Vanessa Lavorato Has Debunked the Myth of Long Cannabis Infusion Times
Hello friends! Are lengthy infusion times are necessary for optimal potency? That’s the question that we’re discussing today. I had the privilege to interview Vanessa Lavorato recently who discovered this time-saving insight through her own rigorous lab tests which she discusses in her book How To Eat Weed & Have A Good Time. If you haven’t yet listened to that episode, I highly recommend it (so many great takeaways!). With this new knowledge, I had to test it out in my own kitchen. With that in mind, let’s dig into how you can save time in the kitchen and get to making great edibles with less time!
Listen to this episode:
The Myth of Long Infusion Times
For years, many home cooks have believed that infusing cannabis into butter or oil for several hours is essential to achieve the desired effects in their edibles. This belief stems from a mix of folk wisdom and a misunderstanding of the science behind cannabinoid extraction. However, after my interview with Vanessa, I learned that that long infusion experiments are not necessary and my own experiments confirmed this.
Check out the episode I did with Vanessa Lavorato who first introduced me to this concept.
Key Factors Influencing Cannabinoid Extraction
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve readily in fats and oils. The extraction process is influenced by several key factors:
- Decarboxylation
- Temperature
- Surface Area
- Agitation
- Fat Choice
- Ratio of cannabis to fat
Let’s dive into each of these factors in detail.
- Decarboxylation: The Crucial First Step
Decarboxylation is the process of heating raw cannabis to convert THCA into THC, which is crucial for potency. Without proper decarboxylation, infusion time becomes irrelevant. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break up your cannabis into smaller pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, you’ll start to notice .
Dive deeper into decarboxylation with this episode: Decarboxylation Is Still Sexy
- Temperature: Gentle Simmer for Optimal Extraction
The fat should be heated to a gentle simmer (around 160°F to 180°F) to efficiently dissolve cannabinoids without degrading them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Heat your fat (butter, coconut oil, etc.) in a clean glass jar in a pot of water, over low heat.
Add decarboxylated cannabis to the fat.
Maintain a gentle simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Dive deeper in to infusions with this article: Cannabis Infusions Your Complete Guide
- Surface Area: Maximizing Exposure
Breaking up cannabis increases the surface area exposed to the fat, improving extraction efficiency. However, grinding is not necessary; simply breaking it up will suffice. Here’s what to do:
Use your hands or a pair of scissors to break up the cannabis.
Avoid using a grinder, as it can create too fine a powder, making it harder to strain later.
- Agitation: Stirring for Better Extraction
Regular stirring helps bring fresh fat into contact with the plant material, speeding up the extraction process. Here’s a tip:
Stir or swirl the mixture every 5-10 minutes during the 30-minute infusion to ensure even extraction.
- Fat Choice: Selecting the Right Medium
Different fats have varying abilities to dissolve cannabinoids. While coconut oil and butter are popular choices, other fats like olive oil and avocado oil can also be effective. Here’s a quick guide:
Coconut oil: Great for its high saturated fat content and versatility. Butter: Traditional choice, especially for baking. Ghee: its high smoke point making is great for a variety of cooking and baking applications.
Olive oil: Good for savoury dishes and dressings. Avocado oil: High smoke point, suitable for cooking at higher temperatures.
Dive deeper into Ghee and Olive Oil as infusion mediums.
- Ratio: Balancing Fat and Cannabis
Using an appropriate ratio of fat to cannabis is important. A common starting point is one cup of fat to seven grams of cannabis. Here’s how to measure:
Weigh out 7 grams of decarboxylated cannabis.
Combine with 1 cup of your chosen fat in the saucepan.
Scientific Support for Shorter Infusion Times
One study published in the journal Molecules found that optimal extraction could be achieved in just ten minutes, while another study indicated that extending extraction time beyond a certain point did not yield significantly more cannabinoids. These studies reassure us that even though they used specialized equipment, the underlying chemistry applies to home infusions as well.
Benefits of a 30-Minute Infusion
The benefits of knowing that 30 minutes is sufficient for infusion are numerous:
- Time-Saving: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your edibles.
