Cooking With Cannabis

Tag: Cannabis

  • Where flavour lives – An Introduction to Cannabinoids and Terpenes

    Where flavour lives – An Introduction to Cannabinoids and Terpenes

    Cooking with cannabis involves careful temperature control to preserve its active compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes.


    Cannabinoids
    Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds, found primarily in the cannabis plant, that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body and can have various effects, including psychoactive effects like those caused by THC.
    Here’s a more detailed breakdown.

    What are Cannabinoids?

    Cannabinoids are a class of biological compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body.
    They can be found in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids), produced naturally by the body (endocannabinoids), or synthesized in laboratories (synthetic cannabinoids).
    Common examples include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
    Cannabinoids exert their effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2, which are found throughout the body, including the brain and immune system.
    Cannabinoids can influence various physiological processes, including pain perception, appetite, mood, and inflammation.
    There are several different types of Cannabinoids, including:


    Phytocannabinoids Found in the cannabis plant (e.g., THC, CBD).
    Endocannabinoids: Produced naturally by the body (e.g., anandamide).
    Synthetic Cannabinoids Lab-made cannabinoids (e.g., spice, K2).
    Key Cannabinoids
    THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high.”

    CBD (Cannabidiol)

    A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may have therapeutic effects.


    Other Cannabinoids CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and others.


    Potential Uses and Effects
    Medical Applications
    Cannabinoids are being studied for potential therapeutic uses, such as pain management, nausea, and inflammation.
    Recreational Use
    Cannabis containing cannabinoids is used recreationally for its psychoactive effects.
    Potential Risks
    An informed consumer is a responsible consumer. Cannabinoid use can have potential risks, including dependence, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
    Synthetic Cannabinoids
    Synthetic cannabinoids can be particularly dangerous, with potentially severe and life-threatening effects.

    Terpenes
    While much attention is given to the decarboxylation process, which activates cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the effects of heat on terpenes are equally important. Terpenes contribute to the aroma, flavour, and potential effects of cannabis-infused dishes, but they are highly volatile and sensitive to temperature. Understanding how heat affects terpenes and whether they can be reintroduced later in the cooking process can help preserve their benefits in cannabis-infused cuisine.


    How Heat Affects Terpenes
    Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants, responsible for distinctive scents and potential therapeutic effects. However, they have relatively low boiling points, meaning they can degrade or evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. This degradation can alter the flavour profile of a dish and reduce the potential entourage effect—the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that influences the overall experience of cannabis consumption.
    Each terpene has a different boiling point. Some common examples include:
    Myrcene: ~167°C (332°F)
    Limonene: ~176°C (349°F)
    Linalool: ~198°C (388°F)
    Pinene: ~156°C (313°F)
    Beta-Caryophyllene: ~119°C (246°F)
    Cooking temperatures often exceed these limits. Baking, frying, or sautéing at high heat can destroy terpenes, diminishing the aromatic complexity and potential therapeutic benefits of the cannabis used. This is why lower-temperature cooking methods, such as sous vide infusion, are often recommended when working with cannabis.
    Best Practices for Preserving Terpenes
    To retain terpenes in cannabis-infused dishes, consider the following strategies:


    Low-Temperature Cooking

    Use gentle heat to infuse cannabis into fats like butter or oil. Keep temperatures below 160°C (320°F) to preserve more volatile terpenes.


    Slow Infusion Methods

    Sous vide, double boilers, and low-temperature simmering allow for controlled heating, reducing terpene loss.


    Short Cooking Times

    Prolonged exposure to heat can cause terpene evaporation, so adding cannabis oil or butter toward the end of the cooking process can help retain its properties.


    Covered Cooking

    Using lids on pots or baking dishes can help trap some volatile compounds that would otherwise evaporate.


    Can Terpenes Be Added Back Later?
    Since heat destroys some terpenes, supplementing them later in the cooking process can be an effective way to restore aroma, flavour, and potential effects. This can be done in several ways:


    Adding Fresh Herbs

    Many terpenes found in cannabis also exist in other plants. For example, adding fresh basil (rich in myrcene) or citrus zest (high in limonene) can enhance the terpene profile of a dish.


