Beginner’s Guide To Cannabis Edibles

Hello and welcome; my name is Antonella Moniz, and I used to be just like you! New to cannabis, a chef student overwhelmed with all the options out there, and just want to know where to start, rest assured you’re in the right place.

Here I will cover everything you need to know to start your cannabis cooking adventure with confidence and ease. If at some point you feel overwhelmed by all the lingo, make sure to check out my terms and abbreviations guide before getting started.

Understanding Edibles

Edibles are food and drinks infused with decarboxylated cannabis, offering a discreet and often more enjoyable way to experience the plant’s benefits.

Think of them as the gourmet side of cannabis consumption. You can find them in all sorts of tasty forms, from classic gummies, brownies, and cookies to fancy Filet Mignon and infused beverages.

Here’s a quick peek of some popular edibles:

• Gummies: These little bites are perfect for trying something new. They come in all sorts of cool shapes, sizes, and yummy flavors, so there’s something for everyone. Looking for some good brands? Kiva Confections and Wana make some tasty gummies you might like!
  
  
• Brownies and Cookies: A timeless classic, offering a familiar and satisfying way to enjoy cannabis. If you’re curious about brands, CannaCraft and Incredibles are pretty popular. Definitely check them out!
  
  
• Beverages: Nowadays there’s a cannabis drink for every mood. Feeling energetic? There’s a drink for that. Want to relax? Boom, another option! Dixie Elixirs and Boldt have a big selection, so check them out if you’re interested.

Cannabinoids

These are the cool chemical compounds in cannabis that chat with our body’s endocannabinoid system, causing all sorts of effects. Imagine them like flavor bombs that give your weed edibles their unique taste.

There are two main cannabinoids that everyone talks about: THC and CBD. THC is the one that gets you high, while CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t get you high and helps you to keep calm and without pain.

But wait… while THC and CBD are the most well-known, there’s a whole universe of other cannabinoids waiting to be discovered, let me introduce you other two powerful friends:

• CBN (cannabinol): This cannabinoid is formed when THC breaks down over time. It’s known for its potential sleep-inducing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for relaxation and restful nights.
  
  
• CBG (cannabigerol): This “mother cannabinoid” is the precursor to THC, CBD, and many others. It’s gaining attention for its potential to support healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and even combat bacterial infections.

Exploring Other Cannabinoids

While THC and CBD are the most well-known, there’s a whole universe of other cannabinoids waiting to be discovered. Some exciting players include:

• CBN (cannabinol): This cannabinoid is formed when THC breaks down over time. It’s known for its potential sleep-inducing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for relaxation and restful nights.
  
  
• CBG (cannabigerol): This “mother cannabinoid” is the precursor to THC, CBD, and many others. It’s gaining attention for its potential to support healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and even combat bacterial infections.

Cannabinoid	Potential Effects
THC	Psychoactive, Euphoria
CBD	Pain Relief, Anti-Axiety
CBN	Sleep Promotion, Relaxation
CBG	Focus, Pain Relief

Terpenes

These are molecules found in all kinds of plants (not just cannabis), they’re the reason lemons smell zesty, pine needles have that earthy vibe, and lavender fills the air with sweetness. So, in short, these molecules are responsible for giving flavors and aromas.

The fun part is that terpenes team up with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create a unique outcome, called the “entourage effect” that can seriously impact how your edible hits you.

PRO TIP: Looking for some chill vibes? Try making treats with high linalool and myrcene. Want a more energetic kick? Limonene and pinene are your friends!

So, when you pick a strain for your edibles, you’re not just looking at THC levels, you’re also considering the terpene profile and the kind of experience you want from your culinary masterpiece.

Here’s a handy table to get you started:

Benefits of Cannabis Edibles

As someone who’s been baking and experimenting with edibles for years, I can tell you from experience that they come with their own special set of benefits compared to other ways of enjoying cannabis.

