Baking Bliss: Marijuana Cookies For Beginners

Marijuana cookies, also known as weed cookies, are a great way to get a dose of cannabis, especially for those who use it for medicinal purposes. The key to making these cookies is to use cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, which can be made at home or bought at a local dispensary. Once you have your cannabutter, you can use it in place of regular butter or shortening in your favourite cookie recipe. However, it's important to dose your cookies appropriately to avoid overdosing, as edibles can be very potent.

How to Bake Marijuana Cookies

How to make cannabutter

To make cannabutter, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup ground cannabis (7-10 grams), decarboxylated
• 4 cups water

Equipment:

• Saucepan, stock pot, double-boiler, or slow cooker
• Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Container for cannabutter
• Cannabis grinder (optional)
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil
• Hand grinder or scissors

Method:

Step 1: Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation, or "decarbing", is the process of converting THCA in the plant into THC, activating the plant's psychoactive potential. Preheat your oven to between 220°F and 250°F (some sources recommend lower temperatures of 245°F or 120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil and spread your broken-up cannabis on it. Gently break the buds into large pieces—you don't want to grind the cannabis before this step, as it will be too fine and slip through your strainer later. Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes if using old or lower-quality weed; 30-45 minutes for cured, high-grade weed; or 1 hour or more for anything that has been recently harvested and is still wet. Check on the weed frequently and gently mix it every 10 minutes to avoid burning. The colour will change from bright green to a deep brownish-green when it's ready. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, then break up the decarbed weed with a hand grinder, scissors, or your hands, until it's fine but not too fine.

Step 2: Stovetop Infusion

This step is time-intensive, as it allows the cannabis to fully infuse into the fat. Add water and butter or oil to a medium saucepan on very low heat. If using butter, wait for it to melt before adding the ground decarboxylated cannabis. Mix well and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for around 4 hours, stirring regularly to ensure the mixture doesn't burn. Do not let the temperature exceed 180°F.

Step 3: Straining and Refrigerating

After infusing, strain the mixture with a cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a container. Let the butter cool to room temperature, then place the container in the fridge overnight or for at least a few hours. If excess water forms, remove the solid butter with a knife and drain out the water.

Your cannabutter is now ready to use! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to six months. Remember to always be cautious when dosing and consume responsibly.

How to make cannabis-infused coconut oil

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground cannabis flower (7-10 grams)
• 1 cup (218 g or 240 ml) coconut oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lecithin (a natural emulsifier that may improve bioavailability)

Method

• Decarb your cannabis flower: Loosely break up the cannabis and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 240-245°F (for THC-flower).
• Grind the cannabis: Break down the cannabis into an even consistency using a grinder or your hands. Be careful not to grind it into a fine powder, as anything small enough will end up in your final product.
• Heat the oil and decarbed cannabis: Add the oil and decarbed cannabis to a double boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, maintaining a temperature between 160-200°F.
• Strain and store the oil: Set up a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a container. Pour the oil/cannabis mixture through it, being careful not to squeeze it out, as this will add chlorophyll and make the oil taste more vegetal. Discard the plant material. The oil will last at least two months and can be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.

Tips

• Choose between refined and unrefined coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has a milder flavour and a higher smoke point, making it better for baking and infusions. Unrefined coconut oil has a more prominent coconut taste and smell.
• If you're using unrefined coconut oil, melt it down before measuring.
• You can add lecithin to make the cannabinoids more bioavailable, but it's not essential.
• If you're using a crockpot, create a water bath by filling it with warm to hot water that covers the mason jars by about an inch. Place a digital instant-read thermometer in the water and heat on high until it reaches 185°F, then turn the crockpot to low.
• Sanitize your jars by keeping them submerged in the 185°F water for at least 10 minutes.

How to dose your cookies

Dosing your cookies is an important step in making marijuana cookies. The strength of your cookies will depend on the potency of your flower and the amount you use.

If you're hoping to get high from your cookies, it's important to decarboxylate your flower first. This process involves baking crumbled weed in an oven set to 200°F (93.3°C) to convert the non-intoxicating THCA into THC. If you skip this step, your cookies may not have the desired effect.

