Peanut butter can absolutely be used to make edible marijuana treats at home. The fat content and creamy texture make peanut butter a perfect candidate for cannabis infusions. Peanut butter masks the taste of weed very well, allowing you to create tasty edibles that go down easy. There are a few tips to follow when using peanut butter for edibles to ensure proper dosing and enjoyment.
Why use peanut butter for edibles?
There are several key reasons why peanut butter works so well for edible marijuana recipes:
- High fat content – THC binds best to fatty foods, so the high fat content of peanut butter helps the THC infuse properly.
- Strong flavor – Peanut butter has a very strong, nutty flavor that does an excellent job of covering up the taste of cannabis.
- Texture – The thick, creamy texture of peanut butter helps evenly distribute the cannabis infusion.
- Versatility – Peanut butter can be used to make all kinds of edibles like cookies, brownies, fudge, peanut butter cups, and more.
- Common ingredient – Most people have peanut butter readily available in their pantry, so it’s a convenient option.
The high fat content and ability to mask the flavor of cannabis make peanut butter one of the most popular choices for creating weed edibles at home.
How to infuse peanut butter with THC
Infusing peanut butter with cannabis is a very straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Start by decarboxylating your cannabis. Decarbing activates the THC so it will be psychoactive when ingested. Spread the cannabis buds or trim out on a baking sheet and bake at 240°F for 40-60 minutes until lightly browned.
- Melt 1 cup of peanut butter in a double boiler or saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add 1-2 grams of decarbed cannabis to the melted peanut butter. The exact amount will depend on the potency of your cannabis and desired dosage.
- Allow the cannabis to infuse into the peanut butter over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain out any plant material through a cheesecloth. Then simply pour the infused peanut butter into an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
The infused peanut butter can then be enjoyed by the spoonful or incorporated into all kinds of edibles. The possibilities are endless!
Calculating dosage for peanut butter edibles
Properly dosing your peanut butter edibles is important for having a positive experience. Here are some tips for calculating dosage:
- Determine the THC percentage of your starting cannabis material using lab test results if available.
- Decide how many servings you want to make with the infused peanut butter and the desired potency per serving (5mg, 10mg, etc).
- Use an edible dosage calculator to determine how much cannabis to use.
- When adding to recipes, figure out the amount of infused peanut butter per serving and the dosage that amount provides.
- Always start low, around 5mg THC. Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more to gauge effects.
Consuming too much THC can be very unpleasant, so it’s best to be conservative with dosing until you understand your tolerance. Taking it slow provides the most enjoyable experience.
Best recipes with infused peanut butter
Infused peanut butter opens up a whole world of possibilities for tasty, potent edibles. Here are some of the best recipes to try:
Weed peanut butter cups
These are an awesome twist on a classic treat. Simply pour the infused peanut butter into mini cupcake liners, top with melted chocolate, and let them set up in the fridge.
Peanut butter cookies
Add a few tablespoons of the infused peanut butter to your favorite cookie dough recipe for simple, delicious medicated cookies.
Thai peanut sauce
Stir some infused peanut butter into coconut milk, lime, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an amazing sauce for dipping or stir fries.
Peanut butter smoothie
Blend the infused peanut butter with milk, frozen fruit, yogurt, and honey for a nutritious and refreshing beverage.
Peanut butter fudge
Beat together infused peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour into a parchment-lined pan and refrigerate until firm.
No-bake energy bites
Mix infused peanut butter with oats, honey, coconut, chocolate chips, flaxseed, and chia seeds. Roll into bite-size balls for a healthy snack.
Tips for using infused peanut butter
Here are some handy tips to get the most out of your infused peanut butter:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 6 months.
- Let peanut butter come to room temperature before using for easier mixing.
- Stir well before use to distribute the THC evenly.
- Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil helps thin out thicker peanut butter.
- Infuse at lower temperatures (under 300°F) to preserve terpenes for flavor.
- Water won’t mix with the peanut butter, so avoid adding liquid if possible.
Precautions when working with cannabis
When cooking with cannabis, there are some important precautions to keep in mind:
- Keep away from children and pets – cannabis can be toxic to kids and animals.
- Use oven mitts and handle hot ingredients with care.
- Closely monitor cooking temperatures – cannabis decarbs starting around 240°F.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize the inhalation of fumes.
- Clearly label all infused foods to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Start with very low doses, especially if new to cannabis edibles.
Following basic kitchen safety practices helps ensure an enjoyable experience when preparing cannabis peanut butter and other infused foods.
Is infused peanut butter legal?
The legality of infusing peanut butter with cannabis depends on your state laws regarding marijuana and recreational use. Here are some general guidelines:
- In states where recreational cannabis is fully legalized, infused peanut butter is legal for personal use and often for licensed sales as well.
- In medical marijuana states, infused peanut butter may be legal for registered medical patients but still illegal for recreational use.
- In states where cannabis is fully illegal, infused peanut butter would be considered illegal, even for personal use at home.
It is advisable to check your specific state and local laws before making or consuming any cannabis infusions. Regulations are rapidly evolving in many areas to permit cannabis use, so staying up to date is important.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is a near-perfect medium for infusing with cannabis to create diverse, tasty edibles for recreational or medicinal use. The fatty texture readily absorbs THC while the flavor masks weed’s distinctive taste. With proper dosing and preparation, peanut butter opens up a world of possibilities for enjoying cannabis in edible form safely and responsibly.