Top 6 Cannabis Edible Recipes for Every Occasion (2024)

It's boring to use cannabis the same way every time. Light up a joint or a blunt — same ol’ thing, every single time. It can get old too fast, especially when you have close friends joining you or if you have something special planned.

But, it doesn't have to be that way. You can enjoy cannabis in a variety of ways. From cookies to popcorn to gummies, your creativity could be endless.

This way, even your friends who don't like smoking can join you. But, make no mistake — most of these edibles can knock you out, much faster than a joint.

So, let's go ahead and take a look at these fantastic recipes that can light your fire.

But, first, let's first go over what edibles are.

Understanding Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles have gained popularity over the years as they offer a variety of flavors and effects. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles provide a long-lasting high. These delectable treats come in many forms from treats like brownies and gummies to savory dishes like pizza and macaroni and cheese. You get to savor the benefits of cannabis while enjoying these little treats.

In essence, cannabis edibles are nothing but food items infused with cannabis. You can use buds or concentrates, as long as you follow a solid recipe.

What makes these edibles popular is their convenience, user-friendliness, and ability to deliver specific doses of cannabinoids. Although newbies should try edibles cautiously — they can get you really high for a much longer time than joints — it's a perfect way for veterans to enjoy the effects.

Key Points to Remember When Consuming Cannabis Edibles

Crafting your cannabis-infused treats allows you to customize just the way you want them. From the potency, taste, and the type of cannabis you use, you can change anything to fit your requirements. This personalization is great for medicinal cannabis users who have to be very careful of the dosage and use specific strains that are more effective for their conditions.

However, you must consider a few factors here. For instance, determining the potency can be challenging for beginners so it's essential to begin with a small quantity and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. The effects of edibles take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. For example, you can feel the effects immediately when you speak or vape. With edibles, it takes at least 30 minutes to an hour to kick in. It can take longer at times, so you should wait patiently for it to work.

Another crucial aspect is the decarboxylation process, which is essential for activating the THC in cannabis before incorporating it into your recipes. Without decarboxylation, your edibles may not produce the desired effects. This is because when cannabis is in its raw form, it contains THCA and CBDA which are still non-psychoactive. To activate them into THC and CBD, cannabis must undergo decarboxylation. For this, you simply heat the buds to eliminate a carboxyl group.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis

Here's how you do it:

• First, you need to preheat the oven. Set it between 220-245°F (105-120°C). Lower temperatures are gentler on preserving the cannabinoids while higher temperatures speed up the process.
• Now, break down your cannabis buds. Spread them on a baking sheet after lining it with parchment paper. Spread them evenly to prevent clumping.
• Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes. Once the buds turn golden with a nice, crispy aroma, take them out of the oven, let them cool, and store them.

The procedure is the same for every recipe when you're using buds. Thus, if you're going to make a lot of edibles, it makes sense to decarboxylate a good amount of buds and store them for future use.

Coming back to the edibles, make sure you store them properly, particularly if you have children or pets in your household. Proper labeling and safe storage practices can help prevent accidental consumption.

How to Make Cannabutter

Most of these recipes need cannabutter, so let's go over how to make it briefly. For those unaware, cannabutter is nothing but butter infused with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, making it simple to add cannabis to your dishes.

Here's how you do it:

Ingredients

1 cup butter

1 cup water

7-10 grams of cannabis (Use more if you want potent cannabutter)

Tools

Saucepan or double boiler

Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Directions

1. Before you begin, you'll need to decarboxylate the cannabis. Just follow the instructions mentioned above.
2. Mix the water and butter in a saucepan or double boiler. It sounds counterintuitive to mix butter and water but it's important so the butter doesn’t burn. Turn on the heat and let it simmer on low heat until the butter dissolves.
3. Add your cannabis buds to this butter-and-water mixture and stir everything well so that the cannabis is spread throughout. Again, remember to do all this on low heat or the butter will burn and you'll have bitter-tasting cannabutter.
4. Take it off the heat after 2-3 hours and strain the mixture with a cheesecloth or mesh strainer. Let it cool at room temperature; any remaining water will separate from the butter. Once cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator.

