If you love baking—and getting baked—fall is the perfect time to mix things up with a cannabis twist. And don’t worry, cooking with cannabis isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Whether using cannabutter in your pumpkin spice cookies or adding a drizzle of cannabis-infused olive oil to roasted veggies, it’s an easy way to elevate your favorite comfort foods. Embrace those cozy autumn vibes with dishes that blend warm, earthy notes of cannabis, making your seasonal favorites even more satisfying.
Infusing your favorite dishes with cannabis isn’t just about the high; it’s about enhancing those rich, seasonal flavors you already love. It’s a simple way to bring a little extra chill to your favorite fall eats without overthinking it. So grab your cozy sweater, light that pumpkin-scented candle, and get into the tasty world of cannabis-infused cooking—you might just find it’s your new favorite fall tradition.
Cannabis Cooking 101
When you think about cooking with cannabis, you might imagine tossing buds straight into a dish, but the real magic is in the infusions. By making butter (like classic cannabutter), infused oils, and other bases, you can easily blend cannabis into your favorite recipes, adding that extra touch without overwhelming the dish. These infusions let you enjoy the benefits of cannabis while keeping the flavors just right and the vibes super cozy.
Getting started with cannabis infusions is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple step-by-step to infuse cannabis into fat like butter, olive oil, or coconut oil:
- Decarb Your Cannabis: Start by decarboxylating your cannabis to activate the THC and CBD. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C), spread your ground cannabis on a baking sheet, and bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process converts THCA to THC, making it psychoactive.
- Choose Your Fat: Decide on your infusion base—butter, olive oil, or coconut oil work great. For every cup of fat, you’ll want about 7–10 grams of decarbed cannabis, depending on how strong you want your infusion.
- Combine and Heat: Combine your fat and decarbed cannabis in a slow cooker, double boiler, or saucepan on low heat. Keep the heat low—aim for around 160–200°F (70-93°C)—and let it simmer gently for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure an even infusion.
- Strain: Once infused, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. Squeeze out every last drop of goodness, then transfer the infused fat to a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cool and Store: Let the infusion cool, store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. Use it in your favorite recipes whenever you want a little cannabis kick!
For dosing, a little precision helps. Use online calculators or guides to measure THC/CBD levels based on your starting material. Always start with a small amount in your recipes and see how it feels, adjusting as needed. Enjoy the process, and remember: start low, slow, and savor the journey!
If you’re looking to make things even easier, consider using a cannabis infuser machine. These handy devices take the guesswork out by automating the heating and stirring, giving you consistent results without the fuss. Just toss in your decarbed cannabis and your choice of fat, set the temp and time, and let the machine handle the rest. It’s a no-sweat way to get perfectly infused butter and oil every time. Stairway Cannabis even has various infusers in stock, so be sure to ask the budtenders—they’ll hook you up with everything you need to get started!
Dos and Don’ts of Cooking With Cannabis
Before you jump into cooking with cannabis, it’s good to know a few basics to keep your infusions on point. Just like any recipe, there are some simple dos and don’ts that can make all the difference. Prepping your cannabis right, measuring carefully, and not rushing the process will set you up for success in the kitchen. Skip a step or try to speed things up, and you might not get the results you’re after. So, here are some easy tips to help you navigate the world of cannabis-infused cooking like a pro.
Dos
- Decarb Your Cannabis: Before infusing, make sure to decarboxylate your cannabis to activate the THC and CBD. This step is crucial for unlocking your infusion’s full potential and ensuring you get the desired effects.
- Measure Carefully: Precision is key when cooking with cannabis. Use a scale to weigh your cannabis and stick to your recipe’s guidelines to ensure consistent dosing. This helps you maintain control over the potency and avoid overdoing it.
- Store Infusions Properly: Keep your infused butter, oils, and other bases stored in airtight containers, preferably in the fridge or a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps preserve potency and prevents spoilage, so your infusions stay fresh and effective.
Don’ts
- Avoid High Heat: High temperatures can destroy cannabinoids and terpenes, diminishing the effects of your infusion. Stick to low and slow cooking methods to keep the good stuff intact and maintain the flavor and potency of your cannabis-infused dishes.
- Don’t Rush the Infusion Process: Patience pays off when infusing cannabis. Allow plenty of time for the cannabinoids to infuse properly into your chosen base. Rushing the process can lead to uneven potency and less effective results.
- Never Drive After Consuming Cannabis-Infused Foods: Even if you’ve gone light on the dose, it’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after enjoying cannabis-infused foods. The effects can sneak up on you, so play it safe and stay put until you’re sure you’re good to go.
Pairing Flavors
Now for the fun part—pairing cannabis strains with your fall recipes to really amp up those cozy vibes. It’s all about matching the flavors of the marijuana to the dish. Strains rich in earthy, spicy, or citrusy terpenes can complement your seasonal dishes perfectly, enhancing everything from savory comfort foods to sweet treats.
