How to Make Edibles at Home – Quick, Easy Cannabis Edible Recipes for Beginners

Ever wondered how to make edibles that actually taste good and deliver a consistent, perfect high? Whether you're using cannabis flower, infused oil, or butter, crafting homemade edibles is easier than you think. This beginner-friendly guide covers everything from how to make edibles with flower without baking (if decarboxylated separately in an oven or with a decarb machine) to creative weed edible recipes, dosage tips, and storage tricks to keep your stash fresh.

What Are Edibles and Why Make Them Yourself?

Cannabis edibles are any food or beverage infused with cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabis edibles include weed brownies, THC gummies, cannabis cookies, infused teas and coffees, cannabutter, and cannabis. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles offer a longer-lasting, often more potent experience (Backed by research). Edibles undergo liver metabolism (first-pass effect), converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent. Plus, they’re discreet, smoke-free, and can taste amazing. 

Making your own homemade edibles gives you control over: 

• Ingredients - choose organic, vegan, or allergy-friendly options. 
• Potency - adjust THC or CBD levels to fit your needs.
• Strains - use different weed strains to tailor effects like relaxation, creativity, or sleep. It also allows you to experiment with different weed strains for edibles, adjusting for desired effects like relaxation, creativity, or sleep.

DIY edibles are also often more cost-effective than store-bought alternatives, and a fun way to get creative in your kitchen.

Choosing the Right Weed Strains for Edibles

Not all cannabis is created equal, especially when it comes to making edibles at home. The strain you choose can influence not just potency and effects, but also flavor, aroma, and onset.

Generally:

• Indica strains are known for their calming, sedative effects—ideal for nighttime treats like relaxing brownies or sleepy-time chocolates.
• Sativa strains tend to be uplifting and energizing, making them great for daytime snacks or creative kitchen sessions.
• Hybrids offer a balanced blend of both, often tailored for specific moods or activities.

Popular Weed Strains for Edibles

• Blue Dream – Uplifting, balanced hybrid with sweet berry flavor; ideal for daytime focus and creative projects.
• Northern Lights – Classic indica with earthy tones, known for its deeply calming, sleep-supportive effects.
• Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) – Euphoric, flavorful hybrid that delivers both body relaxation and mental stimulation.
• Runtz – Sweet, fruity hybrid with strong body effects and a mellow high.
• Wedding Cake – Rich dessert-like flavor with heavy, calming effects; great for evening use.
• Pineapple Express – Tropical and citrusy sativa hybrid that brings mood elevation and social energy.
  

Tip for Beginners: Start with milder strains like Blue Dream or Northern Lights to keep both flavor and potency manageable while you learn the basics of how to make edibles.

Also, don’t forget terpenes—the aromatic compounds that add personality to your cannabis. For example:

• Myrcene (herbal, relaxing) may enhance sedative effects.
• Limonene (citrusy, uplifting) can promote mood and energy.

By choosing strains based on both cannabinoids and terpenes, you can better tailor your edibles to your desired experience. Learn more about terpenes in our Cannabis Glossary.

How Much Weed Do You Need to Make Homemade Edibles?

One of the most common questions when learning how to make edibles is: How much weed do I need?. 

The general rule is:

• 1 gram of cannabis = roughly 100–150 mg THC after decarboxylation, depending on strain potency and efficiency of infusion.

If you’re aiming for beginner-friendly edibles (5–10mg THC per serving), a single gram can yield 10–20 servings.

Typical Flower Amounts for Homemade Edibles:

• 3.5g (an eighth) of cannabis flower is ideal for small batches
• 7g–14g is great for larger infusions or meal prepping

Pro Tip: Edibles hit harder and last longer than smoked cannabis.

Start low (5mg THC) and go slow. Effects may take 1-2 hours to kick in, and peak around the 2-3 hour mark..

Decarboxylation: Activating THC Before Cooking

Before you can make any type ofweed edibles, your cannabis must gor through  a process called decarboxylation. A heat process that transforms THCA (non-pyschoactive) into THC, which your body can actually absorb. Raw weed won’t get you high.

Simple Decarb Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
• Break up cannabis buds (not too fine) and spread evenly on parchment
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, gently stirring halfway through
• Let cool before infusing into oil or butter

Important: Skipping this step means your edibles won’t be pyschoactive.

First time? Check out our full step-by-step guide to decarbing cannabis.

