipe for cannabis-infused edibles, consider the type of edibles you want to create and the complexity involved in making them. Consider the desired potency and dosage you want to achieve, and ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately to ensure consistent dosing throughout your edibles.
Measuring the Dosage
Calculating the dosage can be done by considering two factors: the potency of your cannabis and the amount of cannabis used in the recipe.
Understanding Potency
Potency refers to the concentration of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the high or euphoric feeling typically associated with using marijuana.
The potency of cannabis can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the strain, growing conditions, and processing method. The higher the potency of your cannabis, the more potent your edibles will be.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when making edibles, know the potency of your cannabis before cooking with it. Typically, you can find this information on the dispensary’s website or the product packaging.
Amount of Cannabis
The amount of cannabis used in your recipe determines your edibles’ dosage. Measuring the amount of cannabis accurately ensures consistent dosing in each serving of your edibles.
To achieve accurate measurements, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh your cannabis. This will help you achieve consistent and reliable dosing for each serving of your edibles.
Once you have determined the amount of cannabis to use in your recipe, the next step is to calculate the dosage of your edibles. You can achieve this by using an online calculator that considers the potency of your cannabis and the amount of cannabis used in your recipe. These online calculators help you determine the amount of THC per serving of your edibles.
Choosing the Right Strain for Edibles
When making edibles with marijuana, select the right strain to achieve the desired effects and flavour profile. Here are some factors when selecting a strain for your edibles:
THC vs. CBD
THC and CBD are the two main compounds found in marijuana. THC is the psychoactive compound producing the euphoric high associated with marijuana. If you’re looking to make edibles weed that will have a strong high, choose a strain with a higher THC content.
On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and has potential medical benefits such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, and pain. If you’re looking for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the high, choose a strain with a higher CBD content.
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
When selecting a strain for your edibles, consider the effects you’re looking for. If you want a relaxing experience that can help with insomnia or pain relief, choose an Indica strain.
On the other hand, for a more cerebral and uplifting experience that can boost creativity and focus, choose a Sativa strain. It’s also worth noting that some strains may combine both Indica and Sativa effects.
Hybrid strains are a type of marijuana strain that combines both Indica and Sativa strains. This combination offers a balance of both calming and energizing effects and is great for making edibles weed.
Hybrid strains can vary in their effects, depending on the specific genetics of the strain. Some hybrids may be Sativa-dominant, while others may be Indica-dominant.
Flavour and Aroma
Different strains of cannabis can have unique flavours and aromas that can enhance the taste of your edibles. For example, some strains may have a fruity or citrusy flavour, while others may have a more earthy or floral taste.
When selecting a strain for your edibles, think about the type of flavour profile you want to achieve. Do you want a sweet, fruity, savoury, or herbal flavour? Consider the other ingredients in your recipe and how the flavours will complement each other.
Cannabis Decarboxylation
To activate the THC in your weed, you need to decarboxylate it. This means heating the cannabis to a specific temperature that causes the THCA (a non-psychoactive compound) to transform into THC.
While smoking or vaporizing cannabis can accomplish this activation process, cooking with weed requires decarboxylation beforehand.
A specific temperature is unnecessary for decarboxylation, but higher temperatures can speed up the process. The ideal temperature range for efficient and effective decarboxylation is 105–130ºC (220–265ºF). This temperature range can activate over 95% of the THCA, CBDA, and CBGA in about 30 minutes.
Benefits Over Traditional Smoking Methods
Longer-Lasting Effects
When you eat an edible, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects, depending on various factors. Once the THC enters your bloodstream, it can provide effects for up to 8 hours or longer.
When you smoke cannabis, the active compounds enter your bloodstream quickly through your lungs, leading to a rapid onset of effects. These effects tend to wear off relatively quickly, typically lasting 1 to 3 hours.
More Discreet Consumption
Edibles provide a more discreet way to consume cannabis as they do not produce the telltale smoke or smell associated with smoking. This makes them a great option for those who prefer to consume cannabis in public or discreetly.
Edibles can look like regular food items, such as gummies or baked goods, making them a discreet option for those who want to keep their cannabis consumption private.
Variety of Options
You can try different options, from sweet treats to savoury dishes. Additionally, edibles can be made in capsules, tinctures, and oils, providing even more options for those who prefer a more controlled dosage. With so many different ways to consume edibles, you can experiment with different recipes and find the perfect method that suits your preferences.
Storing and Preserving Edibles
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and potency of your edibles. When exposed to air and moisture, edibles can quickly lose their effectiveness.
To keep your edibles fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container, and in a cool and dark place. Avoid exposing your edibles to heat, light, or humidity, as these can all degrade the potency of the cannabinoids.
Experience Quality Edibles Weed In Canada
Making edible weed can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience, but prioritize safety and responsibility. Start by selecting the appropriate strain, choosing the appropriate recipe, and measuring your ingredients carefully. Start with a low amount and increase it as needed.
To find the perfect strain for your edibles, visit GrassLife, an online dispensary that offers a vast selection of cannabis strains ranging from Sativas to Hybrids. With their wide range of options, you can easily find a strain that matches your desired effects and high.
If you prefer ready-made edibles or other cannabis products, we also offer a variety of options to choose from. All the products undergo rigorous lab-testing to ensure their safety and quality, giving you peace of mind when consuming their products.