Let me break five of them just to get you started:

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Edibles with a high amount of CBD work with your body’s own relaxation system, kinda like a built-in “calm down” button. The result? You feeling more zen and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

Pain Relief

Edibles with high concentrations of CBD are a great option for pain relief because they tend to last longer than smoking or vaping, which means you might get some much-needed relief for a good chunk of time!

Improved Sleep

For some people, edibles can be like a magic sleep switch! They help you fall asleep quicker and stay knocked out all night, leaving you feeling awesome in the morning.

Discreet and Measured Dosing

Edibles offer a discreet way to get the benefits of cannabis (can’t say the same for smoking or vaping). You can also control how strong you want your experience to be, it’s just awesome!

Decarboxylation

I know the word “Decarboxylation” might sound like a really complicated process, but it’s actually just a fancy word for a simple step that makes your edibles work their magic! It uses heat to activate the cannabinoids inside your plant that give you the effects you want.

Skip the decarboxylation, and your fancy cannabutter or oil is just, well, regular butter or oil. Not much fun, right? So, grab my decarb guide to learn the step-by-step process, plus some cool tricks to make things even easier.

Did you know I have a decarboxylation calculator? It does the math for you, so you can focus on the fun part. Give it a try!

Infusion

Let me give you a quick overview of this whole infusion process! Basically, it’s how we take those beautiful cannabinoids from your decarbed bud and put them into something else, like butter, oil, or even honey. This will become the carrier in the base you will use for all sorts of edibles, from brownies to canna tea!

You are probably asking why is this important? Well.. raw cannabis flower doesn’t do much for your endocannabinoid system. Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids, but it’s the infusion that allows those activated cannabinoids to bind with fat, making them bioavailable and ready to be absorbed by your body!

For detailed instructions and tips to master this process, check out my comprehensive guide on cannabis infusion.

Dosage and Potency

When it comes to edibles, especially for beginners, calculating the dosage and potency of the edible is really important because they affect how strongly you’ll feel the effects. Getting a little more of what you should, might turn your trip into a one-way ticket to a wild ride. Been there, done that (and regretted it dearly while befriending the couch for several hours).

The good news is that if you know the potency of your flower and how much you used it, I can help with the math! Use my free calculator to help you estimate the potency of your edible recipes and other homemade creations.

Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!

Tolerance and the Factors Affecting It

Do you ever feel like you gotta scarf down more and more gummies to catch those same awesome effects? That’s just your body building a tolerance to cannabis, like getting used to that morning coffee. The more you consume, the less it kicks in.

So, what exactly makes your tolerance tick?

Metabolism

• Liver function: Some folks have livers that work like lightning, breaking down THC super fast. This means the effects might not last as long, and they might even need more edibles to feel the same effect.
  
  
• Enzyme activity: Specific enzymes in the liver, like CYP2C9, are responsible for metabolizing THC. Variations in enzyme activity can affect how quickly your body processes THC and influence tolerance.

Body weight

• Fat storage: THC is stored in fat cells, so basically, the more fat you have, the more THC can chill there, and it takes longer for your body to get rid of it.

Experience

• Frequency of use: The more frequently you use cannabis, the faster your tolerance builds. Regular daily use leads to a higher tolerance compared to occasional use.
  
  
• Method of consumption: Different methods of consumption lead to varying rates of THC absorption into the bloodstream. Smoking and vaping deliver THC quickly, potentially leading to faster tolerance development compared to edibles, which take longer to take effect.
  
  
• Strain potency: Those super potent strains can make you build a tolerance faster. Strains with a lower THC level might be a better bet for lasting effects.

Recipes for Beginners

So, are you ready to start cooking some delicious treats with cannabis? I have some suggestions for you to start with, these are super simple and perfect for beginners like you who want to dip their toes in this awesome adventure!

Storage and Legality

Storing your canna edibles well goes way beyond just keeping them fresh (though that’s definitely a plus!). We’re talking about keeping them strong, outta reach of curious critters and little ones, and making sure every time you grab a treat, it’s a fantastic experience.

Here are the golden rules of edible storage:

1. Keep It Cool.
2. Keep It Dark.
3. Keep It Dry.

Want the inside scoop on keeping your cannabis treats fresh?  I whipped up a cannabis storage guide with all the best tricks to make sure your treats stay tasty for ages.

