Picture this: the irresistible scent of freshly baked brownies fills your kitchen. But, these aren't your ordinary brownies. They're marijuana brownies, a delectable treat with the potent effects you’re looking for in a cannabis-infused treat. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the origins of marijuana brownies, pay tribute to the legacy of "Brownie Mary," explore various infusion options, help you choose the perfect cannabis brownie recipe, and provide a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious treats.

It might surprise you to know that it wasn’t a group of counter-culture rebels and ne’er-do-gooders who came up with the first marijuana brownie recipes. Rather, it was older women. First was Alice B. Toklas, Gertrude Stein’s life partner, who produced a cookbook with the infamous recipe of haschich fudge. Its most interesting ingredient? Cannabis sativa. Later, for much more somber reasons, it was Mary Jane Rathbun, aka Brownie Mary, who whipped up batches of cannabis-infused brownies to primarily help HIV and AIDS patients. 

It’s nearly impossible to learn about the legalization of medical marijuana in the country (specifically, California) without reading about Mary Jane Rathbun, the infamous Brownie Mary. A cannabis activist during the 60s and 70s, Rathbun created a recipe for cannabis-infused brownies that she sold between diner shifts. As customers purchased her brownies, she noticed one common reason: they seemed to help reduce pain and nausea in AIDS and HIV patients. Her incredible work was one of the many first steps to the first bill to legalize medical marijuana in the country. 

Before we roll up our sleeves and start baking, it's crucial to select the right infusion for your marijuana brownies. We have several enticing full spectrum versus distillate edible ingredients to consider:

Cannabutter stands as a classic choice for infusing brownies with cannabis. This versatile ingredient can be used in various recipes, including cannabis cookies, by simply swapping the butter requirements with cannabutter. Of course, depending on the dose you’re looking for, you may just want to augment your serving of butter with some cannabutter.

Canna-oil is another great option for baking that ensures your recipe gets the oil it needs and you get the psychoactive effects you’re looking for. Like cannabutter, you’ll want to either replace the oil in your recipe or augment the oil’s amount by mixing it with canna-oil. 

For cannabis enthusiasts who are seeking a more potent experience, consider using THC distillate. This concentrated form of THC can take your brownies to a whole new level, elevating your edibles game. THC distillate is also popular with cannabis enthusiasts who prefer their edibles not to taste like marijuana. 

Now that you've selected your infusion, it's time to choose a cannabis brownie recipe that suits your preferences. Whether you're looking for convenience or you're eager to dive into the process from scratch, there's a recipe that’s perfect for you when baking with cannabis:

If you are looking for convenience, making marijuana brownies from a box is a quick and easy option. These are perfect for beginners and provide a straightforward way to enter the world of cannabis-infused baking. Best of all, you can purchase cannabutter from a dispensary, so you don’t have to make that either.

If you're someone who relishes the process of creating something from the ground up, making marijuana brownies from scratch is the perfect recipe for you. It allows you to have complete control over the ingredients whether you make it entirely from scratch, canna-ingredients included, or just make the brownies from scratch from a favorite family recipe and add prepurchased cannabutter or canna-oil that you don’t have to decarboxylate yourself.

Do you prefer the from-scratch option of making your brownie edibles? You’re going to need the right recipe. If you’re afraid of ruining the flavors of one of your favorite recipes, and need something tried and true, there are plenty of options available for you. You can also just follow one of our favorite recipes below. 

Turn your oven to 350 degrees before you start whipping your ingredients together. This will ensure it’s hot and ready once you’ve got your tray filled. 

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and cannabutter together. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, indulgent brownie texture that melts in your mouth.

Once your chocolate and cannabutter are smoothly combined, it's time to blend in your other ingredients. This step ensures a uniform batter, creating the perfect brownie consistency.

Gently pour your brownie batter into your foil-lined baking tray, making sure it's spread evenly to ensure that every bite delivers a taste of perfection. The foil will not only help with an even bake, but it should also help with easy cleanup. 

Place your brownie dish in the preheated oven and bake until the edges are firm, and the center is slightly gooey—about 35 minutes. You want the center of your brownies to be baked enough so you can pop a toothpick into it and not pull up any crumbs. Once there, pull your brownies out.

Properly storing your marijuana brownies is essential to maintain their freshness and potency. If you’re indulging in your brownies over a day or two, you can store them in an airtight container and pop them in your fridge. Anything longer than a couple of days and you will want to put them in that same airtight container and pop it into the freezer.

Before you tie on an apron and get to baking, you might want to know a few answers to these frequently asked questions about making the best marijuana brownies:

Can I add raw flower to my brownies?
No. You really don’t want to do that. Your texture is going to be weird, the taste will be awful, and worse, you might throw them up because your stomach is just not meant to digest marijuana flower.

How can I make my cannabis brownies stronger?
To enhance the potency of your cannabis brownies, consider increasing the concentration of your chosen cannabis infusion, whether it's cannabutter, canna-oil, or THC distillate. A higher concentration will result in more potent brownies. Note that this does not mean, however, that you add more (this will make your brownies soggy). It means that you make stronger ingredients.

Will my marijuana brownies taste like regular brownies?
Don't worry. The flavor of your marijuana brownies can be quite similar to regular brownies, especially when you use high-quality, clean ingredients and follow the recipe carefully. The cannabis infusion may add a subtle herbal undertone, but it shouldn't overpower the delicious brownie flavor you love. It’s also possible if you use a THC distillate, you won’t taste anything cannabis-like at all.

It’s time to make your own batch of marijuana brownies. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the world of edibles, making cannabis-infused brownies is a great way to indulge in both cannabis and dessert and delight cannabis-friendly guests. Enjoy the process, the aroma wafting through your kitchen, and the scrumptious end result.