Halloween is right around the corner, which means you likely have your decorations out and are starting to stock up on candy to pass out to the neighborhood kids. But why should kids be the only ones enjoying the treats?
This year, consider treating yourself with some spooky edibles to celebrate Halloween. Whether you are hosting a ghoulish get-together or staying in and watching a horror movie, these spooky recipe ideas will help you create festive, otherworldly edibles.
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Contents
About Edible Cannabis
Edibles are consumable products that contain cannabis extracts. These products can come in a variety of different forms, such as gummies, chocolates, hard candies, and even beverages. Edibles have been growing in popularity, especially amongst medicinal users (1) or clients who want to experience the wellness benefits of cannabis without inhaling any smoke. While we offer a range of edible products, many clients don’t realize that edibles can be homemade and that almost any food can be infused with the right ingredients.
Why It Is Important to Decarb Your Cannabis
When making your own edibles, you first have to undergo a step called decarboxylation. Decarboxylation, or “decarbing,” is the process of heating cannabis to activate the molecular compounds responsible for its wellness benefits. In its raw flower form, cannabis contains THCA, the non-psychoactive form of THC. (2) Decarboxylating your cannabis is essential for achieving a consistent potency and predictable effects that you can enjoy. However, decarbing your cannabis is more than just heating it; it takes time, effort, and careful attention.
When decarbing your cannabis, you need to pay attention to the temperature of your heat source, the amount of time your flower is exposed to the heat, as well as the moisture content of your flower. If your temperature is too high, or your cannabis is exposed for too long, your cannabinoids can become degraded and diminish the quality and flavor of your treats. (3) Without decarboxylating your cannabis, you are simply wasting good flower.
Ways to Infuse Your Cannabis
There are several ways to infuse your cannabis before cooking your spooky, scary treats. There is no singular method that is considered “better” than the others. The infusion method you use should be what is most convenient for you and applicable to your cooking.
How to Infuse Butter
Infusing butter is one of the most common methods for making homemade edibles. Cannabis-infused butter, or “cannabutter,” is well known for its versatility and can easily be used as a substitute for regular butter when baking or cooking.
When infusing your butter, it is recommended that you combine an equal amount of butter and water into a saucepan or bain-marie. Allow your butter to fully melt into the water before adding an equal portion of your decarboxylated flower. Simmer your mixture on low heat until it is fully infused, stirring occasionally so that you do not burn it. After infusing on a low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and allow it to sit in the fridge until it has set.
How to Infuse Oil
Cannabis-infused oils are a great shelf-stable choice if you are interested in making your own infused treats. Macerated oils can easily be used in both savory and sweet dishes, and there are a variety of common oils that can easily be infused.
To infuse your oil, combine an equal amount of decarbed cannabis and your choice of oil in a bain-marie or double boiler. Allow your oil to simmer on low heat for several hours, or until it is thoroughly combined. Once this process is complete, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and use it to your liking.
How to Make an Infused Tincture
Alcohol-based tinctures, also known as “green dragon,” are a simple way to infuse your treats. To make it, all you need to do is take a clean glass jar and fill it with your decarbed cannabis. Next, pour in a high-proof, food-grade alcohol until the flower is just covered. From there, all you need to do is shake the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours. Once your alcohol has been infused to your liking, strain the concoction out through a cheesecloth. Many clients like to transfer their tincture into a dropper bottle for easy dispensing and quick use, but it can also be kept for months to years if stored correctly.
Spooky Recipe Ideas
Butter-Based Recipes
- Caramel Apples: Caramel apples are a Halloween classic beloved by all. To make an infused version, you will need to substitute the butter in your favorite caramel recipe for your cannabis butter. Once your caramel has cooled, dip your apples and decorate to your liking.
- Pumpkin Spiced THC Cookies: Is it really autumn without pumpkin-spiced everything? Take your favorite pumpkin-spiced cookie recipe and follow the recipe as stated. Instead of adding regular butter, switch it out with cannabis butter for a sweet and relaxing treat.
Oil-Based Recipes
- Witchy Weed Brownies: To make these spellbinding desserts, take your preferred brownie recipe and substitute the oil with your infusion. Bake as normal until your toothpick comes out clean. Once you have taken your treats out of the oven, allow them to cool before cutting and serving.