    Terpene Isolates

    Some companies offer food-grade terpene extracts derived from cannabis or other plants. A few drops of these can be added to sauces, dressings, or even beverages after cooking.


    Aromatics in Garnishes

    Adding cannabis-infused oils, fresh cannabis leaves, or terpene-rich ingredients as garnishes can bring back lost flavours.

    Heat can significantly impact terpenes in cannabis, altering the flavour and potential effects of infused foods. Using low-temperature cooking techniques and adding terpenes later in the process can help preserve these valuable compounds, enhancing the final dish’s aroma and taste. Whether through natural sources like herbs or terpene isolates, reintroducing terpenes can elevate the culinary experience of cannabis-infused cuisine.

    As always, consume responsibly. Don’t get lifted and drive. Respect the cannabis laws of your jurisdiction.

    Citations
    “Terpene Boiling Points and Temperature.” True Labs for Cannabis, .

    “Terpene Boiling Points (And Why It Matters).” Finest Labs, .

    “How to Preserve the Terpenes & Aroma in Cannabis.” Leafly, .

    “How to Preserve Terpenes in Your Cannabis Oil Extraction.” Holland Green Science, .

    “How to Harvest, Dry and Cure Cannabis to Preserve Aromas.” Cali Terpenes, .

    “Terpene Temperature Chart: Calculating the Boiling Points.” ExtraktLAB, .

    “Cooking with Terpenes: A Tutorial, with Recipes.” Modern Farmer, .

  • Calculating Dosage

    Calculating Dosage

    Because, who doesn’t love math?

    Calculating the dosage of cannabis-infused edibles is a critical aspect of cannabis cooking, ensuring both safety and efficacy. Cheri Sicard, a renowned cannabis chef and author, provides a comprehensive manual method for determining THC content in homemade edibles. Her approach, detailed in her writings, offers a systematic way to estimate the potency of your culinary creations.

    Understanding THC Content in Cannabis

    The first step in calculating dosage is to understand the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of the cannabis you’re using. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and its concentration can vary widely. If you have access to lab-tested cannabis, you’ll have precise THC percentages. However, if such information isn’t available, estimates are necessary.

    For estimation purposes, using a 10% THC content is a reasonable starting point.

    The Calculation Process

    1. Determine THC per Gram

    One gram of cannabis weighs 1,000 milligrams.
    Assuming 10 per cent THC, each gram contains approximately 100 milligrams of THC (10 per cent of 1,000 mg).

    2. Calculate Total THC in the Infusion

    Decide how much cannabis you’ll use in your infusion.
    So using a full ounce (28 grams) of cannabis with 10 per cent THC to make one cup of butter, the calculation looks like this:

    28 grams × 100 mg THC/gram = 2,800 mg THC

    3. Determine THC per Serving:

    Consider the amount of infused butter used in a recipe. This is where you figure out how strong each piece really is.

    Let’ say your recipe calls for a half-cup of this butter. Since 1 cup = 2,800 mg THC, ½ cup = 1,400 mg THC.

    Now divide this amount by the number of portions you are making. So in this case, that half-cup of cannabutter is used to make 36 cookies: 1,400 mg THC ÷ 36 cookies ≈ 38.8 mg THC per cookie.

    Adjusting Dosage

    If the calculated dosage per serving is higher than desired, you can adjust.

    Diluting the Infusion Mix the cannabis-infused butter or oil with regular butter or oil to reduce the THC concentration.

    Reducing Infused Ingredient Quantity. Essentially, use less of the infused ingredient in the recipe and supplement with non-infused counterparts, like regular butter.

    Conversely, if the dosage is too low, you can:

    Increase Infused Ingredient: Use more of the cannabis-infused butter or oil.

    Enhance with Concentrates: Add decarboxylated cannabis concentrates like kief, hash, or hash oil to boost potency.

    Factors Influencing Dosage Accuracy

    This is NOT an exact science! Edibles, especially home made, can be inconsistent. Several variables can affect the accuracy of your dosage calculations:

    Decarboxylation: Perhaps the most critical step, properly heating cannabis to activate THC is crucial. Incomplete decarboxylation can result in lower potency.

