{"id":9537,"date":"2023-09-27T06:32:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T04:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marijuanagrowing.com\/?p=9537"},"modified":"2024-01-31T13:41:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T12:41:16","slug":"cooking-with-medicinal-cannabis-cooking-chapter-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marijuanagrowing.com\/cooking-with-medicinal-cannabis-cooking-chapter-27\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooking With Medicinal Cannabis Cooking – Chapter 27"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cannabis can be cooked or baked into food for medical consumption. Cannabinoids are liberated and become \u201cactive\u201d when mixed with fats, oils, and alcohols. Fats can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats often turn solid at room temperature and are often from animal origin. Unsaturated oils such as avocado, canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower are preferable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olive, with a large oleic acid molecular structure, appears to help cannabinoids dissolve and is a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recipes in this chapter for cannabis butter, clarified butter, milk, coconut oil, vegetable oil, and so forth are designed to concentrate medicinal cannabinoids in a fat, oil, or alcohol that can be used with other recipes. Concentrating in fats and oils (lipids) converts cannabinoids from the non-psychoactive form to the psychoactive form, preserves them for storage, and makes it easy to include them in many cooking and baking recipes. Cannabis in oils can be added to salads, noodles, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bulk of cannabinoids in cannabis are located in the resin. Resin is soluble in alcohol, fats, and oils. Combine cannabis leaf, buds, hash, and so on with an oil or alcohol to liberate the cannabinoids into the solvent. Later, separate the green leafy matter from the concentrated resin and solvent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabispotentbutter, oil, and alcohol are concentrated, which makes them easier and more consistent to measure out into recipes. Keeping dosage consistent is a major concern for cannabis patients. Extraction has already liberated cannabinoids. Cooking with concentrates is much easier than using bulkyand messy dry or fresh cannabis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis used in cooking often retainsmuch of the unpleasant taste associatedwith green foliage. Soaking cannabis incold water for two to three hours willleach out much of the chlorophyll andother pollutants. Concentrating resininto kief, hashish, or oil will alleviatemost if not all of the \u201cgreen\u201d taste. Lingering unpleasant tastes and odorscan be masked by powerful ingredientssuch as chocolate, lemon, cinnamon,and mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Combine cannabis with butter, vegetable oil, or any fat to liberate cannabinoids.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Combine 1 ounce (28 gm) of cannabis with a quart (0.9 L) of vegetable cooking oil to liberate cannabinoids.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Decarboxylation and Solubilization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Raw cannabis is generally non-intoxicating, but may have some psychoactive effects depending on how much free THC is present versus THCA. Patients report that the therapeutic effects of raw cannabis include providing relief from spasticity and inflammation and some reported no therapeutic effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabinoids are found in the form of acids (THCA) and attached to the carboxylic group (COOH). It must first be “liberated”; that is, cannabinoids including THC must change from an acid to a nonacid form to become psychoactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of decarboxylation converts CBD and non-psychoactive THC acid found in raw cannabis to psychoactive nonacid THC. Decarboxylation converts CBD to its nonacid form, which is extremely therapeutic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of solubilization also converts CBD and THC found in dry cannabis from their acid forms to their nonacid forms. Decarboxylation and solubilization achieve the same end but through different processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide (CO2). Decarboxylation of cannabis denotes a reaction of carboxylic acids, removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decarboxylation can be achieved by heating THC-dominant dry cannabis to above 212\u00b0F (100\u00b0C) or heating CBD-dominant dry cannabis to above 295\u00b0F (146\u00b0C) for 60 to 90 minutes. Do not heat cannabis \u2013 both THC-dominant and CBD-dominant \u2013 to above 320\u00b0F (160\u00b0C) to prevent boiling off cannabinoids. Heating beyond 320\u00b0F (160\u00b0C) may cause desirable cannabinoids, CBD and THC, to volatize and be lost when they mix with the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decarboxylation also occurs rapidly during vaporization: heating cannabis to 370\u00b0F to 380\u00b0F (187.8\u00b0C\u2013193\u00b0C), at which point it vaporizes and the conversion to the “active” nonacidic form takes place. Do not heat above 380\u00b0F (193\u00b0C) or it may cause preliminary burning\/charring. This process frees molecules to convert into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Smoked or vaporized cannabis that enters the lungs passes directly to the brain via the blood system; the effects are usually felt within 30 to 90 seconds. The dose is easy to control. Decarboxylized and
solubilized cannabis that is eaten passes through the stomach and liver before entering the blood
system. Effects normally appear in 45 to 60 minutes and last up to 12 hours. Dosage is more difficult
