Cannamilk: What It Is and How to Make It

In the evolving world of cannabis, there are more than mere brownies and gummies. A surprising addition to the mix is gaining popularity: cannamilk.

Also known as weed milk or canna milk, cannamilk may not be what most people think of when they think of cannabis edibles. However, the infused ingredient offers many uses in baking.

The best part? Making cannabis infused milk at home can be surprisingly easy.

What is Cannamilk?

Cannamilk is a cannabis-infused beverage that transcends drinking on its own and can be added to endless recipe options. It’s also not limited to cow milk; other popular choices include almond milk, coconut milk, and other vegan alternatives.

The process of making THC milk involves decarbing the cannabis flower and infusing the milk, making sure to separate the flower material from cannabinoids to leave a smooth, infused liquid.

Several aspects impact the potency of your cannamilk. Factors include the quality of the selected cultivar and the contents of your milk base. The THC content of your flower and the fat content of the selected milk also play significant roles in the final product.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind best to fat molecules, so the higher the fat content of the milk, the higher the potential for a higher potency of the final infused product.

Because fat content plays such a role, though, you should avoid certain milk alternatives. Low-fat and fat-free milks lack the ability to absorb the THC fully. Opting for full-fat dairy milk or other high-fat milk alternatives guarantees a more robust infusion. If you go with a low-fat option, high-fat oils like coconut oil may come in handy as an additional ingredient.

You may be asking, “Does milk get rid of your high?” because of a long-standing myth. That myth suggests milk can take away the intoxicating effects of THC. It also claims to diminish how long THC stays in your system. While the myth is prevalent online, there’s no actual evidence to support that milk (or any dairy) reduces THC’s effects.

How Can You Use Cannamilk?

There is a lot of versatility to cannamilk. It can be used in a wide variety of edibles. It can be a great ingredient to add to many recipes and can allow for consistent doses with DIY edibles.

Several examples of how to use THC milk are listed below.

A Boost to Your Morning Brew

Adding a splash of cannamilk to coffee or tea in the morning may offer a gentle, sustained energy boost. The combination of THC and caffeine may create a focused and alert feeling to start the day, according to some consumers.

Smoothie Infusion

Milk already goes in smoothies, so cannamilk should be no exception! It’s a discreet, tasty way to integrate cannabis into your diet.

Post-Workout Recovery

Consumers report anti-inflammatory properties when using cannabis. Adding cannamilk to a post-workout protein shake is a good way to combine the benefits of cannabis with muscle recovery. 

Meal Booster

Cannabis milk is highly versatile in the kitchen. Everything from pancakes and muffins to rich, creamy sauces can benefit from weed milk. Foods that require milk as an ingredient provide a versatile medium for enjoying the beneficial nature of cannabis. 

Bedtime Ritual for Relaxation

THC milk can also be used on its own. For those looking to deal with restless nights, a warm cup of cannamilk before bed may help! The calming effects of cannabis have often been attributed to a more restful and rejuvenating sleep. Just ensure you don’t heat the cannamilk too hot, or you’ll risk losing precious cannabinoids.

Most foods that use milk as an ingredient may benefit from a THC milk substitution. This list serves as a jumping-off point to highlight how flexible cannabis milk can be.

Making Cannamilk: What You'll Need

Cannamilk is easy to make at home and only requires a few tools. Below is a comprehensive list to make producing a batch of THC milk easy and efficient.

Tools:

• Oven: For decarboxylating cannabis, preheat your oven to around 220°F (105°C).
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: You’ll spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to decarboxylate.
• Grinder: Grind your cannabis to increase its surface area, promoting effective decarboxylation and infusion.
• Saucepan: Use a saucepan to heat and simmer the mixture. Choose a size that accommodates the quantity you intend to make.
• Whisk or Stirring Utensil: Ensure thorough mixing of the cannabis and milk during the infusion process.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: Strain the mixture to remove plant material, resulting in smooth cannamilk.
• Storage Container: Have a sealed container ready for storing the finished cannamilk in the refrigerator.

Once you acquire these tools, you’ll gather your ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Cannabis: For a single batch, start with 7 grams (1/4 ounce) of ground cannabis. Alternatively, get a more precise starting amount with an edibles calculator. Choose the cultivar based on your desired effects. For beginners, strains with balanced THC and CBD ratios are recommended. 
• Milk or Milk Alternative: You’ll need 2 cups of milk or a milk substitute. Select a type of milk with sufficient fat content for optimal cannabinoid absorption. Some options include whole, almond, coconut, and other high-fat non-dairy alternatives.
• Sweetener (Optional): Depending on personal preference, you may choose to add a sweetener such as honey or sugar. Some believe a sweetener can enhance the flavor of the cannamilk.

How to Make Cannamilk

With Ingredients and tools in hand, the actual process of producing a batch of cannamilk is straightforward. Once you grind up the cannabis of your choice, the process is ready to begin.

Step One: Decarboxylate

• Decarb the cannabis. Preheat the oven and spread your ground cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
• Bake for around 40 minutes at 220°F (105°C), decarboxylating the cannabis to activate the cannabinoids inside.

Step Two: Infuse

• In a saucepan, combine the decarboxylated cannabis and milk or milk alternative. Simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Keep the milk between 210°F and 220°F (100°C-105°C). It should stay simmering throughout the entire process. 
• After simmering for 45 minutes, turn off the heat and allow it to cool until it’s comfortable to handle.

Step Three: Strain

• Once infused, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any visible plant material.
• Press the material to extract as much liquid as possible. You can then discard the spent plant material.

Step Four: Store

• Pour your freshly-strained cannamilk into a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator. 

Now, a batch of weed milk is ready and on hand. Use as needed in various recipes or beverages! 

Tips For Using Cannamilk

Consider these essential tips to ensure you’re set up for success with your THC-infused milk adventure.

Avoid Overconsumption

To avoid overconsumption of cannamilk, start with a low dose. Be mindful of personal tolerance and understand the potency of the cannabis used. Accurately measure servings with calibrated tools and avoid immediate redosing, as edibles take time to take effect.

Effects also accumulate when you consume multiple servings. Stay hydrated to alleviate discomfort and create a controlled environment for consumption.

Store Properly

Cannamilk is best stored in a refrigerator in an opaque, airtight container to prevent the cannabinoids from degrading. Protect it from exposure to light and air, too, as these elements can degrade compounds over time.

In addition, keep it away from strong odors to prevent the cannamilk from absorbing unwanted flavors. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and leave room for expansion. Try to label your infusion with the date for easier tracking later.

Cannabis doesn’t alter the shelf life of the base milk product. Follow the best-by date on your milk to better gauge how long the cannamilk will keep.

Mixing Ratios

Experiment with different mixing ratios to find the right balance for your desired potency. Adjust the amount of cannabis used based on your tolerance and experience level.

Flavor Enhancement

Enhance the flavor of your cannamilk by adding complementary ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or honey. These additions can mask the cannabis taste and elevate the overall experience.

Overall, understanding how to make cannamilk means you’re on a path to a delicious, cannabis-infused creation. Enjoy!

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.