- Cost-Effective: Reduce the need for expensive infusion devices.
- Better Flavour: Shorter infusions extract fewer unwanted compounds, resulting in better-tasting edibles.
- Consistent Potency: Minimize the risk of cannabinoid degradation, ensuring consistent potency across batches.
My Experimental Results
Here I share my own experimental results, comparing the potency of infusions made over 30 minutes versus two hours. I infused 3.5 grams of cannabis into half a cup of olive oil and found that the two-hour infusion yielded only a marginal increase in potency compared to the 30-minute infusion. Similarly, I conducted a butter infusion with seven grams of cannabis and found negligible differences in potency between the two infusion times. These experiments reinforce her message that listeners can save time without sacrificing quality.
Embrace the Science and Enjoy the Art of Cannabis Cooking
While longer infusion times may still be enjoyable for some, understanding the science allows for more efficient and effective cannabis cooking. With this knowledge, you can confidently create delicious edibles in less time, making the process more accessible and enjoyable.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, remember these tips and save yourself some time while still making potent and delicious cannabis-infused treats. Happy cooking, and stay high! Big shoutout to Vanessa for introducing me to this concept! She shares her tests and results in her book How To Eat Weed & Have A Good Time, which not only shares the science but also fabulous recipes that you can you can practice this new technique!
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to check out the Bite Me The Show About Edibles for more insights and tips on cannabis cooking. We continue the conversation at the Bite Me Cannabis Club too. And as always, feel free to leave a review or share this post with your friends. Let’s spread the knowledge and joy of cannabis cooking together!
That’s it for this week friends. Please email me any questions, comments, pictures of your creations or anything else, I love hearing from listeners! Direct messages to stayhigh@bitemepodcast.com, or the podcast hotline.
You can also support the show by subscribing, sharing episodes, leaving a review or buying me a cookie! Whatever way you choose, I’m grateful that you’re listening.
Stay high,
Margaret
Timestamps
Introduction to Infusion Times (00:00:04)
Margaret introduces the episode, discussing cannabis infusion times and the science behind effective edibles.
Stoner Trivia Question (00:00:58)
Margaret engages listeners with a trivia question about a Quentin Tarantino film featuring Bridget Fonda.
Popcorn Obsession (00:02:17)
Margaret shares her recent love for making popcorn, both infused and non-infused, and its magical qualities.
Upcoming Camp Canna Event (00:03:24)
Margaret talks about her excitement for the upcoming Camp Canna event for cannabis enthusiasts.
Inspiration from Vanessa Lovato (00:05:29)
Margaret credits Vanessa Lovato for inspiring the episode’s topic on cannabis infusion times through her book.
Debunking Infusion Myths (00:06:32)
Margaret discusses the myth that long infusion times are necessary for maximum potency in cannabis cooking.
Understanding Extraction Science (00:09:36)
Margaret explains the science behind cannabinoid extraction and factors affecting infusion efficiency.
Research on Extraction Times (00:10:42)
Margaret reviews scientific studies showing that shorter infusion times can be just as effective.
Factors Affecting Infusion Potency (00:12:13)
Margaret outlines key factors like decarboxylation, temperature, and surface area that influence infusion potency.
Benefits of Shorter Infusion Times (00:16:06)
Margaret shares the advantages of infusing cannabis for shorter periods, including time savings and flavor.
Personal Experiment Results (00:18:10)
Margaret presents findings from her own infusion experiments comparing 30-minute and 2-hour infusion times.
Cannabinoid Extraction Time (00:21:49)
Quick extraction of cannabinoids in just ten minutes for efficient cooking.
30-Minute Infusion Effectiveness (00:22:09)
Research shows 30-minute infusions can extract cannabinoids as effectively as longer methods.
Art and Science of Cannabis Cooking (00:22:29)
Combining science and personal creativity in cannabis cooking for enjoyable edibles.
Efficiency in Edible Preparation (00:22:49)
Aim for more efficient and enjoyable edible experiences, saving time in the kitchen.
Leave a Reply