Cannabis cooking is rapidly gaining popularity across Canada, allowing enthusiasts to explore the world of edibles and infusions in the comfort of their own kitchens. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned user, cooking with cannabis opens up a world of possibilities. This guide will provide you with essential information on cannabis cooking, the ingredients to use, popular recipes, dosage guidelines, and where to buy online cannabis in Canada. Let’s dive in!

What is Cannabis Cooking?

Cannabis cooking is the art of incorporating cannabis into food and drinks. It’s a growing trend that allows individuals to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while creating flavorful, unique dishes. Cannabis can be added in various forms, from baked goods to savoury meals, making it a versatile ingredient in any kitchen. Whether you’re looking to explore the medicinal properties of cannabis or you simply enjoy experimenting with new cooking methods, cannabis cooking offers endless possibilities.

The Beauty of Cannabis Cooking

Cannabis cooking allows for endless creativity, whether you’re crafting cannabis-infused desserts, beverages, or even savoury dishes. Here are some of the benefits of cannabis cooking:

Customized Dosages: Cooking your cannabis-infused dishes allows you to control how much cannabis you’re consuming.
Discreet Consumption: Edibles provide a discreet way to consume cannabis, without the strong odour associated with smoking.
Enhanced Flavors: Cannabis can bring an earthy, herbal flavour to dishes, making it an exciting ingredient for any recipe.
Potential Health Benefits: Cooking with cannabis can be a way to enjoy its medicinal properties, such as stress relief, pain management, and improved sleep.

By using the right ingredients and techniques, cannabis cooking can transform your regular meals into something special. It’s an accessible and fun way to explore the benefits of cannabis while enjoying a flavorful culinary experience.

Key Ingredients for Cannabis Cooking

To make your cannabis cooking experience a success, it’s important to understand the various ingredients that can be used to infuse cannabis into food. Here are the main ingredients used in cannabis cooking:

1. Cannabis-Infused Oil (Cannabis Cooking Oil)

Cannabis cooking oil is one of the most versatile ingredients for infusing cannabis into food. Whether you’re looking to sauté vegetables, stir-fry your favourite proteins, or make a dressing, cannabis-infused oil can do it all.

Common Types of Oils Used:

Olive Oil: A classic, flavorful oil perfect for making dressings, drizzling over dishes, or sautéing.
Coconut Oil: Ideal for both sweet and savoury dishes, this oil is great for baking, frying, and adding to smoothies.
Avocado Oil: Known for its mild flavour and high smoke point, it’s perfect for frying or cooking at high heat without compromising the quality of the oil.

Benefits of Cannabis Cooking Oil:

Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of dishes, from baked goods to savoury meals.
Easy to Incorporate: It blends seamlessly into recipes, making it simple to use without drastically altering the taste.
Long Shelf Life: Cannabis-infused oils can be stored for extended periods, so you always have a ready-to-use ingredient on hand.

2. Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)

Cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, is a staple ingredient in cannabis cooking. It’s a rich, creamy base for many recipes, particularly in baking. Cannabutter can be used in everything from cookies and brownies to savoury dishes like pasta or mashed potatoes.

How to Use Cannabutter:

Baking: Use cannabutter as a direct substitute for regular butter in your favourite baked goods.
Cooking: Add it to sauces, stews, or soups for a dose of cannabis and flavour.
Spreads: Spread cannabutter on toast or crackers for a quick and easy cannabis-infused snack.

Benefits of Cannabutter:

Flavorful: Adds a delicious, creamy texture and subtle cannabis flavour to your dishes.
Classic: A traditional ingredient that many people associate with cannabis edibles, particularly desserts.
Potent: Cannabutter is typically concentrated, allowing for effective dosage control.

3. Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts that come in small bottles, usually with a dropper. Tinctures are one of the most discreet ways to consume cannabis, but they can also be used in cannabis cooking.

How to Use Cannabis Tinctures in Cooking:

In Drinks: Add a few drops of cannabis tincture to your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie.
Cooking Sauces: Incorporate tinctures into sauces, dressings, or marinades for an easy infusion.
Infuse Cocktails: Mix cannabis tincture into cocktails or mocktails for a unique twist.

Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures:

Discrete and Potent: A small amount goes a long way, and it’s an easy way to control your dosage.
Quick Absorption: Unlike oils or butter, tinctures absorb quickly into liquids, making them perfect for drinkable recipes.
Flavorless or Mild: Many tinctures have a neutral or mild flavour, allowing them to blend seamlessly into any recipe.

4. Cannabis Flower

Cannabis flowers, or buds, are the raw materials used to make many cannabis-infused products, such as oils, butter, and tinctures. If you’re looking for a more direct cannabis experience in your cooking, you can use the flower itself.

