Cannabis-infused brownies are a timeless treat for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. These deliciously fudgy brownies offer a convenient way to enjoy the effects of cannabis without smoking, while satisfying your sweet tooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking your own, along with tips on dosage, flavor enhancements, and essential baking advice.
Ingredients
To make these brownies, you’ll need to first prepare cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter). Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cannabutter
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 7-10 grams of cannabis flower, finely ground
For the Brownie Batter
• 1/2 cup cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter)
• 1/2 cup regular unsalted butter (for balanced potency)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (for a rich flavor)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
Optional flavor enhancements:
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Step 1: Making the Cannabutter
To get the full effect of the cannabis, you’ll need to decarboxylate it first—this process activates the THC so you can feel its effects.
1. Decarboxylate the Cannabis: Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C). Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
2. Infuse the Butter: Melt the butter on low heat in a saucepan. Add the decarboxylated cannabis, stirring well. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and ensuring it doesn’t boil.
3. Strain the Butter: After simmering, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a jar. Discard the plant material, and your cannabutter is ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cannabutter, regular unsalted butter, and both sugars. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until well combined. For extra richness, fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
1. Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
3. Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares.
Dosage Tips
Calculating the dosage of your cannabis brownies depends on the potency of your cannabutter. Here’s a general guideline:
1. Estimate the THC Content: If your cannabis is about 15% THC and you used 7 grams in 1 cup of butter, that’s about 1050 mg of THC in the whole cup. Halving it for this recipe (1/2 cup) gives you approximately 525 mg of THC.
2. Calculate per Serving: Divide the THC by the number of brownies you cut. For example, if you cut the batch into 16 brownies, each brownie will have around 33 mg of THC.
3. Start Low and Go Slow: Cannabis edibles take longer to kick in (often 30-90 minutes), and their effects can last several hours. Begin with a small portion, especially if you’re new to edibles.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Mint Extract: Replace half the vanilla extract with mint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for a tropical flavor.
Storage Tips
Store cannabis brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Cannabis-infused brownies are a delicious and versatile way to enjoy cannabis in edible form. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make classic, mouth-watering brownies that suit your potency preference and taste buds. Enjoy responsibly, and remember to start with a low dose!
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