Illinois residents may purchase up to 30 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused edibles; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents may purchase up to 15 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 2.5 grams of concentrates; and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused edibles.
DIY Marijuana Brownie Recipes for Every Baker
Want to make your special brownies extra special? Marijuana brownies are a timeless and legendary edible in cannabis culture. It’s practically a rite of passage to enjoy these delicious treats where sweet chocolate complements earthy cannabis. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, there is a cannabis-infused brownie recipe that suits your baking skills and needs. This guide will teach you how to make marijuana-infused brownies with an easy, five-step recipe.
What are Marijuana Brownies?
As the name suggests, marijuana brownies, also called “happy brownies,” are brownies infused with cannabis flower, offering a discrete, convenient, and enjoyable way to consume cannabis. These brownies date back to the 1980s when cannabis activist Mary Jane Rathburn, more commonly known as “Brownie Mary,” gave AIDS patients THC brownies.1
Choose Your Infused Ingredients
When making marijuana brownies, you should first select your cannabis-infused ingredient. Here are three popular options:
Cannabutter
Cannabutter is cannabis-infused butter used in both savory and sweet recipes, including brownies and cannabis cookies. To make it, decarboxylate cannabis flower to activate the THC, then simmer it with traditional or vegan butter to infuse the cannabinoids.
Canna-Oil
Canna-oil is similar to cannabutter, but is made using oil instead of butter. Canna-oil is made by infusing coconut oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil with cannabis through decarboxylation and slow cooking to bind the cannabinoids with the fat in the oil.
THC Distillate
THC distillate is a potent concentrated form of THC that can be easily added to recipes, since it’s flavorless and odorless. When choosing between full spectrum vs distillate edibles, consider their different effects and benefits.
Choose Your Cannabis Brownie Recipe
Now that you know which infused ingredient you’ll use, it’s time to choose the recipe. Here are two great options:
Marijuana Brownies from a Box
Using a boxed brownie mix is a quick and easy way to make marijuana brownies. Follow the instructions on the box and replace the regular butter or oil with your infused version, which you can make or buy from your local dispensary. This method is perfect for a straightforward, convenient, and foolproof recipe.
Marijuana Brownies from Scratch
Making brownies from scratch allows you to control every ingredient for a more homemade touch. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, experiment with adding caramel or peppermint essence, and incorporate cannabutter, canna-oil, or THC distillate for the cannabis infusion.
DIY Cannabis Brownies from Scratch
You’ll need the correct ingredients and equipment if you’re baking with cannabis. Here’s a tried-and-true cannabis brownie recipe:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 24 brownies
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 3/4 cup cannabutter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- 13 x 9 inch baking pan lined with aluminum foil
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 mixing bowl
Step 1: Preheat
While you mix the ingredients, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Microwave Chocolate & Cannabutter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cannabutter and chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Blend
Mix the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate mixing bowl. Then, blend the melted chocolate into the sugar mixture. Gradually add the flour and stir until the batter is smooth for a perfect brownie consistency.
Step 4: Pour
Gently pour the brownie batter into the foil-lined baking tray. Ensure you spread the batter evenly for a consistent bake.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are firm. Test the brownies to see if they are ready by sticking a toothpick in—if it comes out clean, the brownies are ready, and you can remove them from the oven. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into 24 squares.
Storing Your Marijuana Brownies
It’s important to store the cannabis brownies properly so they maintain their potency and freshness. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or place them in the fridge to stay fresh for up to a month. Keep the brownies in the freezer for even longer storage (up to three months).2 Let them thaw and warm the THC brownies before serving.
FAQs for Making the Best Marijuana Brownies
Ready to learn more about how to make brownies with cannabis? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I add raw flower to my brownies?
You can, but your brownies won’t have psychoactive effects. Adding raw cannabis flower to your brownies isn’t effective. The cannabinoids in cannabis need to be decarbed to become active, and it’s in this heating process that THCA becomes the psychoactive THC.
How can I make my cannabis brownies stronger?
Make cannabis brownies stronger by increasing the concentration of your marijuana-infused ingredient, whether it’s canna-oil, cannabutter, or THC distillate.3 This doesn’t mean adding more cannabutter or canna-oil; instead, use more cannabis flower or a more potent strain when infusing the oil or butter. You can also use THC distillate, which is a potent cannabis extract.
Will my marijuana brownies taste like regular brownies?
Cannabis brownies taste nearly identical to regular brownies, but the flavor depends on the cannabis-infused ingredient. Cannabutter and canna-oil can add a subtle herbal undertone4 to the brownies, but if you opt for THC distillate, your brownies will be as delicious as the traditional chocolatey treat.
Make Your Own Marijuana Brownies
Creating marijuana brownies is fun and rewarding, whether you make them from scratch or use a box mix. Remember to experiment with different recipes and dosages to find the perfect balance! If you need help choosing cannabis flower or buying cannabutter, canna-oil, or THC distillate, talk to your favorite budtender.
Sources
1. “The History of Weed Brownies,” High Times, September 20, 2016, https://hightimes.com/edibles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-history-of-pot-brownies/
2. “How to make weed brownies,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/make-pot-brownies
3. “How to Dose Cannabis Oil,” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-dose-cannabis-oil
4. “How to Disguise the Taste of Weed in Edibles,” Lifehacker, October 24, 2017, https://lifehacker.com/5-ways-to-disguise-the-taste-of-weed-in-edibles-1819787585
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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