For those inclined to create their own cannabis-infused edibles, the pivotal stage lies in effectively infusing ingredients with THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana. THC, being fat-soluble, predominantly adheres to fatty substances such as oil or butter throughout the cooking process. Various techniques exist for infusing THC into cooking ingredients, each presenting its own merits and factors to consider.
Before you start infusing, you’ll need to choose your cannabis flower. While you use any strain of marijuana, some varieties are better suited for edibles than others. Look for strains with higher THC content for more potent infusions, or consider balanced THC/CBD strains for a more mellow experience. Avoid using cannabis trim or shake, as these tend to be less flavorful compared to whole flower buds.
Decarboxylation
No matter which infusion method you choose, the first crucial step is to decarboxylate your cannabis. Decarboxylation is the process of heating marijuana to activate the THC and other cannabinoids, converting them from their inactive acidic form (THCA) to their active neutral form (THC). Without this step, your infusions will be much less potent and effective.
To decarb your cannabis, start by preheating your oven to 240°F (115°C). While the oven heats, break up your cannabis flower into small, even pieces using your hands, a grinder, or scissors. Spread the flower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. The flower should turn from bright green to a darker olive green and become dry and crumbly to the touch.
Once described, your cannabis is ready to be infused into a fatty base ingredient like oil or butter. Let’s explore the different infusion methods you use.
- Stovetop oil or butter infusion
To make a stovetop infusion, start by combining your decarbed cannabis with your desired amount of oil or butter in a saucepan. Use a ratio of about 1 cup of oil or butter per 1 ounce of decarbed flower for best results. Heat the mixture over low heat, maintaining a gentle simmer and stirring occasionally. The key is to keep the temperature low and steady, ideally between 160-200°F (70-90°C), to avoid scorching the cannabis or degrading the THC. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 hours, then strain it through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or strainer to remove the plant material. Squeeze out as much of the infused oil or butter as possible before discarding the spent cannabis. Your infused ingredient is now ready to use in your favourite thc edibles recipes.
- Slow cooker infusion
You use a slow cooker or Crock-Pot to infuse your oil or butter for a more hands-off approach. This method is similar to stovetop but allows for a more prolonged, gentler infusion without constant monitoring. To make a slow cooker infusion, combine your decarbed cannabis and desired oil or butter in the slow cooker. Use a ratio of about 1 cup of oil or butter per 1 ounce of decarbed flower. After the infusion time is up, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or strainer, squeezing out as much of the infused oil or butter as possible.
- Infusion devices
For those who want a more high-tech and automated approach, there are several specialized infusion devices on the market designed specifically for making THC-infused ingredients. These appliances, such as the Magical Butter Machine, take much of the guesswork and hands-on work out of the infusion process. To use an infusion device, combine your decarbed cannabis and desired oil or butter in the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the temperature and timer, then let the device infuse and even strain the mixture for you. While infusion devices are more expensive than other methods, they offer precision, and convenience that many home edible makers appreciate.
