Whether you are a gourmet chef or a beginner, you can mix up your recipes this new year by infusing your meals with an ingredient you may or may not have tried yet. You can probably guess what we’re going to say next. Yep, cannabis!

Here’s why… 

First, it is no new thing that cannabis has been infused into home cooked meals. Dating back to even before Bartolomeo Platina completed the first printed cookbook in the 15th century, where he had several dishes that included the ingredient of hemp seeds as well as one for “cannabis nectar”, cannabis has been consumed in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. 

Secondly, cannabis is now recreationally legal in 19 states and counting. If you are fortunate enough to be a resident of a green state, cannabis may be worth the try to add some zing and nutrients to your recipes.

The best part is the therapeutic benefits that may come with cannabis. First let us take a look at cannabis in its raw form. The leaves, stalks, stems, and seeds contain essential nutrients including: carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fat, amino acids, water, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, zinc, vitamins (E, C, B1, B3, B6), and more. In addition, raw cannabis contains acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that hold benefits of their own. 

As cannabis is heated, research shows there may be additional health benefits as these acidic cannabinoids decarboxylate. They have therapeutic potential to: 

• Relieve pain and inflammation
• Relieve spasms
• Relieve nausea and vomiting
• Improve sleep
• Improve moods
• Protect the brain
• Improve some psychiatric conditions

Cooking with cannabis is an intricate act where precision counts. That said, if you can follow directions, then it may be worth a try! We have rounded up some of our favorite how-to’s for incorporating cannabis in the kitchen from some well-known cannabis enthusiasts.

How to Make Cannabutter – Mason Jar Infusion Method

There are several methods of making cannabutter. As Cherri Sicard puts it, “There are many roads that will bring you to the same destination.” We have chosen to highlight her mason jar method because it is simple and easy even for beginners. You can use any food jars that you have at home, but they need to be airtight.

 What you will need

• A mason jar
• A saucepan or crockpot
• Two and ½ cups unsalted butter
• 1 ounce decarboxylated cannabis (your favorite strain)
• Small towel

Method

• Place the decarboxylated cannabis and butter in a mason jar and seal. 
• Put the towel in the mason jar. This prevents the mason jar from rattling.
• Place the mason jar in the saucepan and add water, do not allow the mason jar to float in the saucepan. You can use a crockpot to control the temperatures if you have one.
• Place on medium heat and allow the water to simmer. 
• Burp the mason jar (open to release air) every 30 minutes and also stir the contents. You can do this for 3-4 hours as long as you keep adding the water in the saucepan. When using a crockpot, you can do this overnight.
• Use a tea strainer to separate the butter from the plant material.
• Store the butter in a dark-colored container away from direct light

How To Make Cannabis-Infused Sugar

Cannabis sugar is very versatile and straightforward to make. As Emily Kyle puts it, “if you’re looking to increase the potency of your cannabis recipes – you can use both a cannabis-infused oil and cannabis sugar together for a double dose of CBD or THC.”

What you will need:

• 100mLs cannabis tincture
• One tablespoon sugar
• Glass baking dish

Method

• Place the sugar in the baking dish
• Pour the tincture into the dish and stir the mixture
• Cover the mixture with a breathable fabric and air dry for 48-72 hours. You can use a fan to speed up the process
• Store the mixture in an airtight container. It should resemble regular sugar.

How To Juice With Cannabis

Juicing raw cannabis excludes the decarboxylation step. This also means that you will be consuming raw cannabinoids as you enjoy the herbal taste of the herb. Science is now revealing that raw cannabinoids have significant therapeutic benefits. One recent study indicated that THCA has anticancer effects against prostate tumor cells. Juicing raw cannabis has additional benefits. As Royal Queen Seeds puts it, “Juicing allows you to squeeze all the beneficial vitamins and minerals from carrots, apples, ginger, and other desired foods while leaving unwanted fiber behind.”

What You Will Need

• Raw cannabis
• A mix of fruits and vegetables
• Water
• A juicer

Method

• Roll the cannabis leaves tightly into cylinders. This will increase the centrifugal force
• Chop the fruits and vegetables 
• Add the cannabis, fruits, and vegetables to the juicer and cover with water
• Run the mixer until the mixture is well blended
• Serve in glasses

How Long Do Edibles Last?

Typically, cannabis-infused edibles may last for approximately six to eight hours, with the strongest effects possibly kicking in after about one to three hours. Plan out your day, bearing this in mind. If cooking for others, do not allow your guests to drive home while still under the influence. Cannabis in edible form is known to be more difficult to dose than capsules or oils measured in an oral syringe, so remember to start low and go slow. 

A Secret About Cooking with Cannabis: Feel Free to Experiment!

The first dish you will try with cannabis may not be as awesome as you expect it to be, but try not to be discouraged. You can always experiment with different strains and recipes until you find one that brings out the oomph of the herb. Ensure that you do not exceed the set temperature to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids. Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy an elevated meal!

Disclaimer

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.