how do you make edibles: 10 Powerful Tips for Easy Success
The DIY Approach to Cannabis-Infused Treats
Ever wondered how do you make edibles that taste amazing and deliver consistent effects? The process is simpler than you might think!
First, you’ll need to decarboxylate your cannabis by baking it at about 240°F for 30-40 minutes. This crucial step activates the compounds that produce those desired effects. Next, infuse your activated cannabis into a fat like butter or oil by gently heating them together for 2-3 hours. When straining, resist the urge to squeeze the plant material (trust me, this prevents bitter flavors). Then calculate your dosage carefully—I usually recommend 5-10mg THC per serving for beginners. Finally, use your infusion in recipes by simply swapping regular butter or oil with your cannabis-infused version.
The homemade edibles movement has exploded in popularity, and I’ve seen why firsthand. Creating your own infused treats puts you in the driver’s seat—you control exactly what goes in, how potent each piece is, and what flavors complement your experience. Unlike smoking or vaping which might last 1-3 hours, edibles typically provide a longer journey (6-8 hours) and offer a wonderfully discreet option without any telltale cannabis aroma.
Success with edibles really comes down to preparation. The decarboxylation process might sound fancy, but it’s just science-speak for heating cannabis to transform its compounds into their active form. Raw cannabis contains minimal psychoactive properties until heat works its magic. After this crucial step, infusing into butter or oil creates a versatile ingredient that can transform everything from brownies to pasta sauce.
Whether you’re dreaming of classic chocolate treats, fruity gummies, or even savory dishes, the fundamental process stays consistent. The journey requires some attention to temperature, careful dosage math, and patience—both during preparation and especially when consuming (the “start low, go slow” mantra exists for good reason!).
I’m Jeremy Rivera from Terp Bros dispensary in Astoria, and I’ve guided countless Queens residents through making how do you make edibles safely at home. From both professional experience and community feedback, I’ve seen how homemade cannabis treats can provide consistent, enjoyable experiences when made with care.
Quick resources on how do you make edibles:
– are edibles illegal
– beginners guide to edibles
– thc gummies
What Are Cannabis Edibles and Why Make Them at Home?
Cannabis edibles are simply food products infused with cannabinoids—primarily THC and CBD—that work their magic when eaten and digested. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles take a fascinating detour through your digestive system. When you munch on that innocent-looking brownie, your liver transforms Delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that sneaks across the blood-brain barrier more effectively, delivering stronger and longer-lasting effects.
But why go through the trouble of making your own when you can just buy them? Trust me, the benefits are worth it.
Cost savings are huge—one homemade batch can cost a fraction of store-bought equivalents. I’ve had customers at Terp Bros tell me they’ve cut their monthly cannabis budget in half by switching to homemade edibles.
You get complete customization over potency, ingredients, and flavors. Want a low-dose mint chocolate chip cookie? Or a potent ginger-infused honey for your tea? The kitchen is your laboratory.
Discretion is another major perk. Homemade treats don’t come in telltale packaging, making them perfect for consuming without drawing unwanted attention.
“Making my own edibles changed everything after my neck injury,” shared Maria, one of our regular Terp Bros customers. “Being able to control my dosage precisely has been a game-changer for managing pain without feeling foggy.”
The quality control aspect can’t be overstated—you know exactly what’s in your creations when you make them yourself. No mystery ingredients or questionable additives.
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about the creative expression that comes with infusing your favorite recipes. It’s a culinary trip that combines the joy of cooking with the benefits of cannabis.
From classic baked goods like brownies and cookies to gummies and candies, chocolates, infused oils and butters, refreshing beverages, or even savory pasta dishes and salad dressings—the possibilities are practically endless.
Edibles vs Smoking: How Do They Work in the Body?
The journey of cannabis through your body differs dramatically depending on how you consume it. When smoking or vaping, THC zips directly into your bloodstream through your lungs, reaching your brain in minutes. Effects typically peak within half an hour and fade after 2-3 hours.
Edibles, however, take the scenic route:
Your digestive system processes the infused food over 30-120 minutes before effects begin—a timeline that varies based on your metabolism, what else is in your stomach, and individual factors like weight and tolerance.
