canna-candy

Cannabis Infused Edibles

Cannabis edibles are food products that contain cannabinoids, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and/or CBD (cannabidiol), which are derived from the cannabis plant. These edibles come in various forms, offering different experiences, onset times, and durations of effects. The main types of cannabis edibles include:

  1. Baked Goods:

    These are the most common form of cannabis edibles. They include cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, and other pastries that are infused with cannabis butter or oil. The effects of baked goods are similar to those of smoking or vaping cannabis but with a delayed onset, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours, and can last 4 to 6 hours.

  1. Candies and Chocolates:

    Cannabis can be infused into hard candies, gummies, lollipops, and chocolates. These products offer a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis. The onset of effects is similar to baked goods, but the duration can be slightly shorter, depending on the individual’s metabolism.

  1. Beverages:

    Cannabis-infused drinks, such as sodas, teas, juices, and even alcoholic beverages, are becoming increasingly popular. The onset of effects is generally faster than baked goods, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, but the duration can be shorter, often lasting 2 to 4 hours.

    Tinctures and Oils:

    These are concentrated liquid extracts of cannabis that can be added to food or beverages for a controlled dose. They are absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) for a quicker onset of effects, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and can last up to 4 hours.

  1. Capsules and Tablets:

    These are similar to traditional medications, containing a measured amount of THC or CBD in a pill form. They offer a consistent dose and a delayed onset, typically taking 1 to 2 hours to kick in, with effects lasting 4 to 6 hours.

  1. Gummies and Chewables:

    Like candies, these are flavored and often fruit-shaped edibles that contain cannabis oil. They are a popular choice for those who prefer a more precise dosing method and a longer-lasting effect. The onset is similar to other edibles, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, with effects lasting 4 to 6 hours.

  1. Chocolate Bars and Gummy Bears:

    These are often segmented into smaller, individual servings to allow for easier dosing. They offer the same discreetness and convenience as other edibles but may have a longer onset time and duration of effects.

  1. Suckers and Lozenges:

    These are designed to be absorbed sublingually and can provide faster-acting effects compared to other edibles, often within 15 to 45 minutes. They are available in various flavors and potencies.

  1. Spreads and Butters:

    Cannabutter and cannasupports are spreadable forms of cannabis that can be used in cooking or as a topping. The effects and onset time depend on how the cannabutter is consumed.

  1. Powders and Mixes:

    These are versatile products that can be added to almost any food or drink. They typically have a faster onset than traditional edibles, with effects felt within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the preparation method and the individual’s metabolism.

  1. Ice Cream and Other Frozen Treats:

    Cannabis-infused ice creams and popsicles provide a cool and delicious way to consume cannabis. The effects take longer to set in due to digestion but can last for several hours.

  1. Savory Snacks:

    Including items like chips, pretzels, and crackers, these edibles offer a more substantial and less sweet option. The onset and duration of effects are generally the same as other edibles.

  1. Meals and Gourmet Dishes:

    Some companies and chefs specialize in creating full meals and gourmet dishes that are infused with cannabis. The effects and onset time are similar to other edibles, but the dining experience is more sophisticated and social.

  1. Medicated Lozenges and Breath Strips:

    These dissolve in the mouth and are used for quick relief of symptoms such as nausea or pain. They typically have a faster onset time than traditional edibles.

  1. Sublingual Strips and Sprays:

    These are designed to be placed under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a faster onset of effects, usually within 15 minutes.

When considering cannabis edibles, it is essential to be aware of the differences in bioavailability and the time it takes for the effects to manifest. Edibles are metabolized differently than smoked or vaped cannabis; they are processed by the liver, which can result in a stronger and longer-lasting high due to the conversion of THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. It is also crucial to note that edibles can cause delayed effects, so it is important to start with a low dose and wait before consuming more to avoid overconsumption. Additionally, the potency of edibles can vary greatly, and users should always check the label for the amount of THC or CBD contained in each serving.

hard-candy

Hard Candy Recipe

To prepare cannabis-infused hard candy, you will need to create a cannabis tincture or oil that will be used to medicate the candy. The process involves decarboxylation of cannabis to activate the THC, preparing the infusion, and then making the actual candy. Here is a recipe that uses cannabis-infused coconut oil:

**Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil**

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis (finely ground)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
  2. Spread the decarboxylated cannabis on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, to activate the THC.
  3. Place the coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
  4. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted coconut oil and heat on low for 2-4 hours. Stir occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  6. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a glass container.
  7. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

**Cannabis-Infused Hard Candy Recipe**

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of flavoring oil (e.g., peppermint, lemon, etc.)
  • A few drops of food coloring (optional)
  • 1/4 cup of cannabis-infused coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  2. Place a candy thermometer on the side of the saucepan and heat the mixture over medium-high heat without stirring until it reaches 300°F (149°C). This is the hard-crack stage.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the flavoring oil and cannabis-infused coconut oil.
  4. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
  5. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Let the candy cool and harden completely.
  7. Once the candy is hardened, use a knife or cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
  8. Wrap each piece in wax paper or candy wrappers for storage.
  9. Allow the candy to set for at least an hour before consuming.

