The Ultimate Weed Popcorn Recipe

Popcorn has long been a go-to snack for everything from movie nights to afternoon picnics. Light, airy, and customizable, it’s one of the few treats that tastes as good plain as it does with added bold flavors. Weed popcorn upgrades this classic snack by adding a relaxing, cannabis-infused twist. Weed-infused popcorn offers a tasty way to experience the effects of cannabinoids in edible form. Proper cooking and infusing techniques make it a quick, tasty, and easy-to-dose recipe. Just be sure to start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to edibles.

Why Make Weed Popcorn?

Weed popcorn is a quick, flexible edible that offers a familiar, low-effort way to enjoy cannabis. It’s endlessly customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, and toppings.

Additionally, it may provide a gentler alternative to smoking. Some people prefer edibles as a smoother, smoke-free way to consume cannabis. Since the effects of edibles can last longer than those of inhaled cannabis, preparing a simple snack like cannabis popcorn lets you enjoy cannabis at your own pace, bite by bite. 

What You'll Need to Make Weed Popcorn

Making weed popcorn is simple with the right tools. 

You'll need:

• A medium or large pot with a lid (for popping the kernels).
• A small saucepan (for melting and mixing the butter).
• A large mixing bowl.
• Fresh popcorn kernels.
• Decarboxylated cannabis flower to make your cannabutter (if you haven't already made it).
• Regular butter (salted or unsalted, depending on preference).
• Optional flavorings like herbs, parmesan, or nutritional yeast.
• A weed grinder to break up your flower if you're making cannabutter from scratch.

Once you gather everything, you can create a batch of popcorn edibles at home whenever desired.

How Much Weed Do You Need?

Dosing weed popcorn depends on how strong your cannabutter is and how much you use. This recipe calls for one teaspoon of cannabutter, but even a small amount can go a long way, especially if the butter is potent.

If you’re unsure, online edible calculators can estimate the strength based on the cannabis used. Always start with a small amount until you understand how it affects you, then adjust based on your needs and goals.

Weed Popcorn: The Ingredients

The base ingredients of our weed-infused popcorn whip up a simple batch of herbaceous, cheesy-flavored popcorn. This recipe makes about four servings.

Ingredients include:

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 1 teaspoon cannabutter
• 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons regular butter (salted or unsalted)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (or other preferred herby seasoning)
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan (or Parmigiano-Reggiano) cheese
• Any preferred additional toppings.

You can get creative with the toppings, too. Try:

• ½ crushed red pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flair.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder for a savory, seasoned flavor.
• Ranch seasoning to pair with the dried dill and elevate the whole recipe.
• Lemon pepper seasoning.

Easy Dietary Swaps

Certain swaps mean this THC popcorn can fit far more dietary needs than the base recipe might imply.

• Vegan or dairy-free? Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-free? The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels, especially for seasonings or store-bought butter.
• Kosher or halal? Choose certified products that align with your dietary guidelines.
• Low-sodium? Use unsalted butter and skip added salt.

This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to tweak the flavors and ingredients until they suit your tastes and needs.

How to Make Weed Popcorn

Follow these steps to make fresh, buttery weed-infused popcorn:

1. Make your cannabutter (if you don't have any ready).

You'll need to decarb your cannabis first, a process that activates THC. Knowing how to decarb weed properly plays a significant role in your future edibles' potency.

2. Pop your kernels.

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.

Add 2-3 kernels and cover.

Once they pop, add the rest of your popcorn kernels, cover again, and shake the pot occasionally until the popping slows.

When the popping slows significantly, remove the pot from the heat.

3. Melt the butter.

In a small saucepan, gently melt the cannabutter and regular butter together. Keep the heat low to avoid degrading the cannabinoids.

4. Mix your toppings.

If using herbs or other seasonings, stir them into the melted butter mixture now.

5. Toss the popcorn.

Pour the melted butter mixture over the popcorn and toss well to coat evenly. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired toppings to taste.

6. Serve and enjoy.

Fresh cannabis popcorn tastes best right after making it, while it’s still warm and crunchy. 

Those new to cooking with cannabis may want to explore further tips for working with infused ingredients. 

The Best Way to Store Your Freshly Made Weed Popcorn

Weed popcorn is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, storing them properly helps keep your popcorn crunchy and your infused butter from degrading too quickly.

Let the popcorn cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dark place, but not the fridge, as it can get soggy.

Proper storage also keeps popcorn edibles tasting great for longer. If sealed and stored well, leftover popcorn can usually be enjoyed for a couple of days. Just keep an eye (and nose) out for staleness or changes in smell or texture, which may signal it’s time to toss it.

If you added toppings like Parmesan or other dairy-based ingredients, eating your popcorn edibles the same day is best.

For dairy-free popcorn, leftovers may stay fresh for a few days if sealed well. Check for changes in smell, taste, or texture before eating, and always follow the dos and don’ts of cannabis storage.

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.