5 Things you should do with homemade edibles
Edibles are quickly gaining on other consumption methods in terms of user preference, likely due to how simple they are to use, and the fact they’re much healthier than the most popular alternatives smoking or vaping. They taste great, make precise dosing easy, and they’re widely available at dispensaries near you, but for those who want to save some money, enjoy more powerful options, or try a dish that isn’t typically for sale through legal vendors, things can get a bit tricky.
Of course, we highly encourage consumers from all walks of life to test their skills in the kitchen with cannabis, even if they don’t have any experience, but there are some things that should be done along the way, and these are five of the most important ones to remember.
1. Choose your cannabis products carefully
Cannabutter is an excellent option and it’s used by both experienced chefs and beginners, but it’s not always the best choice in terms of flavor or compatibility with different recipes. Decarbed bud will also work in a pinch. Sadly it’ll also leave just about any food you put it in crunchy or gritty, and that’s not ideal for the ultimate experience. However, there are better products that will add more potency and are tasteless, like other infused ingredients, shatter, rosin, tincture, or oil.
2. Measure the dose whenever possible
One of the biggest drawbacks of homemade edibles is how hard it can be to determine how much of the active ingredient is in each bite, but this is still something that’s good to figure out so that you don’t accidentally take too much. There are several online calculators available, and you don’t even need them to get close. All you need to know is how much you’re adding, and how many individual servings you’ll have. Divide the first number by the second and you’ll have a relatively reliable answer.
3. Don’t choose recipes that take a long time to set
One of the biggest problems with homemade edibles is that depending on the ingredient chosen, the cannabinoids may pool on top, sink to the bottom, or get evenly distributed, and without a way to test this, it’s really hard to tell which it is. Luckily, thicker pastes and doughs do a pretty good job of holding it all in place, which is why so many enthusiasts stick to baked goods, or at the very least, recipes that thicken or set quickly to reduce the likelihood of any sinking or floating happening.
4. Add clear labels
Store-bought edibles come with clear labels to reduce the chances of accidental consumption which can be a terrifying experience for someone who isn’t anticipating a barrage of potentially intoxicating effects. Whether you have kids in the house or allow guests to help themselves to the contents of your fridge, it’s always a good idea to make sure your delicious infused food is obviously labeled.
5. Keep them safely secured
Some edibles must stay refrigerated or frozen, and no matter where they’re kept, it’s best to keep them safely secured and out of reach to protect kids, guests, or pets. Lock them away, bury them under other items, or push them to the back of a bottom shelf, so they’ll stay out of sight and mind.