- Pumpkin Seeds: If you are carving a jack-o-lantern this year, why throw away the seeds when you can eat them? To make this recipe, wash your seeds thoroughly before boiling them in salted water for several minutes. Once all of the pumpkin has been removed, drain the water and dry your seeds. Toss the dry seeds with your infused oil and add your favorite seasonings. Once coated, roast the seeds in the oven until they are crisp and brown.
Tincture-Based Recipes
- Infused Pumpkin Spiced Latte: You can use a few drops of tincture to put together a fun fall twist on a beloved classic. Start by either running to your local coffee shop or combining your preferred brand of syrups and extracts with milk and espresso. Add your tincture to your drink, stirring well to combine each of your ingredients. Once you’re done, simply top it off with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice to enjoy.
- Salted Caramel Apple Cider: This isn’t your normal cider, but a fun medley of rich flavors and benefits. To make this, take your favorite brand of apple cider and put it into a crockpot or other large pot. Warm your cider up to an enjoyable temperature and slowly add your caramel. Once that has been incorporated, add your preferred amount of tincture to your pot. Sprinkle some salt for balance and taste, and then serve.
Cannabis Delivery in San Jose
Canna Culture offers free delivery throughout San Jose and Santa Clara County from 10 AM to 9 PM each day, bringing you the products you want when you want them.
We offer a free 20-mile delivery radius that covers most of Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County. Our area includes Mountain View and Milpitas to the north, Saratoga and Los Gatos to the west, and Morgan Hill and San Martin to the south. You will need to keep your proximity to our storefront in mind, as our delivery minimums are based on proximity and can be found in our delivery area map. Additionally, we ask that you pay attention to your ordering time, as orders placed during heavy traffic hours may take longer to reach you, and those placed just before closing are not guaranteed to be delivered that same evening. Our drivers accept both cash and debit payments for delivery orders, but we ask that you have close to the exact amount ready, as our drivers only carry minimum change.
To start shopping online, please view our current menu. If you have any questions about our delivery service or your order, please contact our storefront online or by calling (408) 264-7877.
VIP Program
At Canna Culture, we offer an exciting VIP Rewards program that allows our clients to receive a variety of exclusive discounts and special offers. Each of our VIP members gains access to several exclusive and exciting perks, such as:
- 2% Back For Every Dollar Spent Before Taxes
- Bring Friends or Family and Get A Pre-roll for Less Than $2
- Be The First To Get Notified About Our Demo Days With BOGOs
Additionally, our VIP members also receive updates about our upcoming events and ongoing specials before our regular clients do.
If you are ready to start receiving exclusive offers, special discounts, and fun swag, we encourage you to sign up for our VIP Program!
FAQ
Can I use any strain of cannabis when making my infused treats?
Yes, different strains will impact the effects, flavor, and even the aroma of your treats. When infusing, it is ideal to use a strain that you like and are familiar with for optimal results.
Is it legal to make my own infused treats?
In California, it is perfectly legal to make and consume your own cannabis edibles. However, selling these products without the proper licensing is illegal.
How long will my treats last when stored?
When properly stored, most baked goods can last for up to a week. Wrapped and refrigerated items may retain their quality for longer, but ultimately, storage time will depend on the type of food infused.
How do I know the right amount of cannabis to use for my infusions?
The amount used will depend on your personal tolerance, desired effects, and the recipe used. It is always best to start with smaller amounts of cannabis, especially if you are new to infusing your own treats.
References
- Cates SC, Wiley JL, Novak S, Peiper NC, Camille Kempf Gourdet, Giombi KC. Tasty THC: Promises and challenges of cannabis edibles. RTI Press. Published November 14, 2016. https://www.rti.org/rti-press-publication/tasty-thc-promises-challenges-cannabis-edibles
- Wang M, Wang YH, Avula B, et al. Decarboxylation Study of Acidic Cannabinoids: A Novel Approach Using Ultra-High-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography/Photodiode Array-Mass Spectrometry. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2016;1(1):262-271. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0020
- Friesen L. Decarboxylation— A Multi-Purpose Process Step. Cannabis Science and Technology. 2024;7(2):12-1312-13. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/decarboxylation-a-multi-purpose-process-step