How to Make Cannabis Honey

Making cannabis honey at home is a fun, straightforward way to create a delicious, multi-use cannabis infusion. Cannabis honey, or “cannahoney,” combines the benefits of cannabis with the soothing qualities of honey, giving you an easy-to-dose edible that’s perfect in tea, drizzled over desserts, or even enjoyed straight off the spoon. If you’re new to making edibles, don’t worry; I’ll walk you through every step of the way. By the end of this guide, you’ll have your own jar of cannabis honey, ready for enjoyment.

What is Cannabis Honey and Why Make It?

Cannabis honey is simply honey infused with the active compounds found in cannabis, like THC or CBD. By mixing cannabis with honey, you get a product that combines the medicinal and recreational properties of cannabis with the natural sweetness and health benefits of honey.

Overview of cannabis-infused honey

Cannabis honey is made by infusing honey with cannabinoids. This honey can be used as a tasty addition to various foods or even on its own. Its effects vary depending on the cannabis strain used, but expect the usual relaxing or uplifting effects of THC or CBD.

Health benefits and uses of cannabis honey

Cannabis honey is versatile. You can use it to reduce stress, ease pain, or get better sleep. Some people even take it as a general wellness boost. This honey can be added to tea, spread on toast, or mixed into smoothies for a tasty, relaxing treat. You’re getting both the wellness benefits of cannabis and the antioxidants in honey.

Differences between cannabis honey and other edibles

Unlike brownies or gummies, cannabis honey is a low-key way to dose because it’s easy to consume in small amounts. It’s also much easier on the stomach than some baked goods and can be added to drinks and foods without changing their flavor too much. Plus, with honey, you can get a faster onset of effects since it’s absorbed quickly.

The Importance of Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is a key step when making cannabis-infused honey if you want to activate the THC or CBD in the plant. It’s a simple process that makes all the difference.

What decarboxylation is and why it’s essential

Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to “activate” it, essentially converting THC-A to THC and CBD-A to CBD. Without this step, you won’t get the full effects, so if you skip this, your honey won’t be potent.

How to decarboxylate cannabis for infusion

To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C), spread ground cannabis on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-40 minutes. Stir it every 10 minutes or so for an even cook. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s slightly golden and crumbly.

Tips for decarboxylation: temperature and timing

Stick to a low, steady heat to prevent burning. If you go too hot, you risk losing potency. 240°F is the sweet spot—any higher, and you’ll lose precious cannabinoids.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed for Cannabis Honey

Let’s talk ingredients and gear! You don’t need much to make cannabis honey, but a few essentials will make the process smoother.

Essential ingredients (cannabis, honey)

• Quality honey (about 1-2 cups)
• Decarboxylated cannabis (about 1 gram per cup of honey for moderate potency)

Recommended tools for the infusion process

• Slow cooker or double boiler
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Glass jar for storage

These tools help keep a steady temperature, ensuring your honey doesn’t overheat or lose its potency.

Choosing the best type of honey and cannabis strain

I recommend going for raw, organic honey for the best flavor and health benefits. For strains, sativa can be uplifting, while indica can help with relaxation. Want a balanced effect? Try a hybrid.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannabis Honey

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your own cannabis honey in no time. Precision and patience are key to crafting a perfect batch!

Preparing Cannabis: Grinding and Decarboxylation

1. Grind Your Cannabis:
   Start by grinding your cannabis buds into a coarse consistency—aim for a texture similar to dried herbs. Avoid grinding it into a fine powder, as this can make straining more difficult later on.
2. Decarboxylate Your Cannabis:
   This is a critical step to activate the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) in your cannabis, ensuring they can interact with your body.
   • Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
   • Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Stir the cannabis halfway through for even decarboxylation.
     When done, your cannabis will appear slightly browned and emit a toasted, earthy aroma. Let it cool before use.

Infusing Cannabis with Honey

Now that your cannabis is ready, it’s time to infuse it with honey. You can choose one of two methods depending on your equipment and preference: a slow cooker or a double boiler.