Once the butter has solidified, you may find some water at the bottom of your container. Drain it again and store it back in the fridge in an airtight container.

Since there's so much water, the butter will be good only for about 2 weeks in the fridge. Or, you can freeze it for long-term use. Use it quickly to make edibles!

Also, make sure you use top-notch cannabis as you'll be using this cannabutter to make loads of dishes. If you mess this up, all your dishes won't meet your expectations. Finally, label it properly or your spouse might use it on the toast!

Now that we got all this out of the way, let's get into a range of easy-to-follow cannabis-infused recipes suitable for various occasions from delectable sweets to savory delights ensuring there's something to please everyone.

Best Cannabis Edibles for Every Occasion

Let’s go over some of the most amazing recipes you can infuse with cannabis. Hopefully, you’ll try each one of these, because, why not? They are simple, delicious, and just yummy!

1. Classic Cannabis Brownies — A Timeless Favorite Edible

When it comes to cannabis-infused treats, the classic cannabis brownie is often the best choice. These decadent chocolate delights have become synonymous with edibles, providing a familiar way to experience the effects of cannabis while enjoying delectable brownies. Who doesn't love them?!

Cannabis brownies are cherished not only for their taste but also for their simplicity. Almost anyone can make them, whether you're an expert or just starting out. Moreover, you can use them any time of the day — from sharing them with friends to using them discreetly; they are simply perfect in every way.

The chocolatey goodness also helps conceal the flavor of cannabis, making them an excellent option even for those who can't stand the taste.

Here is a simple recipe you can try:

Ingredients

1 cup cannabutter

1 cup regular sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup baking or all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

¾ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine canna butter, both types of sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
3. Start adding the eggs one by one after beating them.
4. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl and mix that with this egg mixture.
5. Add in your chocolate chips if you're using them. Mix everything well.
6. Spread the batter evenly on the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick to see if it comes out clean. If it doesn't, bake for another 5 minutes.
7. Cut the brownies into squares once it cools down.

Dosage and Flavor Variations

Achieving the right dosage is crucial when you're making edibles. Since you're using cannabutter here, the potency will depend on how strong it is. Therefore, you must know the potency of the butter before you make the recipe. To dose your edibles, start small. For example, it's best to start with just 5-10mg THC per serving. You can increase the dosage later if necessary but you can't reduce it.

When making the brownies, ensure you mix the butter properly so the THC is distributed evenly. If you're unsure about the potency, try making a small test batch and sample a piece to assess the effects before baking a full batch.

Remember that edibles take longer to take effect compared to smoking or vaping. Thus, wait 1-2 hours after eating a brownie before deciding whether to consume more.

While traditional cannabis brownies are tasty as is, you can play around with flavors and textures by adding nuts or seeds like chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for texture and taste. You can also add some peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread for that delightful nutty flavor.

Or, you can add dry fruits like raspberries, cherries, and apricots for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.

Once your brownies have cooled down, top them off with a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for an extra luxurious treat.

And, that's it! You can make these whenever you choose. Enjoy!

2. Homemade Chewy Cannabis Gummies Recipe — A Convenient and Precise Option

Cannabis gummies are popular as you can use them no matter where you are. They are discreet, tasty, and offer the perfect effects. You can even carry them when you're traveling. One way to consume them is to pop them just before you head out for a hike. Nature and cannabis — nothing beats that!

Another major benefit of using these gummies is that you can adjust the dosage with precision. By measuring the cannabis extract or tincture you're adding to the mixture, you can guarantee that each gummy contains a specific quantity of THC or CBD. So, whether you want to enjoy a bigger dose or enjoy a lightweight one, gummies are just perfect. Also, gummies don't contain ingredients that expire early, so you can store them for a long time.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup of your favorite fruit juice

½ cup of cannabis-infused honey or syrup

2 tablespoons of gelatin

1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. In a saucepan mix your fruit and lemon juice.
2. Sprinkle gelatin over the juice mixture and wait until it thickens.
3. Warm this mixture on low heat but stir continuously until all the gelatin dissolves.
4. Remove from heat, add the syrup, and pour the entire mixture into molds.
5. Place the molds in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and wait until it is set. Typically, it needs at least 3 hours.

