The Best Method to Cook Marijuana into Coconut Oil with Reduced Cannabis Taste
In the world of cannabis consumption, innovation and health consciousness often intersect. One of the most popular and versatile methods to incorporate cannabis into your daily routine is through cooking it into coconut oil. This technique not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also provides a healthier option compared to traditional butter or bacon fat. In this article, we will explore the best way to prepare cannabis-infused coconut oil while significantly reducing the strong cannabis taste, making it a delightful addition to your culinary creations.
Decarboxylation: The Key Step
Decarboxylation, often abbreviated as "decarb," is a crucial step in the process of infusing cannabis into coconut oil. During decarboxylation, the hashifer activates the THC and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant by heating it at a low temperature. This process transforms THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC, ready for consumption.
To decarb the cannabis properly, follow these steps:
Separate the buds from any leaves or stems. Heat the buds in an oven at 220°F (105°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure you stir them occasionally to ensure even heating. Allow the decarbed cannabis to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.Infusing Coconut Oil with Cannabis
Once the cannabis is decarbed, you can infuse it into coconut oil. This process can be done using a double boiler or a more convenient method with cheesecloth. Here, we will guide you through both techniques:
Double Boiler Method
Using a double boiler, also known as a bain-marie, is an effective and straightforward way to infuse cannabis into coconut oil:
Place the decarbed cannabis in a jar and add coconut oil. A 1:1 ratio is ideal, so for every ounce of cannabis, use one cup of coconut oil. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the jar in the pot, ensuring the heat from the water does not directly touch the jar. Simmer for 30 minutes to one hour, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove any plant material. Discard the plant material as there is no THC or CBD left in it.Using Cheesecloth Method
If you prefer a simpler setup, you can use cheesecloth to infuse your cannabis into coconut oil:
Wrap the decarbed cannabis in cheesecloth. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the cheesecloth packet of cannabis and coconut oil in the pot, ensuring they are not directly touching the bottom. Simmer for 30 minutes to one hour, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture to remove the cannabis, then discard the plant material.Reducing the Cannabis Taste
While infusing cannabis into coconut oil, you might notice a strong cannabis taste that can affect the flavor of your dishes. Here are some tips to reduce this strong taste:
Extended Decarbing and Straining
A trick I discovered a few years back is to decarb the cannabis to a high degree and strain the mixture multiple times. This method involves:
Simmer an ounce of decarbed cannabis and a pound of coconut oil in 3 quarts of water for a minimum of 3 hours. Strain the mixture and refrigerate it for an hour to help separate the oil and water content. Waste all the water and liquid in the mixture, then add more water and simmer for another hour or two. This process helps remove more chlorophyll and further reduces the cannabis taste. Strain the mixture one more time and refrigerate it to allow the creamy layer to solidify.Choosing the Right Equipment
To simplify the process of making cannabis-infused coconut oil, you can use a specialized tool like the MagicalButter Machine. This machine is not only user-friendly but also efficient in its function:
Decarb First: Always decarb your cannabis before infusing it into coconut oil to ensure optimal cannabinoid activation. Strainer Included: The MagicalButter Machine comes with a built-in strainer to help you collect the infusion without any residue, making your final product clean and easy to use. Easy Cleanup: After use, you can dispose of the remaining plant material as it has no THC or CBD left in it, making cleanup a breeze.Healthy and Versatile
Cannabis-infused coconut oil is a healthier alternative to traditional cannabutter or bacon fat, as it contains less saturated fat. This oil is versatile and can be used in various cooking applications, from baking to savory dishes. For those seeking a more flavorful base, adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom can further mask the cannabis taste, making your edibles more enjoyable.
Additional Tips for Edible Making
To make your cannabis-infused edibles more palatable, you can follow these additional tips:
Simmer Longer: Extend the simmering time to allow more cannabinoids to be extracted and for the cannabis taste to mellow out. Use Multiple Straining: Strain the mixture multiple times to remove any lingering plant material and further refine the oil. Add Spices: Experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor and reduce the cannabis taste. Chai spices, in particular, are a delicious option for making cookies or other baked goods.Conclusion
Cannabis-infused coconut oil is a versatile and healthy alternative to traditional cannabutter, offering a pleasant taste and a wide range of culinary applications. By following these steps and tips, you can create a delightful and less potent cannabis-infused coconut oil that will enhance your cooking experience while keeping things more bearable. Happy cooking!