How to Use Cannabis Flower:

Decarboxylation: Before cooking with cannabis flower, it must be decarboxylated to activate the THC or CBD. This involves heating the flower in the oven at a low temperature.
Infusions: After decarboxylating, you can infuse cannabis flowers into oils, butter, or alcohol for cooking.
Direct Addition to Dishes: You can sprinkle decarboxylated cannabis directly into certain dishes, such as salads, soups, or pasta, for a stronger, more distinct flavour.

Benefits of Cannabis Flower:

Full Spectrum: Cannabis flowers provide a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the plant’s overall therapeutic benefits.
Flexibility: Use the flower to create your own infusions or add directly to dishes.
Customizable Potency: You can control the dosage of cannabis by adjusting how many flowers you use in your infusions.

5. Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates, such as shatter, wax, or hash, are highly potent forms of cannabis. These concentrates can be used in cannabis cooking to create dishes with a higher dose of THC or CBD.

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates:

Infusions: Like cannabis flowers, concentrates can be used to infuse butter, oil, or alcohol.
Direct Addition: Concentrates can be sprinkled directly into dishes but should be used sparingly due to their potency.
Baking: Add a small amount of cannabis concentrate to your baking recipes for an extra strong effect.

Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates:

High Potency: Concentrates contain much higher levels of cannabinoids than flowers, making them ideal for those looking for a stronger dose.
Efficient: A little goes a long way, so concentrates are ideal for infusing without requiring large quantities.
Versatile: Use concentrates in a wide range of recipes, from savoury dishes to baked goods.

By understanding and using these key ingredients, you can start your journey into cannabis cooking with confidence. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to create delicious and personalized cannabis-infused dishes that cater to both your culinary tastes and your desired cannabis experience.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter or Oil

Making your own cannabis-infused butter or oil is easy and allows for better control over the potency. Here’s how to make both:

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter or cooking oil (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil)
7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower

Instructions:

Decarboxylate Your Cannabis: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread your cannabis on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes. This process activates the THC and CBD in the cannabis, making it psychoactive and effective in cooking.
Infuse the Butter or Oil: Melt the butter or heat the oil in a double boiler over low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and simmer for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the infusion is thorough.
Strain the Mixture: Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to strain out the plant material, leaving you with the infused butter or oil.
Store: Store your cannabis butter or oil in an airtight container in the fridge.

Popular Cannabis Cooking Recipes

Cannabis-Infused Brownies

Why They’re Popular: Cannabis-infused brownies are a classic edible, loved for their rich, chocolatey flavour and ease of preparation. They are an excellent starting point for beginners in cannabis cooking because they require minimal effort and offer a reliable, consistent dosage of cannabis.

How to Make Them:

Choose Your Infusion Method: Substitute regular butter with cannabutter or use cannabis-infused oil.
Select a Recipe: Use your favourite brownie recipe or a boxed mix for convenience.
Mix Ingredients: Combine cannabutter or cannabis oil with eggs, sugar, flour, and cocoa powder (or follow your specific recipe).
Bake at Low Heat: To preserve potency, bake at a lower temperature (around 325°F/163°C) for a slightly longer time than usual.
Cool and Serve: Allow brownies to cool before cutting into even portions to ensure accurate dosing.

Tips for Success:

Stir the batter thoroughly to evenly distribute the cannabis.
Label and store safely to avoid accidental consumption.
If unsure about potency, start with a small portion and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.

Cannabis Smoothies

Why They’re Popular: Cannabis smoothies offer a healthy and refreshing way to consume cannabis. They are easy to customize with fruits, vegetables, and superfoods while incorporating cannabis without the need for cooking or baking.

How to Make Them:

Choose Your Base: Popular choices include milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or fruit juice.
Add Your Ingredients: Blend bananas, berries, spinach, protein powder, or other desired ingredients.
Infuse with Cannabis: Add a few drops of cannabis tincture or a teaspoon of cannabis oil for a subtle effect.
Blend and Enjoy: Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

Use cannabis tinctures for better control over dosage.
Avoid heating the smoothie to preserve the cannabinoids’ effectiveness.
Pair with healthy fats (like avocado or coconut oil) to enhance THC absorption.

Cannabis Pasta Sauce

Why It’s Popular: A cannabis-infused pasta sauce is an easy way to incorporate cannabis into a savoury meal. The rich flavours of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs complement cannabis-infused oils, making it a delicious and effective way to enjoy cannabis cooking.

How to Make It:

Prepare the Base: Sauté onions and garlic in a pan using cannabis-infused olive oil.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in fresh or canned tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Let the sauce cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavours.
Toss with Pasta: Combine the sauce with your favourite pasta for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

Use low heat to prevent THC degradation.
Stir constantly to ensure even distribution of the cannabis oil.
Pair with healthy fats (like cheese or olive oil) to improve absorption.