Effects typically peak 1-3 hours after consumption, creating a gradual climb rather than the immediate rush of smoking.
The experience lasts 6-8 hours or sometimes longer—perfect for all-day relief but potentially overwhelming if you’re not prepared for the duration.
The intensity often surprises even experienced cannabis users because of that magical liver change into 11-hydroxy-THC.
As research published on Weedmaps explains, “11-hydroxy-THC is able to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than Delta-9-THC, which may explain why edible cannabis products produce stronger and longer-lasting effects.”
This metabolic difference is precisely why the golden rule with edibles is always “start low and go slow.” The delayed onset has led many impatient souls to take more before the first dose kicks in—a recipe for an overwhelming experience that can last for hours.
Whether you’re looking for long-lasting relief or a different kind of experience than smoking provides, how do you make edibles that work for your specific needs? The answer lies in understanding this unique relationship between edibles and your body.
How Do You Make Edibles: Essential Prep Work
Before diving into the infusion process, proper preparation is crucial for successful edibles. The right equipment, strain selection, and safety measures will set you up for a rewarding experience.
Essential Equipment:
Making edibles doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but a few key tools will make your life much easier. You’ll need a baking sheet and parchment paper for the decarboxylation process, along with a digital thermometer to keep temperatures in check. For the infusion, grab a medium saucepan, double boiler, or slow cooker – whichever you have on hand works fine.
Don’t forget a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for filtering out plant material. I learned this the hard way when I once tried using a regular colander – let’s just say finding bits of cannabis in your teeth isn’t the most pleasant experience!
You’ll also want glass storage containers for your finished infusions, a kitchen scale for precise measurements, and the usual measuring cups and spoons. Nothing too fancy, but these basics will set you up for success.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain:
The strain you select will significantly impact your edibles’ effects. While many folks still think in terms of indica versus sativa, focusing on cannabinoid ratios and terpene profiles actually gives more predictable results.
High-THC strains will produce more psychoactive effects – perfect if you’re looking for that classic “high” feeling. If you prefer therapeutic benefits with less intoxication, high-CBD strains are your friend. Many of our customers at Terp Bros find that balanced THC:CBD strains offer the sweet spot – moderate effects with fewer side effects like anxiety or paranoia.
“When I make edibles, I prefer hybrid strains with a balanced cannabinoid profile,” shares a Queens-based customer who regularly visits our Astoria location. “I find they give me the relaxation I want without making me too sleepy or anxious.”
At Terp Bros, we’re happy to help you select the perfect strain based on your desired effects and experience level. Just stop by our shop and chat with our knowledgeable staff!
How Do You Make Edibles Safely?
Safety should always be your priority when making cannabis edibles. The decarboxylation process is the first critical step in the journey.
Decarboxylation (or “decarbing”) sounds complicated, but it’s simply heating cannabis to convert non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC. Raw cannabis contains mostly THCA, which won’t get you high if eaten directly. Through decarboxylation, you activate these compounds to make them work when consumed.
Here’s how to decarb properly:
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Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). An oven thermometer is your best friend here – many ovens run hotter or cooler than their settings indicate.
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Break your cannabis flower into small, popcorn-sized pieces – but don’t pulverize it. “A hand grinder is a good option whenever possible to avoid an overly grassy flavor,” notes one experienced edible maker I know from Astoria.
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Spread the cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re worried about the smell (and trust me, there will be smell), create a loose tent with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
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When properly decarboxylated, your cannabis will transform from bright green to a toasted brownish-green color.
Be sure to ventilate your kitchen well during this process – your neighbors might get curious otherwise! Keep temperatures below 250°F to preserve those precious cannabinoids and terpenes. And always, always label your finished products clearly to prevent accidental consumption by housemates or visitors.
How Do You Make Edibles Without Butter?
While cannabutter is the traditional base for many edibles, several alternatives work just as well—sometimes better—depending on your dietary needs and the recipes you plan to make.
