Introduction to Cooking with Marijuana: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Cooking with marijuana opens up a flavorful, fun, and creative world where culinary artistry meets cannabis craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking to elevate your favorite dishes, craft relaxing treats, or explore the science behind infusion, understanding the basics is the first step to becoming a confident canni-chef.

There are several methods to infuse cannabis into everyday ingredients, each offering its own benefits, flavors, and potencies. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular techniques:

1. Cannabis Butter (“Budder”)

One of the most classic and versatile bases for edibles. Cannabis-infused butter is perfect for baking cookies, brownies, pastries, or adding a mellow kick to savory dishes like mashed potatoes or garlic bread.

2. Cannabis-Infused Oils

Ideal for cooking or drizzling, infused oils—such as olive, coconut, or avocado oil—offer a dairy-free alternative to butter. Use them for sautéing, salad dressings, sauces, or even your morning avocado toast.

3. Cannabis Drinks

From soothing teas to refreshing lemonades and infused cocktails, cannabis beverages are becoming increasingly popular. They’re great for low-dose, controlled consumption and pair well with social gatherings or self-care nights.

4. Other Extracts & Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures and concentrates provide a precise, discreet way to infuse dishes without altering texture or flavor. They can be added to soups, desserts, marinades, or even dropped onto finished meals as a finishing touch.

This step-by-step guide introduces you to the essential infused ingredients that can transform your everyday recipes into elevated culinary experiences. Whether you’re experimenting for the first time or expanding your edibles repertoire, these basics will set you on the path to flavorful, fun, and perfectly infused creations.