Cannabis is finally going mainstream in the United States, but that doesn’t mean everyone is lighting up a joint to mark the occasion. Many cannabis users—newbies and seasoned veterans alike—are wary of the long-term health consequences of smoking. They want the cannabinoids and terpenes, and all the health benefits that come along with them, but they’ll pass on the tar.
And so marijuana edibles are more popular than ever. Traditionally enjoyed by users seeking a more intense and long-lasting high, edibles are becoming a favorite among the more health-conscious members of the cannabis community.
But edibles aren’t always good for you. After all, what pops into most people’s minds when they think about marijuana edibles? Pot brownies loaded with calories from sugar and saturated fat. Giving up smoking only to start eating more junk food is an exercise in futility.
So before you go ahead and bake yourself a sheet of buttery weed-laced cookies, consider the following tips on how to have a better, more nutritious edible experience.
Homemade cannabis oil
Perhaps the best way to infuse food with the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of weed is by making your own cannabis-based oil. Once you’ve got it on the shelf, it can serve as the basis for all kinds of delicious (and healthy) recipes.
Olive and coconut oil are terrific for this purpose, but you can use whatever oil you like. Just make sure it’s fresh. Put the oil into a slow cooker and add some ground-up cannabis flower. Let it cook for at least four hours, checking the temperature periodically (try to keep it around 200°F). The longer you allow the oil to simmer, the more cannabinoids and terpenes it will absorb.
After it’s done simmering, strain the mixture to filter out the plant material. Then pour it into a jar or bottle, seal it up and voila—you’ve got your own cannabis-infused oil to play around with. Add it to salad dressing, drizzle it over pasta, use it as a dip for bread … the possibilities really are endless.
Be sure to store the oil in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight. It will keep for a few months.
Cannabis butter can be made the same way. For a healthier version, try using plant-based butter.
Tinctures and other concentrates (and terpenes!)
If you lack the time or resources to prepare your own oil, marijuana concentrates represent an appealing alternative. Mixing them into food (or drinks) is quick, easy and fun. They can be added to almost anything. A few drops are all you need to bring your favorite recipes to the next level.
To lend a dish some real gusto, buy natural terpenes for cannabis to combine with your chosen concentrate. That way you’re getting bold flavors, plus the health benefits of terpenes, without any additional calories. It’s a win-win. (You can also try adding terpenes to homemade cannabis oil.)
A note of caution: unless you already have experience making and consuming cannabis edibles, it’s advisable to begin with only a small amount of THC. Edibles may take time to kick in, but when they finally do, they give no quarter. Bon appétit!