Florida’s medical cannabis program has provided thousands of residents with a natural alternative for managing chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions. For medical cardholders, incorporating cannabis into weekly meals at home offers a creative and enjoyable way to consume their medication. By infusing cannabis into food, users can maintain discretion, improve taste, and control dosage effectively.
This article explores the basics of cooking with cannabis, how Florida medical cannabis cardholders can incorporate it into their meals, and includes a couple of beginner-friendly recipes.
Getting Started: Cooking with Cannabis
Decarboxylation: The Key Step
To activate the therapeutic compounds in cannabis (like THC and CBD), it must undergo decarboxylation, a process that converts THCA into THC using heat. This is typically done by baking cannabis in the oven at 230°F (110°C) for 30-45 minutes.
Making Cannabis-Infused Ingredients
The most common base ingredients are cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter) and cannabis-infused oil. These versatile ingredients can be used in a variety of recipes.
Cannabutter Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup decarboxylated cannabis (roughly ground)
- 1 cup water
- Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add water to prevent burning.
- Add cannabis and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a jar.
- Refrigerate until solid. Remove water layer if necessary.
How to Use Cannabis in Weekly Meals
Breakfast: Cannabis-Infused Smoothies
- Blend your favorite fruits, Greek yogurt, and milk or juice with a small dose of cannabis-infused coconut oil.
- Start your day with an energy boost while medicating.
Lunch: Cannabis-Infused Salad Dressing
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a small amount of cannabis oil for a zesty salad topping.
- Use as a drizzle for roasted vegetables or quinoa bowls.
Dinner: Cannabis-Infused Pasta
- Make a creamy Alfredo sauce using cannabutter instead of regular butter. Add garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, and serve over pasta.
Snacks: Cannabis-Infused Guacamole
- Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, diced tomatoes, onions, and a touch of cannabis oil. Enjoy with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
Sample Recipe: Cannabis-Infused Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cannabutter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan.
- Melt the cannabutter and mix it with sugar in a large bowl.
- Beat in eggs, then add cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Important Notes for Medical Cannabis Cardholders
- Dosage Control: Start with small amounts, especially if you’re new to edibles, and adjust as needed.
- Storage: Keep cannabis-infused foods labeled and stored securely to avoid accidental consumption.
- Legality: Florida law permits medical cannabis use for registered cardholders only. Ensure all cannabis-infused cooking aligns with state regulations.
Sources and More Recipes
Cooking with cannabis can enhance your medical cannabis experience, turning daily meals into both a delicious and therapeutic endeavor.