Top 5 Cannabis-Infused Recipes to Try at Home
Introduction
Cannabis edibles continue to grow in popularity as a tasty and discreet way to enjoy the plant’s therapeutic benefits. Whether you’re seeking gentle relaxation, pain relief, or simply a novel kitchen adventure, crafting your own cannabis-infused dishes at home can be both fun and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll share five easy, flavor-forward recipes—from savory snacks to sweet treats—along with dosing tips, infusion methods, and safety guidelines to ensure a consistent, delicious experience.
Table of Contents
Decarboxylation: The Key First Step
Before infusing cannabis into any edible, you must decarboxylate your flower or trim. This process converts inactive THCA and CBDA into active THC and CBD, unlocking psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
-
Preheat Oven: 240°F (115°C).
-
Prepare Cannabis: Break into small, even pieces.
-
Bake: Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30–40 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes.
-
Cool & Store: Allow to cool before using in oils or butters.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Oil and Butter
Infused fats are the foundation for most edible recipes.
Cannabis-Infused Oil
-
Ingredients:
-
1 cup carrier oil (olive, coconut, or avocado)
-
7–10 g decarboxylated cannabis
-
-
Method:
-
Combine oil and cannabis in a double boiler or slow cooker on low heat (160–180°F) for 2–3 hours.
-
Strain through cheesecloth into a jar, squeezing to extract every drop.
-
Label and refrigerate (lasts ~2 weeks) or freeze (lasts ~6 months).
-
Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)
-
Ingredients:
-
1 cup unsalted butter
-
7–10 g decarboxylated cannabis
-
-
Method:
-
Melt butter with a splash of water in a saucepan on low heat.
-
Add cannabis and simmer (do not boil) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Strain into a container; refrigerate to solidify, then drain off excess water.
-
Recipe 1: Classic Cannabis Brownies
Rich, fudgy, and the ultimate cannabis comfort food.
-
Servings: 16 squares
-
Dose per Serving: ~5–10 mg THC (adjust by oil/butter potency)
Ingredients:
-
½ cup cannabis butter
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
⅓ cup cocoa powder
-
½ cup flour
-
¼ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp baking powder
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8” pan.
-
In a bowl, melt cannabis butter; whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
-
Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
-
Pour batter into the pan; bake 20–25 minutes (edges set, center slightly soft).
-
Cool before slicing into 16 squares.
Recipe 2: Savory Cannabis-Infused Pesto Pasta
A garden-fresh dish that pairs herbal flavor with gentle THC infusion.
-
Servings: 4
-
Dose per Serving: ~5 mg THC
Ingredients:
-
12 oz pasta of your choice
-
2 cups fresh basil leaves
-
¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
-
1 garlic clove
-
½ cup cannabis-infused olive oil
-
½ cup grated Parmesan
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook pasta al dente; reserve ½ cup cooking water.
-
In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
-
With motor running, slowly stream in cannabis oil until smooth.
-
Transfer pesto to a bowl; stir in Parmesan and enough pasta water for desired consistency.
-
Toss with pasta; garnish with extra cheese and cracked pepper.
Recipe 3: CBD-Infused Berry Smoothie Bowl
A refreshing, non-intoxicating breakfast or snack packed with antioxidants.
-
Servings: 2 bowls
-
Dose per Serving: ~25 mg CBD
Ingredients:
-
2 cups frozen mixed berries
-
1 banana
-
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
-
50 mg CBD isolate (powder) or broad-spectrum tincture
-
Toppings: granola, fresh fruit, chia seeds
Instructions:
-
In a blender, combine berries, banana, almond milk, and CBD.
-
Blend until thick and creamy; adjust thickness with more milk.
-
Pour into bowls; top as desired.
Recipe 4: THC-Infused Guacamole and Chips
A party-ready classic elevated with avocado’s best friend: cannabis.
-
Servings: 6
-
Dose per Serving: ~5 mg THC
Ingredients:
-
3 ripe avocados
-
1 small tomato, diced
-
½ red onion, finely chopped
-
1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
¼ cup cannabis-infused olive oil
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
-
Mash avocados in a bowl.
-
Fold in tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and infused oil.
-
Season; cover with plastic wrap directly on guac surface to prevent browning.
-
Serve with chips.
Recipe 5: Cannabis-Honey Lavender Latte
A soothing, café-style drink perfect for unwinding.
-
Servings: 2
-
Dose per Serving: ~10 mg THC + 10 mg CBD (using a balanced tincture)
Ingredients:
-
1½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
-
1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
-
2 tbsp honey
-
20 mg balanced THC/CBD tincture
-
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
In a small saucepan, warm milk and lavender on low heat for 5 minutes; do not boil.
-
Strain out lavender; whisk in honey and vanilla.
-
Divide between two mugs; stir in 10 mg tincture per mug.
-
Froth milk with a whisk or frother; top each latte.
Dosing Guidelines and Safety Tips
-
Start Low, Go Slow: Especially important with edibles—wait 60–90 minutes before re-dosing.
-
Measure Precisely: Calculate total mg THC/CBD in your oil or butter, then divide by number of servings.
-
Label Clearly: Store infused foods separately and mark with potency.
-
Keep Out of Reach: Child-proof your treats to prevent accidental ingestion.
Storage and Shelf-Life
-
Brownies & Baked Goods: Airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
-
Pesto & Guacamole: Best eaten fresh; store in fridge 1–2 days.
-
Smoothie Components: Consume immediately.
-
Cannabis-Honey & Latte Mixtures: Honey stores indefinitely; prepared lattes are best within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I calculate potency in homemade edibles?
A1: Multiply the mg THC/CBD per gram of cannabis by grams used, then divide by number of servings.
Q2: Why didn’t I feel effects from my brownies?
A2: You may need to decarboxylate longer, increase dose, or allow more time for digestion.
Q3: Can I use cannabis tincture instead of infused oil?
A3: Yes—tinctures can be stirred into recipes, but flavor and alcohol content may alter texture.
Q4: Are cannabis-infused drinks safe?
A4: When dosed properly, yes. Always stir tincture thoroughly and label cups clearly.
Conclusion
Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of culinary creativity and personalized wellness. By mastering decarboxylation, infusion techniques, and precise dosing, you can enjoy safe, consistent, and delicious edibles—whether you crave sweet brownies, savory pesto pasta, or a calming lavender latte. Experiment with these five recipes, adjust doses to your comfort level, and savor the benefits of home-crafted cannabis cuisine.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, financial, or legal advice. The use of cannabis and its derivatives may have risks and potential side effects, and individuals should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis or any other substances for medicinal purposes. This article does not endorse the use of cannabis or any other substances for recreational purposes. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from the use of the information presented herein. Readers are advised to do their own research and exercise caution when making decisions related to cannabis or any other substances.
