
Cannabis milk, often called canna milk or weed milk, is one of the most versatile cannabis infusions. As a cannabis infused product, it can be used as a base for a wide range of cannabis infused edibles, making it easy to incorporate cannabis into drinks, desserts, and more.
It’s simple to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and can be used in everything from coffee and hot chocolate to baked goods and savory dishes.
Whether you’re looking to create a delicious edible or explore cannabis cooking techniques, you can make a cannabis version of classic recipes by infusing your favorite strain, allowing you to personalize both the effects and the taste of your creations. Cannabis milk is a must-know recipe for every enthusiast.
This complete 2025 guide explains the science of why it works, step-by-step instructions, potency calculations, recipe variations, storage and safety tips, FAQs, and even professional tools used by edible makers.
Cannabinoids and Fat
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in fat, not water. Other cannabinoids also bind to fat, which is why milk naturally contains fat and proteins that act as carriers, making it an excellent medium for cannabis infusion.
The higher the fat content (whole milk, half-and-half, cream), the stronger the extraction—and all that means better absorption and potency.
Decarboxylation
Raw cannabis contains cannabinoids in their acidic form (THCA, CBDA) which are not psychoactive. Heating through decarboxylation activates them:
- THCA → THC
- CBDA → CBD
Decarboxylation is necessary to produce psychoactive effects when eating marijuana, as the process converts THCA into THC before ingestion. When smoking marijuana, the heat and smoke instantly activate THC, providing immediate psychoactive effects, while eating edibles like cannabis milk requires decarbing first to achieve the desired results.
This is a critical step. Without decarbing, your cannabis milk will be far less potent.
Temperature & Extraction
- Ideal range: 160–180 °F (71–82 °C).
- Below this, extraction is weak.
- Above this, cannabinoids degrade or milk scorches.
During the infusion process, it is important to mix the mixture of milk and cannabis thoroughly and maintain low heat. This ensures optimal extraction of cannabinoids and prevents burning or uneven infusion.
Stirring and gentle heating help cannabinoids bind evenly to the fat molecules in milk. Adding lecithin can also improve absorption and stability.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Cannabis Milk
Ingredients
- ½ gallon (≈1.9 L) whole milk, or four cups (≈950 mL) of cow's milk, cow milk, regular milk, or almond milk (plant-based alternative; homemade almond milk can be made using a food processor)
- 2–3 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower, finely ground to increase surface area for better extraction
- ½ teaspoon lecithin (optional)
- Saucepan, thermometer, spoon
- Cheesecloth or strainer (to remove plant matter after infusion)
- Airtight glass jar for storage
- Whipped cream (optional, for added richness)
Directions
- Break buds into small chunks.
- Spread cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake at 245 °F (120 °C) for 30–40 minutes.
- Stir halfway through for even activation.
- Heat the Milk
- Pour milk into a saucepan or pot.
- Warm slowly to ~165 °F (74 °C). Avoid boiling.
- Add Cannabis & Lecithin
- Stir cannabis into the milk to create a mixture.
- Simmer gently over low heat, keeping between 160–180 °F.
- Stir the mixture occasionally for 30–60 minutes.
- Cool & Strain
- Allow the mixture to be cooled for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the cooled mixture through cheesecloth into a jar.
- Store Properly
- Store your batch of cannamilk in a covered container or storage container.
- Refrigerate up to 7 days.
- Label clearly and keep away from children.
Note for beginners: When making your first batch, start by drinking or consuming a small amount of the liquid (such as a quarter glass) to gauge potency and effects before increasing your dose.
Variations
- Half-and-Half or Cream: Richer, more potent infusion, ideal for those seeking a stronger cannabis infused milk experience.
- Coconut Milk: Vegan-friendly, with high fat content. Great for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free options.
- Spiced Milk: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra flavor. You can enjoy cannamilk straight or use it in recipes like cereals, smoothies, or desserts.
- Chai Latte Milk: Combine with black tea and warming spices. Try using different strains to customize the flavor and potency, or opt for medicinal cannabis if you want therapeutic effects.
Uses for Cannabis Milk
Once you’ve infused milk, the possibilities are endless. Cannabis milk can be used for eating, making edibles, and creating cannabis infused recipes.
- Cannabis Hot Chocolate: Add cocoa and sweetener.
- Weed Milkshakes: Blend with ice cream or fruit.
- Baking: Replace milk in muffins, cakes, pancakes for cannabis infused treats.
- Savory Dishes: Use in mashed potatoes, cream sauces, or soups for making edibles.
- Coffee & Tea: Make cannabis lattes or golden milk, perfect for eating or drinking cannabis infused beverages.
Potency Calculation Guide
Estimating strength is essential.
- Cannabis potency: 20% THC = 200 mg per gram.
