Pillar GuideLast updated: February 2025By Margaret · Bite Me Podcast
Cannabis Infusions: The Complete Guide for Edibles Cooks
Everything you need to know to make potent, delicious cannabis infusions at home — from decarboxylation basics and infusion types to dosing, storage, equipment, and troubleshooting common mistakes.
A cannabis infusion is a process where cannabinoids like THC or CBD are extracted into a medium — usually fat-based, but sometimes alcohol or other carriers. These infused bases are the building blocks of edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Compared to smoking, infused edibles provide longer-lasting, full-body effects. They’re popular for both recreational and medicinal use, offering a discreet, smoke-free consumption method that’s highly customizable in terms of potency and flavor.
What type of cannabis works best?
Different types of cannabis produce different results in infusions:
THC-rich cultivars — psychoactive infusions, ideal for recreational and pain-relief use
CBD-dominant cultivars — relaxation without intoxication; great for daytime use
Balanced THC:CBD strains — modulated effects; popular for first-timers
Trim & shake — cost-effective, less potent; great for large batches. See our guide on saving money on cannabis
Kief & hash — very potent; use sparingly and calculate carefully
Distillate — precise dosing, nearly flavorless; ideal for beginners who want control
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Related: The Science of Onset Time
Once you’ve made an infusion, understanding how and when it hits is just as important as making it. Read the full explainer →
02 Context
A Brief History of Cannabis Infusions
The practice of infusing cannabis into food and drink is thousands of years old. The first recorded infusion, Bhang — a cannabis-infused milk drink — appears in the Atharva Veda (1200–1000 BCE) and is still consumed in India today.
~2700 BCE
Ancient China
The Shennong Bencao Jing describes cannabis used medicinally, believed to have been infused in teas for pain and inflammation.
1200–1000 BCE
Ancient India — Bhang
The Atharva Veda records the first cannabis infusion: Bhang, a milk-based drink used in spiritual and medicinal contexts.
1000 BCE–400 CE
Egypt & Greece
Cannabis-infused oils appear in Egyptian records for pain relief. Ancient Greek texts mention cannabis-infused wine and medicinal extracts.
19th Century
Western Medicine
Cannabis tinctures and infusions became mainstream Western treatments for pain, insomnia, and mental health disorders.
21st Century
Cannabis Revival
Medical cannabis gains global recognition. Home infusion tools like LĒVO and Ardent make the process accessible to everyone.
03 Essential Step
Decarboxylation: The Non-Negotiable First Step
Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA — the inactive acid forms of THC and CBD. Without heat, these compounds have no psychoactive effect. Decarboxylation converts them into their active forms through controlled heat.
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Skip decarb and your infusion won’t work
This is the single most common beginner mistake. No matter how long you infuse, raw THCA won’t convert without prior decarboxylation.
Temperature & Time Reference
Decarboxylation
220–240°F (104–115°C) · 30–45 min
Infusion (oil/butter)
160–200°F (71–93°C) · 2–4 hrs
Cannabinoid degradation
Above 300°F (149°C) — avoid
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Deep dive: Decarboxylation Is Still Sexy
The full science behind decarb, temperature comparisons, and methods compared. Read the full guide →
04 Core Knowledge
The 8 Popular Cannabis Infusions
Most infusions share the same basic method: combine your fat-based medium with decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar, heat in a water bath on low for 30–60 minutes, then strain and store. The differences are in the medium — and that determines everything about how you’ll use it.
The most popular cannabis infusion. High fat content extracts and retains cannabinoids effectively. Blends with both sweet and savoury recipes — brownies, cookies, pasta sauces, spreads.
Best for: Baked goods, sauces, toast, general cooking
Versatile and vegan-friendly. Coconut, olive, avocado, or MCT oil all work — coconut is most popular due to its high saturated fat content for better cannabinoid absorption.
Best for: Salad dressings, sauting, baking, topicals, discrete use
Made by mixing finely ground decarbed cannabis with regular flour. Evenly distributes cannabis throughout dry baked goods. Works best when combined with fat-based ingredients in the same recipe.
