One of the most popular ways to consume cannabis is through edibles. They’re the best option for people who don’t want to smoke, and they’re also a great way to try different types of marijuana because you can tailor the dosage and avoid smoking any plant material.
Marijuana edibles come in many forms, the best ones go from baked goods to soups and sauces. Craving something sweet? You can eat sugar cookies fresh out of the oven or enjoy an assortment of brownies (or other type cake) made with infused butter or oil. Want something savory? Try pot-based pizza sauce on your dough or whip up some spaghetti with cannabis pesto.
Eat, do not smoke
In a lot of ways, marijuana edibles are the most user-friendly way to consume cannabis because you can figure out what works for your body without any guesswork on how to smoke.
Before you start making your own edibles, there are several things you need to know about the process and potential side effects. Marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance by the federal government, so it’s illegal to sell the exact same product as commercial edibles in all 50 states. That means that if you want high-quality marijuana-infused food at home, you’ll have to grow it yourself.
Where to get the start-up materials. You’ll need a few supplies to make your own edibles:
A seed bank or dispensary:
There are a number of seed banks that sell cannabis seeds or marijuana clones online. You can also find local dispensaries—which are legal in some states—that sell clones or seeds. Our resource page has resources for finding seed banks and dispensaries in your state.
A grow cabinet:
If you prefer to make edibles, then a grow cabinet is a must. It’s the best way to take control of your grow environment and make sure your plants get exactly what they need for maximum potency. If you’re just getting into growing marijuana, we highly recommend checking out our beginner grow guides to get up to speed. Otherwise, check out our guide on how to find the right grow setup for you.
Basic kitchen equipment:
Marijuana edibles are a lot of fun to make, but it also takes a little bit of time. You’ll also need some basic kitchen equipment: A food processor or blender, an oven, and a pot for making edibles (we recommend making baked goods in your oven and pureeing them in your food processor).
A digital scale:
This will make measuring ingredients a lot easier. After all, you need to make sure that the THC is evenly distributed throughout the recipe.
A weed grinder or a mortar and pestle:
Some people like to crush their cannabis using a weed grinder or by using a mortar and pestle.
Gravity machine:
You can’t use your oven to make edibles because the smoke would permeate the baked goods. Instead, you’ll want to use a gravity machine that will allow you to cook your edibles low and slow in your oven, which keeps the smell outside and away from your house. The process is called convection cooking and it ensures an even distribution of heat throughout everything you’re baking.
You can’t use your oven to make edibles because the smoke would permeate the baked goods.
Things to consider when making Edibles
There are a few things you need to consider before you start making edibles. Here are some of the most common questions that people ask:
How much do I eat?
The best way to avoid overconsumption is to start small and work your way up. If you’re using a solid cannabis-infused food, start with just one serving and work your way up from there.
How long should I wait after eating the edibles before I get high?
We recommend waiting at least two hours before you get a buzz. You should always start with a small amount and wait until you feel the desired effects. In most cases, people report that they feel higher after half an hour. Of course, there are exceptions—a few people report feeling top-quality cannabis right after they eat it.
Are edibles safe?
If you’re used to drinking alcohol, you probably assumed that consuming cannabis would be a little riskier. While marijuana and alcohol have similar effects on the human body, there’s one big difference: It’s perfectly legal to drink alcohol, but it is illegal to possess or use marijuana. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has no medical use and has a high potential for abuse.
There you have it! If you have basic kitchen equipment and basic weed accessories, I’m sure you’re ready to start! Enjoy!