Cannabis Coffee: Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Nothing says fall like having your fingers curled around a warm, cozy beverage. Adding cannabis to the recipe can be a great way to elevate and infuse your favorite seasonal drinks. 

While there are many different recipes that infuse cannabis and coffee, the pumpkin spice latte is one of the most well-known seasonal autumn drinks. Infusing it can be done easily and in the comfort of your own home. This sweet cinnamony cannabis coffee can be a new way to consume your desired dosage.

Why Make a Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Over the years, the pumpkin spice latte has become a staple fall pleasure.  Various bodies of research note the potential benefits of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin pie spice combines allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, which contain antioxidants that may help improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and soothe inflammation. 

The USDA notes that pumpkin pie spice also contains vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, cobalamin, iron, magnesium, and protein. Adding THC or other cannabinoids can amplify the nutritional value while also enhancing the calming effects of cannabinoids, creating a potentially beneficial seasonal indulgence.

When made with cannabis-infused heavy cream, a pumpkin spiced coffee has added fat to help enhance the absorption and metabolism of cannabinoids in the body, making the effects more pronounced and longer-lasting.

Cannabis-infused coffee may provide relief from stress, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other medical symptoms due to the slow-release effects that occur with edible and drinkable cannabis products. Weed coffee may also benefit patients who want to consume their cannabis discreetly. 

What You'll Need to Make an Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte

Most of the items you'll need to make a fall-themed THC-infused cannabis coffee may already be in your kitchen. Before you start making your cannabis coffee, organize the following supplies:

• Cannabis flower - Weed coffee is a versatile recipe that works well with any strain. You may already have a favorite cultivar in mind, or you can ask your budtender for suggestions. 
• Grinder (optional) - A weed grinder is recommended to break down the flower into smaller pieces, thus ensuring even distribution during the decarb stage.  However, if a grinder is unavailable, several other methods exist to break down cannabis flower.
• Bowl - A medium-sized glass mixing bowl is best for combining the cold foam ingredients, but plastic or wood may also be suitable. 
• Cold brew coffee or espresso - You can grind coffee beans and add them to a French press. However, it's not cheating if you decide to opt for a classic drip. coffee 
• Saucepan - A one- or two-quart saucepan for creating a homemade simple syrup. 
• Jar - This is for storing your finished product. A mason jar with a sealable lid for extra freshness works best. 
• Whisk - To save time and ensure optimum cold foam whipping, try to find a small electric whisk.  A hand whisk or handheld milk frother works well, too.

How Much Weed Do You Need to Make an Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte?

How much weed you need for your infused pumpkin spice latte will depend on your tolerance level. 

This pumpkin spiced latte recipe is dosed according to the amount of pre-made infused cream used. Depending on how much infused cream you intend to make, the recipe can use anywhere from 3.5 grams to an ounce of flower. Adjust the cream measurement carefully to ensure the dish isn’t under- or over-dosed.

An edible dosage calculator will help you determine the dosage. New users should limit themselves to a dose of 2.5-5mg, whereas more experienced users can consume anywhere from 10mg or up.

Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Ingredients

The main ingredient in this pumpkin-spiced cannabis coffee is the infused cream. You’ll also need the following ingredients: 

Simple Syrup

• 40g brown sugar
• 80g white sugar
• 2 cups water
• A pinch of clove
• A pinch of allspice
• A pinch of ginger
• A pinch of cinnamon

Tip: Make the syrup more gooey by blending an extra ½ cup of sugar or honey. 

Cold Foam 

• 2 tablespoons of fat-free milk (or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk) 
• 6 tablespoons of THC-infused cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (or sweetened coconut milk) 
• A pinch of salt

Tip: Thicken the cold foam by whisking a few extra globs of heavy cream, whipping cream, coconut cream, or your favorite heavy cream substitute. 

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Restrictions

Below are alternative ingredients for an infused pumpkin spice latte to accommodate dietary limitations. Whether you have a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or prefer vegan-friendly plant-based fats, simply replace the heavy cream with the following naturally gluten-free milk substitutes for your cannabis coffee:

• Almond
• Canary seed
• Chestnut
• Coconut
• Millet
• Pea
• Palm
• Quinoa
• Soy
• Oat 
• Rice 

You can minimize the risks of cinnamon allergies by substituting mace spices. You can also avoid white or brown sugar and substitute it for stevia or honey.

How to Make an Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte

Learning how to make cannabis coffee is relatively straightforward. The primary infusion for the pumpkin spiced latte will be the cream, but below is a step-by-step process for creating the whole beverage. 

Simple Syrup

1. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil on low heat before adding the sugar. 
2. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water and the granules are no longer visible. 
3. Continue boiling and stirring for 10 minutes. Pay extra caution to prevent overboiling. 
4. Lower the heat and continue simmering until the mixture thickens while stirring continuously. 
5. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir the pumpkin pie spices into the syrup. 
6. Store it inside an airtight jar in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. 

Tip: You can add decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan if you don't want to make infused cream. Prevent the risk of overconsumption by choosing between infused syrup or infused cream. 

Cold Foam

1. First, decarb the cannabis flower to create an infused cream.
2. Add the non-fat milk, infused cannabis cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a medium-sized mixing bowl. 
3. Using a whisk (electric or battery-powered is preferred), start whipping the liquid concoction until large bubbles form. 
4. Add a pinch of salt when the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and stiff yet smooth.
5. Continue whipping until the ingredients are fully absorbed into one another. 
6. The cold foam is ready when the foam thickens and maintains soft peaks. 

Tip: To maximize flavor and sweetness, add more sugar or honey. For a stronger seasonal tang, add a dash (¼ tsp) of pumpkin pie spice. 

Creating Your Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte

1. Carefully pour eight ounces of cold brew or espresso shots into a cup. 
2. Add a tablespoon of simple syrup and stir gently. 
3. Slowly pour the cold foam (or use a spoon for thicker foam) over the coffee. 
4. Garnish the fluffy cold foam with a sprinkling of seasonal spices.

Tip: Try the pumpkin spice latte cold by pouring the mixture over one or two cups of ice.

The Best Way to Store Your Freshly Made THC-Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte

Proper storage of cannabis-infused coffee will ensure longevity and freshness. Do not add creamer before placing it in the fridge; add the infused cream individually when pouring each cup. For the best results, prepare the coffee with the flavorings and sweetener while it's hot before chilling for a maximum of 48 hours.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.