Cooking with Cannabis at Home: Tips, Tricks and Mistakes to Avoid
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Shutterstock
Quick Answer: Master the art of making cannabis edibles at home. Learn how to choose the right strains, decarboxylate properly, infuse oils, and control doses for safe, delicious results. This guide also covers flavor tips, common mistakes, and dispensary-grade products to help you create consistent, effective edibles every time.
Cooking with cannabis can be creative, rewarding, and (when done right) delicious!
But it’s also easy to overdo, under-activate, or simply make something that doesn’t deliver the experience you expect.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of brownies or infusing olive oil, here’s what you need to know to get it right every time.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Start with the Right Cannabis
Not all cannabis is created equal for cooking. The best results come from fresh, well-cured flower or infused oils specifically designed for edibles.
THC-dominant strains tend to produce stronger psychoactive effects.
CBD-rich strains are ideal for relaxation or daytime use.
Balanced hybrids provide an even mix of calm and clarity.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to cannabis cooking, start with a pre-infused product like a tincture or RSO from a trusted dispensary—like those at Hashtag Redmond—for consistent, lab-tested results.
Image credit: Mike Gattorna
Don’t Skip Decarboxylation
Raw cannabis won’t make you feel high because THC and CBD exist in their acidic forms (THCA and CBDA). Heating converts them into their active compounds through decarboxylation.
How to Decarb at Home:
Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break up cannabis into small pieces and spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Let it cool before infusing or blending into recipes.
Mistake to Avoid: Too much heat destroys cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to harsh flavors and reduced potency.
Image credit: Fulvio Ciccolo
Infuse, Don’t Just Mix
THC and CBD are fat-soluble, which means they bind best with fats and oils—not water. That’s why infusion is the key to even, effective edibles.
Popular infusion bases include:
Butter (cannabutter): Great for baked goods.
Coconut oil: Ideal for vegan recipes and high-fat infusions.
Olive oil: Perfect for salad dressings, pasta, or savory dishes.
Pro Tip: Use a slow cooker or double boiler to gently heat your decarbed cannabis with oil for 2–4 hours. Strain through cheesecloth when done.
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Control Your Dose
This is where most home chefs go wrong.
Estimating potency without lab testing can lead to surprise results.
Rule of Thumb:
Start with ½ gram of cannabis (10–15% THC) per ½ cup of oil.
Always test your infused oil in small doses first—1 teaspoon can go a long way!
If you’d rather skip the math, dispensary-grade infused oils and tinctures provide exact THC/CBD milligrams per serving, making dosing simple and consistent.
Image credit: Sunny Chiu
Taste, Texture & Terpenes
Cannabis has a naturally herbal, sometimes earthy taste. To balance it:
Pair with strong flavors like chocolate, citrus, or spices.
Use strain-specific infusions for complementary notes—like citrusy Super Lemon Haze or sweet Wedding Cake.
Avoid overheating, which can dull terpene flavors and aromas.
Be Patient
Unlike smoking, edibles take time to kick in—anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The effects can also last up to 8 hours or more.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t eat more just because you don’t feel it right away. Wait at least 2 hours before considering another bite.
Image credit: Squared.one
Store Safely
Keep infused oils and edibles sealed, labeled, and out of reach of kids or pets. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for freshness.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Cannabis Cooking Tips and Tricks
Cooking with cannabis at home blends creativity with chemistry.
Start low, go slow, and don’t skip the decarb.
Whether you’re experimenting with cannabutter brownies or crafting gourmet infused dinners, Hashtag Redmond carries everything you need—from premium flower to infused oils—to help you cook confidently and safely.
Where can I find products for making edibles in Redmond?
Click on our online menu link below to see our current availability and visit Hashtag Redmond today to explore edibles designed for cooking delicious, homemade edibles
Our team will help you find the perfect dose, pace, and product for your needs.
Want to learn more?
Then check out our related posts here!
Need help picking out a product? Then ask our friendly budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.