A natural sweetener combined with cannabis extract. Dissolves easily in liquids and adds a mild herbal flavor — one of the most versatile infusions for beverages and desserts.
Best for: Tea, coffee, drizzling over toast, waffles, ice cream
Made by gently heating cannabis with whole milk or cream. Short shelf life — refrigerate and use within days. The fat in full-fat dairy binds cannabinoids effectively.
Best for: Hot chocolate, coffee, creamy soups, custards
Cannabis extract combined with coarse or fine salt. A precise finishing touch — provides seasoning without altering texture or moisture. Use sparingly given potency per pinch.
Best for: Roasted vegetables, grilled meats, cocktail rims, soups
Cannabis extract bound to sugar granules. Dissolves cleanly in hot or cold liquids — ideal for beverages. A discreet way to medicate without a strong cannabis flavor.
Best for: Coffee, tea, cocktails, confections, baked goods
Decarbed cannabis soaked in high-proof spirits (vodka, rum, Everclear). Absorbs quickly — ideal for sublingual use. Potent; extracts both cannabinoids and terpenes for a full-spectrum result.
Best for: Sublingual dosing, cocktails, dessert sauces
You don’t need fancy equipment to make great infusions — a mason jar and a pot of water will do it. But dedicated machines offer precision and consistency that’s hard to match manually.
Dosing is where most beginners go wrong. Potency depends on your starting material’s THC%, the amount used, and how evenly it distributed through your infusion.
1–2.5mg THCMicrodoseSubtle effects; ideal for anxiety, focus, or first-timers
2.5–5mg THCBeginnerStart here. Noticeable effects without overwhelm. The standard recommendation.
10–25mg THCExperiencedStrong effects. Only for those with established tolerance.
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Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in
The most common mistake: consuming more because you don’t feel anything yet. Wait a full 2 hours before considering a second dose. Always label homemade infusions with date and estimated potency.
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Use our free Dosage Calculator
Enter your flower’s THC%, amount used, and batch size to calculate mg per serving. Open the calculator →
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Related: Easy Edible Dosing — Calculate Potency Like a Pro
Full breakdown of the math behind edible dosing, with real examples. Read the full article →
07 Preservation
Storage & Shelf Life
Proper storage preserves potency, flavor, and safety. Heat, light, and air are the enemies of cannabinoids — always store in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
🧈 Butter & Oil2 mo / 6+ mo frozenRefrigerate in airtight glass. Freeze in portions for long-term. Separation is normal — stir before use.
🥃 TinctureIndefinitelySealed amber glass dropper bottle, away from light. No refrigeration needed.
🍬 Sugar & SaltIndefinitelyCool, dry place in an airtight jar. Avoid humidity — clumping signals moisture exposure.
🍯 Honey1 year+Room temperature or refrigerate. Honey is naturally shelf-stable; cannabis honey follows the same rules.
🥛 Milk3–5 daysRefrigerate immediately. Does not freeze well. Make small batches as needed.
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Always label your infusions
Write the infusion type, date made, and estimated potency per tablespoon/teaspoon. This prevents accidental overconsumption and helps track potency over time.
08 Troubleshooting
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Most failed infusions come down to a handful of predictable errors. Here’s what to watch for:
01
Skipping decarboxylation
Produces a weak or completely inert infusion. Always decarb first at 220–240°F for 30–45 minutes before infusing. Full decarb guide →
02
Overheating during infusion
Too high a temperature degrades cannabinoids and destroys terpenes. Keep infusion temp below 200°F (93°C). Low and slow is the mantra.
03
Not using enough fat
Cannabinoids bind to fat. Too little fat means poor extraction and weak results. Don’t substitute with low-fat versions in infusion recipes.
04
Poor straining technique
Leaving plant material in your infusion affects taste, texture, and can cause mold in storage. Use cheesecloth and avoid squeezing hard — pressing extracts bitter chlorophyll.