Coconut oil has become my personal favorite for infusions. It’s high in saturated fat, making it excellent for cannabinoid absorption (THC loves to bind to fat molecules). It works beautifully in both sweet and savory recipes, and since it’s solid at room temperature, it’s perfect for gummies and chocolates. You can choose refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or unrefined if you don’t mind a hint of coconut.
MCT oil is another fantastic option that’s gained popularity. It’s rapidly absorbed by the body and remains liquid at room temperature, making it perfect for tinctures and capsules. It’s nearly flavorless, so your edibles won’t have that distinctive cannabis taste unless you want them to.
For those who prefer savory edibles, olive oil makes a wonderful infusion base. While it has a lower saturated fat content than butter or coconut oil, it still works effectively and adds a nice flavor dimension to salad dressings and pasta dishes.
If you’re looking for versatility, consider making alcohol-based tinctures with high-proof alcohol like Everclear. These can be added to beverages or food and have a longer shelf life than fat-based infusions. Plus, they offer quick sublingual absorption if you’re in a hurry.
For the ultimate convenience, concentrates like distillate or RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) are pre-activated and ready to use. They allow for precise dosing and have minimal flavor impact, with no infusion process required.
“I switched from butter to coconut oil for my edibles,” explains a regular Terp Bros customer from Sunnyside. “The shelf life is better, and I find the effects are more consistent. Plus, my vegan friends can enjoy them too!”
Step-by-Step: Infusing Butter, Oil, and Beyond
Now that you’ve successfully decarboxylated your cannabis, it’s time for the magic of infusion—where those activated cannabinoids bind with fat molecules to create your edible base. The standard ratio most home chefs follow is 1:1 (1 cup of fat to 1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis), though you can always adjust based on your desired potency.
Think of infusion as the bridge between raw ingredients and delicious edibles. Let me walk you through some reliable methods I’ve seen work well for our Terp Bros customers in Queens.
Classic Cannabutter Walk-Through
There’s something wonderfully traditional about making cannabutter—it’s the foundation that launched countless cannabis kitchens!
For a standard batch, you’ll need:
– ½ ounce (14 grams) of your decarboxylated cannabis
– 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
– 1 cup water (this helps prevent burning)
Start by melting your butter with water in a saucepan over low heat (aim for 160-180°F). Add your decarbed cannabis and stir gently to combine everything. The key here is patience—maintain that low heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, giving it an occasional stir. Whatever you do, don’t let it boil! Keep temperatures below 200°F to preserve those precious cannabinoids.
“The biggest mistake I made when I first started was rushing the process,” shares a regular customer from Astoria. “When I finally learned to be patient and keep the heat low, my edibles became so much more potent.”
After simmering, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Line a glass container with cheesecloth and slowly pour the mixture through. Here’s a crucial tip: let gravity do the work. Don’t squeeze the cheesecloth! Squeezing forces chlorophyll and extra plant material through, creating that bitter, grassy taste nobody wants.
Refrigerate your strained mixture and watch the butter magic happen—it will solidify and separate from the water, which you can then pour off and discard. Your finished cannabutter should have a light green tint but not an overwhelming cannabis flavor.
Alternate Infusions: Oils, Tinctures, Concentrates
While cannabutter is a classic, there are several other approaches that might better suit your lifestyle or dietary needs.
Coconut or MCT oil works beautifully in a slow cooker. Simply add 1 cup of oil and your decarboxylated cannabis, set to low (around 160-180°F), cover, and let it work its magic for 4-6 hours with occasional stirring. For a potency boost, consider adding a tablespoon of sunflower lecithin during infusion—it helps improve bioavailability so your body can absorb more cannabinoids.
If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot method has become incredibly popular among our Queens customers. “Using an Instant Pot was a game-changer for me,” one Sunnyside resident told me. “I place my decarbed cannabis and oil in a sealed mason jar, add water to the Instant Pot, and run it on high pressure for 40 minutes. Quick, efficient, and much less smell!”
For those who prefer an alcohol-based approach, tinctures offer flexibility and a longer shelf life. Simply place your decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar, cover completely with high-proof alcohol (Everclear works well), seal, and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks—shaking daily. After straining, store in a dark glass dropper bottle for easy dosing.