The Legal Lowdown

The legal situation around edibles is finally getting chill, tons of states are cool with medical and even recreational use now! But hold on, there’s a twist, every state has its own crazy laws. So, to avoid any problems follow the rules that apply to your state.

Here are some resources that can help you out:

• Marijuana Legality Map: DISA has a cool interactive map that shows you exactly what’s legal where, from edibles to everything else. This map is your best friend to keep you updated about cannabis laws.
  
  
• Check out NORML: These guys are super passionate about making it legal across the country, and their website is packed with info on the current laws in each state.

Traveling with Edibles

Packing can be a nightmare, right? You worry about forgetting essentials, that lucky charm you always bring, or maybe those killer brownies you baked fresh. Hold on a sec about those brownies though! Let’s chat about the not-so-chill side of traveling with edibles.

Flying with edibles is a big fat no in the eyes of federal law, no matter how tempting that brownie might look next to your bag of gummy bears. The potential consequences can range from a confiscated treat to a missed flight, fines, and a not-so-nice conversation with local law enforcement.

So, what are your options?

• Plan ahead: Do some quick research online to see if your destination even allows them in the first place. In a bunch of places where edibles are legal, there are stores (dispensaries) where you can just walk in and buy them, no problem.
  
  
• Embrace the local flavors: Think of this as a culinary adventure! Use your travel time to explore the local food scene and discover new and exciting treats. Who knows, you might find a new favorite dessert that doesn’t involve security screenings.
  
  
• Pack with creativity: If you’re staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, consider packing your travel-sized recipe resource (you know, Weedstripes.com) to whip up some delicious edibles on your destination without dealing with airport security hassles. Now that’s a win-win!

Best Practices for Traveling with Edibles (if you choose to do so)

If you’re still considering traveling with edibles, don’t worry, I’ve got your back (even when I do not support these kinds of actions). At this point I will be like your seasoned sous chef, ready to guide you through the best practices for a smooth (and hopefully legal) journey with your favorite treats.

• Ditch the original packaging: Nobody needs to know you’re bringing the party in your carry-on. Discreet containers are your best friend and don’t forget an airtight seal to keep those delicious aromas contained.
  
  
• Go for the incognito: Remember those delicious homemade space cakes you baked? Those are perfect travel companions. They’re discreet, smell like regular baked goods, and offer a familiar comfort on the go.
  
  
• Portion control is key: Remember, edibles can take a while to kick in, and being stuck on a plane with a case of the munchies is not ideal. Pack small, manageable doses and avoid overindulging before takeoff.
  
  
• Go with TSA rules: What about packing some edibles containing less than 0.3% THC? Those are kind of “FDA-approved medications” and should be ok.
  
  
• Think outside the bag: Forget about bringing melty chocolate all over your bag, or snacks that get crushed. Think about things like granola bars and sturdy edibles.

Common Questions

Let’s clear the air about some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding cannabis edibles. I’ve been baking with weed for years, and I’ve heard it all!

Resources

Done with the basics? Ready to dive deeper into the world of cannabis edibles? Here are some resources to help you on your journey:

• Weedstripes: Your one-stop for all things cannabis edibles! We’ve got detailed guides on everything from storage to infusion, plus a huge collection of delicious recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth and become a confident canna-chef.
  
  
• Professional Organizations: Consider joining professional organizations like the American Culinary Federation Cannabis Committee to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in cannabis culinary arts.

So, there you have it. A crash course in the world of cannabis edibles! Remember, this is just the beginning of your edible adventure. As you explore different recipes, experiment with flavors, and discover your personal preferences, you’ll become a seasoned canna-chef in no time.

You now know the basics, master those, and then branch out into more complex creations! Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your edibles to your taste. After all, baking and cooking are all about having fun and expressing yourself.

And if you ever get stuck, need help, or new recipes to add to your cooking book remember that I’m always here, ready to be your kitchen companion.