Cannabis foods: how to prepare and store them

The cannabis meals are gaining popularity around the world thanks to their multiple recreational and therapeutic applications. From sweet recipes From brownies and biscuits to savoury dishes, this type of food offers an alternative way of consuming cannabis without the need to smoke it. However, it is important to understand the preparation processes in order to maximise the benefits and minimise the potential risks.

In addition, storing food containing cannabis in the right way is crucial to maintain its active properties. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are sensitive to factors such as air, humidity and light. Therefore, improper preservation can affect both the taste and the potency of the edibles. Using airtight packaging and refrigeration or freezing techniques helps to prolong freshness.

Finally, it is vital to adopt responsible consumption. The effects of ingested cannabis are slower but prolonged, which can lead to excessive consumption if one is not patient. In addition, storing food safely, away from the reach of children and pets, is essential to avoid accidental poisoning.

What are cannabis meals?

The cannabis meals refers to those foods that are prepared with extracts or parts of the marijuana plant, which allows for the integration of the plant's active compounds in various recipes. The two main components used in these preparations are the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and the CBD (cannabidiol).

How do the active compounds work?

When we consume cannabis-infused foods, these compounds are processed by the digestive system. The THCfor example, is transformed into a more potent form called the 11-hydroxy-THCThis produces longer-lasting effects than smoking or vaporising marijuana. On the other hand, the CBD is non-psychoactive, but has relaxing and therapeutic benefits.

Variety of recipes and options

One of the biggest advantages of cannabis meals is their versatility. There are multiple ways to enjoy it, from classic sweets such as brownies, biscuits and candies to savoury dishes such as soups, stews or even pasta. In addition, there are options for infused beveragesThese include teas, coffees and smoothies, ideal for those who prefer not to eat solid food.

Benefits of cannabis meals

The cannabis use through food offers a range of significant advantages compared to other forms of consumption, such as smoking or vaping. Here are the main benefits of this method, which are making it increasingly popular with those seeking a long-lasting and controlled experience.

Prolonged effects

One of the main advantages of cannabis meals is the prolonged duration of the effects. Unlike inhalation consumption, where the effect is almost immediate but short-lived, when ingesting cannabis, the effects can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to manifest. However, once they start, they can last between 4 and 8 hoursproviding a continuous and stable experience. This aspect is ideal for those seeking prolonged relief from symptoms such as pain or anxiety.

In addition, because of this extended duration, cannabis meals are particularly useful in situations where you do not want to consume repeatedly throughout the day, allowing for a more relaxed and uninterrupted experience.

Improving well-being

Another key benefit of consuming cannabis-infused edibles is their potential for improving general well-being. This type of consumption is particularly effective for:

• Relieve chronic pain: Cannabis foods, particularly those with a balance of THC and CBD, are used by many people with conditions such as arthritis or migraines for prolonged relief.
• Reduce anxiety: When administered in a gradual and prolonged manner, the calming effects of cannabis help to reduce anxiety without generating peaks of euphoria or nervousness, which is often the case with other methods of consumption.
• Improve the quality of sleep: The relaxing properties of cannabis, especially in CBD-dominant recipes, favour a deep and restful sleep, being a recommended option for people with insomnia or sleep disorders.

How to prepare meals with cannabis

To fully enjoy the benefits of cannabis-infused meals, it is essential to follow a proper preparation process. This ensures that the active compounds, such as THC and CBD, are properly activated and evenly distributed in the food. Let's take a look at the key steps you need to follow.

Decarboxylation of cannabis

The first essential step is the decarboxylation of cannabis. In its natural state, cannabis contains inactive forms of THC and CBD (THCA and CBDA), which must be activated by heat.

This process consists of:

• Heating cannabis at a low temperature (between 100 and 120 °C) for about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Use baking paper or a tray to spread the cannabis evenly, preventing it from burning.

Decarboxylation is crucial because, without this step, cannabinoids will not produce the desired effects in the body.

Cannabis infusion in oil or butter

Once decarboxylated, the next step is to infuse cannabis in a fat, such as butter or oil, as cannabinoids are fat-soluble and need a fatty medium to be integrated into food.