The concentrate shortcut is perfect for precision and simplicity. “I prefer using concentrates for my edibles now,” shares a Jackson Heights resident who visits our Astoria dispensary. “The dosing is more precise, there’s minimal flavor impact, and I don’t have to worry about the decarb process since most concentrates are already activated.” Simply melt your butter or oil over low heat, add your concentrate (distillate, RSO, etc.), stir until fully dissolved, and you’re ready to cook!
At Terp Bros, we’ve helped countless customers perfect their infusion techniques—whether you’re a first-timer or looking to refine your process, we’re happy to share tips that work for your specific needs and equipment. After all, making how do you make edibles easier is part of our community mission!
Potency Math & Safe Dosing for Homemade Treats
Getting your dosing right might be the most crucial part of making edibles at home. Without proper calculations, you could end up with treats that either don’t do much or send you to the moon (and not in a good way).
“The number one mistake I see people make is not respecting the potency of edibles,” says a regular Terp Bros customer who’s been making edibles for years. “I always tell friends trying my edibles to start with half the recommended dose and wait a full two hours before considering more.”
Basic Dosage Calculation
Figuring out how do you make edibles with consistent potency isn’t rocket science, but it does require some simple math:
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Start with your flower’s potency – Look at the label to find the THC percentage. If you’re using 14 grams (½ ounce) of cannabis with 20% THC, that’s your starting point.
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Calculate your total potential THC – Multiply your cannabis weight by the THC percentage: 14 grams × 20% = 2.8 grams of THC, which equals 2,800 mg of THC.
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Factor in decarboxylation efficiency – Not all THCA converts to THC during decarb. Most home methods achieve about 80% efficiency: 2,800 mg × 0.8 = 2,240 mg activated THC.
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Account for infusion losses – When infusing into butter or oil, you’ll typically extract about 50-60% of the available THC: 2,240 mg × 0.5 = 1,120 mg THC in your final infusion.
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Divide by servings – If you make 56 cookies with this infusion, each cookie contains approximately 20 mg THC (1,120 mg ÷ 56 = 20 mg per cookie).
For beginners, I always recommend starting with 5-10 mg THC per serving. If you’re brand new to edibles or have a low tolerance, you might even want to begin with a microdose of 2.5 mg. You can always take more, but you can’t take less once you’ve consumed it.
Recommended Dosage Tiers for Beginners
Understanding how different doses might affect you can help prevent uncomfortable experiences:
| Experience Level | Recommended Dose | Expected Effects |
|---|---|---|
| First-time users | 2.5-5 mg THC | Mild relaxation, subtle euphoria |
| Occasional users | 5-10 mg THC | Stronger relaxation, noticeable euphoria |
| Regular users | 10-25 mg THC | Strong effects, possible intense euphoria |
| Experienced users | 25-50+ mg THC | Very strong effects, not recommended for beginners |
Edible effects can vary dramatically between individuals based on metabolism, body weight, food in your stomach, and even your mood that day. This is why the golden rule with edibles is always “start low and go slow.”
Using Online Calculators & Kitchen Scales
For more precise calculations, I recommend using online dosage calculators like the one at howtoedibles.com. These handy tools take the guesswork out of the process by accounting for various factors in the infusion process.
A digital kitchen scale isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for accuracy. Weighing both your cannabis and your finished products ensures you’re getting consistent dosing across your entire batch. Those little eyeball measurements can lead to big differences in potency from one brownie to the next!
Pro tip: Keep a notebook dedicated to your edible trips. For each batch, record:
- The amount and potency of cannabis used
- Your infusion method and time
- Total yield of your recipe
- Calculated potency per serving
- Notes on effects and duration
This simple record-keeping helps you refine your process over time. “My edible journal has been my secret weapon,” shares a Queens-based customer who visits our Astoria location. “I can replicate my successes and learn from the batches that didn’t turn out quite right.”
When you’re ready to try your hand at making perfectly-dosed edibles, stop by Terp Bros in Astoria. We’re always happy to help you select the right strain for your homemade treats and answer any questions about how do you make edibles with consistent results every time.