Cannabis Salad Dressings

Why They’re Popular: Cannabis-infused salad dressings provide a light and refreshing way to consume cannabis. They are easy to prepare and can be drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or used as a dip.

How to Make Them:

Choose Your Base: Use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or honey mustard.
Infuse with Cannabis: Add a tablespoon of cannabis-infused oil.
Season It Up: Add salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, or Dijon mustard for flavour.
Shake and Serve: Mix ingredients well and drizzle over your favourite salad.

Tips for Success:

Use high-quality cannabis-infused olive oil for the best flavour.
Store in the fridge and shake before each use.
Pair with healthy fats (like avocado) to enhance cannabinoid absorption.

Dosage and Safety Tips for Cannabis Cooking

Start Low, Go Slow

Why It Matters: Edibles take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping, so consuming too much at once can lead to an overwhelming experience.

Dosage Guidelines:

Beginners: Start with 5-10 mg of THC per serving.
Intermediate Users: 10-25 mg of THC per serving.
Experienced Users: 25+ mg of THC per serving.

Important Reminders:

Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more to avoid overconsumption.
Keep a CBD product on hand, as CBD can help counteract the effects of excessive THC.

Know Your Limits

Why It Matters: Everyone metabolizes cannabis differently, and consuming too much can lead to discomfort, anxiety, or dizziness.

How to Stay Safe:

Keep Track of Your Intake: Write down how much THC you consume to understand your limits.
Consume in a Comfortable Setting: Avoid edibles in unfamiliar environments until you know your tolerance.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Beforehand: Eating a meal before consuming edibles can help moderate absorption.

What to Do If You Consume Too Much:

Stay Calm: The effects will wear off, usually within 6-8 hours.
Drink Water and Rest: Hydration and relaxation can help ease any discomfort.
Try CBD: Taking CBD can help counteract THC’s effects.

By following these cannabis cooking recipes and safety tips, you can create delicious, well-balanced meals while enjoying cannabis responsibly. Whether you’re making brownies, pasta sauce, or a simple smoothie, proper preparation and dosage control ensure a safe and enjoyable experience every time.

Tips for Cooking with Cannabis

Decarboxylate cannabis properly: Activating the THC through heat is crucial for the efficacy of your cannabis cooking.
Use high-quality cannabis: For the best flavour and effect, use high-quality cannabis flowers or concentrates.
Store your infused ingredients properly: Keep your cannabis-infused butter, oils, and tinctures in a cool, dry place to preserve their potency.

Where to Buy Cannabis in Canada

For those looking to buy online cannabis in Canada, there are several licensed retailers available across the country. From dried cannabis flowers to cannabis-infused oils and concentrates, you can conveniently shop for cannabis products from the comfort of your own home.

Purchasing Cannabis Legally in Canada

Licensed Dispensaries: Ensure you buy from government-approved sources to guarantee product safety and compliance.
Product Variety: Online retailers offer a wide range of products, including edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more.
Quality Assurance: Legal cannabis undergoes testing for potency and contaminants, ensuring consumer safety.

Provincial Differences in Cannabis Purchasing

Whether you’re in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or elsewhere, online cannabis in Canada provides a secure and legal way to purchase cannabis. However, regulations may vary by province:

Ontario: Cannabis can be purchased online through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and licensed retailers.
British Columbia: The BC Cannabis Store is the only government-operated online source, but private retail stores also exist.
Quebec: The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is the sole retailer of legal cannabis in the province.
Alberta: Alberta Cannabis operates online sales, with private retailers handling in-person purchases.

Tips for Buying Cannabis Online in Canada

Verify Retailer Licensing: Only purchase from government-approved stores.
Read Product Labels: Check THC/CBD content to ensure proper dosage.
Consider Delivery Times: Shipping may vary by province, so plan accordingly.
Know the Legal Age: The minimum age to purchase cannabis varies between 18 to 21 years, depending on the province.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and legally enjoy cannabis cooking while ensuring compliance with Canadian laws.

Conclusion

Cannabis cooking offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience the benefits of cannabis while exploring your culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking to make cannabis desserts, savoury cannabis-infused meals, or simple snacks, the possibilities are endless. With proper dosage, quality ingredients, and a little experimentation, you’ll be able to master the art of cannabis cooking in no time.

For those looking to get started, you can buy online cannabis in Canada from trusted online dispensaries, ensuring safe and reliable access to all the cannabis products you need for your cooking adventures.

Enjoy cooking with cannabis, and remember to always consume responsibly!