Please note that the potency of the final product will depend on the amount of THC in your cannabis and the amount of infused oil used. It’s essential to start with a known dosage of THC to ensure a consistent and safe experience. Always consume cannabis edibles with caution and be aware of the effects before consuming more. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Decarboxylation is a crucial step to activate the THC in cannabis. This is a chemical reaction that occurs when you heat the cannabis, which converts the non-psychoactive THCA into the psychoactive THC. If you skip decarboxylation, the candy will not have the desired effects.

Additionally, the process of making hard candy involves cooking the sugar syrup to a high temperature, which can be dangerous if not done correctly. Always use caution when working with hot sugar and ensure that children and pets are not present in the kitchen.

brownies

Brownies

Cannabis-infused brownies, or “weed brownies,” are a popular method of consuming marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, it’s important to note that the preparation and consumption of cannabis-infused foods are subject to legal restrictions in many jurisdictions. Before proceeding with the recipe, please ensure that you are in compliance with local laws.

The key ingredient in creating cannabis-infused brownies is cannabutter, which is butter that has been infused with cannabinoids (such as THC) from the cannabis plant. The process involves decarboxylating the cannabis to activate the THC and then infusing it into the butter. Decarboxylation is a heating process that transforms THCA, the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, into psychoactive THC.

Here’s a simplified recipe for making cannabis-infused brownies:

**Ingredients for Cannabutter:**

  1. 1 cup (225 grams) of unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup (225 grams) of finely ground cannabis (about 7-10 grams, depending on desired potency)

**Ingredients for Brownies:**

  1. 1 cup (225 grams) of cannabutter
  2. 1 ½ cups (300 grams) of granulated sugar
  3. 2 eggs
  4. 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  5. ¾ cup (95 grams) of all-purpose flour
  6. ½ teaspoon of baking powder
  7. ½ teaspoon of salt
  8. ½ cup (42 grams) of unsweetened cocoa powder
  9. ¾ cup (175 milliliters) of milk
  10. Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins

**Instructions for Making Cannabutter:**

  1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
  2. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation. The cannabis should become fragrant and slightly toasted.
  3. After decarboxylation, melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat.
  4. Once melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan and stir to combine.
  5. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. The mixture should not come to a boil.
  6. After simmering, use a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer to strain the cannabutter into a clean container, discarding the plant material.
  7. Allow the cannabutter to cool and solidify before using it in the brownie recipe.

**Instructions for Making Cannabis-Infused Brownies:**

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the cannabutter.
  3. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sugar until fully combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the saucepan, stirring until the batter is smooth.
  8. Stir in the milk until the ingredients are well-combined.
  9. If desired, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
  10. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  11. Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  12. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into servings.

Dosage and Potency Considerations:

The potency of cannabis brownies is highly variable and depends on the strength of the cannabis used, the amount of cannabutter, and the size of the brownies. Start with a low dose and increase gradually to find the right potency for you. It’s important to remember that edibles can take longer to take effect than smoking or vaping and that effects can be more intense and last longer. It’s crucial to wait at least an hour after consuming a small piece before consuming more to avoid overconsumption.

Scientific Principles Involved:

  • Decarboxylation: This is a chemical reaction that occurs when cannabis is heated, converting THCA into THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. The heat applied during baking activates the THC.
  • Lipid solubility: Cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in fats and oils. This is why butter is used as the infusion medium, as it allows for efficient extraction and distribution of cannabinoids throughout the brownie mixture.
  • Maillard reaction: This is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during baking. It is responsible for the browning of the brownies and the development of complex flavors.
  • Baking chemistry: The combination of sugar, eggs, flour, and cocoa powder undergoes chemical reactions during baking to create the structure and texture of the brownies. The sugar caramelizes, the eggs coagulate, the flour gelatinizes, and the cocoa powder reacts with the other ingredients to create the chocolate flavor.

As with any food preparation, it is essential to handle the ingredients safely, especially when dealing with substances that have psychoactive properties. Keep the brownies in a secure location and clearly label them to prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or individuals who may not be aware of their content. Additionally, it’s important to use a reliable scale to measure the cannabis to ensure consistent dosing.

These recipes are for informational purposes only. Cannabis use is not legal in all jurisdictions, and the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a legal expert or healthcare professional before using cannabis in any form.

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