Rookie Mistakes, Troubleshooting, and Storage Tips
Making cannabis edibles at home is like any culinary trip—there’s an art to getting it right. Even seasoned edible enthusiasts make mistakes from time to time. Let me walk you through the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
One mistake I see all the time is over-grinding your cannabis. While it might seem logical to create more surface area, grinding your flower too finely releases excessive chlorophyll, giving your edibles that unmistakable “I’m eating a lawn” flavor. Instead, break your cannabis into small, popcorn-sized pieces by hand or with a coarse grinder.
“The first batch of brownies I made tasted like I’d baked grass clippings into chocolate,” laughs a regular customer from Astoria. “Now I hand-break my flower and the difference is incredible—you can actually taste the chocolate!”
Temperature control is another crucial factor. Excessive heat during decarboxylation or infusion doesn’t extract more cannabinoids—it destroys them! Keep your decarb temperature between 220-245°F and your infusion below 200°F. A digital thermometer is worth its weight in gold here.
Perhaps the most tempting mistake is squeezing the cheesecloth when straining your infusion. I know it feels wasteful to leave that precious butter behind, but trust me—squeezing forces bitter plant material into your infusion. Let gravity do its job, and your taste buds will thank you later.
Uneven mixing can create “hot spots” in your batch, where one brownie might send you to the moon while another barely lifts off. Mix thoroughly and consider adding lecithin as an emulsifier to help distribute cannabinoids evenly throughout your mixture.
Fixing “Planty” Flavor or Weak Batches
If you’ve already made a batch that tastes like you’re chewing on hemp rope, don’t despair! You can water cure your cannabutter to remove some of that grassy flavor. Simply melt your infused butter, add an equal amount of hot water, stir well, then refrigerate. The butter will solidify on top while chlorophyll and water-soluble plant compounds remain in the water below. Drain, and repeat if necessary.
Another trick is to add complementary flavors that mask the cannabis taste. Dark chocolate, coffee, mint, cinnamon, and citrus all work wonders. As one Forest Hills customer shared, “I add espresso powder to my chocolate edibles—it completely covers any cannabis flavor while enhancing the chocolate notes.”
For batches that turned out weaker than expected, you have several options. You can re-infuse with additional cannabis, though this may intensify the herbal flavor. Alternatively, use your weak batch in a new recipe but reduce the non-infused fat called for. Many bakers at Terp Bros simply double their recipe while using the same amount of infused fat, effectively cutting the recipe’s butter in half with infused butter and half with regular.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage extends the life of your edibles and maintains their potency. Infused oils and butter will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer. Store them in airtight, opaque containers to protect from light degradation.
Baked goods typically last 3-4 days at room temperature, though refrigeration extends this to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, most baked edibles freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Chocolates have impressive staying power—dark chocolate edibles can last up to a year when stored properly, while milk and white chocolate varieties typically maintain quality for 8-10 months.
Gummies are champions of shelf life thanks to their sugar content, which acts as a natural preservative. When stored in airtight containers, homemade cannabis gummies typically remain potent and tasty for 6-9 months.
Whatever type of edible you make, always label them clearly with:
– Cannabis content and approximate THC per serving
– Date made
– A clear “Contains THC” warning
And please, keep all edibles in childproof containers out of reach of children and pets. At Terp Bros, we’re committed to responsible consumption, and that starts with safe storage practices.
“I learned the hard way about proper labeling,” admits a customer from Jackson Heights. “My roommate thought my infused cookies were regular treats. Now everything gets a bright label and goes on the top shelf behind other items.”
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating consistent, delicious edibles that deliver the experience you’re looking for. Practice makes perfect—each batch is an opportunity to refine your technique!
Beginner-Friendly Recipes to Try Tonight
Now that you’ve got your cannabis infusion ready, let’s dive into some delicious recipes that even kitchen novices can tackle. The beauty of homemade edibles is their versatility – from sweet treats to savory delights, the possibilities are endless.
Quick 30-Minute Chocolate Bark
If you’re looking for immediate gratification, this no-bake chocolate bark delivers both simplicity and satisfaction.
