How to Make Cannabis-Infused Gummy and Hard Candies at Home

Creating your own cannabis-infused candies at home offers control over ingredients, potency, and flavors that dispensary products often can't match. Whether you're looking to make pot gummy bears or hard candies, the process is both accessible and rewarding with the right guidance. This comprehensive guide walks you through creating delicious, consistent edibles in your own kitchen.

Understanding Cannabis Edibles: Basics and Benefits

Cannabis edibles provide longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping, typically between 4-8 hours. The onset is slower (30-90 minutes) as cannabinoids must be processed through the digestive system and liver. This metabolic process converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, which creates a potentially more intense and body-centered experience.

Homemade cannabis candies offer several advantages:

• Cost-effectiveness compared to dispensary products
• Control over ingredients (organic, vegan, sugar-free options)
• Customizable dosing for personal tolerance levels
• Ability to create specific ratios of cannabinoids

Preparation Essentials: Equipment and Ingredients

Equipment Needed

For both gummies and hard candies, you'll need:

• Digital scale (for precise dosing)
• Thermometer (candy or digital instant-read)
• Silicone molds (gummy bear shapes or hard candy molds)
• Medium saucepan (preferably heavy-bottomed)
• Silicone spatula and whisk
• Dropper or squeeze bottle (for filling molds)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

Safety is paramount when making cannabis edibles, especially with children in the home. Always store your finished products in containers with secure child-resistant lids to prevent accidental consumption.

Base Ingredients

For cannabis gummy candy:

• Fruit juice, puree, or flavored gelatin (3 oz package)
• Unflavored gelatin (2-3 tablespoons)
• Sweetener (honey, sugar, or alternative)
• Citric acid (1/4 teaspoon, for tartness and preservation)
• Cannabis-infused oil or tincture

For pot hard candy:

• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Light corn syrup (1/3 cup)
• Water (1/4 cup)
• Flavoring extracts or oils
• Food coloring (optional)
• Cannabis tincture (alcohol-based works best)

Cannabis Infusion Process: Creating Your Base

Before making any cannabis candy, you must first prepare your cannabis infusion. This two-step process involves decarboxylation followed by infusion.

Decarboxylation

This critical step activates the cannabinoids in your flower:

1. Preheat oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
2. Break up cannabis flower into small pieces (not powder)
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly toasted
5. Let cool completely

For detailed decarboxylation instructions, check out our guide to making potent edibles from flower.

Creating Cannabis Oil or Tincture

For gummies, an oil infusion works best:

1. Combine decarboxylated cannabis with coconut oil (1:1 ratio by weight)
2. Heat in a water bath for 2-3 hours at 160-180 °F (never boiling)
3. Strain through cheesecloth
4. Store in an airtight container

For hard candies, an alcohol-based tincture is preferred as it incorporates better:

1. Combine decarboxylated cannabis with high-proof alcohol (Everclear)
2. Store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily
3. Strain through cheesecloth
4. Optionally reduce by evaporation for higher potency

Making Cannabis Gummies: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your cannabis oil ready, here's how to make pot gummy bears:

1. In a saucepan, combine fruit juice/puree with gelatin and sweetener
2. Heat on low, stirring constantly until gelatin dissolves completely
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (to about 165 °F)
4. Add cannabis oil and citric acid, whisking vigorously to emulsify
5. Quickly transfer mixture to a squeeze bottle or dropper
6. Fill silicone molds and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes
7. Once set, remove from molds and air-dry for 24-48 hours to reduce stickiness

For a more detailed approach to making weed gummies, see our complete guide to DIY cannabis edibles.

Hard Candy Instructions: Techniques for Success

Learning how to make pot hard candy requires careful temperature control:

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves
3. Insert candy thermometer and heat without stirring to 300 °F (hard crack stage)
4. Remove from heat and let cool to 250 °F
5. Quickly stir in cannabis tincture, flavoring, and coloring
6. Pour immediately into prepared molds
7. Let set completely (about 30-60 minutes) before removing

For more candy-making techniques, our guide to making cannabis lollipops offers valuable insights.

Dosing and Safety: Ensuring Consistent Results

Calculating potency is crucial for a safe experience:

1. Determine the total THC/CBD in your starting material (e.g., 20% THC flower = 200mg per gram)
2. Account for extraction efficiency (typically 60-80%)
3. Divide the total estimated mg by the number of pieces

For example, if using 3g of 20% THC flower (600mg total) with 70% extraction efficiency (420mg extracted) to make 42 gummies, each piece would contain approximately 10mg THC.

Always start with a low dose (5mg or less) and wait at least 2 hours before considering more, especially for new consumers.

Storage and Preservation: Maximizing Shelf Life

Proper storage extends the life of your homemade edibles:

• Gummies: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months
• Hard candies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper, for 1-2 months

Adding preservatives like citric acid or potassium sorbate can extend shelf life. Always label containers clearly with content and potency information.

Troubleshooting Tips: Solving Common Problems

Even experienced candy makers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common issues:

Gummy Problems

• Too soft: Increase gelatin or reduce liquid
• Oil separation: Ensure proper emulsification with lecithin
• Mold growth: Improve drying process or add preservatives

Hard Candy Issues

• Crystallization: Avoid stirring after sugar dissolves
• Cloudiness: Ensure clean equipment and avoid temperature fluctuations
• Stickiness: Cook to proper temperature (300 °F) and store with desiccants

Making cannabis-infused candies at home requires patience and precision, but the results are well worth the effort. With practice, you'll develop a skill for creating consistent, high-quality edibles tailored to your preferences. For more advanced techniques, explore our comprehensive guide to making homemade edibles.