Baking With Cannabis – The Best Guide to Anxiety and Stress Relaxation Through Edibles for 2024

As someone suffering from chronic pain or arthritis, or perhaps anxiety and stress,  you may have considered cannabis as a natural way to find relief. Baking with cannabis offers a tasty method to reap the plant’s medicinal benefits.

You’ll learn below, the basics of dosing, choosing strains, and infusing butter or oil. We also offer recipes for classic baked goods like brownies, cookies, and bread made with cannabis. Our guidance will help you bake safely at home and open up a world of possibilities for coping with pain.

Why You Should Bake With Cannabis for Pain Relief

Effective Natural Analgesic

Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which have analgesic effects. When ingested, THC binds to receptors in the brain and body that influence pain perception and inflammation.

This can, and often does, help reduce chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, injuries, and fibromyalgia. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the pain-relieving effects of THC.

Long-Lasting Relief

Edibles provide longer-lasting relief than smoking or vaping cannabis. The effects of edibles can last 6-8 hours, compared to 1-3 hours from inhalation methods. The slower absorption of cannabinoids through the digestive system leads to sustained therapeutic effects. For chronic pain conditions, extended relief from edibles can help reduce pain and improve sleep and daily functioning.

Improved Safety

Edibles are a much safer way to consume cannabis compared to smoking because they don’t expose the lungs to harmful chemicals and carcinogens found in smoke.

Moreover, edibles allow for precise dosing and the amount of cannabis used can be carefully controlled during the baking process, which makes it easier to consume cannabis in a controlled manner under the guidance of a medical professional. To avoid any adverse effects, it’s important to always start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the optimal level of relief with minimal side effects.

Additional Benefits

Edibles are not just for pain relief; they can also provide other therapeutic benefits. They can induce relaxation and calmness, which in turn can relieve anxiety and stress.

Additionally, edibles may help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea. For recreational users, the euphoric high from edibles can provide a sense of contentment and well-being. When used properly under medical guidance, edibles are a safe and versatile treatment option for various conditions.

Choosing the Right Strain of Cannabis for Baking

Consider the strains with high amounts of CBD and THC

When baking with cannabis, it is important to choose a strain with the appropriate amounts of CBD and THC for your needs. Strains higher in CBD and lower in THC are best for pain relief (although this is disputed by many pain patients), as CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory and relieves pain without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Popular high-CBD strains include Charlotte’s Web, Harlequin, and Cannatonic. For insomnia or anxiety, choose a strain with moderate amounts of both CBD and THC, such as Blue Dream or Girl Scout Cookies.

Indica vs Sativa: Know the Difference

Indica strains typically have higher amounts of THC compared to CBD and provide a body-focused high that is relaxing and soothing. The effects of Indica strains are best for nighttime use and sleep.

Sativa strains, on the other hand, usually have a higher amount of THC and provide an uplifting, energizing high. The effects tend to be mental and creativity-enhancing. For daytime use when you need to remain productive, a sativa strain is recommended.

Consider the Terpene Profile

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to the flavor and effects of each strain. Limonene provides uplifting effects, while linalool is relaxing and anti-anxiety. Pinene has alertness-promoting effects. When baking, choose a strain with a terpene profile that matches your desired outcome. The terpene profile, along with the THC and CBD amounts, will determine the overall experience. Am I sounding more and more like a sommelier or chef?

With some research into the available strains of cannabis and their chemical compositions, you can find the perfect strain to use when baking your edibles. The right combination of THC, CBD, and terpenes will provide the desired effects. Take note of the strain’s properties for future reference.

Calculating THC Dosages for Your Cannabis Edibles

To experience the therapeutic effects of cannabis edibles without adverse side effects, it is essential to determine the proper dosage of THC for your needs. When consumed orally, the effects of THC can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to manifest and can last for up to 8 hours. Therefore, start with a low dose and be patient, as ingesting too much THC can lead to unpleasant experiences like paranoia or anxiety.

Estimate Your Tolerance

If you are new to cannabis edibles, start with no more than 2-5 milligrams of THC. For those with experience, a moderate dose is 10 milligrams. Heavy users can start with 15-25 milligrams. However, every individual reacts differently to cannabis-based on factors like body weight, metabolism, and experience. The only way to truly understand your tolerance is through careful experimentation.

Consider the Potency

The potency of your cannabis edibles depends on the strain of cannabis used and how it was infused into the edible. The percentage of THC can vary significantly between different strains and batches of cannabis. So you’ll want to pay attention.

