How to Make Vegan Cannabis Edibles

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Cannabis edibles have become increasingly popular in the past few years, and for good reason. Not only do they provide a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, but they also offer a longer-lasting and more intense high compared to smoking or vaping. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, finding vegan cannabis edibles can be a challenge. Many edibles on the market contain animal products such as gelatin, butter, or honey. But fear not, because in this blog post, we will show you how to make delicious and potent vegan cannabis edibles in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand the basics of cannabis edibles. The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When ingested, THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is a more potent form of THC. This is why edibles can produce a stronger and longer-lasting high compared to other methods of consumption. It’s also important to note that the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, so be patient and start with a low dose.

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making vegan cannabis edibles! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own delicious treats.

Step 1: Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is the process of activating the THC in cannabis by heating it. This step is crucial in order to feel the effects of the edibles. To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Break up your cannabis buds into small pieces and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cannabis is dry and lightly toasted.

Step 2: Infuse coconut oil or butter with cannabis
The next step is to infuse your chosen fat (coconut oil or butter) with the decarboxylated cannabis. This process will extract the THC from the cannabis and infuse it into the fat. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut oil or butter with 1 cup of water and bring it to a low simmer. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and let it simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning the cannabis. After 3-4 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the other ingredients
While the cannabis-infused fat is cooling, you can prepare the other ingredients for your edibles. For this recipe, we will be making vegan chocolate chip cookies, but feel free to use your favorite vegan cookie recipe and substitute the regular fat with your cannabis-infused fat. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt.

Step 4: Mix everything together
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of the cannabis-infused fat, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of white sugar. Mix until well combined and then add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and ¼ cup of non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Fold in 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake and enjoy!
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious and potent vegan cannabis cookies!

There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for vegan cannabis edibles. You can also use this method to infuse other fats, such as olive oil or coconut cream, and use them in other recipes such as brownies, cakes, or even savory dishes like pasta or stir-fry. Just remember to start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more, as the effects of edibles can be unpredictable.

In addition to being vegan, making your own cannabis edibles also allows you to control the potency and dosage. It’s important to label your edibles and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Also, be mindful of consuming edibles in public, as they can be mistaken for regular treats.

In conclusion, making vegan cannabis edibles at home is not only easy and fun, but it also gives you the freedom to customize your edibles to your liking. So why not give it a try and impress your friends at your next gathering with your homemade vegan cannabis treats? Happy baking!