Enjoy your gummies once they are firm and remove them from the molds. You can store them in the fridge in an airtight container.

Tips to Make Excellent Gummies

Experiment with various flavors like strawberry, raspberry, lemon, orange, or lime using fruit juices or extracts for vibrant flavors that complement the notes of cannabis well.

If you love tropical flavors, mango, pineapple, coconut or passion fruit will work great. You can also add a tiny bit of citric acid along with watermelon, sour cherry, and sour green apple for a sour twist.

Some people love to use CBD gummies. If you like this idea, try complementing it with herbal essences like mint, lavender, or chamomile for an extra-calming touch.

If you want to impress your friends, you can get creative by layering your gummies with different colors and flavors. Simply make two batches and layer them on top of each other. Not only will it look visually appealing, but will also offer a burst of flavor with every bite.

It's also a good idea to add supplements like vitamin C or some electrolytes for a healthy gummy.

As you can see, the sky is the limit when you're set to play with cannabis-infused gummies.

3. Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies — A Trip Down Memory Lane

Who doesn't love a wonderful chocolate chip cookie that brings back memories of childhood, cozy kitchens, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats? If you want to recreate those memories along with a bit of cannabis, let these chocolate chip cookies lead the way. These cookies blend some buttery goodness with the perks of cannabis, making them a delightful choice for anyone who loves homemade edibles.

Seriously, nothing beats these cookies. The best part is that they are a real people pleaser, so pass them around to your friends (after you let them know that they are infused with cannabis, of course) and watch them giggle away throughout the party. These cookies, like the brownies, hide the taste of marijuana well too.

Ingredients

¾ cup cannabutter

¾ cup of granulated white sugar

¾ cup of brown sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp of salt

2 cups of chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl mix the cannabutter, vanilla extract, and sugar. You can whip it up too.
3. Add the eggs one by one and mix everything.
4. In another bowl, sieve the flour, salt, and baking soda and whisk them into the buttery mixture. Mix everything well again.
5. Add your chocolate chips.
6. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet with some space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack for cooling.

While some people love chewy cookies, others love crispy ones. Here's how you can achieve the perfect consistency.

Chewy Cookies

For chewier cookies, increase the amount of brown sugar compared to white sugar in your recipe. This will enhance their texture and flavor profile.

Brown sugar has a higher moisture content, so the cookies become more tender. In addition, you can reduce your baking time for chewy cookies. Make sure the temperature is low (around 325°F or 163°C) to keep them soft. The edges should be firm while the centers should still appear under-cooked when you take them out of the oven.

You can also alter the recipe slightly by adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. This will make the cookies softer as well. And, since there's more moisture, they turn out tender. Finally, you can chill the cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and achieve a chewier cookie.

Crispy Cookies

Add more white sugar for a crispy texture. White sugar will help the cookies spread more too.

Baking the cookies at a slightly higher temperature (around 350°F or 177°C) for an extended period until they turn golden brown will make them crispy too.

Flatten the cookie dough balls slightly before baking to encourage spreading and create a thinner, crisper cookie.

Some bakers like margarine, but using pure butter will result in crispy cookies because of the way the butter melts when baked.

So, there you have it. Whether you love crunchy crispy cookies or soft, chewy ones, we bet you'll love these cookies.

4. Cannabis Butter Popcorn — A Movie-Night Favorite

A delicious choice for a movie night or whenever you're in the mood for something with a cannabis twist, cannabis butter popcorn is a unique way to enjoy your movie nights. This snack blends the crispy texture of popped popcorn with the richness of cannabis-infused butter. Many people don't like sugary edibles, so this popcorn is for those who love infusing cannabis with something savory rather than a sweet treat.

The reason popcorn blends with cannabis is that it has a light, plain taste that can be mixed with a variety of other flavors. Whether you prefer your popcorn plain, with butter, or spiced up with herbs, seasonings, or cheese, cannabutter popcorn offers a tasty way to experience the effects of cannabis as a delicious snack.

