Making weed brownies involves infusing cannabis into butter or oil, then using that infused fat in a traditional brownie recipe. The process is simple but requires careful attention to dosage and preparation to ensure the desired effects and a pleasant experience. Weed brownies are one of the most popular cannabis edibles because they’re easy to make, tasty, and deliver long-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis
Before using cannabis in any recipe, you need to decarboxylate it. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which isn’t psychoactive. Heating activates the THC, making it effective when eaten.
To decarboxylate:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C)
- Break cannabis into small chunks (not powder)
- Spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Let it cool before using
This step is essential. If you skip it, your brownies won’t deliver the expected effects.
Step 2: Make Cannabutter
Cannabutter is regular butter infused with activated THC. It’s the key ingredient in most edible recipes, including brownies.
To make cannabutter:
- Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan on low heat
- Add 1 cup of water to help regulate the temperature
- Stir in your decarboxylated cannabis (about 7–10 grams for a standard strength batch)
- Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally (don’t let it boil)
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container
- Refrigerate until solid, then remove any water from the bottom
Properly made cannabutter should have a greenish tint and a grassy aroma. Always label it clearly and keep it away from children and pets.
Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter
You can use a box mix or make brownies from scratch. If using a mix, simply replace the butter or oil called for with your prepared cannabutter. For homemade brownies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of cannabutter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Mix the ingredients in a bowl until the batter is smooth. Pour it into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness, when it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes portioning easier.
How Strong Will the Brownies Be?
The potency of your weed brownies depends on several factors:
- The THC percentage in your cannabis
- How much cannabis you used in the butter
- How evenly the cannabutter was mixed into the batter
- How many brownies you cut from the pan
For example, if you used 7 grams of 20% THC cannabis, you’ll have around 1,400mg of THC in your butter. If you cut the tray into 14 pieces, each brownie could contain roughly 100mg of THC.
Most people feel comfortable with 5–10mg of THC per serving. This means you’ll need to cut your brownies into much smaller pieces or use less cannabis if you want milder doses.
How Long Do Effects Take?
Edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping. Expect to wait:
- 30 to 90 minutes to feel the initial effects
- 2 to 4 hours for peak effects
- Up to 8 hours for full duration
Because of the delayed onset, many people accidentally take too much. Avoid this mistake by waiting at least two hours before consuming more.
Safety Tips for Weed Brownies
Start low and go slow. Use only a small piece your first time. Other safety tips include:
- Label all edibles clearly
- Store them in childproof containers
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or sedatives
- Don’t drive or operate machinery after consuming
If you feel overwhelmed after eating too much, try staying calm, drinking water, and resting. Effects will pass with time. Taking CBD or chewing on black peppercorns may also help reduce discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Weed brownies are a delicious and effective way to consume cannabis, but they require preparation and caution. Decarboxylate your cannabis, make a proper cannabutter infusion, and calculate dosages carefully. With the right approach, you can enjoy a controlled, long-lasting edible experience that suits your tolerance and goals. Whether for relaxation, sleep support, or simply a fun alternative to smoking, weed brownies offer a classic way to enjoy cannabis in edible form.