How to make weed brownies? Making cannabis-infused brownies proved to be easier than I expected. Chelsea Davis discusses her experience in an Insider article. Before this, I had never attempted to bake with cannabis. With guidance from experts in the field, I decided to use distillate, a concentrated form of cannabis, in my weed brownie recipe. The process of baking the brownies was simple, leading to a potent and unexpectedly delicious result, enhanced further by the addition of icing.

In honor of 4/20, I decided to experiment with baking weed brownies for the first time. The recipe I followed, credited to Martha Louise Stewart (not the well-known chef Martha Stewart with her own CBD products), was originally shared on MarthaStewart.com without cannabis a few years ago. I stumbled upon the cannabis-infused adaptation on Leafly.com, a popular cannabis-related website.

As someone who typically focuses on baking rather than indulging in smoking or edibles, delving into the realm of cooking with cannabis was a new experience for me. Fortunately, the recipe seemed manageable enough for me to try out.

Continue reading to discover my journey of making weed brownies for the first time and the insightful lessons I gained along the way.

Obtaining the Key Ingredient: Visiting a Legal Cannabis Dispensary for Cannabis Distillate

The most challenging part of the process was deciding which cannabis product to use for infusing the brownies. While some recipes recommend cannabis-infused butter, this specific one suggested using an infused oil or activated oil like distillate. Distillate, a potent cannabis extract commonly used in many edibles, typically has no noticeable aroma or flavor.

Solomon Jonson, a contestant on “Chopped 420” and co-owner/chef of The Bussdown in Oakland, California, also supports using THC distillate for infusing brownies because of its neutral taste. “Finding distillate may be difficult for some, but it’s worth it for perfect pot brownies,” says Johnson. “In my experience, treats infused with distillate tend to taste more like the food they’re infused into rather than cannabis.”

Being in California where cannabis is legal, I was able to visit Berner’s On Haight, the first legal cannabis dispensary in Haight Ashbury, to get this essential ingredient. 

Ty Sha, an expert in cannabis and the lead Budtender at Berner’s On Haight, agreed that a distillate was the best choice for my recipe. He recommended a 90% THC distillate known as Strawberry Cough. Despite its higher cost, typically between $40 and $50, Sha guaranteed that the 1,000-milligram syringe would result in exceptionally potent brownies.

Achieving Uniform Distribution of Distillate in Brownie Mix

Before baking, I needed to prepare by blending my distillate with vegetable oil to ensure it could be evenly dispersed in my batter. Sha suggested, “Since distillate has a thick consistency similar to honey, warming it slightly before incorporating it into the batter is important. Ensuring thorough mixing is vital to prevent concentrated areas in your brownies.”

I attempted to soften the distillate by heating the syringe in warm water for five minutes, but it remained stubbornly thick, making it challenging to squeeze into the oil. Seeing little improvement, I decided to microwave it for 25 seconds. After whisking the oil and distillate together, the mixture finally achieved a smooth consistency, making it easier to blend into the batter.

Baking Brownies

How to make pot brownies? I combined cannabis-infused oil, sugar, and eggs in the electric mixer’s bowl, blending on low speed for 10 minutes until smooth. Following this, I cracked four eggs into the mixer, then added 2/3 cup of cannabis-infused oil and 2 cups of sugar, continuing to blend for the same duration until well mixed. In a separate step, I sifted flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, and gradually incorporated these dry ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring until just combined. To finish, I folded in pecans and vanilla.

After preheating the oven to 350°F, I readied the brownies for baking. Adhering to Chef Johnson’s recommendation of a low baking temperature between 340 and 350°F, I poured the batter into a buttered 9×13-inch nonstick pan and placed it in the oven. I closely monitored the brownies to prevent overcooking, checking every few minutes until the center was firm. To ensure thorough baking, I inserted a toothpick into the center, which emerged clean without any wet batter. Despite the recipe’s suggested baking time of about 35 minutes, I found that mine required closer to 45 minutes in the oven.

Preparing Chocolate Icing at Home

Being a frosting enthusiast, I doubled my recipe to ensure a thick layer atop the brownies. The process was effortless. I began by beating eggs in an electric mixer, gradually incorporating a cup of powdered sugar. While the mixer was running, I added half a cup each of sugar and cocoa powder. Finally, I mixed in the remaining sugar, vanilla, and melted butter until everything was thoroughly combined.

After allowing the brownies to cool, I generously spread the icing over them. I chose not to add extra distillate to the icing, aiming for a classic, rich chocolate flavor.

Taking heed of advice from experts, I started with a small portion of brownie. Both Johnson and Sha recommended a cautious approach to gauge tolerance levels for edibles. “For beginners, start with a small piece, perhaps a quarter of a brownie,” Sha advised. “It’s safer to err on the side of caution.”

Johnson suggested microdosing if uncertainty about potency exists. If unsure about the strength of the brownies, he advised cutting them into halves or quarters to manage consumption.

Considering my recipe contained 900 mg of 90% THC, yielding 12 brownies, I estimated each brownie contained about 75 mg of THC. This potency is recommended for experienced users with high tolerances and may result in a very intense high.

As a novice, I chose a small piece of brownie, serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful indulgence.

Potent Homemade Brownies: Powerful Effects, Mild Taste

How to make cannabis brownies? The brownies I made were a hit, packing a noticeable punch from the distillate. They were extremely indulgent, thick, and full of chocolate flavor, complemented by the satisfying crunch of pecans. While they didn’t have an obvious weed taste, there was a subtle hint of something different that could be noticed if pointed out. Luckily, the generous layer of sweet icing covered up any unwanted weed flavors. They were truly irresistible, but it’s important to consume them responsibly and in moderation. For storage, adhere to Leafly’s recommendations: keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks, in the fridge for a month, or freeze them for up to three months. Before freezing, cut them into portions for easier thawing. Store them in a tightly sealed container away from light to maintain the potency of the THC. And if you share your living space, be sure to clearly label these treats to avoid any surprises for others.

Guidelines for Creating Potent Cannabis Brownies

• Opt for a concentrated cannabis extract, usually without noticeable odor or taste.
• Preheat the extract before blending it with oil to ensure thorough mixing.
• Bake the brownies at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, as higher temperatures may reduce THC potency.
• Begin with a small serving of brownie, especially if you’re new to the recipe or have a low tolerance (known as “microdosing” by experts).
• Increase the amount of frosting to mask any detectable THC flavor.
• Clearly label your brownies and store them in an airtight container away from light, which can degrade THC.
• Maintain the freshness and potency of your brownies by freezing them for up to three months.
• Before freezing, portion the brownies into smaller servings to prevent thawing an entire batch for a small portion.