If you want to keep things chill and laid-back, go for Indica strains that’ll help you relax and unwind—perfect for those comfort foods on a crisp evening. Want a little creative spark in the kitchen? Sativas like Sour Diesel or Pineapple Express can bring a fun, uplifting vibe. And if you’re aiming for focus, balanced hybrids like Blue Dream keep you on track while adding subtle, pleasant flavors to your infusions.
Need help picking the right strains? Swing by Stairway Cannabis, where the budtenders can hook you up with strains that’ll blend seamlessly into your recipes. They’ll help you find just the right match to make your cannabis-infused fall cooking as warm and cozy as the season itself.
Fall-Flavored Infusions
Once you know which strains you want to work with, it’s time to bring the flavors to life! Think beyond the basics and dive into some fall-inspired infusions that’ll shake up your seasonal favorites. It’s about taking those classic fall flavors and giving them a little extra kick—because why settle for the same old recipes when you can make them a whole experience?
Butter
- Pumpkin Spice Cannabutter: It’s a fall twist on a classic. Perfect for adding a warm, spiced flavor to cookies, muffins, pancakes, or even spreading on toast.
- Maple Cannabutter: Infuse your cannabutter with a hint of maple syrup for a sweet autumn twist. Perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or using in baking for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Cannabutter: This one’s a game-changer for fall baking. Add brown sugar and cinnamon to your cannabutter for a rich, spiced flavor perfect for cookies, muffins, or even sweet potatoes.
Oil
- Cinnamon-Infused Cannabis Oil: Great for drizzling over oatmeal, stirring into warm apple cider, or enhancing fall desserts like baked apples.
- Apple-Infused Cannabis Oil: Adds a sweet, fruity twist to dishes, ideal for baking or as a finishing touch in salads and sauces.
- Savory Herb-Infused Oils: Infuse rosemary, sage, or thyme in roasted vegetables, soups, and stews or as a flavorful base for sautéed dishes.
With these autumn-inspired infusions, your seasonal cooking is about to get a serious upgrade. Don’t be afraid to get creative—try these cannabis infusions, tweak the recipes, and make them your own. Grab your favorite strains and fire up the stove.
Recipes to Try This Fall
Savory Options
Below are just a few of our favorite fall recipes, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating hearty, cold-weather dishes with cannabis. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own blends—and have fun getting creative in the kitchen. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s an infusion to match the vibe.
- Cannabis-Infused Butternut Squash Soup: Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Adding a drizzle of cannabis-infused olive oil brings a subtle earthiness and extra comfort to this creamy dish. It’s perfect for cozy nights and pairs well with crusty bread.
- Herb-Infused Roasted Veggies: Take your side dishes to the next level with roasted vegetables infused with cannabis-infused rosemary and garlic oil. The infusion enhances the flavors and adds a little kick to your meal. Whether it’s carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts, this simple addition can make your veggies the star of the meal.
Sweet Treats
Edibles usually lean toward the sweet side, with classics like chocolates, gummies, and candies leading the way. But why not switch it up this season and make your own treats? The options are endless, from baked goods like brownies and cookies to more adventurous bites like canna-infused caramel popcorn or spiced nuts.
- Cannabis Pumpkin Spice Cookies: These pumpkin spice cookies, elevated with a touch of cannabutter, bring the fall flavors front and center. They’re a perfect blend of warm spices and soft, chewy goodness, offering a comforting twist that’s great for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
- Apple Crisp with Cannabutter: For a cozy dessert that hits all the right notes, try an apple crisp made with Cannabutter. The buttery, crumbly topping pairs perfectly with sweet, tender apples, making it an ideal treat for a chill evening. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
As you dive into your fall cooking adventures, don’t hesitate to get creative and add a cannabis twist to your favorite seasonal dishes. Start small, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy exploring these cozy infusions. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of pumpkin spice cannabutter or perfecting your savory herb-infused oils, let the flavors of fall guide you.
And if you need any tips or are looking for the best strains to complement your cooking, visit Stairway Cannabis. Our team is here to help with all your cannabis needs and can guide you in choosing the perfect strains to elevate your culinary creations. Don’t forget to share your own fall cannabis recipes and experiences! Tag us on Instagram with the goods—we’d love to see what you cook up!
Key Takeaways
- Experiment with Fall Cannabis Infusions: Try different cannabis-infused butter, oils, and bases to elevate your favorite fall dishes. From savory to sweet, there’s a cannabis infusion to match your seasonal vibe.
- Start Small and Savor the Process: When cooking with cannabis, start with a low dose and adjust as needed. Enjoy the journey of infusing cannabis into your meals—explore new flavors and have fun with it.
- Ask the Budtenders at Stairway: Need help choosing strains or tips on infusions? Stop by Stairway Cannabis and chat with the budtenders—they’ll guide you to the best options for your fall cooking, and they might have infusers in stock to make things even easier.