“Chocolate bark was my gateway into making edibles,” shares a regular at our Astoria dispensary. “It’s practically foolproof, and you can customize it with whatever toppings you love.”
The process couldn’t be simpler. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, then melt two cups of high-quality dark chocolate chips, stirring occasionally. Once mostly melted, remove from heat and stir in two tablespoons of your cannabis-infused coconut oil until completely incorporated.
Pour this mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread to your desired thickness. This is where you can get creative – sprinkle on chopped nuts, dried cranberries, crushed pretzels, or a light dusting of sea salt. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until firm, then break or cut into pieces.
Dosing tip: If your infused oil contains approximately 10mg THC per teaspoon (and you’ve used 6 teaspoons or 2 tablespoons), you’ve got about 60mg total THC in your bark. Breaking it into 12 equal pieces gives you approximately 5mg per piece – perfect for beginners or controlled microdosing.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites
These protein-packed little morsels require zero baking skills and store beautifully in the freezer for whenever a craving strikes.
Simply mix one cup of rolled oats, half a cup of peanut butter, a third cup of honey or maple syrup, two tablespoons of cannabis-infused MCT oil, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until well combined. For extra flavor and texture, fold in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up, then roll into bite-sized balls (roughly a tablespoon each). The slightly chilled mixture makes this process much less messy.
“I make these every Sunday for my weekday microdoses,” one Queens customer tells us. “They’re perfect for my morning routine – just enough to take the edge off without affecting my workday.”
If your cannabis-infused MCT oil contains 200mg THC total and you make 40 bites, each bite will contain approximately 5mg THC – an ideal starting dose for many users.
For those who prefer ready-made options without the preparation work, at Terp Bros we offer products like Koko Nuggz Chocolate Crispy Treats Peanut Butter 100mg, available for delivery throughout Queens.
Simple Infused Salad Dressing
Not all edibles need to be sweet treats. This cannabis-infused salad dressing proves that savory applications can be just as effective and delicious.
Combine a quarter cup of cannabis-infused olive oil with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, one minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano if desired, then shake vigorously until everything is well emulsified.
This versatile dressing works beautifully on simple green salads, as a marinade for proteins, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Dosing caution: Pay careful attention to your measurements here. If your infused olive oil contains 300mg THC per quarter cup (the amount in this recipe), and you use one tablespoon of dressing (about a quarter of the recipe) on your salad, you’d be consuming approximately 75mg THC – likely too much for most users. Consider diluting with regular olive oil for a more appropriate dose or making careful calculations based on your specific infusion strength.
How do you make edibles that taste good while still delivering consistent effects? The key is starting with quality ingredients and precise measurements. At Terp Bros, we often recommend beginners start with familiar recipes they already enjoy, simply substituting regular fat with your infused version.
Cooking with cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple recipes prove that with minimal equipment and ingredients, you can create effective, enjoyable edibles in your own kitchen tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Edibles
How long should I wait before eating more?
The number one rule with edibles is patience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard stories from customers who got impatient and took a second dose too soon.
Effects typically take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin, with the most intense effects often hitting 1-3 hours after you’ve eaten your treat. Even if you feel absolutely nothing after an hour, resist that temptation to reach for more.
“You can always eat more, but you can’t eat less once it’s in your system,” as one of our regular Astoria customers wisely puts it. This simple advice has saved countless people from uncomfortable experiences.
If you must take more, wait at least 2-3 hours, then start with just a small fraction of your initial dose. Your body will thank you!
Can I make low-sugar or vegan edibles?
Absolutely! One of the beautiful things about making your own edibles is the flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences.
For vegan options, coconut oil makes an excellent butter substitute that actually absorbs cannabinoids more efficiently than butter in many cases. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave in recipes, and if you’re making gummies, agar-agar works wonderfully instead of animal-derived gelatin.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, try low-sugar alternatives like infusing savory dishes—pasta sauces, roasted vegetables, and salad dressings make excellent canvases for cannabis oil. For sweeter treats, many sugar substitutes work just fine in cannabis recipes, or focus on naturally low-sugar bases like nuts or seeds.
