See ya later, winter. Spring is officially here. Longer days, warmer weather, and a reset make this the perfect time to embrace lighter, brighter flavors and experiment with cannabis in the kitchen. Fresh ingredients are at their peak, and just like with produce, the right infusion can elevate your meals, adding depth to flavors while complementing the energy shift.
Whether you’re whipping up a laid-back brunch, drizzling an infused dressing over fresh greens, or mixing up a cool THC mocktail, there are plenty of ways to bring cannabis into your spring cooking. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—simple infusion techniques, the best strains to match the season, and easy recipes to try at home.
How to Infuse Cannabis
Spring is all about fresh flavors, and your cannabis infusions should match that energy. This season is for light, bright, subtle enhancements: zesty dressings, herbaceous olive oil infusions, and a drizzle of THC honey over fresh fruit. The goal is to complement the dish, not overpower it, letting cannabis blend naturally with seasonal ingredients.
To get started, you need to know the basics, starting with how to decarb your weed. Decarbing is the key to activating THC and CBD so your infusion delivers effects. Bake your cannabis at 240°F for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Once it’s golden and aromatic, it’s ready to infuse.
Next, combine the decarbed flower with your chosen fat—like olive oil, coconut oil, or butter—and simmer on low heat (160–200°F) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Once infused, strain the plant material, let it cool, and store it.
Choosing the Right Infusion Method
Cannabutter & Coconut Oil: Best for Baking & Cooking
Cannabutter and coconut oil are infusion staples, but they can feel heavy for spring dishes. Keep cannabutter light—a spread on toast, a dab in muffins, or a subtle boost in lemon bars. Coconut oil works great for sautéing veggies or mixing into no-bake energy bites for an easy, balanced infusion.
- How to infuse: Decarb your flower (bake at 220-240°F for 30–40 minutes), then gently heat it with butter or coconut oil for 2–3 hours. Strain out the plant material, and you’re ready to infuse your dishes.
Olive Oil Infusions: Perfect for Dressings & Drizzles
This method is a springtime favorite! Cannabis-infused olive oil keeps things light while still packing a THC punch. It mixes effortlessly into vinaigrettes, marinades or as a finishing drizzle over grilled veggies, avocado toast, or even a fresh burrata salad. The herbal notes in olive oil and cannabis play well together, making it a smooth, natural fit for all your bright, seasonal flavors.
- How to infuse: Follow the same process as cannabutter—decarb your flower, then heat it gently with olive oil for 2–3 hours before straining. Store in a cool, dark place and use as needed.
Cannabis-Infused Honey: A Sweet & Versatile Option
Infused honey is a must-have, period. But especially for spring. It’s perfect for stirring into tea, drizzling over fresh fruit, or even adding to a light citrus glaze for grilled dishes. The subtle sweetness works well in savory and sweet recipes without overpowering the other flavors.
- How to infuse: Decarb your cannabis, then heat it with honey using a double boiler on low heat for 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally, strain, and store in an airtight jar.
Tinctures & THC Syrups: Best for Drinks & Sauces
Tinctures and THC syrups are quick and easy ways to infuse without altering the texture of your dish. You can mix a few drops of a THC tincture into mocktails, fruit juices, or sauces for an effortless infusion. THC syrups also work well in lemonades, spritzers, and even desserts like sorbets.
- How to infuse: If making from scratch, dissolve decarbed cannabis into high-proof alcohol or glycerin over a few hours, then strain. Store in a dropper bottle for precise dosing.
Looking for an easier way to infuse without cooking weed for hours? Cannabis infuser machines take out the guesswork, automating the process for a consistent, hassle-free infusion. If you’re ready to start cooking, Stairway has the flower, tinctures, and even infusers to help you bring cannabis into your kitchen.
