Buzz
The range of weed edibles goes beyond what’s available at your nearby dispensary, although even that limited selection is a delight for those without easy access to legal cannabis. The edible market has flourished due to the ingenuity and dedication to developing new products over the last 30 years, despite much of that time when cannabis was illegal. While some creators may have culinary experience, earlier edibles like weed brownies were more about achieving a high than offering a gourmet experience.
Today, gummies are the go-to option. Cannabis-infused candies were initially created to offer a flavorful, portable snack with a long shelf life, moving away from the infamous reputation of the pot brownie.
But what if you're tired of gummies, dislike brownies, or have dietary preferences that conflict with store-bought options? You could dive into the world of homemade cannabis edibles, an enjoyable and rewarding process that also saves you money. However, it is also a time-intensive endeavor. Crafting your own edibles is a fulfilling hobby if you’re a true cannabis enthusiast, similar to making your own cider or wine. Whether it's cost-effective depends on how you value your time, so it’s best to enjoy the process.
Still curious about crafting your own? Let’s evaluate your options (and weigh the pros and cons of each) before diving into what could be a time-consuming cannabis journey.
Are you a regular at retail shops?
Are legal dispensaries easily accessible for you? Even if you’re not satisfied with their selection of edibles, they may offer alternatives that can simplify the DIY process, such as pre-made mixes, infused oils, and concentrates. While using cannabis flower infusion is great, it doesn’t always suit every recipe.
If you’re content with the distance, products available, and their effects on both your endocannabinoid system and your budget, here are some tips for experimentation. However, if convenience is key, you might prefer to stick with store-bought options. While commercially made cannabis edibles have a significantly longer shelf life, homemade edibles can usually be stored in the freezer. Pre-packaged edibles are designed to last for months, even in your bag or pocket, which is a big perk given the price you’re paying.
Although ready-to-eat cannabis products offer convenience, they come with a steep price tag, dose for dose. While they’re ideal for on-the-go situations, such as travel or festivals, the costs add up quickly if you’re using them frequently or for medicinal purposes.
Saving money by making your own cannabis edibles is a great way to stretch your budget. By using cannabis concentrates to prepare your own creations, you’re getting much more for your money in terms of milligrams per dollar compared to purchasing from a dispensary. For instance, a 100mg chocolate bar typically costs about $15, including taxes. However, you can make several times that amount at home for just $30 worth of ingredients.
Making your own edibles is especially beneficial if you’re into microdosing. Established markets often offer various options for personalized doses, but newer markets mostly provide standard doses of 5 or 10 milligrams, which might be too high for those who prefer microdosing. If you know your way around concentrates, it’s very affordable to create your own microdose-friendly edibles, since a gram of concentrate contains approximately 800mg of cannabinoids—enough for 800 tiny doses for just $35.
DIY edibles are also a cost-effective solution for those who need higher doses. The standard 10mg per treat or 100mg per bag offered by many markets may not be sufficient for high-dose users. Making your own potent edibles at home allows you to create stronger doses at a much lower overall cost.
If you're eager to start making your own cannabis edibles, investing in the latest kitchen gear designed for cannabis preparation can significantly streamline the DIY process and make it much easier.
Looking to begin your journey in crafting your own cannabis edibles? The right tools can help simplify the process and make home preparation more enjoyable and efficient.
Ardent FX Mini 3-in-1 Decarboxylator ($240 on Amazon)
Levo II Herbal Oil Infusion System ($300 on Amazon)
STX Infuzium 420 Butter, Oil, and Tincture Maker ($254 on Amazon)
Let your creativity flow
Charging for freshly made food containing cannabis-infused products or concentrates is prohibited in many places, but creating it for your personal consumption is perfectly legal. The process that transforms marijuana into edibles is known as decarboxylation, which converts THC-A in the cannabis flower into its active form of THC. This means anything you purchase at the store can potentially be turned into an edible by decarbing it first.
No matter what your preferred “active ingredient” is, it’s essential to know how to use it correctly. A pre-made tincture, oil, or powdered additive can be incorporated into your finished product easily, but ensure it hasn’t already undergone decarboxylation, so cooking or baking doesn’t destroy the cannabinoids you intend to consume.
Starting with flower is an excellent way to bring out rich, complex flavors in your edibles. However, creating products specific to a strain and pairing them with the right foods is much more labor-intensive than using concentrates—it’s more of an art form. A good strategy is to prepare large quantities of infused oils or butters to keep on hand, ready to be added to future recipes just like any other staple ingredient.
If you have decarboxylated concentrates, you can easily incorporate them into store-bought treats like gummy candies to create instant edibles. Gummies work well for this purpose, but don’t forget to re-label them to prevent accidental consumption by people who aren’t aware, including children.
The process of standardizing cannabis has brought us significant advancements, but it's also important to leave room for creativity. It’s unfortunate that only manufactured products are widely available when a key ingredient like cannabis, an agricultural product with limited aromatic qualities that degrade over time, could be so much more. Fresh, high-quality cannabis often doesn't maintain its full flavor when turned into commercial edibles.
Just dive in and start creating.
If your reasons for making your own cannabis edibles are to improve flavors or simply save some money, the best thing you can do is begin right away. New equipment, such as the Levo herbal infuser or Ardent mini decarboxylator, makes the process easier, and the options are endless. Plus, you can get started with just one gram of cannabis flower.