When it comes to dosing your cookies, it's important to be cautious and start with a low dose, especially if you're new to edibles. The general rule is to use an eighth of weed per cup of oil for a mild effect, five grams per cup of oil for a stronger effect, and seven grams for a very potent cookie. However, it's important to consider the THC percentage of your weed and the number of cookies you plan to make.

For example, if you're making 20 cookies and using 10 grams of weed with a THC percentage of 25%, each cookie will contain approximately 125 mg of THC. On the other hand, if you're using a high-CBD flower with less THC, your cookies will be less potent.

It's also important to note that ingesting weed cookies can produce a more intense and longer-lasting high than smoking. Therefore, it's recommended to start with a small dose, such as a quarter or half a cookie, and wait a couple of hours to see how it affects you.

Additionally, when making weed cookies, it's better to pair your cannabis oil or cannabutter with stronger cookie flavours, such as chocolate or peanut butter, to mask the earthy taste of the weed.

Choosing the right strain

Potency

The potency of the strain refers to the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. The higher the THC percentage, the more potent the strain, and the more intense the effects will be. If you are new to marijuana edibles, it is generally recommended to start with a lower THC strain to ensure you don't overindulge. However, if you are an experienced user, you may prefer a higher THC content for a more potent effect.

Type of Strain

Marijuana strains are typically classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid, each offering unique effects. Indica strains are known for their relaxing and calming properties, making them ideal for evening use. They can help with insomnia, pain relief, and reducing stress and anxiety. Sativa strains, on the other hand, tend to be more uplifting and energizing, making them a good choice for daytime use. They can enhance creativity, improve mood, and increase focus. Hybrid strains offer a combination of both indica and sativa effects, and the specific effects will depend on the particular hybrid.

Flavour and Aroma

Different strains of marijuana have distinct flavour and aroma profiles, which can enhance the taste of your cookies. Some strains may have sweet, earthy, or fruity notes, while others may be more pungent and spicy. Consider the type of cookies you are baking and choose a strain that will complement or enhance their flavour.

Intended Effects

Before choosing a strain, consider the desired effects you want from your cookies. Are you looking for a relaxing body high, or do you prefer a more cerebral and uplifting experience? Some strains are known for inducing euphoria and improving mood, while others may be better for pain relief or reducing anxiety. Understanding the effects of different strains will help you select the one that aligns with your desired outcome.

Availability and Popularity

When choosing a strain, consider its availability and popularity. Some strains may be more readily available in your area, while others may be harder to source. Additionally, certain strains gain popularity due to their unique characteristics and effects. Reading reviews and staying informed about the latest trends can help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, selecting the right marijuana strain for your cookies involves considering factors such as potency, type of strain, flavour, intended effects, and availability. By carefully choosing the right strain, you can create delicious and effective edibles tailored to your desired experience.

What to do if you overdo it

It is important to note that, while rare, it is possible to overdose on THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Overdosing on THC is not usually fatal, but it can be very uncomfortable and may cause symptoms of psychosis or lead to serious physical injury. Common symptoms of a THC overdose include poor cognitive functioning and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

If you are experiencing a THC overdose, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 and wait for the ambulance to arrive. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to try and manage the symptoms:

• Remove yourself from harmful situations: If possible, remove yourself from any situations that may be harmful to yourself or others. This includes situations that may trigger anxiety or paranoia. Try to find a quiet, comfortable place where you can relax and wait for help to arrive.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water to stay hydrated, as THC can cause dry mouth and increased thirst.
• Focus on your breathing: Take slow, deep breaths and focus on your breathing. This can help to calm and ground you if you are feeling anxious or paranoid.
• Rest: THC overdoses can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. If possible, try to rest and sleep it off.
• Avoid operating vehicles or heavy machinery: Do not drive or operate any vehicles or heavy machinery while under the influence of THC.
• Inform others: If you are with others, inform them of what you have consumed and how you are feeling. This will allow them to help you and ensure your safety.
• Do not mix with other substances: Avoid mixing THC with other substances, including alcohol, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.

It is important to remember that the effects of THC can last for several hours, so it is crucial to wait until you are completely sober before engaging in any activities that require concentration or coordination.

Frequently asked questions