Look for edibles that clearly state the amount of THC and CBD in milligrams so you know exactly how potent they are. When it comes time to do some baking of your own, knowing which edibles you enjoyed lets you begin right there.

Start Low and Go Slow

Once you have an estimate of your tolerance and know the potency of your edibles, start with a dose on the lower end of the recommended range. You can always take more, but you cannot take less once consumed. Wait at least 2 hours to feel the full effects before increasing your dose. Increase your dose by no more than 5 milligrams at a time. Keep a journal of the doses you have tried and the effects you experienced to better understand how edibles affect you.

With some experimentation and patience in finding the right dose for your needs, cannabis edibles can provide effective relief from chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety. From personal experience, I know this to be true.

6 Tips for Making Delicious Marijuana Brownies and Pot Cookies

Making edibles at home allows you to control the dose and quality of cannabis in your treats. Follow these tips to create marijuana brownies and cookies that provide effective relief from chronic pain.

#1 – Use High-Quality Cannabis

The quality of cannabis you use directly impacts the potency of your edibles. Choose a strain high in THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that provides pain relief and relaxation. Use buds or trim, not stems or seeds.

#2 – Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Heating cannabis activates its compounds and allows them to have an effect when ingested. Spread your cannabis on a baking sheet and bake at 240 F for 40 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. This process is known as decarboxylation or “decarbing.”

#3 – Make Cannabis-Infused Butter or Oil

Infuse your decarbed cannabis into butter or coconut oil to use in place of regular fat in your recipes. For every cup of butter or oil, use 1 ounce of decarbed cannabis. Simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Strain out the plant matter. Use the infused butter or oil in your recipes.

#4 – Choose a Recipe and Adjust as Needed

Find a recipe for classic marijuana brownies or chocolate chip pot cookies. Substitute the same amount of infused butter or oil for the regular fat. You may need to adjust other wet ingredients to compensate.

#5 – Start with a Low Dose

It can take over an hour to feel the full effects of edibles. Start with a low dose, around 5 to 10 milligrams of THC. Wait two hours before taking more. You can always eat another brownie, but you can’t undo the effects if you overindulge.

#6 – Label and Store Properly

Clearly label your edibles with the amount of THC in each portion. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Lock away from children and pets.

Following these tips will help you create marijuana brownies and pot cookies that offer safe and effective relief from chronic pain. Always exercise caution since the effects of edibles can be highly variable between individuals. Start low and go slow.

How About Storing and Consuming Baked Cannabis Goods Safely

Proper Storage

To maintain potency and avoid spoilage, properly store your baked cannabis goods in an airtight container away from heat and light. Keep edibles at room temperature to avoid moisture buildup. For best results, consume within 1 week when stored properly.

Avoid Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming edibles, especially when first starting out. The effects can be quite strong and may impair your coordination, balance, and judgment. Wait at least 6 hours after consuming an edible before driving or doing anything requiring focus and coordination.

Medical Emergency?

In the event of a medical emergency from overconsuming edibles, contact emergency services immediately. While a lethal overdose is highly unlikely, do not hesitate to call for help if someone experiences distressing side effects or has trouble breathing. Remain calm and provide information to emergency responders about what and how much was consumed. With supportive care, the effects will pass as the body metabolizes the THC.

Consuming edibles requires caution and moderation to achieve the desired effects of pain and anxiety relief while avoiding unwanted side effects.

By properly storing edibles, avoiding driving, and knowing possible side effects, you can have a safe, enjoyable experience with your baked cannabis goods. Yum!

Conclusion

The benefits of baking with cannabis extend far beyond getting high. For many people living with chronic pain, edibles offer a safe, natural way to find relief and relaxation without the risks of smoking.

By understanding proper dosing, ingredients, and techniques, you can easily create your cannabis-infused treats to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep in yourself, your family, and your friends. Though edibles may not be right for everyone, they provide a tasty alternative to pills and patches.

Approach baking with cannabis carefully and responsibly, and it will be an effective part of an overall pain management plan. Trust yourself to make the best choices for your health and well-being.

More on Cannabis in Spinfuel

Unlocking the Incredible Potential of Cannabis: Exploring the Diverse Strains and Their Positive Effects

Powerful Cannabis Strains and Inflammation Relief for 2024

The Cannabis Business – 4 Tips to Help You Grow and Expand

Why Should You Get Into Hybrid Strains?

CBD and THC – Why CBD Doesn’t Get You High – A 2023 Perspective