Marijuana edibles are a popular choice for users seeking a product that is discrete and provides a variety of forms and flavors. However, making mistakes while preparing the edible can cause unwanted side effects or completely neutralize the effects of the cannabis. Novice marijuana users should not prepare edibles without assistance, and even experienced marijuana users can benefit from the following warnings.
Do Not Neglect Fats During Cooking
Fats in edibles bind with the THC. Edibles without sufficient amounts of fat will not activate the THC. Types of fat that bind to THC include olive oil, canola oil, milk, and butter.
Do Not Forget to Decarboxylate Cannabis
Decarboxylation is the process of using heat to activate the THC and CBD in cannabis. Decarboxylation does not require specialized equipment; most kitchen ovens are suitable for the task. Exposing the cannabis to 230 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and turning the buds every fifteen minutes is sufficient to activate the cannabis’ ingredients.
Add One Part Water to One Part Oil
Cannabis degrades and becomes less potent when it is burned. Adding water to the mixture will lower the chances of the cannabis getting burnt. And the water will evaporate during the baking process, meaning that it will not alter the final form or taste.
Strain the Cannabis Oil
Unfiltered cannabis oil will introduce plant material into the final product, altering its texture and making it more detectable by visual inspection. Pouring the oil through cheese cloth will remove enough of the plant material to mitigate this problem.
Stir While Cooking
When the cannabis is not evenly distributed in the final product, the effect can lead to dramatically different effects with every bite. Some parts of the final product will have little to no active ingredients, yielding no effect, whereas other parts can have dangerously high concentration levels. Stirring the batter during the cooking process prevents the uneven distribution of the active chemicals.
Lit operates two marijuana dispensaries in Denver: Federal Boulevard and Broadway. We sell edibles in a variety of forms, flavors, and potencies. Please fill out our online form, email us, or visit one of our stores to learn more about marijuana edibles and find a product that is best suited for you.