How to Make Edibles: 4 Easy Steps to Never Mess Up Again

Buying weed edibles from a dispensary is easy. However, those who love cooking, enjoy experimenting, or want edibles that perfectly match their vibe may not go for anything less than homemade edibles, and it's easy to see why.

• Making edibles with weed lets you control potency.

• Homemade edibles allow you to use all-natural, high-quality ingredients.

• Making edibles at home gives you the freedom to infuse weed in any of your favorite eatables.

• Not going to the dispensary for cannabis-infused edibles protects your privacy.

But here's the catch: If it is your first time, you can easily mess up homemade edibles. They can be too weak, strong, or not-so-great in taste.

 However, we are here to make the process of making cannabis-infused edibles at home an easy and fun one. 

This article will act as a guide to making perfect weed edibles on your first try. By the end, you will be the Gordon Ramsay of cooking with cannabis (minus the yelling). 

So, without further ado, let's get started.

4 Steps to Make Perfect Weed Edibles at Home (Even If You've Never Cooked Before)

Making edibles at home is no rocket science. But getting them just right takes a little know-how. Follow these four simple and easy steps to make perfect cannabis edibles:

1: Choose the Right Weed Strain

The first thing, and probably the most important one, is to select a weed strain. The choice becomes easier when you know what benefits you are looking for from your edibles. For example, you may want to go for:

• Indica strain to relax. These strains are best for nighttime use.

• Sativa strain for energizing effects. These strains are best for daytime use.

• Hybrid strain for a more balanced effect.

These strains contain cannabinoids. CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids. 

CBD is best for depression and migraines, while THC is best for insomnia and appetite stimulation. And both THC and CBD may help when it comes to pain relief.

So, it is crucial to have a know-how of what effects you can get using which type of cannabinoid and strain.

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Strain for Homemade Edibles

Many people use Sativa-dominant strain when they're trying to relax or go for an Indica-heavy one when they need to stay alert. 

2: Decarboxylation—Activating THC and CBD

Decarboxylation is a process of activating THC and CBD present in cannabis buds by heating them. Raw cannabis won't do you any good—it's not ready to work its magic yet. 

Here is the simple decarboxylation process you need to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 220-240°F (105-115°C).

• Break the weed into small pieces (not too fine, just a rough grind).

• Spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 30-45 minutes, and don't forget to stir every 5-10 minutes for even heating.

Once you have completed the steps mentioned, your weed will be activated and ready for infusing. Let it cool before using it for homemade edibles.

Common Mistakes People Make When Decarbing

Some common mistakes include skipping the decarboxylation process, not using the right temperature, grinding cannabis into fine powder, and not stirring regularly.

3: Infuse Cannabis into Butter or Oil

Don't rush. There is still one more step left before you add cannabis to your favorite food items. 

You need to infuse your cannabis with butter or oil. Cannabinoids bind best to fat, so chefs prefer infusing them into butter or oil.

The most popular method is infusing weed with butter to make cannabutter. Here are some simple steps to make cannabutter:

• Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan on low heat (don't let it boil).

• Add your decarbed weed (3 grams per ½ cup of butter).

• Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-4 hours and stir after every 30 minutes.

• Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove plant material.

Now, you have infused butter or oil ready to use in any edible recipe. It is best to store cannabutter in an airtight jar and place it in the freezer or cool place away from direct sunlight. Storing in a refrigerator will increase its shelf-life to several weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Beginners squeeze too hard when straining, which gives edibles a bitter taste.

Read More: Everything you need to know before your first cannabis delivery in California.

4: Cook with Cannabis-infused Butter or Oil

If you've made it this far, it means your cannabutter or weed-infused oil is ready to use for homemade edibles.

Congratulations, we have done the hard part together, and now the fun begins. You can mix it into any recipe. Here are some popular recipes:

• Make cannabis brownies