05
Uneven mixing in final recipes
Cannabinoids can pool unevenly in batters and doughs. Mix thoroughly and consider using multiple infused ingredients for better distribution throughout the batch.
Once your infusion is ready, the kitchen is yours. Here’s a quick reference for which infusions work in which dishes, followed by links to our full recipe categories.
No — infusion temperatures are intentionally kept low to avoid degrading cannabinoids, which means they’re not hot enough to properly decarboxylate. Decarbing at a separate, controlled temperature is essential. Skipping it and hoping a longer infusion compensates is the most reliable way to get weak results.
Both are fat-based infusions that work similarly. Butter has a richer flavor and works better in traditional baking. Coconut oil has a higher saturated fat content (better cannabinoid binding), is vegan-friendly, and has a longer shelf life. For flavor-forward cooking, butter usually wins; for versatility and topicals, coconut oil is often preferred.
Yes, but with caution. Most slow cookers run hotter than ideal — the “low” setting can still reach 200°F+, risking cannabinoid degradation. Use a thermometer and check your cooker’s actual temperature before committing to a full batch. Many cooks prefer the mason jar method for more controlled heat.
Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on metabolism, body weight, and what you’ve eaten. Edibles on an empty stomach tend to hit faster and harder. Tinctures taken sublingually absorb in 15–30 minutes. Always wait at least 2 full hours before considering a second dose.
Use distillate or isolate (nearly flavorless), choose coconut oil (better at masking flavor than butter), pair with strongly flavored recipes (chocolate, garlic, spices), or strain very thoroughly. Dedicated machines like LĒVO and Ardent tend to produce cleaner-tasting results than stovetop methods.
Absolutely — and this is one of the best ways to save money. Trim and shake are less potent than premium buds, so you’ll need more material for the same strength. Estimate 5–10% THC and run it through the dosage calculator. See our guide on saving money on cannabis →
Yes — it’s actually a great technique for even potency distribution. For example, using cannabutter, canna-sugar, and canna-flour together in cookies helps distribute cannabinoids more evenly. Just carefully calculate the total THC contribution from each infused component to avoid accidental overconsumption.
Cannabis laws vary significantly by country, state, and municipality. Always check your local legislation before making, consuming, or sharing cannabis infusions. In many places, personal home infusion is permitted where cannabis itself is legal, but commercial sale without licensing is not.
Cannabis infusions are essential for making edibles. From the staples of cannabis infused cuisine such as butter, oils, honey and flour to the lesser used sugars and alcohol, they help enthusiasts create potent and flavourful recipes. In this article, we take an in-depth look at cannabis infusions and list the various forms popular amongst chefs.
The basics of cannabis infusions
In this section, we’ll define what cannabis infusions are, take a brief look at the history of cannabis infusions, explore the types of cannabis best suited for infusions, explain what decarboxylation is and why it’s a necessary step, provide an overview of THC dosage in infusions, outline best practices for storage, and examine common mistakes made by chefs when creating infused carriers.
What is a cannabis infusion?
A cannabis infusion is a process where cannabis compounds, like THC or CBD, are extracted into a medium. These mediums are often fat-based, but can be other basic ingredients used in cooking. Common infusion bases include butter, oil, flour, alcohol, sugar and milk. Infusions are the foundation of many edibles, but are also used in tinctures and body care products. The potency depends on factors like amount of plant material used, potency of the plant material, temperature, and infusion time. Compared to smoking, infused edibles provide longer-lasting effects. They are popular for recreational and medicinal use, offering a smoke-free consumption method.
A brief history of infusing cannabis into ingredients
A page from the Atharva Veda, in which the first reference to cannabis infusion was written.
The first recorded use of cannabis infusions comes from the Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas of ancient Indian scripture, believed to have been written between 1200 and 1000 BCE. The infusion mentioned in this ancient text is Bhang, a cannabis-infused milk drink still consumed today in India. Thanks to archaeological findings, scientists and historians believe that members of the Indus Valley Civilization (~2000 BCE–1500 BCE) consumed cannabis-infused drinks before the first textual account of Bhang.