We’ve seen customers get incredibly creative with dietary adaptations. At Terp Bros, we also offer various dietary-friendly pre-made options for those who prefer to skip the kitchen work.
What’s the best way to decarb cannabis with minimal smell?
Let’s be honest—decarboxylation inevitably produces some aroma. But there are several ways to keep it under control:
The mason jar method works wonders: simply place your ground cannabis in a sealed mason jar and bake at 240°F for 40-45 minutes, shaking occasionally. The seal contains most of the smell until you’re ready to open it (preferably near an open window).
Many home chefs swear by the foil pouch technique—wrapping cannabis tightly in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven creates a barrier that reduces odor escape.
For tech-savvy cannabis cooks, a sous vide device lets you vacuum seal cannabis and cook it in a water bath at 203°F for 90 minutes with virtually no smell until you open the bag.
Timing matters too—consider scheduling your decarb session when odor is less problematic, like when neighbors are away. And don’t underestimate the power of cooking something aromatic afterward—a batch of cookies or garlic bread can work wonders for masking lingering cannabis scents.
How do I know if my edibles are properly dosed?
Without lab testing, pinpoint accuracy is challenging, but you can get reasonably close by following some best practices.
Start with cannabis of known potency—check the label from your dispensary purchase. This gives you a baseline for calculations. Then follow the careful math we outlined in our dosing section, accounting for the efficiency factors in decarboxylation and infusion.
Before sharing with others, test a small amount yourself and note the effects. This personal calibration is invaluable for understanding your specific batch.
Online calculators can help account for various efficiency factors, but remember to be conservative with your estimates—it’s always better to underestimate than overestimate potency when it comes to edibles.
Where can I legally buy quality flower or infused products in NYC?
At Terp Bros, we’ve curated a selection of premium cannabis flower and ready-made edibles for adults 21+ (with proper ID, of course). Our Astoria location serves customers throughout Queens, and we offer delivery services to make accessing quality cannabis even more convenient.
Our team loves helping customers select the perfect products, whether you’re planning to make your own edibles or prefer our selection of pre-made treats. We’re deeply committed to supporting our community through social equity initiatives and the CAURD program, ensuring the cannabis industry benefits those most impacted by prohibition.
Feel free to browse our full edible menu for inspiration or to find ready-to-enjoy alternatives to homemade options.
Can I freeze cannabutter or infused oil for later use?
Yes! Freezing is actually one of the best ways to preserve your hard work. Cannabis-infused fats freeze exceptionally well, with butter and coconut oil maintaining quality for up to 6 months with minimal potency loss.
A handy trick is pouring infused oils into ice cube trays for pre-portioned amounts—perfect for when you just need a little bit for a recipe. For butter, wrap it in parchment paper first, then place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Always label clearly with the date and potency information so you’re not playing guessing games months later. When you’re ready to use your frozen infusion, thaw it in the refrigerator rather than using the microwave to preserve those valuable cannabinoids.
What if I accidentally consume too much?
First, take a deep breath—while uncomfortable, the feeling will pass and is not dangerous. I’ve helped many customers through this experience, and there are several things that can help:
Stay hydrated with water, but avoid alcohol as it can intensify effects. Find a comfortable, quiet space to rest—sometimes just lying down in a dark room with gentle music can work wonders.
If available, consuming CBD can help moderate THC effects, as it works with your endocannabinoid system to balance things out. Interestingly, black pepper (either sniffed or chewed) contains terpenes that may help reduce anxiety.
Deep breathing or other relaxation techniques can significantly reduce discomfort. Count your breaths—in for four, hold for four, out for four—and focus on the counting rather than the uncomfortable feelings.
Of course, if symptoms feel severe or concerning, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional.
The most important thing is to learn from the experience for future dosing. At Terp Bros, we’re committed to responsible cannabis use and education. Our team is always available to answer questions about how do you make edibles safely and effectively. Visit us in Astoria or contact us for delivery throughout Queens, including Woodside, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Sunnyside, Flushing, Jamaica, and beyond.
Making your own edibles is both an art and a science—don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. With practice, patience, and the right guidance, you’ll soon be crafting delicious cannabis-infused treats customized perfectly to your preferences.
