marijuana in cooking

Could We Use Marijuana In Cooking?

For the states that have already legalized marijuana utilization, there are endless possibilities as to how users can start the intake of the plant. While some want to smoke cannabis, others prefer edibles that are readily available in different dispensaries. However, one must remember that these products are processed and may contain a significant amount of sugar and other unhealthy components, which is why many enthusiasts want to cook their marijuana-infused food. 

Choose The Best Strains

For you to be able to maximize the effects of marijuana in cooking thoroughly, you must ensure that you have proper knowledge and information regarding where and how you can obtain legitimate and high-quality strains. Enthusiasts can ask their local marijuana gardeners or look online instead. Ordering online can be a very convenient and bearable task, especially if you’re busy most of the time. Click here to know more information regarding one type of strain as well as how you can start growing cannabis plants for your home-made edibles.

Always Start By Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation can be an intimidating word for some, but it’s a crucial part of the overall process. Before you get the famous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), you first have tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Naturally, THCA doesn’t have the same effects that THC does, which is why decarboxylation is essential. There are several ways you can achieve the decarboxylation process. For those who choose to smoke marijuana, the process is a natural phenomenon because the heat instantly decarboxylates the cannabinoids and lets the user inhale the newly transformed THCs. On the other hand, vaporizing allows users to activate THC in a controlled environment because of the equipment.

Different Methods To Try For Decarboxylation

Now that you’re familiar with the vital process, it’s time to learn about the various ways you can do decarboxylation in the kitchen before you start incorporating cannabis into your food. There are four ways:

Using The Oven

This process is one of the easiest and most common types. Before you place the cannabis inside, make sure to plan everything thoroughly. Many think that increasing the level of heat can speed up the decarboxylation process. Still, in reality, it only degrades the essential components of the plant, such as cannabinoids and terpenes. It would be best if you cook cannabis using a low temperature and a longer time. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Obtain a baking tray and place a sheet of baking or parchment paper on top.
  • Grind the cannabis plant until you can evenly spread it onto the parchment paper.
  • Set the oven to 115 degrees Celsius.
  • Place the baking tray inside.
  • Using a timer, wait for 45 minutes. Mix the cannabis at least 3 to 4 times.

Using The Microwave

Although the microwave method can be a bit more complicated compared to the oven method, it’s still attainable. Microwaves can be a bit tricky because users don’t have full control over the heat, and the settings also vary according to different brands. Although it can be a cause for worry when a user can’t control the temperature, it would be best if the microwave heat setting is at the lowest. Remember, “low and slow” is the best way to go. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Obtain a container that’s microwave-friendly.
  • Grind the cannabis plant (similar to that of the oven method) and place it inside the container.
  • Set the temperature at the lowest setting.
  • Using a timer, wait for at least 60 to 90 seconds.
  • Depending on the smell, it’s your choice if you want to put the container back inside for additional heating.

Using The Sous-Vide Method

This method takes a bit longer compared to others, but there is a 100% assurance that users won’t burn their cannabis because water boils only up to 100 degrees Celsius. Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Obtain a sous-vide bag.
  • Grind the cannabis in the same way as the oven method.
  • Place the cannabis inside the sous-vide bag and vacuum-seal it.
  • Obtain a sous-vide precision cooker and set it at 95 degrees Celsius. Place the bag in the precision cooker.
  • Using a timer, wait for 1 hour until it boils.

However, if you don’t have a precision cooker, you may use a saucepan and subject it to increased heat levels. Once the water boils, place a thermometer and make sure that the temperature stays within 95 to 100 degrees Celsius. Place the sealed bag in the saucepan for approximately 1 hour.

After Doing Decarboxylation, Can Users Start Cooking With Cannabis?

Yes, they can. Everyone needs to know about the crucial first step of decarboxylation before trying methods such as extraction and cannabis dosing. The primary purpose of cooking cannabis is to utilize its benefits fully, and without decarboxylation, that would be impossible.