1. Combine Ingredients:
   Mix your decarboxylated cannabis with honey. A good starting ratio is 1-2 grams of cannabis per cup of honey, but this can be adjusted based on your desired potency.
2. Using a Slow Cooker:
   • Set your slow cooker to the lowest heat setting (around 160-200°F or 70-93°C).
   • Add the cannabis and honey mixture, cover with the lid slightly ajar (to prevent condensation from dripping back in), and let it infuse for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even distribution of cannabinoids.
3. Using a Double Boiler:
   • Place the honey and cannabis in the top bowl of a double boiler, with the bottom pot containing simmering water (maintain the water temperature at 160-200°F or 70-93°C).
   • Heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The gentle, indirect heat of a double boiler prevents the honey from scorching.

Straining the Mixture to Remove Plant Material

1. After infusion, let the honey cool slightly but not fully solidify (warm honey strains more easily).
2. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a clean jar or container.
3. Slowly pour the infused honey through the cheesecloth to separate the plant material.
4. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out as much honey as possible. Be patient to avoid forcing unwanted particles into the jar.

Controlling Potency for a Personalized Experience

Always label your jar with the estimated potency to prevent accidental overconsumption

The potency of your cannabis honey depends on the amount of cannabis you use and its cannabinoid content (THC or CBD percentage).

If you’re new to cannabis edibles, start with a lower dose, such as 1 gram of cannabis per cup of honey. After testing your first batch, you can adjust in future batches to suit your preferences.

Dosage and Consumption Tips for Cannabis Honey

Cannabis honey is easy to dose, but beginners should start small to gauge tolerance.

How to determine the right dosage

Start with ½ teaspoon and wait an hour to see how you feel. If needed, add another small amount. Everyone’s tolerance is different, so go slow until you find your sweet spot.

Tips for using cannabis honey safely

Always know your limits. Avoid taking cannabis honey on an empty stomach, as this can intensify effects. Keep a glass of water nearby and stay comfortable as the effects kick in.

Beginners’ guide to dosing with cannabis honey

Take a conservative approach. A little honey can go a long way, especially if you’re new to cannabis edibles. Start with less and work up until you feel comfortable with your dose.

Storing and Preserving Cannabis Honey

Proper storage keeps your cannabis honey fresh and potent.

Best storage practices for cannabis-infused honey

Store your honey in a cool, dark place, ideally in a glass jar with a tight lid. Direct sunlight and heat can degrade both honey and THC over time.

Expected shelf life and signs of spoilage

When stored properly, cannabis honey can last up to a year. If it starts to crystallize or smell off, it’s time for a fresh batch.

Tips to maintain potency and flavor over time

Keep your honey away from extreme temperature changes, and don’t microwave it. Reheating honey too often can reduce potency, so spoon out just what you need.

Medicinal and Recreational Uses of Cannabis Honey

Cannabis honey isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile and beneficial, too.

Potential health benefits of cannabis honey

Cannabis honey can reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and improve sleep. It’s also great for fighting inflammation. Whether it’s for chronic pain or just stress relief, cannabis honey has plenty of wellness benefits.

Common recreational uses and effects

Cannabis honey can be used in so many fun ways, from drizzling on a snack to stirring into your favorite drink. You’ll get the effects without the smell or taste of raw cannabis, which is a win if you’re aiming for a subtle high.

How to incorporate cannabis honey into your wellness routine

Try using a teaspoon in the evening to relax or add it to your morning tea for a balanced start. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to add cannabis into your life without the hassle.

FAQ:

How long does cannabis honey take to make?

Cannabis honey takes about 2-3 hours to infuse and an extra 30-40 minutes for decarboxylation. Start early if you’re making it in one go.

Can I make cannabis honey without decarboxylation?

Yes, but it won’t be as potent. Decarboxylation activates the THC and CBD, making your honey much more effective.

Which cannabis strain is best for making honey?

Use an indica for relaxation, a sativa for energy, or a hybrid for balance. Strains high in CBD are also great for medicinal effects.

How potent is cannabis honey compared to other edibles?

Cannabis honey can be quite potent, depending on how much cannabis you use. Start with a small dose to test its strength.

Is cannabis honey safe for beginners?

Yes, but start with a small amount. Cannabis honey is easy to dose, so beginners can go slow to avoid any strong effects.

Making cannabis honey is a rewarding and simple process that lets you enjoy cannabis in a versatile, delicious way. Whether you’re using it for health benefits or just to relax, cannabis honey is easy to add to your daily routine. Follow these steps, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor the honey!