The Best Cannabis Strains & Terpenes for Spring Cooking
Just like seasonal ingredients, cannabis strains bring their unique flavors and aromas to the table. The key to a great infusion isn’t just about THC—it’s about choosing strains with terpenes that complement fresh, vibrant flavors. Floral, herbal, and subtly spicy notes can enhance a dish without overpowering it. Understanding which terpenes work best in spring recipes allows you to create natural, balanced, and effortlessly elevated infusions.
The Terpenes That Shine in Spring
Terpenes influence how cannabis interacts with food—both in flavor and effects—making them just as important as THC when it comes to infused cooking. These aromatic compounds add notes that enhance or clash with certain ingredients. They also shape the experience, with some terpenes promoting relaxation while others bring an energizing lift. For spring, the focus is on bright, fresh terpenes that complement seasonal ingredients and keep your infusions light and balanced.
Limonene
The go-to terp for anything citrus-forward. It brings a fresh, lemony aroma that pairs well with fruit-based dishes, sparkling drinks, and infused desserts. Since it’s known for its uplifting effects, it’s perfect for daytime cooking when you want a little extra energy.
Myrcene
It leans earthy and herbal, making it an excellent fit for olive oil infusions, teas, and even slow-simmered broths. This terpene is known for relaxation, so it works well in meals meant for winding down, like a cozy spring dinner or a laid-back weekend brunch.
Pinene
It brings a crisp, piney freshness that complements green, vegetal flavors. If you’re making a salad, a pesto, or anything herb-heavy, this terpene enhances those natural flavors without overpowering them. It pairs incredibly well with rosemary, basil, and thyme.
Caryophyllene
Has a subtle spice and peppery kick that works across sweet and savory dishes. It balances the sweetness in fruit glazes and honey infusions while adding depth to roasted vegetables and vinaigrettes.
Top Strains for Seasonal Cooking
Some strains just fit the season, bringing clarity, creativity, and a feel-good uplift. Spring calls for smooth, balanced highs that keep things light and social without weighing you down. Whether you want an energizing boost or a touch of euphoria, these strains match the longer days and brighter vibes. Pick up these strains at Stairway and start cooking.
Super Lemon Haze
This strain is packed with zesty, citrus-forward flavors, making it a natural match for bright, refreshing recipes. Whether pairing it with an infused brunch, lemon bars, or a citrusy vinaigrette, its uplifting and energetic effects make it perfect for daytime enjoyment. Expect a clean, cerebral buzz that keeps the vibes light and social.
AMAZE Orange Pre-Pack
AMAZE Orange delivers a candy-sweet orange with bold citrus flavors alongside Indica-leaning relaxation, making it a standout for flavor lovers. It’s great for unwinding after a long day while keeping things mellow and functional, offering a smooth, flavorful smoke that lingers with a refreshing, zesty finish.
Vibe Strawberry Gary
This Gary Payton x Red Pop Hybrid offers sweet, creamy, and fruity notes with just the right mix of gas and berry goodness. Its effects are known to balance energizing and relaxing, making it an excellent pick for social settings or creative moments. Whether cooking something sweet or looking for a flavorful session, Strawberry Gary delivers on taste and experience.
C4 Lilac Diesel
C4 Lilac Diesel combines a unique mix of diesel, spice, and floral notes for those who like a little funk with their florals. It offers a smooth yet powerful high, making it a great choice for spring evenings when you want to unwind but stay engaged. A Hybrid that delivers a mix of euphoria and relaxation, it’s a standout for those who appreciate complex flavors and a well-rounded buzz.
Spring is all about fresh starts and fresh flavors, and the right strain can make your infused meals feel intentional and well-balanced. Stairway has a lineup worth checking out if you’re looking for terpene-rich strains to match your cooking style.
