Here are 7 things I wish I knew before i started making edibles — lessons that would have saved me a lot of wasted cannabis and some very uneven highs. Whether you are new to cannabis cooking or just want to level up your infusions, these cannabis infusion tips will make a real difference in your results.
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Making Edibles
1. Decarb Cannabis for Edibles First
Raw cannabis will not get you high in edibles. You must decarb cannabis for edibles before cooking — decarboxylation converts THCA into THC using heat. Spread ground flower on a baking sheet and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes. Skip this step and you are wasting your herb.
2. Mix Thoroughly for Even Distribution
Uneven mixing is one of the most common edibles beginner mistakes. If the cannabis is not evenly distributed throughout your butter, oil, or batter, some pieces will be too strong and others will have no effect at all. Stir thoroughly and consistently at every stage of the infusion and baking process.
3. Start Small With Portion Size
Adding too much or too little cannabis is another classic mistake. Start conservatively — you can always eat more, but you cannot un-eat a dose that is too strong. For beginners, 5–10 mg of THC per serving is a reasonable starting point. Use a consistent recipe and measure everything carefully.
4. Use an Edibles Dosage Calculator
Guessing your dosage is a recipe for a bad time. An edibles dosage calculator helps you figure out how much THC ends up in each serving based on the potency of your flower and the amount used. Several free edibles dosage calculator tools are available online — enter your flower THC percentage and the amount used, and the calculator gives you the approximate mg per serving. These are essential cannabis infusion tips for anyone making edibles at home.
5. Watch Your Temperature
THC starts to degrade above 320°F (160°C). High cooking temperatures will burn off your cannabinoids before they ever reach you. Keep infusions below 200°F (93°C) and avoid recipes that require high-heat baking unless your cannabis is already baked into a stable fat (like cannabutter) that protects it somewhat. Knowing this is one of the 7 things I wish I knew before i started making edibles.
6. Do Not Waste the Sludge
After you strain your cannabis infusion, the leftover plant material is called sludge or pulp. It still contains residual cannabinoids and flavour. Press it firmly through a cheesecloth to squeeze out every last drop of infused oil or butter. Some people even use this pulp in smoothies or baked goods for a secondary low-dose effect.
7. Start Low and Wait Before Taking More
Edibles take 45 minutes to 2 hours to kick in depending on your metabolism and what you have eaten. The most common edibles beginner mistakes involve redosing too soon because you feel nothing. Wait at least 2 hours before deciding the first dose was not enough. Taking too much at once can lead to an overwhelming experience that lasts 6–8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to decarb cannabis for edibles?
Yes — decarb cannabis for edibles is essential. Without decarboxylation, the THCA in raw cannabis will not convert to psychoactive THC. Your edibles will have little to no effect unless you decarb first.
What edibles dosage calculator should I use?
Several free edibles dosage calculator tools exist online. Enter your flower THC percentage and the amount used, and the calculator tells you the approximate mg per serving. Always treat these as estimates — potency can vary based on your infusion method.
What temperature should I use when making edibles?
Keep infusions below 200°F (93°C) to preserve THC. For decarboxylation, 240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes is the standard. High heat during baking can degrade cannabinoids, so protect them in a fat-based infusion before adding to recipes.
How long do edibles take to kick in?
Most edibles take 45 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. Factors include your metabolism, body weight, and whether you ate beforehand. Never redose too soon — wait at least 2 hours before deciding the first dose was insufficient.
References
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