Making Weed Brownies: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making weed brownies is a fun and novel way to consume cannabis. The process involves infusing butter or oil with cannabis, which can then be used in a regular brownie recipe. This is known as making cannabutter or cannabis oil. The key to this process is controlling the heat—THC, the compound in cannabis that creates a high, needs to be heated to a certain temperature to be activated but will evaporate if overheated. Once the cannabutter or oil is prepared, it can be used in any brownie recipe, or even spread on toast for a psychoactive kick.

How to make cannabutter

Making cannabutter is a key step in creating weed brownies. Here is a detailed guide on how to make it:

Decarboxylation

This step, also known as "decarbing", involves activating the cannabinoids in the cannabis flower by converting the inactive THCA and CBDA into their active forms, THC and CBD. This process unlocks the psychoactive effects of the weed and facilitates the binding of the plant's lipids to the butter or oil.

Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C). Grind the cannabis buds coarsely using a hand grinder. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting. The cannabis should turn brownish-green, indicating that it has been decarboxylated. If your cannabis still appears green, continue baking until it reaches a light brown colour, being careful not to burn it.

Infusing the Butter

Place the decarboxylated cannabis into a saucepan and melt butter over low heat. For every ¼ ounce of decarboxylated cannabis, you can add 1 cup of butter. Keep the heat low, ideally between 160°F and 180°F, and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 hours. It is crucial not to let the mixture boil, as this will reduce the THC levels. Ensure that the butter temperature does not exceed 190°F. Stir the mixture occasionally and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Straining the Butter

Set up a funnel lined with cheesecloth over a jar. Once the butter mixture has cooled down slightly, pour it through the cheesecloth-lined funnel. This will separate the butter from the plant material. Avoid squeezing the cheesecloth to prevent any plant material from getting into your butter.

Storing the Cannabutter

Transfer the strained cannabutter into a container or jar. Cannabutter has a shorter shelf life than cannabis oil, so it is best to use it relatively soon. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.

Tips for Making Cannabutter

• Do not overheat the cannabutter: Controlling the heat is crucial to retaining THC levels. THC needs a fat molecule to dissolve and be released from the plant, which is why it is infused into butter. Overheating will cause the THC to evaporate, so it is essential not to let the butter boil.
• Control your butter temperature: Maintain a maximum temperature of between 75°C and 80°C to effectively extract the THC. If your stove cannot achieve this temperature, consider using the Au-bain Marie method for better temperature control.
• Filter your cannabutter: Filtering the butter through a clean kitchen towel or a fine sieve will ensure that no pieces of the plant remain in your butter, resulting in a smoother final product.

How to calculate your THC levels

When making weed brownies, it's important to calculate the THC levels to ensure the potency is suitable for your desired experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to calculate your THC levels:

Determine the THC Concentration:

Start by finding out the THC concentration of the cannabis flowers you're using. This information is usually available from dispensaries or the seller. It's typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a strain with 20% THC means that 1 gram of cannabis contains 200 mg of THC.

Calculate the Total THC Quantity:

Multiply the weight of your cannabis flowers by the THC concentration to find the total amount of THC present. For instance, if you have 3 grams of cannabis with 20% THC:

3 grams x 20% = 0.6 grams of THC

Consider Decarboxylation Losses:

THC in its raw form is known as THCA, and it needs to be decarboxylated (heated) to become psychoactive. During this process, some THC is lost. Assume a retention of 90% THC post-decarboxylation to be cautious. So, for 0.6 grams of THC:

• 6 grams x 0.9 = 0.54 grams of THC
• Account for Extraction Efficiency:

Not all of the THC will be extracted into your butter or oil. Extraction efficiency varies, but a conservative estimate is 60%. This means only 60% of the THC will be available for consumption. For the previous example:

• 54 grams x 0.6 = 0.324 grams of THC
• Determine THC per Edible:

Now that you know the total THC in your butter or oil, divide it by the number of servings you plan to make. For instance, if you plan to cut your brownies into 12 pieces:

• 324 grams / 12 = 0.027 grams of THC per brownie
• Consider Bioavailability:

When consumed, not all of the THC will be absorbed by the body. THC has a bioavailability of at least 96%, so you can assume that at least 96% of the THC will be absorbed. This will give you the final THC dose per edible.

Adjust as Needed:

Based on your calculations, decide if you need to adjust your recipe. If you want a milder effect, use less cannabis or make more servings. For a stronger effect, use more cannabis or make fewer servings. Always start with a low dose, especially if you're new to edibles.

Remember, these calculations are estimates, and there are many variables that can affect the final THC levels in your weed brownies. It's always better to underestimate the potency and start with a lower dose to ensure a safe and controlled experience.

How to store weed brownies

Storing your weed brownies correctly is important to ensure they remain edible and safe to consume. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store weed brownies:

Storing Freshly Baked Weed Brownies:

Start by allowing the brownies to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial to prevent moisture buildup within the container, which can lead to spoilage. Once they have cooled, decide whether you want to freeze the whole batch or individual brownie squares.

If you're freezing a whole batch, leave the brownies in the container they were baked in, assuming it is freezer-safe. Wrap the container in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then slide it into a freezer bag. Seal the bag tightly and label it with the date of freezing.

For individual brownie squares, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to flash freeze. This process will prevent the brownies from sticking together or to the plastic. After flash freezing, you can choose to wrap each brownie in plastic wrap or simply place all the squares into a freezer bag.

Long-Term Storage:

For long-term storage, it is best to keep weed brownies in a cool place, such as the fridge or freezer. The ideal storage temperature is between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).