Cannabis-Infused Recipes for Spring
Spring is the perfect time to get creative and celebrate. Host a wake & bake brunch with infused treats, throw a garden party with THC mocktails, or simply experiment with new flavors in your own kitchen. Cannabis blends effortlessly into fresh, seasonal dishes, adding just the right touch to enhance the moment. We’ll get you started with some ideas:
Wake & Bake Brunch: Lemon-Blueberry Pancakes
Nothing kicks off a slow spring morning better than a stack of lemon-blueberry pancakes. The citrus zest keeps them light and bright, while fresh blueberries add a natural sweetness that pairs effortlessly with cannabis-infused honey or THC butter. Instead of mixing the infusion into the batter, a drizzle of warm cannabis honey or a pat of infused butter on top keeps the dosing easy to control while letting the flavors shine.
Elevated Spring Salad: Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad with THC-Infused Vinaigrette
Spring means peak strawberry season, and this salad is a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Crisp greens, juicy strawberries, and crumbled goat cheese make for a refreshing base, but the vinaigrette ties it together. Cannabis-infused olive oil in a balsamic dressing brings a smooth, herbal touch that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the tang of the goat cheese. A drizzle over the top balances the flavors, adding a subtle cannabis infusion that blends with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Refreshing Cannabis Mocktail: Canna-Cucumber Mint Cooler
A crisp, hydrating mocktail is the perfect way to welcome warmer days, and a cucumber-mint cooler hits all the right notes. Fresh mint and cucumber blend effortlessly with citrus and a touch of sweetness for a light, refreshing drink. A few drops of THC tincture add the perfect cannabis kick without altering the flavor. If you don’t want to make your own, shop Stairway’s menu of tinctures and infused beverages to keep it easy.
Pro Tips for Spring Cannabis Cooking
Store Infusions Properly
Warmer temperatures can affect potency, so keep cannabutter in the fridge, olive oil in a cool, dark place, and tinctures away from sunlight.
Pair Cannabis with Fresh Herbs
Basil, thyme, and rosemary bring out citrus and herbal terpenes, while mint pairs well with sweet, refreshing flavors. Layering ingredients keeps the infusion intentional and not overpowering.
Keep Infusions Light
Instead of heavy-handed dosing, go for a drizzle of infused olive oil, a spoonful of THC honey, or a few tincture drops—just enough to complement without overwhelming.
Balance Infused & Non-Infused Dishes
Not everything needs to be dosed. Pair infused mains with regular sides, or serve THC vinaigrettes and sauces separately so guests can control their intake.
Start Low & Go Slow
Light spring dishes can make it easy to overdo cannabis infusions, so stick to 2.5–5mg per serving and adjust as needed. Start small, wait for the effects, and tweak future batches—adding more is always easier than overdoing it.
Balancing Flavors – Match cannabis notes to fresh ingredients:
- Infused olive oil works with lemon, rosemary, and garlic.
- THC honey complements berries, nuts, and warm spices.
- Tinctures shine in citrus drinks, herbal teas, and sauces.
Your Spring Infusion Adventure Starts at Stairway
Spring is a season of new energy and the perfect excuse to switch things up. As everything comes back to life, it’s a great time to experiment, get creative, and find new ways to elevate your cannabis experience. Whether refining your infusion skills, exploring different strains, or enjoying the process, there’s no better moment to embrace something fresh.
Stairway Cannabis has you covered if you’re ready to bring those ideas to life. From terpene-rich flower to infused essentials like tinctures and oils, you’ll find everything you need to match the season’s vibe. Stop by one of our two convenient locations to explore the selection and check out our specials to see what you can pick up for less. For even more savings, join The Climb High Club and unlock exclusive deals on your favorite products. Happy cooking, fam!
Key Takeaways
- Spring Is the Perfect Time to Experiment With Cannabis in the Kitchen: Lighter meals and fresh flavors pair effortlessly with cannabis infusions, adding depth without overpowering.
- The Right Strains and Terpenes Enhance Both Flavor and Effects: Citrus, herbal, and floral strains complement seasonal ingredients, while infusions like THC honey, olive oil, and tinctures keep things balanced.
- Stairway Cannabis Has Everything You Need to Get Started: Stock up on premium flower, tinctures, and infused essentials, check out specials, or join The Climb High Club for extra savings.