Cannabis-infused edibles are becoming increasingly popular, and pot brownies are a classic favorite among cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to cannabis edibles or a seasoned pro, making your own pot brownies at home is not only fun but also a great way to control the potency and flavor of your brownies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making pot brownies, from decarboxylating the cannabis to baking the brownies and understanding how to control the strength of your edibles. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to make delicious, potent, and perfectly baked pot brownies.
What Are Pot Brownies?
Pot brownies are regular brownies infused with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. The infusion happens when you add cannabis-infused butter, also known as cannabutter, to your brownie recipe. Pot brownies are popular because they’re an easy and enjoyable way to consume cannabis without smoking or vaping. The effects of edibles, however, take longer to kick in than inhaling cannabis, so it’s important to be patient and consume them responsibly.
Ingredients for Pot Brownies
Before diving into the baking process, you’ll need to gather all the ingredients and tools required for making pot brownies.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter) – This is the key ingredient that infuses your brownies with THC.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Regular white sugar is typically used for sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to your brownies.
- ½ cup cocoa powder – For a rich chocolate flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a bit of lift to the brownies.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) – For extra richness and chocolatey goodness.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls – At least two bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk or electric mixer – To mix the ingredients properly.
- 8×8-inch baking pan – The perfect size for making pot brownies.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – To prevent sticking.
For those who don’t have cannabutter ready, check out our complete guide to making cannabutter. It’s a simple process, but it’s crucial for ensuring the potency of your brownies.
How to Make Cannabutter
If you don’t have cannabis-infused butter on hand, you’ll need to make it before starting your brownies. Cannabutter is the foundation of any cannabis-infused edible, and getting it right is essential for a successful batch of brownies.
Ingredients for Cannabutter:
- ½ ounce (14 grams) of cannabis – Adjust based on desired potency.
- 1 cup butter – Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of flavor.
- 1 cup water – Helps regulate temperature and prevent the butter from burning.
Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis
Before cannabis can be used in edibles, it must undergo a process called decarboxylation. This process activates the THC in cannabis, making it psychoactive and ready for infusion.
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break the cannabis into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Decarboxylation is a crucial step because it transforms THCA (a non-psychoactive compound) into THC, the active compound that produces the “high” in edibles.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, you can begin making the cannabutter.
- Melt the butter and water together in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the butter mixture.
- Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After simmering, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl, separating the plant material from the infused butter.
- Refrigerate the butter to solidify it.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to our cannabutter recipe that covers every step to perfect the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pot Brownies
Once your cannabutter is ready, you can begin making your pot brownies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your brownies come out perfectly.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the cannabis-infused butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this step. Creaming the butter and sugar ensures that the brownies will have a rich, moist texture.
Note on Dosage: Be mindful of the amount of cannabutter you’re using, as it directly impacts the potency of your brownies. For more information on how to calculate dosage, refer to our cannabis dosage guide.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
For extra chocolatey brownies, gently fold in the chocolate chips at this stage.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, the brownies are ready.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Once they’ve cooled slightly, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
How to Control the Potency of Your Pot Brownies
One of the most important aspects of making pot brownies is understanding how to control their potency. The strength of your brownies is determined by the potency of your cannabutter and how much of it you use in the recipe.
Here are some tips for controlling the potency of your pot brownies:
- Start Small: If you’re new to edibles or unsure about the potency of your cannabutter, start with a smaller amount. You can always eat more later, but you can’t undo the effects once they start.
- Use a Dosage Calculator: Many online cannabis dosage calculators can help you estimate the THC content of your brownies based on the amount and strength of the cannabutter used.
- Test Your Cannabutter: Before making a full batch of brownies, try a small amount of the cannabutter on toast or in tea to gauge its strength.
For a more detailed look at how to dose cannabis edibles, visit our cannabis dosage guide.
Storing Your Pot Brownies
Once your brownies are baked and cut, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain freshness and potency.
Room Temperature
Pot brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to label them clearly to avoid accidental consumption by someone who’s unaware of their contents.
Refrigeration
If you need to store your brownies longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
For even longer storage, you can freeze pot brownies. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months.
What to Expect from Pot Brownies
The effects of pot brownies can vary depending on the potency of your cannabutter and how much you consume. Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This delay is because THC is absorbed through the digestive system rather than the lungs.
It’s essential to be patient and avoid consuming too much too soon. The high from edibles tends to last longer than other consumption methods, often lasting between 4 and 6 hours, so start with a small portion and wait before deciding whether to consume more.
FAQs About Pot Brownies
How Long Does It Take for Pot Brownies to Kick In?
The effects of pot brownies can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to be felt. This delay occurs because the THC must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Can I Use a Different Infusion Method?
Yes, instead of using cannabutter, you can also infuse oils like coconut oil with cannabis. For those who prefer oil-based recipes, check out our guide on cannabis-infused oils.
How Do I Calculate the Potency of My Pot Brownies?
To calculate the potency of your brownies, you’ll need to know the strength of your cannabutter. You can use an online THC dosage calculator to get an estimate based on the amount of cannabis used and its THC content.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Pot Brownies Responsibly
Making pot brownies at home can be a fun and rewarding way to enjoy cannabis. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create delicious and potent brownies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Remember to start with a small dose, especially if you’re new to edibles, and give the brownies time to take effect before consuming more. With the right ingredients, proper dosing, and a little patience, you can enjoy perfectly baked pot brownies that deliver just the right amount of relaxation.
For more cannabis-infused recipes, be sure to check out our recipe section and learn about other edible options to try.