to control.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note:<\/strong> THC is liberated rapidly at temperatures between 370\u00b0F to 380\u00b0F (187.8\u00b0C\u2013193\u00b0C), and CBD is liberated rapidly at 370\u00b0F to 380\u00b0F (187.8\u00b0C\u2013193\u00b0C). The other 80+ known cannabinoids volatize at different temperatures often lower than 380\u00b0F (193\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same decarboxylation process also occurs at a very rapid rate when cannabis combusts (burns). Heat in smoked cannabis causes THC to convert into the psychoactive form. CBD is converted into its nonacid form. Combustion releases many toxic compounds\u2014aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene and other carcinogens\u2014that are inhaled into the lungs. See www.marijuanagrowing.com<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabinoids are soluble in fats, sugars, and oils (lipids), alcohol, and other oil-based solvents. Once combined, cannabinoids are soluble and convert from the acid to the nonacid form. THC becomes psychoactive, and CBD becomes much more therapeutic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solubilization occurs when cannabis is mixed with fats, sugar, oils, alcohol, and other oil-based solvents. The cannabinoids migrate and concentrate in the solvents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combine cannabis with these solvents, and heat at low temperatures (122\u00b0F\u2013145\u00b0F [50\u00b0C\u201362.8\u00b0C]) for 60 to 90 minutes to solubilize (extract) cannabinoids. Simmering and stirring ensures that complete extraction occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combining cannabis with alcohol (spirits or glycerin) requires no heat, but the process takes much longer. For example, place a bud in a bottle of ethyl alcohol\u2014vodka, rum, or spirits of any kind. Over time, the alcohol will take on the flavor and the potency of the cannabis. Or the alcohol can be evaporated to leave a concentrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon dioxide (CO2) can also be used as a solvent to liberate cannabinoids. CO2 is becoming a popular method to extract CBD and THC from dry cannabis. See chapter 26, Medicinal Concentrates & Tinctures, for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Safety \u2014 Clean Cannabis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Growing your own medicine or purchasing it from a medical cannabis dispensary that tests cannabis for pollutants, molds, and insect residues are excellent options. However, little control is exercised in the marketplace and many dispensaries do not test the cannabis they sell. Wash fresh cannabis with a 0.5 percent solution (see page 122) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to remove surface fungi and pest carcasses, eggs, and feces. Washing dry cannabis requires extra care. Concentrating cannabis in tinctures, kief, hashish, or oils also concentrates pollutants such as pesticides, fungus, and insect residues. Dry plants can be sterilized with UVC light before processing. The UVC light will kill pathogens and insects on the surface of the plant. Only short applications are given to avoid damaging resin with UVC radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients susceptible to plant fungi should use only cannabis that is certified to be clean, or grow it at home to ensure purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mold, mildew, and many other fungi can be present inside plant tissue and not visible to the human eye, and even when visible, an untrained gardener will not notice. When minor infections are present, small amounts of mold and mildew can slip into drying containers. Take special care to weed out this infected plant tissue. For example, dry flower buds infected with powdery mildew feel mealy and are easy to crush. They are not firm, and have little substance; instead, they are soft, pliable, and easy to compress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat kills potentially dangerous fungi such as Aspergillus, powdery mildew, and bud mold (Botrytis cinerea). Heating cannabis to 302\u00b0F (150\u00b0C) for 5 minutes will kill the organisms without degrading THC; other cannabinoids volatize below this temperature. But these temperatures do not degrade or decompose microbial toxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aspergillus, a common household mold, seldom causes harm in humans. However, people with compromised immune systems, AIDS, cancer, asthma, and other diseases can be affected by Aspergillus. Powdery mildew is caused by many species of fungi from the order Erysiphales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pesticides and fertilizer residues stay longer on indoor and greenhouse plants than on outdoor plants. Wind, natural sunshine, and rain weather away anything that is applied to leaves. Indoors, degradation of pesticides and fertilizers is much slower. Indoor plants should be watered with pure water for 5 to 6 days before harvest. This rinse will help plants use all the fertilizer in their tissue before harvest. Commercial products are also available to expedite the final leaching and make it more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To wash cannabis in H2O2 water before drying, fill a large container with a 0.5 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Submerge manicured, bud-filled branches in the container and agitate for 1 to 5 minutes. Fungus and other debris form a thin layer on the surface of the water or, if heavy, sink to the bottom. Use a sponge to skim off the layer of scum. Remove bud-filled branches, rinse and lightly shake water from foliage. Let branches drip dry for 30 minutes in front of an oscillating fan.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Microscopic fungus, dead insects, spider mites, and their eggs and feces stay on plants after harvest. Caterpillar and larvae feces attract fungus that must be cleaned from cannabis. Pests stick to resinous buds and are consumed by patients. Cooking alone is not enough to destroy bacteria, fungi, pest carcasses, eggs, and feces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a short list of laboratories that can test for contaminants of medicinal cannabis in California:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pure Analytics, http:\/\/pureanalytics.net\/<\/a>
