Cooking with cannabis isn't as simple as just adding flower to your dishes. There are specific techniques to know to achieve the best flavor, potency, and food safety. Whether you're an amateur cook or a professional, incorporating cannabis into your meals requires a few tricks to ensure the culinary experience is both delicious and effective. This article will give you some pro tips for cooking with cannabis before sharing a foolproof cannabis brownie recipe.

1. Choosing the right product: Flowers, oils or cannabis butter?

When cooking with cannabis, you must first choose the form in which it will be used. You can opt for cannabis flowers , CBD oils , or infused butters , depending on the recipe and the desired effect. Here are the advantages of each form:

• Cannabis flowers : When using cannabis flowers, you must decarboxylate them before infusing them in oil or butter. Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids, converting THCA to THC, which allows you to experience the psychoactive effect.

• Cannabis oil : This is a practical and effective alternative for dishes where you don't want the cannabis flavor to be too strong. You can easily infuse oils like olive oil or coconut oil with cannabis.

• Cannabis butter : This is probably one of the most popular forms in dessert recipes like brownies. Infused butter allows for rapid absorption of cannabinoids by your body.

2. Decarboxylation: The crucial step

Before adding cannabis to your dishes, it's essential to decarboxylate it. This process involves gently heating the cannabis flowers to activate the cannabinoids (THC and CBD). Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 105°C.

• Crush the flowers into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

• Let them cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking for even decarboxylation.

This step ensures that you fully benefit from the effects of cannabis in your recipes. Without decarboxylation, your cannabis will not provide the desired effects.

3. Control the power: Don't get carried away

One of the most common mistakes when cooking with cannabis is adding too much infused material to a dish, which can make the experience too intense, or even unpleasant. It's important to know the potency of your infused oil or butter and use it in moderation.

If you're making homemade cannabis oil or butter, start with a small amount and adjust according to your preferences and tolerance. A general rule of thumb: for desserts, a tablespoon of infused oil or butter is enough for a pleasant, non-overpowering effect.

4. Infuse slowly and at a low temperature

When infusing cannabis in butter or oil, it's important to maintain a low temperature (around 70-80°C) during the infusion process to avoid burning the cannabinoids. Do this slowly to ensure maximum extraction without losing potency.

5. Dosage: Start slowly and wait before adjusting

Cannabis has effects that take time to appear, so it's important to start slowly . Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before deciding to take more cannabis, especially if you're not used to it. This helps you avoid the unwanted effects of too high a dose, such as anxiety or an overly intense "high."

6. Mask the taste of cannabis in your recipes

The taste of cannabis can be quite strong and earthy, which isn't always to everyone's liking. If you want to mask this taste while still enjoying the effects, add aromatic ingredients like chocolate, spices (cinnamon, cardamom), or citrus fruits (lemon or orange zest). These ingredients can balance the flavor and make your dish even more delicious.

Recipe: Cannabis Brownie

Now that you know a few tricks, here's a simple cannabis brownie recipe you can make with infused butter. This dessert is perfect for those who want a mild cannabis experience while enjoying a delicious, fudgy brownie.

Ingredients :

• 100g of cannabis butter (home-brewed or purchased)

• 200g of sugar

• 100g of flour

• 3 eggs

• 50g of unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

• 100g of dark chocolate (optional, for extra fudgy brownies)

Preparation :

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a square baking tin (approximately 20x20 cm) or line it with baking paper.

2. Melt the cannabis butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then let it cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until smooth.

4. Add the cocoa , flour , baking powder , and a pinch of salt to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until the batter is smooth.

5. Incorporate the melted cannabis butter into the dough, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

6. If you like your brownies even more chocolatey, add pieces of dark chocolate to the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife comes out slightly moist (not completely dry).

8. Let cool before cutting into squares. These are fudgy brownies rich in CBD (and THC if you used infused butter).

Advice :

• Allow the brownies to cool before eating them so that the cannabis flavor stabilizes.

• Remember to respect the amount of infused butter in the recipe, and start with a small portion.

Conclusion

Cooking with cannabis is an art that requires patience, precision, and adherence to dosage. By following these pro tips, you can create delicious and effective dishes while avoiding common mistakes. The key to success lies in proper infusion, decarboxylation, and dosage management. So, get cooking and enjoy dishes like these cannabis brownies , perfect for a relaxing evening or sharing with friends.