Two mugs of hot chocolate with cocoa sprinkled on top in the shape of cannabis leaves, sitting next to a joint in an ash tray

THC Hot Chocolate Recipes For Every Cannasseur

Is there anything more comforting than a warm cup of hot chocolate? Now, imagine taking that cozy experience to the next level with cannabis. THC hot chocolate combines rich, velvety cocoa with the effects of marijuana, creating the ultimate wintertime treat. Whether you’re a fan of cannabutter, tinctures, or infused mixes, this guide has you covered with multiple ways to make your own cannabis beverage at home.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

  • What Is THC Hot Chocolate?
  • THC Hot Chocolate Recipe [3 Steps]
  • Hot Chocolate With Cannabutter Recipe [3 Steps]
  • Marijuana Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
  • Other Ways to Make Marijuana Hot Chocolate
  • FAQs About Cannabis Hot Chocolate


What Is THC Hot Chocolate?

THC hot chocolate is a warm chocolatey drink infused with cannabis, typically made using decarboxylated flower, cannabutter, or tinctures. The infusion process ensures that the cannabinoids—like THC or CBD—bind to fats, delivering the delicious taste of chocolate and the desired effects of cannabis. While many recipes start with flower, there are several methods to create marijuana hot chocolate, depending on your preferences and available ingredients.1

Mug of cannabis hot chocolate on a cutting board surrounded by pieces of chocolateMug of cannabis hot chocolate on a cutting board surrounded by pieces of chocolate

THC Hot Chocolate Recipe [3 Steps]

This simple THC hot chocolate recipe uses decarboxylated cannabis flower for a rich and satisfying cup of hot cocoa. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools & Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup of milk of your choice
  • 1 tsp of butter or another fat
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or sweetener of your choice
  • 1-2 grams of finely ground, decarboxylated cannabis flower
  • Fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
  • Saucepan
  • Optional: flavor of your choice, such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or peppermint, and toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles

Stack of chocolate bar pieces with cannabis leaves in front on a white backgroundStack of chocolate bar pieces with cannabis leaves in front on a white background

Start with Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is essential for activating the cannabinoids in your flower, ensuring your hot chocolate delivers its psychoactive effects. To decarb cannabis, bake it at 220-240°F (104-116°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the decarboxylated flower, water, sugar, milk, and butter (or another fat). Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they must bind with fat to activate. This process ensures the cannabinoids become bioavailable, allowing your body to absorb and experience their full effects. Using a fat-like butter or oil is essential to unlock the cannabis’s potential when making edibles or beverages.

Step 2: Simmer

Simmer the mixture on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well blended.

Step 3: Pour & Filter

Using a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter, strain out the plant material. Pour the mixture into your mug, add your favorite flavor and topping (if you’d like), and your infused hot chocolate is ready to enjoy!

Cannabis hot chocolate being strained with a coffee filterCannabis hot chocolate being strained with a coffee filter

Hot Chocolate with Cannabutter Recipe [3 Steps]

If you already have cannabutter on hand, making THC hot chocolate is even easier—no decarbing necessary. You can use store-bought cannabutter or make your own. Here are the ingredients you need to make a delicious cup of cannabis-infused hot chocolate:

Ingredients (makes one mug):

  • 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup of milk
  • ½ teaspoon cannabutter

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the cocoa powder and sugar in a mug like you would when making a traditional cup of hot cocoa.

Step 2: Heat Milk

Warm the milk on the stove or microwave to your desired temperature.

Step 3: Pour & Stir

Pour the warm milk into the mug with the dry ingredients, stir well, and add the cannabutter. Your infused hot chocolate is ready to enjoy!

Marijuana Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

This marijuana hot chocolate mix is perfect for gifting or storing for future use. It’s simple to prepare and can be scaled for larger batches.

Ingredients for one cup of mix:

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 grams of finely ground, decarboxylated cannabis flower
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

While this recipe is to make one cup of infused hot cocoa, you can scale it to make a larger batch to gift to your (adult!) loved ones. 

Whisk all the ingredients together and store the mix in an airtight container like a glass canning jar in a cool, dark place. You can add the fat and milk when you heat the hot chocolate to drink. And don’t forget to label it clearly—this is definitely not your average cocoa mix!

 

Cocoa powder in a light brown bowl on a white backgroundCocoa powder in a light brown bowl on a white background

Other Ways to Make Marijuana Hot Chocolate

If you’re feeling creative, there are even more ways to make infused hot chocolate without starting from scratch.

Melt Cannabis Chocolate

Using pre-made cannabis chocolate bars is one of the easiest ways to make a delicious cannabis beverage. Break the chocolate into small pieces, melt it with warm milk on the stove or in the microwave, and stir until smooth. This method is quick, mess-free, and perfect if you want precise dosing without the hassle of decarbing or infusing. For extra indulgence, top your drink with whipped cream or marshmallows!2

Use Cannabis Tincture

Adding a few drops of your favorite cannabis tincture to hot chocolate is a simple and effective way to enjoy a precisely dosed drink. Whether you’re using a THC tincture for psychoactive effects or CBD oil for a relaxing CBD hot chocolate, this method requires no special preparation or baking with cannabis to decarb the cannabinoids. Just stir the tincture into your warm cocoa until fully blended, and enjoy the smooth, flavorful results.

Add Cannabutter

If you have an instant hot chocolate packet, adding a small amount of cannabutter transforms it into a quick and easy cannabis treat. Prepare the packet as instructed, stir in the cannabutter while the cocoa is still hot, and mix until thoroughly melted. This method is perfect for when you want a no-fuss way to enjoy an infused drink, with the added bonus of rich, buttery flavors enhancing your cocoa.

FAQs About Cannabis Hot Chocolate

Cannabis hot chocolate can be a game-changer, but you should know a few things before diving in. Here are the most frequently asked questions, and if you want to know more, ask your favorite Verilife budtender for help.

Can I add raw cannabis flower to hot chocolate?
Nope, raw cannabis won’t give you any psychoactive effects. The cannabinoids, like THC, need to be activated through decarboxylation first. Without decarbing, the cannabis won’t produce the effects you’re expecting—it’ll just be plant material with potential therapeutic benefits.

How much THC hot chocolate should I drink?
How much cannabis-infused hot cocoa you drink depends on your tolerance. It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount of cannabis or one cup of hot chocolate and wait at least an hour before consuming more.3

Will my hot chocolate taste like marijuana?
Your THC hot chocolate might taste like marijuana, but it depends on the ingredients you use. Cannabutter and decarbed flower can add a herbal flavor.

Making Cannabis Hot Chocolate

With so many ways to make THC hot chocolate, there’s no wrong or right way to enjoy this cannabis beverage. Whether you stick with a simple recipe, use pre-made ingredients like cannabutter, or try a tincture or CBD oil, this warm, infused treat is perfect for cozy nights or social gatherings. Visit your local Verilife dispensary for everything you need to get started!

 

Sources:

1. “How to make weed infused hot cocoa,” The Cannigma, https://cannigma.com/recipe/cannabis-infused-hot-cocoa/

2. “7 ways to make cannabis-infused hot chocolate,” Leafly, December 20, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/ways-to-make-cannabis-infused-hot-chocolate 

3. “Get Warm and Cozy With Cannabis-Infused Hot Cocoa,” Veriheal, January 21, 2020, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/edibles/cannabis-infused-hot-chocolate-recipe/


cannabis leaf outline in a green circle

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