How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey for Your Tea and Baked Goods

What is Cannabis-Infused Honey?

Cannabis-infused honey is a delightful combination of the natural sweetness of honey and the therapeutic properties of cannabis. It is made by infusing honey with cannabis, allowing the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant to blend with the honey’s flavor profile. The result is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in various culinary creations.

When infused with cannabis, honey becomes an excellent vehicle for consuming cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It offers a convenient and enjoyable way to incorporate the benefits of cannabis into your daily routine, whether you’re adding it to your tea, drizzling it over desserts, or using it as a sweetener in recipes.

Why Use Cannabis-Infused Honey in Cooking?

Using cannabis-infused honey in cooking offers numerous advantages:

• Versatility: Cannabis-infused honey can be used in a wide range of recipes, both sweet and savory. It adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle cannabis flavor to your dishes, providing a unique twist to your culinary creations.
• Convenience: Infused honey is a convenient way to incorporate cannabis into your cooking. It eliminates the need to prepare separate infusions or extracts, saving you time and effort.
• Precise Dosage: By making your own infused honey, you have control over the potency and dosage. You can adjust the amount of cannabis used to achieve the desired effects, ensuring a consistent and predictable experience.
• Prolonged Shelf Life: Honey has a long shelf life due to its low water content and natural preservatives. When properly stored, cannabis-infused honey can retain its potency and flavor for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy its benefits over time.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your recipes or explore the therapeutic properties of cannabis, infused honey is an excellent addition to your cooking arsenal.

Choosing the Right Type of Cannabis for Infused Honey

The type of cannabis you choose for your infused honey will significantly impact its flavor and effects. Consider the following factors when selecting the right strain:

• Flavor Profile: Different cannabis strains have distinct flavor profiles, ranging from earthy and herbal to fruity and floral. Choose a strain that complements the taste of honey and harmonizes well with the recipes you plan to use the infused honey in.
• THC vs. CBD Content: Consider the cannabinoid composition of the strain. Strains high in THC offer psychoactive effects, while those high in CBD provide potential therapeutic benefits without the intoxication. Choose a strain that aligns with your desired effects and preferences.
• Indica vs. Sativa: Indica-dominant strains are known for their relaxing and sedating effects, while sativa-dominant strains are associated with uplifting and energizing effects. Consider the desired mood and experience you want to achieve when selecting your cannabis strain.

Research reputable websites such as Leafly or consult with knowledgeable professionals at your local dispensary to explore different strains and their flavors and effects. Experimentation and personal preference play a significant role in finding the ideal cannabis strain for your infused honey.

Preparing Your Cannabis for Infused Honey

Before infusing cannabis with honey, it’s essential to prepare the plant material properly. Follow these steps to ensure optimal results:

1. Decarboxylation: Decarboxylate your cannabis to activate the cannabinoids. Preheat your oven to around 240°F (115°C). Break up the cannabis buds into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-40 minutes to activate the compounds.
2. Grinding: Once decarboxylated, grind the cannabis into a coarse consistency. Avoid grinding it too finely, as this may result in a cloudy and difficult-to-strain infusion.

Decarboxylation is an essential step in the process, as it ensures the cannabinoids are activated and available for infusion into the honey.

The Best Type of Honey to Use for Infusing with Cannabis

The choice of honey can greatly impact the flavor and overall quality of your infused honey. When selecting honey for infusion, consider the following factors:

• Raw and Unprocessed: Opt for raw and unprocessed honey whenever possible. Raw honey retains its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and flavor, making it a healthier and more flavorful choice.
• Local and Organic: Choosing locally sourced and organic honey ensures its purity and quality. Local honey may offer additional benefits, such as helping with allergies due to the presence of local pollen.
• Flavor Profile: Different types of honey have distinct flavors, ranging from mild and floral to rich and robust. Consider the flavor profile of the honey and how it will complement the infused cannabis flavors in your recipes.

Explore local farmer’s markets, specialty stores, or online retailers that offer a variety of high-quality honey options. Tasting different types of honey can help you determine the best choice for your infused honey.

How to Infuse Honey with Cannabis

Infusing honey with cannabis is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Follow these steps to create your own cannabis-infused honey:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup of honey
   • 1-2 grams of decarboxylated cannabis
2. Infusion:
   • Combine the honey and decarboxylated cannabis in a double boiler or a heat-safe glass jar placed in a pot of simmering water.
   • Heat the mixture on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
   • Ensure that the water in the pot does not boil and that the temperature remains low to avoid overheating or scorching the honey.
3. Straining:
   • After the infusion period, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
   • Strain the infused honey using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any plant material. Gently press the cannabis to extract as much infused honey as possible.
4. Bottling:
   • Pour the strained infused honey into a clean, sterilized jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Label the container with the strain of cannabis used, the potency, and the date of preparation.

Store your infused honey in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency and flavor.

Storing Your Infused Honey Properly

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and potency of your cannabis-infused honey. Follow these guidelines:

• Airtight Container: Store your infused honey in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can degrade the quality of the honey and cannabinoids.
• Cool and Dark Environment: Keep the container in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can accelerate the degradation of the cannabinoids.
• Labeling: Clearly label the container with the strain, potency, and date of preparation to ensure proper tracking and dosage control.

When stored properly, cannabis-infused honey can maintain its potency and flavor for several months. However, it’s essential to periodically check for any signs of spoilage or degradation.

Using Cannabis-Infused Honey in Your Recipes

Cannabis-infused honey can be used in a wide array of recipes to add a touch of sweetness and a hint of cannabis flavor. Here are some ideas for incorporating infused honey into your culinary creations:

• Tea and Beverages: Add a spoonful of infused honey to your favorite tea, hot cocoa, or lemonade for a cannabis-infused twist. Stir until well combined and enjoy the sweet and relaxing flavors.
• Baked Goods: Infused honey can be used as a sweetener in various baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and muffins. Replace regular honey or sugar with infused honey to infuse your treats with the goodness of cannabis.
• Yogurt and Breakfast Bowls: Drizzle infused honey over yogurt, granola, or breakfast bowls for a nutritious and flavorful start to your day.
• Sauces and Glazes: Use cannabis-infused honey to create unique sauces and glazes for meats, vegetables, or grilled dishes. The sweetness of the honey pairs well with savory flavors.

Remember to start with a low dosage of infused honey and gradually increase it to find the desired effects. The potency of the honey may vary depending on the strain and the amount of cannabis used during infusion.

Always label your infused honey-containing dishes appropriately, especially when serving them to others, to ensure transparency and responsible consumption.

Enjoy the creative possibilities that cannabis-infused honey brings to your recipes while savoring the unique combination of flavors and therapeutic benefits it offers.