- Amount used: 2 g = 400 mg THC total in the batch.
- Final volume: 1,800 ml milk after infusion.
- Serving size: 200 ml cup → 9 servings per batch.
- Per serving: 400 ÷ 9 ≈ 44 mg THC (before losses).
When you consume your batch of canna milk, always start with a small dose (10–15 mg) until you know your tolerance, as potency and effects can vary.
Storage & Shelf-Life
- Refrigerate in a covered storage container or airtight glass jar for 5–7 days to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
- Freeze in small covered containers or storage containers for longer storage (thaw slowly).
- Cannabinoids degrade with heat, light, or oxygen—store in dark, covered containers.
Safety & Legal Notes
- Label edibles clearly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Start low and go slow with dosing.
- Follow local cannabis laws—only make cannabis milk where it's legal.
Brands, Kits, and Tools
Professional edible makers and serious home cooks may use:
- Sous-vide machines (Anova, Joule) for precise temp control.
- Digital scales (A&D, Ohaus).
- ThermoPro probes for consistent heat.
- Jacketed infusion tanks for commercial kitchens.
Cannabis Milk in 2025: Trends
- Coffee Shops: Canna-lattes and infused iced coffee in legal states.
- Vegan Options: Coconut, almond, and oat canna-milks with added oils.
- Nano-emulsions: Faster absorption, smoother texture.
- Regulations: More states requiring lab potency tests on infused milks.
Comparison Table: Cannabis Milk Methods
Method | Fat Source | Best Use | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Whole Milk | Dairy fat | Strong infusion, classic flavor | Spoils quickly | Hot chocolate, cereal |
Cream | High dairy fat | Very potent, creamy | Heavy, high calorie | Desserts, sauces |
Coconut Milk | Plant fat | Vegan, tropical flavor | Can separate | Smoothies, curries |
Almond/Oat Milk + Oil | Plant milk + fat | Light, vegan | Weaker infusion | Coffee drinks |
Nano-Emulsion Milk | Any | Fast absorption | Requires equipment | Beverages |
FAQs On Cannabis Milk
Can I use skim milk?
No, not enough fat for effective infusion
Can I freeze cannabis milk?
Yes, in small batches. Thaw in the fridge.
Will baking destroy THC?
Moderate oven temps (≤350 °F) won't significantly degrade potency.
How long does it take to feel effects?
45–90 minutes, depending on metabolism.
Can I make it with trim instead of buds?
Yes, but potency and flavor will differ.
10 Interesting Facts About Cannabis Milk
- After simmering, the cannabis milk mixture must be strained to remove plant material before storage.
- Cannabis milk should be stored in the refrigerator and used by the sell-by date of the original milk product used.
- Using less milk can result in a more concentrated cannabis milk, which can be desired depending on the intended use.
- Cannabis milk can be substituted for regular milk in almost any recipe, providing a discreet way to consume cannabinoids.
- Cannabis milk can be added to breakfast cereal as a flavorful alternative to regular milk.
- Cannabis milk can take at least an hour and a half to kick in and even longer to reach peak effects.
- The effects of cannabis milk tend to be more intense and long-lasting compared to other forms of consumption.
- Some users have reported feeling effects from cannabis milk within 30 minutes of consumption.
- A recommended starting dose for cannabis milk is to consume a small amount, ideally a quarter glass, and wait to see how it affects you.
- If no effects are felt after an hour, it's advised to consume another quarter glass and wait again.
Expert Quote
“Cannabis milk is a gateway recipe for edibles. Once you master it, you unlock a world of drinks, desserts, and savory creations—all with customizable potency.” — Jeff Zorn, Cannabis Training University
Cannabis Milk Conclusion
Cannabis milk is easy, versatile, and endlessly adaptable. By understanding the science, following careful steps, and storing it properly, you can craft consistent and enjoyable infusions.
Whether you're making spiced chai, hot chocolate, or creamy sauces, canna-milk is a foundational edible that belongs in every cannabis chef's repertoire. Learn more cannabis cooking recipes at CTU.

Karen Getchell
Karen gained expertise in developing training programs and technical documentation as a Senior Editor at Cisco Systems. She began her journey in cannabis as a patient, searching for a way to heal herself. When she perfected a method for making cannabis oil, other patients began to seek her out. An early adopter of CBD medicine, she started her CBD-infused-products business in 2014. Over the last two decades, Karen has taught hundreds of patients and caregivers how to select strains, infuse oils, and extract cannabinoids.
When she isn’t teaching cannabis cooking classes, Karen works as a cannabis business consultant, writes for online cannabis publications like Cannabis Training University, Leafly, and Weedmaps, and runs a CBD-infused-product business.










Jeff was involved in an accident where he endured a traumatic brain injury. He had a week-long stay in ICU where brain surgeons
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