Marijuana Aroma: Infusing Your Space With The Perfect Scent

Infusing food with marijuana aroma involves a process called decarboxylation, or decarbing, which is necessary to activate the psychoactive compound THC. This is done by heating the plant material, which also helps to release the terpenes that give the plant its signature aroma and flavour. The decarbed weed can then be infused into a fatty base such as butter or oil, which can be used in a variety of edible recipes.

Decarboxylation: heat buds at low temps to activate

Decarboxylation is the process of removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is necessary to convert the cannabinoid THCA to THC, and CBDA to CBD, which are the compounds that produce the desired psychoactive effects.

To decarboxylate cannabis, you must heat the buds at a low temperature. Traditionally, this was done by placing the buds in an oven at a low temperature (200-245°F) for two to three hours. However, this method can negatively impact the flavour and lead to bitterness. A better alternative is to use the sous vide technique, which involves vacuum-sealing the buds with distilled water and heating them in a water bath at 200°F for 30 minutes. This method preserves the terpenes, which are responsible for the fragrant, floral compounds in cannabis.

Another option is to use a slow cooker or crockpot. Place the broken-up cannabis buds on a rimmed baking tray and heat in an oven preheated to between 240°F and 248°F for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the cannabis to cool, then coarsely grind it and combine it with your chosen oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) in the slow cooker or crockpot. Heat on low for four to six hours, stirring occasionally.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to maintain a low temperature to avoid burning the cannabinoids. The ideal temperature range is between 185°F and 245°F, with a maximum temperature of 245°F to preserve the terpenes and prevent the oil from becoming too bitter.

Choose a base: fatty foods like butter or oil

When infusing marijuana aroma, you'll need to choose a fatty base for your cannabis, such as butter or oil, as cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind to fats. Here are some options for fatty bases to use:

Butter

Butter is the most common infusion medium, especially for baked goods and savoury dishes. European butter, with its high butterfat content, is favoured by cannabis chefs for more potent infusions that yield increased quantities compared to regular butter. To prepare butter for infusion, it should be clarified to remove milk solids and water, enabling it to absorb THC more efficiently.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its high concentration of fatty acids, or saturated fats, which are great for cannabinoids to bind to. Coconut oil usually contains over 80% saturated fats, compared to olive oil, which contains less than 20%, and butter, which has about 60%. This means coconut oil can retain more cannabinoids during infusion, making it more potent. Coconut oil is also vegan, has a higher smoke point, and is solid at room temperature, making it easy to store.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are effective in reducing inflammation. Infusing cannabis into olive oil makes it an even healthier option and an easy way to add a measured THC dose to almost any meal. However, olive oil may not be as efficient at absorbing THC as other fats.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is anti-inflammatory, high in Vitamin E, and easy to digest. It also contains lecithin, a type of fat that allows ingredients to stick and bind together, improving shelf life and increasing the bioavailability of cannabinoids.

Bacon Fat

Bacon fat lends a delicious smoky flavour to dishes, from greens to baked goods. It is also a saturated fat, which may absorb THC better than monounsaturated fats.

Other Options

Other oils that can be used as a fatty base include vegetable oil, sunflower lecithin oil, and canola oil.

Heat herb: cook at low heat to activate cannabinoids

To activate the cannabinoids in marijuana, the raw plant material must undergo a process called decarboxylation or "decarbing". This involves heating the buds at a low temperature to convert the precursor compounds in the plant, such as THCa and CBDa, into THC and CBD—the compounds that provide the desired psychoactive effects.

• Grind the cannabis buds into small pieces. It is recommended to use a 3-chamber grinder to keep your kief, but you can also use your fingers to break up the bud. Just be sure not to crush the cannabis too finely, as this can make it difficult to strain and can affect the flavour.
• Set your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 220-240°F. Ovens can fluctuate by about 20 degrees, so keep an eye on the cannabis to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil and spread out your ground cannabis.
• Heat the cannabis in the oven for 30-45 minutes, stirring at least once. The cannabis should look lightly toasted and golden brown.
• Allow the cannabis to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Once cooled, you can add the decarbed cannabis to butter, oil, or another base for infusion.

It is important to note that decarbing is a delicate process and high temperatures can burn off valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the potency and effectiveness of your marijuana. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a low and slow heat to preserve the medicinal properties of the cannabis and prevent burning. Additionally, always cook with fatty bases like butter or oil, as cannabinoids bind to fats.

Strain the mixture

Once you've heated your cannabis and oil mixture, it's time to strain the mixture. This process will help remove any plant material and create a smooth, even texture for your infused oil. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly strain your cannabis-infused oil:

Prepare Your Straining Equipment:

• First, line a fine-mesh strainer with two layers of cheesecloth. The cheesecloth will help catch and filter out the plant material, ensuring a clear end product.
• Place the lined strainer over a clean bowl or container to catch the strained oil.
• Carefully pour the warm oil and cannabis mixture through the prepared strainer. Take your time with this step to allow the oil to pass through the cheesecloth and strainer slowly.
• Avoid squeezing or pressing the mixture through the cheesecloth, as this can add more chlorophyll to your oil, resulting in a vegetal taste.

Discard the Plant Material:

• Once all the oil has passed through the strainer, carefully remove the cheesecloth filled with plant material.
• Dispose of the plant material, or consider using it for other purposes, such as making edibles.

Store Your Infused Oil:

• Transfer the strained oil to a clean, airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store your infused oil in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator.
• Proper storage will help extend the shelf life of your oil, typically allowing it to last for at least two months.

Remember, the straining process is crucial for creating a smooth, even texture for your infused oil. By taking your time and following these steps, you'll end up with a high-quality, aromatic cannabis-infused oil that's ready for use in various recipes.

Bake: use in any recipe that calls for fatty base

To bake with marijuana, you'll need to follow a few steps to ensure you get the desired effects and flavour. Firstly, choose a fatty base to infuse your cannabis into. This could be butter, bacon fat, or oils like olive, avocado, or coconut. The cannabinoids in marijuana (like THC and CBD) bind to fats, so this is an important step.

Next, you'll need to heat, or 'decarb' the herb. This involves cooking the cannabis at a low temperature (below 245 degrees Fahrenheit) to activate the cannabinoids. You can do this in a pot on the stovetop, a slow cooker, or a dedicated gadget like a Magical Butter Machine. Cook the cannabis with your chosen fatty base for around 3 hours on the stovetop, or 4-6 hours in a slow cooker, stirring often.

Once your mixture is ready, you'll need to strain it. Pour the mixture through a sieve covered with cheesecloth, and squeeze the herb to get every last drop. Now, your cannabis-infused fatty base is ready to use in any recipe that calls for that type of fat. For example, if you've made cannabis-infused butter, you can use it in any baking recipe that calls for butter. Just remember to keep the cooking heat below 350 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the cannabinoids.

When baking with marijuana, it's important to start with a small amount of cannabis and slowly increase as needed. Adding too much cannabis-infused oil or butter may result in an overly potent final product. Always label your infused creations and keep them out of the reach of children.

Frequently asked questions