Cooking with CBD: How to Make Edibles

In 2018, the U.S. legal marijuana industry was worth $10.4 billion. This 2019, experts say its value will grow to more than $16 billion.

For the most part, this is due to medical cannabis now being legal in 33 states. There are now also 10 states where you can smoke recreational pot.

But the hemp cannabidiol (CBD) market is growing even faster. Come 2022, it could become a $22-billion market! After all, many studies (20,000 references on PubMed alone), show and support its many benefits. That includes treating pain, anxiety, depression, and even Alzheimer’s.

All these benefits have likely roused your interest to learn how to make edibles.

Luckily, it doesn’t take a Michelin-starred chef to make these awesome CBD recipes. We’ll show you the basics, so be sure to keep reading!

How to Make Edibles: Start with the Oil or Butter Base

The first step on how to make CBD edibles is to extract CBD first either with oil or butter. Granted, you can buy pre-made CBD butter and oil, which is more convenient. But it’s better if you know how to make your own so that you can make more if you’re low on supplies.

There are three CBD extraction methods, including the use of CO2 or solvents. The third, which is using carrier oils, is the easiest way, especially for newbies wanting to make CBD oil at home. Plus, you get to choose healthier options, like olive oil or low-fat butter.

How to Make CBD Butter or Oil

Get a quality cannabis grinder and grind the entire plant. Place the ground leaves and buds into a weed storing jar together with your chosen carrier oil or butter. Screw the lid on tight.

Place the jar into a saucepan and fill it with water up to the container’s lid. Be careful not to let the water reach a boiling point—you want more of a low simmer. Leave the stove on for at least three hours, and make sure to refill the pan with more water as it evaporates.

It’s best to shake the jar every after thirty minutes or so to keep all plant pieces submerged in the carrier oil. After three hours of simmering, turn the heat off and use a towel to cover the pot. Let it rest for three more hours before repeating the entire process.

For a more potent CBD oil, you may want to keep repeating these steps for a few days. After, say, three days, you can strain the oil using a cheesecloth or coffee/tea filter.

Use Your CBD Oil or Butter to Make Delish Recipes

There’s more to CBD edibles than just brownies and gummies. You can use your homemade oil or butter for almost anything, like sauces and dressings. You can even put a few drops into your coffee, tea, or smoothies!

CBD can serve as a substitute for almost any recipe that calls for oil or butter. That includes baked goodies (like bread, cookies, and cakes) or even oil for sautéing. But make sure you don’t expose the oil or butter to more than 180C, as these CBD carriers are easier to burn.

Master the Art of Making CBD Edibles Now

Follow these steps on how to make edibles, and you can make quality CBD oils and butter right at home. From there, you can mix it with just about any meal you want to whip up! Best of all, you can enjoy tasty recipes as they help boost your health and well-being.

Need more tips and hacks on making at-home CBD oils and butter? Then be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on making cannabis oils!