Ingredients

1/4 cup of corn kernels

2 3 tbsps of cannabis-infused butter

Salt

Directions

1. You can pop the kernels using any of your preferred methods.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat.
3. Drizzle the melted cannabis butter over the popped popcorn and toss it gently to ensure it's coated properly. Add salt and toss it again.

Tips for Evenly Coating Your Popcorn

Making popcorn is pretty easy but it really gets you when some kernels have extra spice and some are completely bland. This is because you haven't coated the kernels properly. To avoid this, you can do a few things:

Firstly, use freshly popped popcorn. Add a little oil to your pot (if you're using the stovetop) before tossing the kernels. Shake occasionally to prevent burning and ensure uniform popping.

If you're using an air popper, though, you don't need to add oil and you'll still get evenly coated popcorn without any interference.

Secondly, melt your cannabutter before adding the kernels. Wait for it to be velvety so that you can drizzle it effortlessly over the popcorn.

Put your popcorn in a bowl and drizzle the cannabutter over it gently while tossing the popcorn with a spoon. Or, you can shake the bowl to distribute the butter evenly.

If you have too much popcorn, you can coat it in layers by drizzling some butter over every layer and repeating the process until it's all coated. If the popcorn is stubborn, you can even use your hands to coat it. Make sure you wear gloves if you don't want spices all over your hands.

The best method is to close the bowl of popcorn with a tight lid and shake it until it's all coated. This technique effectively coats the popcorn without creating a mess.

To elevate your popcorn experience beyond the taste of cannabutter, consider adding some extra seasonings. Sprinkle on a bit of salt, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick.

Finally, remember to serve the popcorn immediately for the best flavor. It's amazing when it's still warm and fresh. The butter can harden if it cools down, so enjoy it when it's still crispy.

5. Cannabis-Infused Mac and Cheese — A Fusion of Comfort Food and Cannabis

Mac and cheese holds a special place in many hearts as a comforting dish known for its creamy, cheesy goodness that brings solace to the soul. Infusing cannabis into this favorite takes it to the next level as you enjoy its creamy goodness with the euphoric effects of marijuana.

Whether you want to spend a cozy night at home with your loved one or share it with friends, this recipe is simple, adaptable, and can be prepared in record time. The creamy sauce infused with cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil complements the tender pasta perfectly. Moreover, the rich flavors of cheese and seasonings help disguise the somewhat bitter cannabis taste, making it a delightful and soothing way to enjoy your favorite herb.

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta or macaroni

2 tbsps cannabutter

2 tbsps all-purpose flour

2 cups milk ( you can make a combo of milk and cream)

2 cups shredded cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta as specified on the label until al dente and set it aside after draining all the water.
2. Melt the cannabutter in a saucepan on low heat and slowly mix the flour to create a roux. Cook it for a couple of minutes and add the milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
3. Turn down the heat and add the cheese, stirring it until it melts completely.
4. Add your seasoning. Now, add the pasta to the cheese sauce and coat it evenly.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

To achieve a delectable macaroni and cheese infused with cannabis, focus on both your method and ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

To enhance both flavor and texture, opt for a blend of cheeses. While sharp cheddar offers a classic taste, pairing it with a melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack makes it creamier. Adding some Parmesan can also elevate the depth and richness of your sauce. Also, take things slow, especially when making the sauce. Use a combination of milk and cream rather than just milk to create a perfect base for the sauce. However, heavy cream will make it too rich, so play around and go with what you like. Melt the cheese carefully and slowly instead of rushing it or it will end up grainy.

If you're adding cannabis-infused butter or oil, ensure it's mixed well into the sauce during the roux stage for uniform distribution. Make sure the cannabis is spread evenly throughout the dish.

In addition, remember to consider the strength of your cannabutter or oil and the serving size. It's crucial to determine the THC or CBD dosage per portion for an accurate measurement.

