How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cannabis-infused honey combines the natural sweetness of honey with the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, creating a versatile addition to your homemade edibles collection. Whether you're looking to infuse honey with THC for recreational purposes or CBD for wellness benefits, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process safely and effectively.

Understanding Cannabis-Infused Honey: Benefits and Uses

Cannabis honey offers a natural alternative to traditional edibles, providing a slow-release delivery system for cannabinoids. The combination works exceptionally well because honey's natural enzymes help preserve cannabis compounds while masking the plant's earthy flavor.

Benefits of cannabis-infused honey include:

• Long shelf life when properly stored
• Versatile use in beverages, baking, or as a topping
• Natural sweetener alternative to sugar-based edibles
• Easy to dose and incorporate into daily routines

Before starting your infusion journey, it's important to understand that making THC-infused honey requires patience and attention to detail to ensure potency and safety.

Preparation and Materials Needed

To make cannabis-infused honey, you'll need:

• 7-14 grams of ground cannabis flower (amount varies based on desired potency)
• 2 cups of high-quality raw honey
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Double boiler or slow cooker
• Thermometer (for temperature monitoring)
• Mason jars for storage
• Baking sheet (for decarboxylation)
• Parchment paper

Quality matters when selecting your ingredients. Choose organic, locally-sourced honey when possible, and select cannabis strains based on your desired effects. Indica strains typically provide relaxation, while sativas offer more energizing effects.

The Decarboxylation Process: Activating Your Cannabis

Before you can infuse honey with THC, you must decarboxylate your cannabis to activate the cannabinoids. This process converts THCA into THC through heat exposure.

Steps for proper decarboxylation:

1. Preheat your oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
2. Break up cannabis buds into small pieces
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through
5. Let cool completely before proceeding

The decarboxylation process is crucial and shouldn't be skipped if you're wondering how to make THC-infused honey properly. Without this step, your honey will contain inactive cannabinoids with minimal effects.

Honey Infusion Methods

There are several approaches to infusing honey with cannabis. Each method has advantages depending on your equipment and time constraints.

Direct Infusion Method

This straightforward approach works well for beginners:

1. Place decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar
2. Pour honey over the cannabis
3. Seal the jar tightly
4. Place the jar in a water bath at 170-180 °F (76-82 °C)
5. Maintain this temperature for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
6. Strain through cheesecloth when complete

Double Boiler Method

For more precise temperature control:

1. Set up a double boiler with water in the bottom pan
2. Add honey and decarboxylated cannabis to the top section
3. Heat at low temperature (under 200 °F/93 °C) for 2-3 hours
4. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching
5. Strain and store

Tincture Method

If you're looking for how to infuse honey with CBD or THC more efficiently:

1. Create a cannabis tincture first using alcohol extraction
2. Gently warm honey (do not boil)
3. Mix in tincture thoroughly
4. Allow alcohol to evaporate at low heat
5. Cool and store

This method is particularly effective if you already have THC tinctures on hand.

Dosage and Potency Considerations

Calculating potency in homemade cannabis honey can be challenging. As a general guideline:

• Low dose: 5-10mg THC per tablespoon
• Medium dose: 10-25mg THC per tablespoon
• High dose: 25mg+ THC per tablespoon

For beginners wondering if you can infuse honey with THC at controlled strengths, start with less cannabis and gradually increase in future batches based on your experience. Always test your infused honey with a small amount ( ¼- ½ teaspoon) before consuming a full dose.

Storage, Safety, and Compliance

Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains potency:

• Store in airtight, opaque containers
• Keep in a cool, dark place
• Label clearly with contents and date
• Refrigeration can extend shelf life to 6+ months

Safety is paramount when making cannabis edibles. According to safety guidelines for consumable products, all cannabis-infused products should be stored in child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion, particularly in households with children.

If sharing or distributing your cannabis honey, be aware of local regulations regarding homemade edibles. In many jurisdictions, sharing cannabis products outside immediate family may violate distribution laws.

Creative Recipes and Applications for THC-Infused Honey

Once you've mastered how to make THC honey, explore these applications:

• Morning tea or coffee sweetener
• Drizzled over yogurt or oatmeal
• Incorporated into salad dressings
• Added to marinades for savory dishes
• Used in place of simple syrup in cocktails
• Baked into cookies or bread recipes

For a refreshing summer option, try adding your infused honey to cannabis-infused beverages. The possibilities are nearly endless once you understand the basic infusion process.

Cannabis-infused honey represents just one method of creating edibles. For those interested in exploring other fat-based infusions, cannabis-infused coconut oil offers another versatile option with different applications.

By following this guide, you now have the knowledge to create your own cannabis-infused honey safely and effectively. Remember to start with small doses, especially if you're new to edibles, and always store your creations responsibly away from children and pets.