Since ancient times, cannabis has been used to make edibles that harness the benefits of this plant. Whether for medical purposes or for recreational use, this practice has been part of various cultures for centuries.
In this article, we’ll explain how to make delicious cannabis brownies; but, before we get to that, it is vital that you understand some important concepts, like the primary active components of cannabis (THC and CBD) and their effects. And you should also learn about what you can expect when you consume cannabis (in terms of the duration and intensity of its effects).
Advantages of Cannabis Ingestion vs. Inhalation
By “ingesting cannabis”, we’re referring to the process of using cannabis in the form of food or drinks.
This is the method chosen by many consumers for both medicinal and recreational use due to its potential health benefits.
This method is particularly recommended for patients who suffer from certain conditions. The benefits of ingesting cannabis rather than inhaling it include the following:
- You avoid smoke or vapor, in the case of using vaporizers. This is always better for protecting the respiratory pathways and the overall health of your lungs.
- The effects of ingesting cannabis last longer, meaning they’re more prolonged. Therefore, ingestion can provide relief for an extended period when used to manage conditions like chronic pain.
- Dosage control: if done precisely, ingestion allows for more accurate dosing. However, it’s important to fully understand the amounts of cannabinoids that you need to use in the preparation of edibles or drinks.
- Taste: Some consumers enjoy ingesting cannabis edibles as they can create delicious recipes. The terpene profiles of cannabis are unique and offer an unmatched aromatic complexity. Many even choose to flavor their desserts or gourmet recipes with terpenes, using forms like Terps Spray, as their combination with other flavors like chocolate, honey, or ice cream, is absolutely delicious.
Disadvantages of Cannabis Ingestion as Compared to Inhalation
As we’ve just highlighted, ingesting cannabis (for example, in the form of cannabis brownies) offers numerous advantages, but also has some downsides when compared to inhalation:
- The effects, although more intense, take longer to kick in. While smoking or vaporizing cannabis produces almost immediate effects, with cannabis ingestion this can take between 30 min to 2 hours.
- This “delayed” effect can lead to the ingestion of a larger dosage than what would really be required; and, even though there have been no recorded cases of cannabis overdose that have led to death, the experience can be very unpleasant, especially if you’re not used to the effects of THC.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of dosage and expected effects, and to be cautious and start with very small amounts to learn about your personal experience and tolerance level.
Things to Consider Before Baking Cannabis Brownies
As we’ve just pointed out, it is essential to understand the amounts of cannabinoids that will be used in the making of cannabis brownies.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to source your cannabis from a reliable supplier, making sure the marijuana plant has been organically grown with biological fertilizers and without the use of any chemical pesticides.
It’s equally important to understand the cannabinoid profile of the cannabis strain that you’ll be consuming as some strains may be more suitable than others depending on the purpose:
- Some medical users require high percentages of THC, whilst some recreational users have developed a tolerance to THC’s psychoactive effects due to frequent use. In these cases, high-THC strains like Gorilla Candy from Eva Seeds or DOS I DOS 33 from Barney’s Farms would be perfect to meet their needs.
- In other instances, a more moderate effect is the better option, either because the consumer doesn’t have a high tolerance to THC or simply because they aren’t seeking a potent effect. It’s best to go for strains with 1:1 or 1:2 THC/CBD ratios like Jamaican Dream CBD (with a 1:2 ratio, i.e., twice as much CBD as THC), or CBD Chronic, known for its balanced effects due to its 1:1 THC/CBD ratio.
- Those who seek the benefits of CBD or CBG without any psychoactivity, will be more interested in “Pure CBD” varieties with less than 1% THC, like for instance Only CBD or CBG Zerodue by Seedstockers.
So, before you get down to work with our recipe for cannabis brownies, make sure your cannabis is of good quality and origin, and understand and carry out the decarboxylation process so that its compounds are activated.
What’s Cannabis Decarboxylation? An Essential Step in Preparing our Cannabis Brownie Recipe
Decarboxylation is the process that converts cannabinoids from their acidic form to their active form. This process allows THCA (the acidic form of this cannabinoid) to turn into THC, and thus produce psychoactivity.
This chemical process takes place when heat is applied to cannabinoids, something that happens automatically when cannabis is smoked or vaporized. However, when you cook with cannabis, you must apply heat (for instance, by baking it) if you want to activate the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids like THC.
The only downside of this process is that the terpenes are lost, so you can add terpenes afterwards to enjoy a better flavor, aroma, entourage effect, and bioavailability of the existing cannabinoids.
In this cannabis brownie recipe, the decarboxylation stage takes place when you make the cannabis butter. If you are unsure about how to make it, you’ll find a step-by-step recipe in this article.
Marijuana Brownie Recipe
Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get the ingredients ready:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cannabis butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
How to Prepare Cannabis Brownies
- The first step is to preheat the oven to about 180ºC (356ºF).
- While the oven is heating up, grease the baking pan that you’ll be using to bake your cannabis brownies.
- Mix the cannabis butter with the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder to the mixture.
- Stir until you get a uniform mixture.
- Place the blend in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
How to Eat Cannabis Brownies Responsibly
As previously explained, correct dosage is critical to avoid a bad experience. That’s why it is advisable to start with small servings and wait for at least two hours to gauge the effects on your body before having more.
It’s important to remember that ingesting cannabis produces more potent and lasting effects than when inhaled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Consuming Cannabis Edibles
- Can cannabis brownies be made without THC?
Yes. As we’ve mentioned before, you can prepare cannabis brownies with CBD or CBG-rich marijuana genetics that have less than 1% THC, and therefore do not produce any psychoactive effects but still offer the benefits of other cannabinoids. You can also bake brownies with terpenes to enjoy the flavor and aroma of each variety without any psychoactive effects but with potential therapeutic benefits.
- How long does it take for a cannabis brownie to take effect?
Typically between 30 minutes and 2 hours. - Is it advisable to mix cannabis brownies with alcohol?
We don’t advise consuming cannabis brownies with alcoholic beverages. - What if I’ve eaten too much?
Keep calm and remember that, although the effects might be quite uncomfortable, they’ll gradually wear off over time. Try to relax, breathe deeply, and stay hydrated.
Conclusion
As long as it’s done responsibly, our marijuana brownie recipe can be an enjoyable culinary experience. Understanding your own body’s limitations and being cautious will be essential for a positive and safe experience.
