The Ultimate Cannabis Cream Recipe

Home cooking with cannabis can be simplified by using cannabis cream. A pot of freshly made THC cream can add a therapeutic touch to a variety of food and drink recipes. Heavy whipping cream is a tasty treat (or an addition to a treat) for some. Infusing it with cannabis offers potency customization and no stress on the lungs compared to smoking. Whipped or poured, there's a cannabis-infused cream recipe to suit most diet types.

Why Make Cannabis-Infused Cream?

Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, it’s possible to produce high-potency beverages by combining cannabis with a fat source. And what better fat source than silky smooth cream? 

Medical cannabis patients may choose an edible like THC cream if they are searching for an alternative to smoking that has longer-lasting effects.

What You'll Need to Make Cannabis Cream

Make the process as smooth as possible by using the following useful kitchen tools:

• Cannabis flower - The strength (and even the flavor) of your THC cream depends on strain potency. There are low-THC strains for less experienced consumers, along with an array of other types of cannabis flower that may fulfill a specific need.
• Herb Grinder - Grinding your cannabis flower thoroughly for decarbing ensures optimum potency.
• Baking sheet - Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper for cannabis decarboxylation. Aluminum foil is another suitable substitute.
• Digital Thermometer - This tool ensures your concoction does not exceed 165°F.
• 2-Quart Saucepan - This specific type of saucepan allows for clean pouring and even heat distribution, but any saucepan will do. 
• Silicone Spatula - Although a wooden spatula also works well, silicone spatulas are more flexible and heat-resistant. 
• Mason Jars - Cannabis-infused cream should be stored inside an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid contamination. 
• Small Funnel - A plastic or stainless steel funnel will prove useful for transferring the contents of your finished product to the jar without making a mess. 
• Coffee Filters - If coffee filters aren’t an option, consider using a cheesecloth, mesh strainer,  or a clean cloth napkin.

How Much Weed Do You Need to Make Cannabis-Infused Cream?

Although cannabis overdose is not lethal, it can be pretty unpleasant. To avoid the potentially adverse effects of overconsumption, such as “greening out,” consider THC tolerance, body weight, and desired experience. Start with low-dose servings of around 2.5mg THC and gradually increase as needed. Using an edible dosage calculator is the easiest way to figure out how much cannabis you need to make satisfyingly soothing THC cream.

Cannabis Cream: The Ingredients

The fat content of this cannabis cream recipe can be tweaked according to your preferences. Create pourable liquid cream or cannabis cream with a light and fluffy texture. The quantity of the following ingredients depends on how much cannabis cream you want to produce.

• Cannabis Flower - Be cautious about dosage. The recommended amount ranges from 3.5 grams to one ounce, so consider your tolerance (and the tolerance of anyone else sampling your decadent delight). Although this recipe focuses on THC-rich flower, you can replace it with strains high in CBD or CBG if you wish. There's also the option to combine different strains, but this isn't recommended unless you're an experienced consumer. If you don't have time to decarb cannabis, visit your nearest dispensary and purchase some accurately dosed oil-based tinctures. 
• Milk or Cream - Infused cream should always be made with full-fat milk or cream. The fattier the cream, the more the cannabinoids will cling to it. Milk contains unique compounds called ‘lipids’. Since cannabinoids like THC are lipophilic, they can easily diffuse in those lipids. 
• Water (Optional) - You won't necessarily need water to make THC-rich cream. This ingredient is only used to liquefy the cream if you plan on drizzling it over dishes. If you intend to infuse cannabinoids with richer recipes, opt for a thicker cream. 

Tip: Remember that the cream will be thicker if the fat content is higher, making it easier to whip stiff peaks. Full-fat creams are also less likely to curdle when heated, thus simplifying the process of cooking with cannabis to make soups and sauces.

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Restrictions

If you suffer from dairy-related allergens, substitute the heavy cream with milk alternatives that use plant-based fats, such as almond, coconut, soy, oat, or rice. All of these are also gluten-free in their natural form.

Note: Although the aforementioned heavy cream substitutes are dairy-free and gluten-free, it's important to check the packaging and production process to ensure they are vegan-friendly, halal, or kosher.

How to Make Cannabis Cream

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to creating homemade cannabis-infused cream.

1. Grind the cannabis thoroughly and scatter it evenly across a parchment paper-lined baking tray. 
2. Decarb your cannabis flower based on your desired effects and tolerance at 220-240°F for 30-40 minutes. 
3. Combine the decarbed flower with full-fat milk, heavy cream, or a full-fat dairy alternative (such as coconut milk) in a 2-quart saucepan. 
4. Simmer for 30 minutes at 165°F, stirring regularly.
5. Allow to cool before straining through a coffee filter. 
6. Conceal in an airtight container and store inside the refrigerator. 
7. Use as desired within one month and flavor as needed.

Tip: If you are new to cannabis cream (or cannabis products in general), start with a low dose and increase gradually based on the effects. Use an edible calculator to determine the precise dosage based on your preferences.

The Best Way to Store Your Freshly Made Cannabis Cream

Proper cannabis storage is paramount for maintaining quality. Edibles risk potency loss and contamination if exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. The majority of edible cannabis recipes should be stored away from sunlight in a cool, dry place. If possible, store your infused cream in a refrigerator or freezer.

Once you make cannabis cream, transfer the prepared concoction to a sealed, airtight container. Label it with the production date and use it within a reasonable timeframe. Expiration dates vary depending on the type of milk used for infusion. 

When freezing THC cream, remember that the potency of THC edibles usually diminishes within a year. It's not just the plant matter that gets destroyed if you store cannabis cream improperly, but the milk, too. Even if it's a non-dairy substitute, bacteria can form quickly in the wrong environment. Dairy cream may spoil around one month after being made, whereas non-dairy-infused cream can be safely stored in a pantry for six months. 

After opening the cannabis cream, aim to consume it within one week. Since cream absorbs strong odors, store it away from meat, fish, and onions. Add an extra layer (such as a plastic bag or a larger airtight container) and a bowl of baking soda nearby to prevent smell absorption.

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.