It’s important to note that historical evidence suggests cannabis was used in China as early as 2700 BCE, though not as an infusion.
History of Cannabis Infusions: A Timeline
Hindu priests prepare bhang milk on the ghats of Yamuna river in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
~2700 BCE: Ancient China – The Shennong Bencao Jing, a legendary Chinese medical text, describes cannabis (Má) being used as medicine for pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. It is believed to have been infused in teas and medicinal preparations. although this isn’t indicated in the manuscript.
~2000–1500 BCE: Indus Valley Civilization – Archaeological evidence suggests cannabis use, though no direct textual mention of infusions exists.
1200–1000 BCE: Ancient India – First mention of a cannabis infusion. The Atharva Veda mentions the cannabis-infused Bhang – an infused milk drink – associating it with spiritual and medicinal uses. Ayurvedadic medical texts later document cannabis in herbal infusions for pain relief, digestion, and mental well-being.
1000 BCE–400 CE: Ancient Egypt & Greece – Egyptians used cannabis-infused oils for pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatments. Ancient Greek texts mention cannabis-infused wine and medicinal extracts.
9th–14th Century CE: Islamic Medicine & Persia – Unani medicine, influenced by cannabis adoption in Greek and Indian medical traditions, documents cannabis infusions for sedation and digestive issues. Arabic texts describe cannabis-infused beverages for pain and relaxation.
12th–18th Century: Mughal Empire & Europe – Cannabis-infused drinks, including Bhang, spread across India, Persia, and Central Asia. In Europe, hemp infusions were used in folk medicine.
19th Century: British Empire & Western Medicine – The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission (1894) studies cannabis use in India and finds cannabis infusions, including Bhang, to have medicinal properties. In the West, cannabis tinctures and infusions become popular treatments for pain, insomnia, and mental health disorders.
20th Century: Global Prohibition – Most countries ban cannabis in the early 20th century, leading to restrictions on cannabis infusions. Despite this, cannabis-infused herbal remedies and tinctures persist underground.
21st Century: Cannabis Revival – Medical cannabis gains recognition across several countries, and CBD-infused teas, oils, edibles and beverages become popular. In India, Bhang remains legal, and modern cannabis-infused drinks gain popularity worldwide.
What type of cannabis is used in infusions?
Different types of cannabis can be used in infusions, depending on the desired effects. THC-rich cultivars create psychoactive infusions, while CBD-dominant cultivars provide relaxation without a high. Many users love balanced cultivars with both THC and CBD. Raw cannabis (non-decarboxylated) offers minimal effects but retains potential health benefits. Full-spectrum cannabis preserves all cannabinoids and terpenes, enhancing the entourage effect. Distillates provide precise dosing without strong flavours, while hash and kief increase potency. Trim and shake, the leftover plant material from a homegrowers harvest, can also be infused but may be less potent than high-quality buds.
Why decarboxylation matters in cannabis infusions?
Decarboxylation is essential for activating THC and CBD in cannabis before infusion. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which have no psychoactive effects until heated. By applying controlled heat, these compounds convert into their active forms, making them effective when consumed. The ideal temperature is 220–240°F (104–115°C) for 30–45 minutes to prevent cannabinoid degradation. Without decarboxylation, cannabis remains inactive, leading to ineffective infusions. Whether using butter, oil, or alcohol, proper decarboxylation ensures potency and consistency in edibles. This simple yet crucial step transforms raw cannabis into a powerful ingredient for infused recipes.
Dosing cannabis infusions correctly ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Factors like cultivar type, infusion method, and decarboxylation impact potency. Beginners should start with low doses (2.5mg THC per serving) and gradually adjust. Accurate measurement is key—using a cannabis infusion calculator helps determine potency per serving. Mix thoroughly to distribute cannabinoids evenly. Keep in mind that edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, so avoid consuming more too soon. Always label homemade infusions to prevent accidental overconsumption. Proper dosing allows users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without unwanted side effects.
