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Creating Cannabis-Infused Products: Expanding the Use of Your Harvest

Objective: Teach growers how to create cannabis-infused products to maximize the use of their harvest.

In our previous blog, we discussed the importance of proper post-harvest processing, including drying, curing, and storing your cannabis to maintain its quality and potency. Now, let's explore how to expand the use of your harvest by creating cannabis-infused products. Infusing cannabis into oils, edibles, and topicals allows you to enjoy its benefits in various forms and can enhance your overall experience. In this blog, we will cover the steps to create cannabis-infused oils, butter, edibles, and topicals.

1. Decarboxylation: Activating the THC

Before creating any cannabis-infused product, it is essential to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process activates the THC and CBD, making them bioavailable for your body to absorb.

Steps for Decarboxylation

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).

  2. Prepare Cannabis: Break up your cannabis buds into small pieces. Do not grind too finely.

  3. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

  5. Cool: Allow the decarboxylated cannabis to cool before using it in your infusions.

2. Cannabis-Infused Oil

Cannabis-infused oil is versatile and can be used in various recipes or consumed on its own.

Ingredients and Materials

  • 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or another oil of your choice)

  • 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis

  • Double boiler or slow cooker

  • Cheesecloth

  • Glass jar for storage

Steps to Make Cannabis-Infused Oil

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a double boiler or slow cooker, combine the carrier oil and decarboxylated cannabis.

  2. Heat: Heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the temperature does not exceed 245°F (118°C) to prevent degradation of cannabinoids.

  3. Strain: After heating, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass jar, squeezing out as much oil as possible.

  4. Store: Store the cannabis-infused oil in a cool, dark place. It can last up to 2 months.

3. Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)

Cannabutter is a staple ingredient for making cannabis edibles.

Ingredients and Materials

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter

  • 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis

  • Double boiler or saucepan

  • Cheesecloth

  • Glass jar for storage

Steps to Make Cannabutter

  1. Melt Butter: In a double boiler or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

  2. Add Cannabis: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter.

  3. Simmer: Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture does not boil.

  4. Strain: After simmering, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass jar, squeezing out as much butter as possible.

  5. Cool and Store: Allow the cannabutter to cool to room temperature, then store it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2 months.

4. Cannabis Edibles

Edibles are a popular way to consume cannabis, offering a discreet and long-lasting effect.

Basic Cannabis Edible Recipe: Cannabis Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of cannabutter

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup of cocoa powder

  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

Steps to Make Cannabis Brownies

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cannabutter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

  4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.

  5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool before cutting and serving.

5. Cannabis Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to the skin for localized relief.

Ingredients and Materials

  • 1 cup of cannabis-infused oil

  • 1/4 cup of beeswax

  • Optional: essential oils for fragrance

  • Double boiler or saucepan

  • Glass jar for storage

Steps to Make Cannabis Topicals

  1. Melt Beeswax: In a double boiler or saucepan, melt the beeswax over low heat.

  2. Add Cannabis Oil: Once the beeswax is melted, add the cannabis-infused oil and stir until well combined.

  3. Add Essential Oils: If desired, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.

  4. Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool to room temperature.

  5. Store: Store the cannabis topical in a cool, dark place. It can last up to 6 months.

Conclusion

Creating cannabis-infused products is an excellent way to maximize the use of your harvest and enjoy the benefits of cannabis in various forms. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can make cannabis-infused oils, butter, edibles, and topicals, each offering unique advantages and ways to consume cannabis. In our next blog, we will discuss legal considerations and compliance for home growers, ensuring that your cultivation practices adhere to local laws and regulations.

Stay tuned for more valuable insights in our "Home Grower Solutions: Steps to a Successful Harvest" series. Happy growing and happy creating!



 
 
 

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