Cooking with Cannabis: Elevating Your Culinary Creations

Cooking with cannabis is both an art and a science. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from proper decarboxylation to pairing terpenes with complementary flavors—so you can confidently infuse your favorite recipes. Use the bookmark links below to navigate:

• Introduction
• Decarboxylation: Unlocking THC and CBD
• Choosing the Right Extracts & Dosage
• Flavor Pairings: Terpenes & Taste Profiles
• Basic Infusion Techniques
  • Cannabutter & Oils
  • Tinctures & Concentrates
• Sample Recipes
  • Savory: Herbed Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
  • Sweet: Chocolate Cannabis Ganache Tart
• Safety Tips & Lab Testing
• Conclusion

Introduction

Infusing food and beverages with cannabis transforms ordinary meals into memorable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, understanding the fundamentals of cannabis cooking ensures consistent dosing, balanced flavors, and safe consumption. This article will guide you through decarboxylation, extract selection, terpene pairing, infusion techniques, and sample recipes—helping you elevate your culinary creations.

Decarboxylation: Unlocking THC and CBD

Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. To activate THC and CBD, you must decarboxylate:

1. Preheat Oven to 220°F (105°C).
2. Break Flower into Small Pieces (avoid grinding too fine).
3. Bake on a Lined Tray for 30–40 minutes, gently stirring halfway.
4. Cool & Store in an airtight container.

Proper decarboxylation maximizes potency. For more on how cannabinoids and terpenes work, see our Cannabinoids & Terpenes page.

Choosing the Right Extracts & Dosage

Your choice of extract determines potency and flavor:

• Cannabutter/Infused Oil: Great for baking and sautéing.
• Tinctures: Alcohol- or glycerin-based; ideal for precise dosing in sauces and dressings.
• Concentrates (Rosin, CO₂ Oil): Highly potent; use sparingly in recipes requiring high THC.

Dosage Calculation:

1. Check the THC/CBD percentage on your COA (see Understanding COAs).
2. Calculate mg per gram (e.g., 20% THC = 200 mg THC per gram).
3. Determine desired dose per serving (e.g., 5 mg THC).
4. Divide total mg by number of servings to find how many grams or milliliters to use.

Flavor Pairings: Terpenes & Taste Profiles

Terpenes not only influence aroma but also complement culinary flavors:

• Limonene (citrus): Pairs with lemon, ginger, seafood.
• Pinene (pine): Balances herbal dishes, like pesto or rosemary chicken.
• Myrcene (earthy): Suits hearty stews, mushrooms, chocolate desserts.
• Linalool (floral): Enhances baked goods, tea, and light pastries.

Match terpene profiles from your COA to ingredients for harmonious dishes.

Basic Infusion Techniques

Cannabutter & Oils

1. Melt Butter/Oil on low heat.
2. Add Decarbed Cannabis (1 g flower per cup of fat).
3. Simmer Gently for 2–3 hours—avoid boiling.
4. Strain through cheesecloth into a jar.

Store refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze for longer.

Tinctures & Concentrates

• Alcohol Tincture: Soak decarbed flower in 190-proof alcohol for 2 weeks, shaking daily, then strain.
• Concentrate Infusion: Dissolve small amounts of rosin or CO₂ oil into warm oil or butter; stir until fully incorporated.

Sample Recipes

Savory: Herbed Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 g decarbed cannabis
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic cloves
• Method:
  1. Combine oil and cannabis in a double boiler.
  2. Add herbs and simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
  3. Strain and store.
• Use: Drizzle on salads, roast vegetables, or dip artisan bread.

Sweet: Chocolate Cannabis Ganache Tart

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz dark chocolate
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cannabis-infused butter
  • Prebaked tart crust
• Method:
  1. Heat cream until steaming; pour over chocolate.
  2. Stir until smooth; whisk in infused butter.
  3. Pour into crust; chill 1–2 hours before serving.

Safety Tips & Lab Testing

• Always Use a COA: Confirm potency and purity on the Understanding COAs page.
• Label Clearly: Mark infused items with dose per serving.
• Store Securely: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Start Low & Go Slow: Allow 1–2 hours to gauge edible effects.

Conclusion

Cooking with cannabis unlocks a world of culinary creativity—from savory oils to decadent desserts—while precise dosing and flavor pairing ensure a delicious, safe experience. Ready to take your cannabis cuisine to the next level? Reach out to us through our Contact page for personalized tips and support!