Proper storage preserves the potency, flavour, and freshness of cannabis infusions. Butter and oil-based infusions stay fresh for about two months in the fridge and even longer when frozen. Alcohol-based infusions last indefinitely if kept in a dark, sealed bottle. Milk infusions spoil quickly and should be used within a few days. Always label containers with the date and potency. Proper storage prevents cannabinoid degradation, ensuring consistent effects and safe consumption over time.
What are the common mistakes made when preparing cannabis infusions?
Avoiding common mistakes ensures a potent and smooth cannabis infusion. A key error is skipping decarboxylation, which results in weak effects. Overheating or underheating can destroy cannabinoids or fail to activate them. Using too little fat reduces absorption, making infusions less effective. Poor straining techniques leave unwanted plant material, affecting texture and taste. Inconsistent mixing leads to uneven potency, causing unpredictable effects. Rushing the process by infusing at high heat can degrade terpenes, reducing flavor and benefits. Always measure doses carefully to prevent overconsumption. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a balanced, high-quality infusion for edibles and other recipes.
What are the popular cannabis infusions used in edibles?
Cannabis infusions come in various forms, each suited for different recipes. From butter to alcohol, these infused ingredients enhance edibles by providing precise dosing, long-lasting effects, and versatile cooking options.
Most infusions can be made the same way. Measure out the fat and the decarboxylated plant material you plan to use and put them into a clean glass jar. Close the jar loosely with the lid. Place the jar in a pot of water on stove. The water level should be above the contents of the jar. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes, swirling the jar periodically to agitate the contents. Remove from heat and when the jar has cooled enough to handle, strain the plant material from the medium into another clean container. Your infusion is ready to use!
Infused butter is one of the most popular cannabis infusions. It blends well with both sweet and savoury recipes, making it ideal for baked goods, sauces, and spreads. Used in brownies, cookies, pasta, and more, it provides a consistent potency. Butter’s high fat content helps extract and retain cannabinoids effectively.
Cannabis Infused Oils
Infused oil is a versatile cannabis infusion made with fats like coconut, olive, avocado, or MCT oil. For cannabis edibles, it works well in salad dressings, sautéed dishes, and baked goods. Coconut oil is especially popular for edibles due to its high fat content, which enhances cannabinoid absorption. It’s also often used in homemade topicals.
Infused oils are also popular in medicinal cannabis to treat various ailments.
Oils are also an effective carrier, enabling users to consume cannabis discretely in any social situation. After the unmodified herbal form, cannabis infused oils are the most commercial available form of marijuana.
Cannabis Infused Flour
Infused flour is made by mixing finely ground, decarboxylated cannabis with regular flour. It’s ideal for baking bread, cookies, pancakes, and other baked goods. Unlike butter or oil infusions, it evenly distributes cannabis throughout dry ingredients. It works best when combined with fat-based ingredients to improve cannabinoid absorption and potency.
Cannabis Infused Salts
Infused salts combine cannabis extract with coarse or fine salt, creating a savory and versatile infusion. It enhances flavor in roasted vegetables, grilled meats, soups, and even cocktail rims. Unlike butter or oil, infused salt provides a precise way to season dishes while delivering cannabinoids without altering texture or moisture levels.
Cannabis Infused Milk
Cannabis-infused milk is made by gently heating cannabis with whole milk or cream, allowing cannabinoids to bind to fats. It’s commonly used in hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as creamy soups and desserts. Due to its short shelf life, refrigeration is essential for freshness.
Cannabis Infused Sugar
Cannabis-infused sugar is made by binding cannabis extract to sugar granules. It blends easily into coffee, tea, cocktails, and baked goods, offering a discreet way to enjoy cannabis. Unlike butter or oil, infused sugar dissolves smoothly in liquids, making it ideal for drinks, desserts, and confections.
Cannabis Infused Honey
Cannabis-infused honey is a natural sweetener that combines honey with cannabis extract. It’s perfect for tea, coffee, smoothies, and drizzling over toast, cakes, ice cream, waffles and pancakes. Unlike butter or oil, infused honey dissolves easily in liquids and adds a mild, herbal flavor, making it a popular choice for both beverages and edibles.