Steps for infusion:

1. Heat butter or oil (olive, coconut or any other oil of your choice) over low heat.
2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and stir gently for 2 to 3 hoursAvoid boiling the mixture.
3. Filter the result with a cloth or gauze strainer to separate the vegetable remains and obtain a clean and potent product.

This infused oil or butter is the basis for different recipes such as brownies, biscuits, sauces, soups or salad dressings. When using these ingredients, be sure to distribute them evenly to avoid uneven doses.

Tips for responsible consumption

Consume cannabis meals can be a rewarding experience, but it is essential to do so in a responsible manner. Unlike other forms of consumption, the effects of cannabis-infused edibles take longer to appearThis can lead to mistakes if caution is not exercised. Here are some key tips to help you enjoy yourself safely and avoid potential mishaps.

Start with low doses

A fundamental principle of responsible consumption is start with small quantities. If it is your first time or you have little experience, we recommend you:

• Consume a low dose (e.g. 2.5 mg to 5 mg THC).
• Wait at least one hour before ingesting more, as the effects of edibles can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to manifest.

This is crucial, as ingesting too quickly can cause an intense and unpleasant experience. Remember that everyone reacts differently, depending on factors such as metabolism and body weight.

Know your tolerance

Tolerance to cannabis can vary widely between individuals, as can the potency of cannabis-infused edibles. This variability is due to factors such as:

• THC concentration in the recipeSome products are designed to be stronger than others.
• The method of preparationThe way the cannabis was infused (e.g. in butter or oil) influences the potency.

Therefore, it is important that, over time, you learn to recognise your own limits. If you already have experience with cannabis-infused meals, adjust the dosage according to your comfort level and avoid overdoing it.

How to store food with cannabis

To maintain the quality and potency of cannabis edibles, it is essential to store them properly. Incorrect storage can cause cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, to lose their effectiveness, as well as affecting the taste and texture of the edibles. Here are the best practices for proper storage.

Airtight packaging

Air and humidity are enemies of cannabis-infused foods, since they can accelerate degradation of the active compounds. For this reason, it is important to store your preparations in airtight containers. These containers, preferably made of glass or BPA-free plastic, protect the food from exposure to oxygen and external factors that could affect its quality.

Bonus tip: Use containers of different sizes depending on the amount of food to reduce the amount of air in the container.

Refrigerated or frozen storage

Choosing between chilling or freezing depends on how long you plan to store cannabis-infused food.

• Refrigeration: Ideal if you want to consume your meals within 2 to 5 days. By maintaining a temperature of 4°C or less, bacterial growth is minimised without compromising the active compounds in the cannabis.
• Freezing: If you plan to store your food for several weeks or months, freezing is the best option. At temperatures of -18 °C or lower, food can retain both its flavour and its effects. To avoid freezer burn, be sure to wrap food well before placing it in the freezer.

Practical tip: When defrosting, defrost gradually, first transferring the food to the refrigerator to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Precautions when storing food containing cannabis

As these are products with psychoactive or therapeutic properties, it is essential to take certain safety measures to protect both those who use them and those who should not have access to them.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Cannabis-infused foods can seem irresistible, especially if they are sweets or baked goods such as brownies or biscuits. To avoid accidental poisoningStore in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.

Use lockable boxes or lockable cabinets to ensure that only authorised persons have access to the food.

Appropriate labelling

Clear labelling is essential to avoid confusion. Be sure to include the following information on the packaging:

• That the product contains cannabis.
• The estimated THC or CBD dose per serving.
• Date of preparation and expiry.

This is especially important if you share a fridge or freezer with other people. Correct labelling also contributes to responsible and organised consumption.

Make the most of your meals with cannabis

Correctly preparing and storing meals with cannabis is essential to ensure a safe, enjoyable and effective experience.. By applying these practices, you will not only preserve the psychoactive or therapeutic properties of cannabis, but also protect those who should not be using it.

If you want to explore more about responsible cannabis use, become a member of our cannabis club at The High Class Barcelona. Join now and access our exclusive services.