Coming to the pasta, cook it only until it's slightly firm to the bite (al dente) as it will continue cooking once combined with the hot cheese sauce. If you cook it too much, it will become too mushy.

Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. If your sauce thickens a lot, you can use this water to adjust its consistency and make it creamier.

For an added crunch, try topping your mac and cheese with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Toast these breadcrumbs in a bit of cannabutter before sprinkling them over the dish. Remember to bake it until it's golden and crispy. And, just like popcorn, eat your cheesy Cannabis Mac and Cheese immediately when it's still hot and fresh. The gooey cheese and rich flavors are at their best when served immediately. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them on the stove with a bit of milk to bring back the original texture.

6. Cannabis Guacamole — The Best Dip Ever

Guacamole is one of those classic dishes that sounds complicated but is super easy to make. It's a favorite dip for many, celebrated for its zesty, creamy, and lively taste. Imagine adding cannabis to this wonderful dish! You're going to get lost in juicy avocados while being high on your precious strain. This isn't just a tasty edible, but very healthy too as avocados are packed with fats, fiber, and essential nutrients. And, we don't have to talk about the benefits of cannabis, do we?

This dip is great for sharing at gatherings, or a quiet night at home. Hell, you can even top your meals with this! It tastes wonderful with tacos or salads, so go ahead and experiment to your heart's content.

Ingredients

3 avocados

1-2 tsp of cannabis-infused olive oil

1 finely chopped onion

1-2 cloves of minced garlic

1 small chopped tomato

1 chopped jalapeño pepper

¼ cup of freshly chopped cilantro

Juice of 1-2 limes

Salt

Pepper

Directions

1. First off, cut your avocados, and scoop its flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a spoon or fork with just a few chunks.
2. Add your cannabis-infused olive oil to this mixture and mix everything. Add the onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño and tomato. Mix in your lime juice pepper and salt.

Your guacamole is ready! Only, it contains cannabis now. See how easy it is? All you need are some tortilla chips and you're good to go.

Tips for Enhancing the Flavor

Although guacamole boasts many bold flavors of lime, garlic, and cilantro, you must balance the flavors of cannabis along with it. Otherwise, it won't taste as good. Here are a few pointers:

1. Choose a Subtle Cannabis Oil or Cannabutter

The reason you use olive oil is that it's subtle. Also, choose the right cannabis strain. Use strains that are high in terpenes like limonene — yes, the ones that smell and taste like citrus. This way, the flavors of cannabis won't dominate the dish; instead, it will complement it.

2. Mind Your Dosage

It's easy to add a lot of oil accidentally to your guacamole. But, remember that it has cannabis. You won't feel it as you're eating the dish, but you'll have a hard time after a while if you're too high. Also, adding too much cannabis oil will overpower the other flavors, so balance it well.

3. Add Bold Flavors

Lime juice balances the richness of avocado and the earthy notes of cannabis. Increasing it can also help disguise the bitter taste of cannabis. If you want to take it a step further, add a dash of pepper or cayenne pepper to introduce some spice so that it removes any lingering taste of cannabis.

4. Opt for Fresh Ingredients only

Don't go for the ingredients sitting on your tabletop for a while. Instead, use only the freshest ingredients, including onions, garlic and lime. Fresh cilantro is a must without a doubt as it elevates the dish completely. The sharp taste profiles of these ingredients will complement the flavor of cannabis well.

5. Mix properly

Mix the cannabis oil or cannabutter properly into the mashed avocados to evenly distribute the cannabis throughout the dip for consistent flavor and potency in every bite.

6. Let the guacamole rest for a while

Let the guacamole sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Summary: Top 6 Cannabis Edible Recipes for Every Occasion

You don't have to enjoy cannabis only by smoking or vaping it. Of course, concentrates are a great way to enjoy them, but if you want a milder experience, you can certainly try edibles.

And, you don't have to make boring recipes. Instead, incorporate it with your comfort food and you'll enjoy the effects of cannabis with the lovely flavors of your favorite recipes.

Once you make some cannabutter, the sky's the limit as you can make anything. Don't forget to enjoy it responsibly, though, as a little goes a long way with edibles!