7 Myths About Cannabis Cooking

Cannabis cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years as more states legalize recreational and medical marijuana use. 

However, there are still a lot of misconceptions and myths about cannabis cooking that can make it difficult for people to properly infuse their food with marijuana. 

Here, we will be debunking some of the most common marijuana myths about cooking to help you understand the process better and make delicious, potent edibles at home.

Top Myths About Cannabis Cooking

Myth #1: More Cannabis Equals Stronger Edibles

A common misconception is that the more cannabis you use in your cooking, the stronger the edibles will be. This is not always the case. 

The strength of your edibles will depend on various factors, including the type of cannabis you use, the quality of your cannabis, and the dosage you use. 

It is important to understand that different strains of cannabis have different levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. 

Some strains have a higher THC content, while others have a higher CBD content. It is important to know the THC and CBD content of the cannabis you are using to properly dose your edibles. 

Additionally, the quality of your cannabis can affect the strength of your edibles. If the cannabis you are using is of poor quality or has been improperly stored, it may not be as potent as it should be. 

When it comes to dosage, it is always best to start with a small amount and work your way up. Overeating a cannabis-infused edible can lead to an unpleasant experience, and it is better to err on the side of caution. A marijuana overdose is not fatal.

Myth #2: You Can Taste the Cannabis in Edibles

Many people believe that cannabis-infused edibles will have a robust and distinct taste of cannabis. However, this is not always the case.

When cannabis is properly infused into a fat, such as butter or oil, and then used for cooking, the taste of the cannabis is often barely detectable.

Additionally, many cannabis cooks use different herbs and spices to mask the taste of the cannabis. Some popular options include vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and mint.

Myth #3: Cannabis Edibles Take Effect Immediately

Another common misconception is that cannabis edibles take effect immediately after consuming them. However, this is not the case. It can take anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes for the effects of cannabis edibles to be felt. 

This is because the THC in cannabis edibles needs to be metabolized by the liver before it can take effect. This process can take longer than vaporizing or smoking marijuana, and the effects can be more intense and longer lasting.

You must be patient and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more edibles. Consuming too much can lead to an unpleasant experience and can be dangerous.

Myth #4: Raw Cannabis Doesn’t Get You High

Raw cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is not psychoactive. It needs to be heated to a specific temperature to convert it into THC, which gives the psychoactive effect. Adding raw cannabis to your food will not result in intoxicating effects.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat cannabis raw. Eating raw cannabis has its own benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system.

Cannabis juicing is an easy and convenient way to reap the benefits of consuming raw cannabis. Interested in juicing? Check out our cannabis juicing guide for tasty and fruity smoothie and drink recipes.

Myth #5: You Can Cook with Any Part of the Cannabis Plant

Not all parts of the cannabis plant are suitable for cooking. The flowers of the cannabis plant contain the most THC and CBD and are the most commonly used parts for infusing into foods.

When it comes to cooking with cannabis, the flowers can be broken up and used to infuse butter, oil, and other fats, which can then be used to make various cannabis-infused foods and drinks. 

Other parts of the plant, such as the stems and leaves, do not contain as much THC and CBD but may be suitable for cooking. They can be used to make teas, tinctures, and other infused products, but they may not provide the same potency as the flowers. 

Myth #6: You Need Special Equipment to Make Cannabis Edibles

Many believe you need special equipment to make cannabis edibles, such as a double boiler or a vacuum sealer. While these tools can make the process easier, they are not necessary. You can make cannabis edibles using basic kitchen equipment such as a saucepan, a spatula, and an oven.

For example, to make cannabis-infused butter or oil, you can use a simple saucepan to melt the butter or oil, add the decarboxylated cannabis and let it simmer for a certain period of time. Then, you can strain the mixture with cheesecloth to remove the plant material, and you'll have your infused butter or oil ready to use in your recipes.

Myth #7: You Need Experience to Make Cannabis Edibles

Many people think making cannabis edibles is complicated and requires a lot of experience, but this is not the case. 

With the right tools, ingredients, and patience, anyone can make delicious and potent cannabis edibles at home. There are many online resources and cookbooks available that can help guide you through the process and provide you with easy-to-follow recipes.

If you want to take your cannabis cooking to the next level and become an expert in cannabis edibles, consider enrolling in Cannabis Training University’s Master of Cannabis Certification Program.

Our comprehensive program provides in-depth training on cannabis edibles, including the science of decarboxylation, infusion methods, dosage calculation, and more. With the skills you learn, you can make your own edibles and work in commercial cannabis kitchen.