Steep Hill Halent Laboratories, Inc., http:\/\/steephilllab.com\/<\/a>
The Werc Shop, http:\/\/thewercshop.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooking with fresh cannabis is not always possible; dry cannabis is usually all that is available. Keep dry cannabis in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain minimal preservation of active ingredients, cannabinoids. See “Storage” in chapter 9, Harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Diseased and desiccated foliage should be removed and discarded. Do not consume it. Foliage with nutrient deficiencies is okay to use, but it may have lower levels of cannabinoids.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cannabis roots contain no cannabinoids, but little is known as to their therapeutic effects. Roots are recycled back into the garden or compost.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stems have little or no cannabinoid content. After harvest, small buds and foliage may remain on stems. Separate stems from leaves and small buds. Do not add stems to recipes. Stems make good compost when chopped.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grades of Cannabis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cooking with kief, hash, or oil instead of flower buds or leaf has many benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis leaves and buds are in their acid form and not decarboxylized. The cooking process must perform the decarboxylation, and most often it is inefficient. Consistent dosage and no “green” flakes or taste are other strong reasons to use only cannabis concentrated in fats, oils, and alcohols. Water hash is most economical, and since many terpenes are already gone, heating while cooking does not destroy more flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemp is industrial-grade cannabis that is often used for its fiber, seed, and oil. Hemp has low levels of THC and, most often, other cannabinoids. Hemp is an ingredient in many balms, lotions, and soaps. Hemp fiber is used to make clothing and rope along with new products such as cannabis bedding for animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large leaves are separated at harvest. Dry leaves in a paper bag, turning every day by hand. Leaves have low cannabinoid content. Large, older leaves near the bottom of plants contain fewer cannabinoids than those located further up. Remove leaf stems before grinding or adding to recipes. Often large quantities of large leaves must be added to achieve therapeutic effects. Discard brown or discolored leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small leaves are located higher on the plant and around flower buds. Resin is often visible on these “trim” leaves that are packed with cannabinoids. Small leaves without visible resin, or recently formed and immature leaves contain fewer cannabinoids. Remove leaf stems. Chop fresh leaves and grind or chop dry leaves before adding to fats, oils, and alcohols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seeds are rich in oil and omega-3. Find hemp seeds in bulk by searching “hemp seeds bulk” on www.google.com<\/a>. Sometimes you can find hemp seeds from China, where they grow varieties that produce huge seeds.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Large leaves contain low levels of potent cannabinoids.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Small leaves around flower buds are often glistening with resin and make excellent hashish and tinctures for cooking. (MF)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Flower buds, the most resinous part of cannabis plants, are often small and lightweight but still contain high levels of cannabinoids. Chop fresh flower buds. Chop or grind dry flower buds before adding to fats, oils, and alcohols.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Large flower buds are often loaded with visible cannabinoid-rich resin. We advise people to use high-quality buds for cooking. Large flower buds are often submerged in cooking and salad oils or bottles of spirits.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kief (also known as keef or kif), the raw resin glands that fall from buds and leaves, is collected. It is usually adulterated with small amounts of foliage and debris from the garden. Kief is best used when added directly to fats, oils, and alcohols.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hashish (aka hash) is concentrated, compressed resin glands (kief). Hashish must be broken into small pieces or ground before adding to fats, oils, and alcohols.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here are the basic utensils you will need to make most medicinal cannabis concentrates.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Remove all stems and small leaf debris from manicured buds before making concentrates.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Temperature and Volatility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Temperature and Volatility known cannabinoids volatize at lower temperatures. See chapter 2, Measuring Cannabinoids, for more information on the boiling point of specific cannabinoids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baking and cooking require a heat source that is easy to control so that high temperatures do not cook out beneficial elements. Temperatures are easiest to control quickly with a gas stove or oven. Electric burners often heat and cool slowly. However, a hot plate is a convenient source of heat that can be plugged in anywhere. If you use recipes that heat beyond 300\u00b0F (148.9\u00b0C), calibrate with an accurate thermometer to avoid volatizing cannabinoids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: To avoid destroying cannabinoids, do not bake cannabis recipes at more than 350\u00b0F (176.7\u00b0C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n