When storing in the fridge, use an airtight container, preferably made of glass. Avoid using plastic ziplock bags as they don't provide an effective barrier against moisture. Additionally, wrap the brownies in parchment paper before placing them in the container for added protection.

If you plan to store the brownies for more than a week or two, choose an opaque container to block out light, as light can degrade the cannabinoids over time.

When stored at room temperature, weed brownies will remain fresh for about two days before slowly drying out. In a pantry, they may last up to eight days. However, it is important to note that temperature changes and humidity can cause mould to develop.

In the fridge, weed brownies can last for up to three weeks, and even up to a month if stored in an airtight container.

For the longest shelf life, store your weed brownies in the freezer. They will remain fresh for about three months and retain their taste and potency.

Signs That Weed Brownies Have Gone Bad:

• Mould or mildew buildup
• Loss or change in smell
• Condensation droplets in the container
• Dry, brittle, or crumbly texture

How to make fudgy weed brownies

Ingredients:

• 170g unsalted butter
• 200g granulated sugar
• 175g dark chocolate (70%)
• 90g all-purpose flour
• Original haze or other cannabis strain

Equipment:

• Oven
• Baking tin
• Kitchen towel
• Pestle and mortar
• Medium bowl
• Saucepan
• Sieve
• Spatula
• Ruler
• Airtight container

Method:

• Start by making the cannabis butter. To do this, grind your chosen cannabis strain into small pieces using a pestle and mortar. Make sure to clean your equipment thoroughly before and after use.
• Slowly melt your butter. This step is important as overheating your cannabis will reduce its THC levels.
• Add your ground cannabis to the butter and, on the lowest heat possible, let the cannabis infuse into the butter for 1 hour to make your cannabutter. Ensure the butter does not boil and stir consistently.
• Preheat your oven to 160C.
• Place the chocolate in a bowl and lay a clean kitchen towel in a sieve over the bowl. Sieve your cannabutter over the chocolate. The remaining heat of the butter will melt the chocolate. Mix until smooth and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whip your eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). This step is vital for achieving that signature crackly brownie top.
• Add your chocolate mixture to your eggs and mix until combined.
• Fold in your flour, salt and cacao powder and stop mixing once it's fully combined.
• Pour the brownie mixture into a buttered and lined square or brownie baking tin.
• Bake your brownie for 15-20 minutes, then take it out of the oven and leave it to cool completely.
• Once cooled, slice into 12 portions.

Tips:

• Be careful not to overheat your cannabutter, as this will cause the THC to evaporate. Keep the temperature between 75 and 80C.
• Filter your cannabutter through a clean kitchen towel to ensure no pieces of the plant are left in your butter.
• Be mindful of how much cannabis you add to your brownies. The dosage of 1.5g Original Haze has been calculated to hit the sweet spot per portion.
• Stick to the oven temperature and baking time in this recipe to achieve ultra fudgy brownies.
• Use a ruler to cut the brownies into carefully cut pieces means reliable dosing.
• These brownies are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge and will remain fresh, fudgy and delicious for at least 7 days.

How to choose the right strain

The right strain of cannabis will depend on the desired effects and flavours you want to experience. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a strain for your weed brownies:

Sativa vs Indica

The two main types of cannabis plants are sativa and indica. Sativa strains are often associated with an energetic high, while indica strains tend to provide a more relaxing and sedating effect. If you want a more uplifting and stimulating experience, go for sativa strains. However, if you're looking for a calming and soothing high, indica strains are the way to go.

THC Concentration

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the "high" feeling. The THC concentration in your chosen strain will significantly impact the potency and intensity of your weed brownies. Be mindful of the THC percentage and adjust your dosage accordingly. Remember, it's always better to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed.

Flavour and Aroma

The flavour and aroma of the strain can also play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience. Some strains have earthy, citrus, or sweet tones, while others may have floral or pine notes. Consider choosing a strain that complements the chocolate flavour of your brownies. For example, strains with fruity or vanilla notes can add an interesting twist to your dessert.

Personal Preferences and Tolerance

Everyone's experience with cannabis is unique, and it's important to consider your own preferences and tolerance levels. If you're new to cannabis edibles or have a low THC tolerance, opt for strains with lower THC concentrations or start with a smaller dose. Gradually increase the dosage as you become more familiar with the effects.

707 Headband:

707 Headband is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with up to 23% THC. It offers a relaxing, energizing, and pain-free experience. Its citrus and earthy flavours, with sweet cream tones, will pair well with the chocolate in your brownies.

Trainwreck:

If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, Trainwreck is a great choice. With up to 15% THC, it's perfect for beginners or those who want a milder high. The pine and citrus aromas of this strain will also enhance the flavour of your brownies.

White Widow:

White Widow is a well-known hybrid strain, crossing a Brazilian sativa landrace with an Indian indica. It offers THC levels of up to 19% and a sativa-driven high, with some indica traits. Its lighter, fresher aroma, with floral and pine notes, will beautifully complement the chocolate in your brownies.

Sundae Driver:

Sundae Driver is an excellent option if you want your weed brownies to be uplifting rather than overly sedating. It has earthy undertones with notes of vanilla, fruit, and blueberries, making it a delicious pairing with the chocolate.

Chocolate Haze:

As the name suggests, Chocolate Haze has a chocolatey flavour that goes perfectly with brownies. This strain provides heavy couch-locking effects, making it ideal for those seeking a deeply relaxing and sedative experience.

Remember, the effects of cannabis can vary from person to person, so it's always important to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the right balance for your desired experience.

Frequently asked questions