The Rise of Edibles: A Growing Trend in Cannabis Culture
As the world becomes increasingly comfortable with cannabis, a new trend is emerging: edibles. In 2014, Colorado alone saw the sale of 2.85 million units of edible cannabis-infused retail products. Today, nearly 30% of cannabis enthusiasts prefer edibles or beverages over traditional smoking methods. But before we dive into the world of edibles, a word of caution: cannabis-related ER visits have tripled in Colorado between 2014 and 2016, with 10% of emergency room visits attributed to ingesting cannabis.
The Importance of Measurement and Caution
When it comes to edibles, proper measurement is crucial. It’s essential to take a less-is-more approach, as the effects of edibles can be more intense and longer-lasting. Remember, it takes longer to feel the effects of edibles, so patience is key.
Getting Started: Making Cannabis-Infused Oil and Butter
To create your own edibles, you’ll need to start with cannabis-infused oil and butter. Making cannabutter is similar to making herb butter. Simply combine 1 pound of butter, 1 cup of water, and 1-2 ounces of cannabis in a pot over low heat. Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, and then store like regular butter.
For cannabis oil, you can infuse any oil with decarboxylated cannabis. To decarboxylate, preheat your oven to 225 degrees and bake 1 cup of ground cannabis for 40 minutes. Then, combine the decarboxylated cannabis with coconut oil and sunflower lecithin in a slow cooker. Simmer for 8-12 hours, strain, and store in the fridge.
5 Recipes to Get You Started
Now that you have your cannabis-infused oil and butter, it’s time to get creative! Here are five recipes to try at home:
1. Paleo Berry Cannabis Gummies
Use a gummy bear mold to create these bite-sized treats. With just five ingredients, including water and lemon juice, these gummies are easy to make and fun to eat.
2. Vegan Cannabis Chocolate Bar
Make a chocolate bar like no other by substituting regular coconut oil with cannabis oil. Just be careful not to eat the whole thing at once!
3. Canna-Bananas
Melt chocolate and cannabis oil, coat bananas, and freeze. It’s that easy! These treats are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
4. Gluten-Free Cannabis Crispy Rice Treats
Meet the new pot crispy treat. Made with nut butter, brown rice syrup, and cannabis butter or oil, these treats are a game-changer.
5. Vegan Weed Brownies
Get chocolate wasted with these vegan brownies made from sunflower seed butter, honey, flax, egg, cocoa powder, and cannabis. For a paleo version, use a regular egg and a nut butter of your choice.
Remember to Always Prioritize Safety
As you explore the world of edibles, remember to label and store your creations safely. Statistics show an increased number of calls to poison control centers due to accidental consumption of cannabis edibles. Stay safe, and happy baking!
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