    Cannabis Potency Variability: Without lab testing, THC content is an estimate, and actual potency may vary.

    Extraction Efficiency: The method and duration of infusion can influence how much THC is transferred to the butter or oil.

    Practical Tips for Home Cooks

    Start Low and Go Slow: Especially for those new to edibles, begin with lower doses to gauge individual tolerance.

    Keep Detailed Records: Note the amounts of cannabis used, THC estimates, infusion methods, and personal effects to refine future preparations.

    Use Dosage Calculators: Online tools can assist in estimating THC per serving, enhancing accuracy.

    Accurately calculating the dosage of cannabis-infused edibles is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. By following Cheri Sicard’s outlined procedure, home cooks can make informed decisions about the potency of their creations. Always consider individual tolerance levels and start with conservative dosages, adjusting as needed based on personal experience and desired effects.

    As always, consume at your own risk. Please respect the cannabis laws of your jurisdiction. Do NOT get lifted and drive or operate heavy machinery.

  • Why Edibles are the Best Way to Consume Cannabis

    Why Edibles are the Best Way to Consume Cannabis

    Consider the following reasons why edibles are the best way to consume Cannabis:

    Edibles are the best way to satisfy your 420 indulgence. From Gertrude Stein’s scandalous hash brownies to India’s Bhang, space cakes from Amsterdam, or lifted snacks during the big game, our affinity for marijuana goes beyond bongs and blunts.

    Edibles are Discrete

    Weed might be legal in Canada, but blunts, bongs, and vapes are still given the stink-eye in public. No matter. No one looks askance at nibbling a bit of chocolate on the train, yes?

    You Are In Control 

    You maintain control over dosing. Plus, you know exactly what goes into those brownies. Lifted recipes can be adapted to any lifestyle and any diet. 

    Customization 

    You get exactly what you want. Prefer more CBD? Like your THC percent a touch on the (ahem) high side? Want to exploit specific terpenes? Craf your own edibles when you can’t find the right  product to fit your lifestyle.

    Cost Effective 

    Legal weed is great, but can be expensive. Frugality is definitely a virtue. With a little practice, you will save money and learn valuable cooking skills. With edibles, you don’t need to buy premium weed. In a pinch you can use sugar leaves, popcorn buds, trim, and even stems, while saving the cannabis colas for blazing.

    Versatile 

    The list of what can’t be lifted is a very short list. Basically, THC is hydrophobic – the molecule doesn’t like water. It is lipophilic, which means it loves lipids – fats – like butter, oil, coconut oil, along with chocolate, milk, alcohol, and cream, all of which are staples in the kitchen and all of which taste delicious.

    Duration 

    Edibles take a little longer to kick-in but  are worth the wait. The lift is stronger and lasts longer thanks to the process of first-pass metabolism in the liver, which turns Δ-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. It is worth noting this metabolic process is agnostic to terpenes. It doesn’t matter if your bud is top-shelf Girl Scout Cookies or budget-wise Bake Sale. The result (11-hydroxy-THC) is the same.

    Healthier Option 

    While smoking or vaping will get you lifted faster, they are less efficient in processing all available THC. Master the art of decarboxylation, a little patience while you infuse your solvent, and you will get the most from your flower. Plus, combusting and inhaling any kind of plant material is just not healthy. 

    All this makes for a compelling case in favour of edibles. But there is a major downside:

    Edibles are inconsistent

    Even with industrial mixing equipment, professional lab testing, and random sampling no two edibles will have the same amount of THC. You can get an approximate potency for the entire recipe and a theoretical number per portion, but the results will vary. Combined with the delayed onset of the lift and you can see why it’s easy to overconsume.

    The other issue is your lift is driven by your metabolism. What have you eaten recently? How active have you been? How often do you consume cannabis – daily? Weekly? Edibles can have a long lead time before they kick in and it’s easy to get blindsided because you’ve overindulged and quite forgotten how much of that infused salsa you ate.