Cannabis Infused Alcohol
Infused alcohol is made by soaking decarboxylated cannabis in high-proof spirits like vodka, rum, or Everclear. This process extracts cannabinoids and terpenes, creating a potent tincture. It’s used in cocktails, sauces, sweets and desserts. Unlike oil-based infusions, alcohol absorbs quickly, making it ideal for sublingual use or mixed into flavorful drinks.
Table of popular cannabis infused dishes
Dish Type
Butter
Oil
Flour
Sugar
Salt
Milk
Honey
Alcohol
Brownies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Cookies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Cakes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Pasta Sauce (Marinara, Alfredo)
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Barbecue Sauce
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Salad Dressings (Vinaigrette, Ranch)
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Aioli & Mayonnaise
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Syrups
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Cannabis-Infused Cocktails
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
FAQ: Cannabis infusions
1. What is a cannabis infusion?
A cannabis infusion is a process where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are extracted into a fat-based or liquid medium, such as butter, oil, alcohol, or milk. These infusions are used to create edibles, tinctures, and other cannabis products.
2. Why is decarboxylation necessary before making cannabis infusions?
Decarboxylation activates the THC and CBD in raw cannabis, making them effective when consumed. Without heating at the correct temperature, infusions will have little to no psychoactive or medicinal effects.
3. What are the most common types of cannabis infusions?
Popular cannabis infusions include cannabutter, infused oils, infused flour, infused sugar, infused salts, infused alcohol, and infused milk. Each serves different cooking and baking purposes.
4. How do I choose the right cannabis strain for an infusion?
The strain selection depends on your desired effects:
THC-rich strains provide a psychoactive high.
CBD-dominant strains offer relaxation without intoxication.
Balanced strains combine both effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis retains terpenes and minor cannabinoids for enhanced benefits.
5. What is the best temperature for cannabis infusion?
The ideal decarboxylation temperature is 220–240°F (104–115°C) for 30–45 minutes. Infusion should be done at a lower temperature (160–200°F or 71–93°C) to avoid degrading cannabinoids and terpenes.
7. How can I accurately dose cannabis infusions?
Use a cannabis infusion calculator to determine potency per serving. Start with 2.5–5mg THC if you’re new to edibles and adjust based on tolerance.
8. How long do cannabis edibles take to kick in?
Edibles take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, depending on metabolism and whether they’re consumed on an empty stomach.
9. How should I store cannabis infusions?
Butter and oils: Refrigerate for up to two months or freeze for long-term storage.
Infused sugar and salt: Store in a cool, dry place indefinitely.
Alcohol-based infusions: Keep in a sealed, dark bottle for long-term use.
Infused milk: Refrigerate and use within a few days to prevent spoilage.
10. How can I prevent common mistakes when making cannabis infusions?
Don’t skip decarboxylation — it’s essential for potency.
Avoid overheating, which can destroy cannabinoids.
Use enough fat (butter, oil, or alcohol) for better absorption.
Strain properly to remove unwanted plant material.
Mix well to ensure even distribution of cannabinoids.
11. Can I use cannabis trim or shake for infusions?
Yes! While trim and shake are less potent than premium buds, they can still be infused effectively. You may need to use more plant material to achieve the desired strength.
12. Can I make cannabis infusions without a strong taste?
Yes, distillate or isolate can be used for a nearly flavorless infusion. Coconut oil also helps mask strong cannabis flavors better than butter.
13. Are cannabis infusions legal?
Cannabis laws vary by country and state. Always check local legislation before making or consuming infused edibles.
14. Can I mix different infusion types in one recipe?
Yes! You can combine cannabutter, infused sugar, and infused flour in baking for a more potent edible. Just be mindful of the total THC dosage.
15. How long do cannabis infusions stay potent?
Properly stored edibles maintain potency for several months but may degrade over time. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
16. What’s the best fat for making cannabis-infused edibles?
Coconut oil is the best fat for absorption, followed by butter and olive oil. The higher the fat content, the better cannabinoids bind.
