Cannabis honey merges the delightful sweetness of honey with the potent effects of THC, creating a consumable that’s both delicious and effective Let’s guide you through essential processes like decarboxylation and infusion, detailing how to prepare your own THC-infused honey at home. It’s easier than you might think!
Thanks to experimentation, food trends involving the magic herb continue to evolve. From mostly desserts, edible cannabis now comes in various forms, from infused beverages to savoury options that revolve around the use of cannabutter.
The idea is self-explanatory. You get the pleasant sweetness from the honey and a psychotropic kick from your preferred strain. If you want a tasty method of consumption that isn’t as harsh on the lungs, THC honey will suit you well.
The best part is that it isn’t as complicated as you may think. With a few simple steps, you can make homemade jars of this sweet treat that hits, share some with your friends, and put smiles on their faces.
But before anything else, your main ingredient must undergo an essential process.
First things first: Decarboxylation
The word may be a mouthful, but it’s a necessary step for making any edible using raw plant material, including THC-infused honey.
In a nutshell, decarboxylation is the process of heating the buds to activate compounds and extract their known properties.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is one of those compounds, and it won’t get you high. Exposing it to temperatures between 95-120°C (200-240°F) ultimately converts it into the THC that everyone knows.
However, most experts recommend keeping the temperatures at a sweet spot of 105°C (220°F).
The section below involves one process of decarboxylation, and other methods involve the same principle of heating the buds to a specific temperature.
Decarboxylation basics
The process involves a few simple steps using tools that you already have in your kitchen. Here are the basics:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Your preferred strain of buds
- Grinder
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 105°C. Grind your buds to increase their surface area and allow for more even heating. Avoid making them too fine and powdery, as they can burn faster.
- Take your baking tray and place a sheet of parchment paper on it. Spread out the ground buds evenly. Make sure there is no crowding on your tray.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and leave for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir the buds at least once.
- Remove the tray and allow your buds to cool completely.
If you’re new to the process, you may need to keep a watchful eye on your buds while they are in the oven. Leaving them for too long may burn off those precious cannabinoids and terpenes, ultimately compromising their quality.
You’re looking for a toasted, almost golden-brown colour. Never let it go past that point.
Your newly decarbed buds are now ready for infusion, and you can now begin making canna honey.
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How to make cannabis honey: 3 Ways
Now for the part you came here for. Like decarboxylation, the infusion involves a straightforward process, but you can do it a few ways. Here’s the first method.
Cannabis honey method #1
Ingredients and Equipment:
- 470 ml (2 cups) of honey
- 3.5 grams of decarbed cannabis
- Double broiler or small saucepan
- Fine mesh metal strainer
- Mason jar
Steps:
- Place the honey on your chosen cooking medium and cook over low heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes loose and runny.
- Place your decarbed buds. 3.5 grams (⅛ of an ounce) should give a milder hit, and feel free to double the amount if you want more potent effects.
- Stir the mixture to prevent it from sticking to your cooking vessel. Let it simmer for up to 40 minutes to allow complete infusion. Never allow it to reach a full boiling point.
- Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool completely. Once it reaches a warmth that’s comfortable to the touch, pour the canna honey into the glass jar through the strainer to sift out the plant material.
Cannabis honey method #2
The next method involves a different way of heating raw cannabis, but renders the same result.
Ingredients and equipment:
- 350 ml (1.5 cups) of coconut oil
- 330 ml (1.3 cups) of honey
- 3.5 grams (⅛ ounces) of raw cannabis buds
- Crock pot
- 2 mason jars
- Cheesecloth
- Fine mesh metal strainer
- Medium bowl
- Blender
Steps:
- Grind your buds and place them in one of the mason jars. Add the coconut oil and close the lid.
- Place the jar in a crock pot with boiling water, making sure it is nearly submerged. Leave it for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours until the buds and oil have mixed.
- Place the metal strainer on one of the bowls and the cheesecloth over it. Pour the mixture to sift out the plant material. Gather the cheesecloth and squeeze out all the remaining oil.
- Pour the honey into the blender, followed by the coconut oil and cannabis mixture. Lightly blend until they become homogeneous and turn into a beige-like hue.
- Pour the final mixture into the mason jar and seal the lid.
Cannabis honey method #3
You can also make cannabis honey using tinctures. This method takes three steps since the buds have already undergone the necessary processes, including decarboxylation.
Ingredients and Equipment:
- A jar of honey
- Spoon
- Your choice of cannabis tincture
Steps:
- Directly add the drops of tincture into the honey jar. The amount will depend on your desired potency level, but a drop or two will induce mild effects. Double the dose if you want a stronger hit.
- Take the spoon and run it over hot water before stirring. Doing so allows the honey and cannabis oil to slightly loosen up, making mixing easier.
- Seal the jar and let the mixture settle briefly before consuming.
Remember, there is no right or wrong method. Ultimately, it all boils down to preference and the materials and time at your disposal.
FAQs about making cannabis-infused honey
If you still have some doubts about the process and this form of cannabis use as a whole, here are some answers to the frequently asked questions.
To make cannabis honey, you typically have a choice between raw or organic honey. Raw honey is is your best bet when it comes to flavour and natural properties. If you are seeking a vegan option, consider using alternatives like maple syrup or agave. These plant-based sweeteners provide a similar texture and sweetness, which makes them suitable substitutes. Ultimately, the choice of sweetener depends on your dietary preferences and the flavour profile you desire.
The best way is to keep it in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place for up to three months. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it can cause thickening and unpleasant texture changes.
While store-bought canna honey includes the doses, a homemade batch likely won’t come with such measurements. In this case, treat it like how you would any edible:
● Start slow with the lowest amount: Begin with a teaspoon, then gradually increase it when you see fit.
● Keep the lead time in mind: Edibles usually take 30 to 45 minutes before they kick in. Don’t make the critical mistake of taking more because you ‘don’t feel anything.’
● Revisit your tolerance levels: If you’re doing edibles for the first time or aren’t used to them as much, item number one most applies to you.
Apart from eating it straight from the jar using a spoon or drizzling it over pancakes, you can also use THC honey as a sweetener for other baked goods. You can use your freshly made concoction to make cookies, muffins, and cakes.
Have yourself a sweet DIY buzz
Now that you have three different ways of making THC honey, it’s time to give it a try. Make a batch for yourself, share it with friends and close kin, and spread the buzz.
If you have recipes or personal insights about cannabis honey, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Experiment, have fun, and give yourself a sweet DIY high. And remember, if you encounter a snag, you’ll always have this trusty guide to refer back to.
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis use differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.
