High Times in the Kitchen: Perfect Cannabis Brownies

Nothing beats the joy of attending a gathering and declaring, “I’ll bring dessert,” but perhaps upping the ante with, “I’ll bring pot brownies.” Cannabis brownies are a classic edible for a good reason: their rich, chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy undertones of cannabis. This recipe elevates the traditional weed brownie with Dutch-process cocoa powder, toasted nuts, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—and, if done right, you might not even taste the cannabis at all.

Key Preparation Tips for Cannabis Brownies

Step 1: Making Cannabutter

The foundation of any cannabis-infused recipe is a high-quality cannabutter. Infusing butter with cannabis is an art, but it’s easier than you might think. If you’re new to the process, check out detailed guides like Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey’s instructions on crafting cannabutter for a comprehensive walkthrough. For simplicity, this recipe includes a streamlined method that ensures excellent results in just an hour.

Tools You’ll Need:

Kitchen Scale: Precision is key in cannabis cooking. Choose a scale that measures down to tenths of grams.
Oven Thermometer: Ensures your oven maintains an accurate temperature during decarboxylation.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Keeps the butter infusion at the optimal temperature.

Decarboxylation: Activating the THC

To unlock the psychoactive properties of cannabis, it must be decarboxylated—a process of gently heating the flower to activate THC. Spread your cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 240°F for 40 minutes. An oven thermometer is invaluable here, as temperatures above 250°F can degrade the THC.

Cannabutter Infusion

Combine the decarboxylated cannabis with butter and simmer gently at 160–180°F for an hour. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove plant matter. Your cannabutter is now ready for baking!

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain

The type of cannabis you use can influence the experience. While dispensaries categorize strains as sativa (“daytime”) or indica (“nighttime”), individual responses vary. Consult your local dispensary staff to find a hybrid strain that aligns with your desired effects. For this recipe, a hybrid with 20% THC was used, providing approximately 100 mg THC per batch.

Dosing Your Brownies

Accurate dosing is essential for a positive edible experience. Here’s how to calculate THC content:

Multiply the weight of your cannabis (in milligrams) by its THC percentage. For example, 0.5 grams of cannabis at 20% THC equals 100 mg THC.
Divide the total THC by the number of brownies to determine the dose per piece.

For reliable dosing:

Cut an 8×8” pan into 12 pieces for approximately 8.3 mg THC per brownie.
For smaller doses, cut into 16 pieces (6.25 mg THC each).
For larger doses, cut into 9 pieces (11 mg THC each).

If you’re new to edibles, start with a smaller dose. Effects may take up to two hours to kick in, so be patient before consuming more.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup cannabutter (see instructions above)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup toasted nuts (optional)
Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8” baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, beat the cannabutter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients, followed by the flour. Fold in the toasted nuts, if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. Use a ruler for precise portions to ensure consistent dosing.

Final Tips

Label Clearly: Always announce and label cannabis-infused foods at gatherings to ensure everyone is informed.
Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
Experiment with Toppings: Swap toasted nuts for chocolate chips or swirl in caramel for a creative twist.

Conclusion

Making cannabis brownies at home is a rewarding experience that lets you customize flavor and potency to your liking. By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and carefully dosed treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy responsibly!

Note: While many U.S. states have legalized cannabis in some form, it remains federally illegal. Always check local laws and regulations, as they vary by state.

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swaggyadmin

CEO at Swaggybuds LLC

With over 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and a Master’s in Horticulture from the esteemed University of Florida. My expertise lies in optimizing cannabis plant growth, informed by both academic study and hands-on experience. As a former budtender and consultant, I stay at the forefront of industry trends and research. From medical applications to recreational use, I provide factual and beneficial information to those seeking advice.

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