Canna Oil or Cannabutter – The Foundation for Weed Edibles

The best way to make edibles is by using fats—like butter or oil. Cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble, which means they bind to fats for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

These infusions become the base for everything from brownies and cookies to sauces and salad dressings.

Basic Cannabutter Recipe:

• 1 cup unsalted butter;
• 1 cup water (prevents burning);
• 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis;
• Simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally
• Strain with a cheesecloth, and cool.

Basic Cannabis Oil Recipe:

• 1 cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 7–10 grams decarbed cannabis
• Simmer on low for 2–3 hours

Train and store in a glass jar in the fridge. Need more help? Use our step-by-step recipe for canna oil or cannabutter recipe to ensure proper dosing and easy preparation.

Want to Simplify the Process?

Skip the guesswork. Home machines like the Ardent FX or LEVO II automate both decarbing and infusing, making it easier (and cleaner) to create consistent edibles at home, especially for beginners.

Instead of watching over your oven or stovetop, consider an all-in-one machine that handles decarbing and infusing.

Make Edibles Easier with the LĒVO II+ Infuser

The LĒVO II+ takes the guesswork out of making edibles. It decarbs and infuses in one device with precise temperature control and odor reduction—perfect for mess-free oils and butters.

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12 Easiest Edibles to Make (No Pro Skills Required)

New to DIY edibles? These beginner-friendly options are quick, easy, and don’t require fancy tools or experience. Great for anyone learning how to make edibles at home:

1. Weed brownies – The classic go-to favorite -  rich, chocolate flavor. Add infused canna oil or butter to your favorite box mix.
2. Cannabis gummies – Combine fruit juice, gelatin (or agar-agar), and infused oil for custom shapes and flavors. Control flavor and dosage easily.
3. Weed-infused chocolate – Melt chocolate, stir in canna oil, pour into molds, and refrigerate.
4. Canna tea – Brew with decarbed weed and a fat source like coconut milk or oil for THC absorption.
5. Weed peanut butter – Stir infused canna oil into natural peanut butter. Great for on toast, bananas, or straight from the spoon.
6. Cannabis-infused honey – A sweet and subtle infusion with long shelf life—perfect for tea, biscuits, or desserts.
7. No-bake weed energy balls – Mix rolled oats, nut butter, and infused oil. Easy for microdosing.
8. Cannabis popcorn – Air-popped and drizzled with melted cannabutter or infused oil.
9. THC capsules – Blend insused oil with sunflower lecithin and fill gelatin caps for precise, odor-free dosing.
10. Weed smoothies – Add canna oil to fruit smoothies or protein shakes for a healthy, elevated treat.
11. Weed-Infused Eggnog – Festive and creamy, infused with cannabis milk or cream and spiced with nutmeg (seasonal fave).
12. Cannabis Milk – Simmer decarbed weed in full-fat milk; great base for lattes, chai teas, or bedtime drinks.

Need a recipe? Explore more easyweed edible recipes on our blog. These are also great if you want quick edibles or the easiest way to make edibles without baking.

How to Store Homemade Edibles and Keep Them Fresh

Making edibles is only part of the equation—Proper storage keeps your cannabis edibles fresh, potent, and safe. Here's how:

• Baked Goods (Brownies, Cookies): Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.
• Cannabutter & Canna Oil: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months; freeze for longer shelf life.
• Gummies & Candies: Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months (avoid moisture).
• Label Everything: Include date made, ingredients, and estimated potency per serving.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store edibles away from children, pets, and unsuspecting adults.

Pro Tip: Use opaque or UV-resistant containers to reduce cannabinoid degradation from light exposure.

Edibles Made Simple: Your Ticket to DIY Cannabis Goodness

Learning how to make weed edibles at home is a valuable skill for any cannabis enthusiast.. With just a few tools, some infused oil or butter and basic dosing knowledge, you can create: 

• Flavorful treats tailored to your taste
• Consistent, reliable potency
• A cost-effective alternative to store-bought edibles

From quick edibles like firecrackers to gourmet cannabis edible recipes, you can customize your experience every step of the way - potency, flavor, and effects. The more you practice, the better your infusions, dosage accuracy, and creativity will become. 

Bookmark this edibles guide and come back anytime you want to experiment safely!!

Common Questions About How to Make Edibles at Home

Do edibles feel stronger than smoking?

Yes. Edibles are processed by the liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and long-lasting than smoked THC. 

Can you make edibles without cannabutter?

Yes! You can use tinctures, infused oils, or even decarbed weed directly in fat-based dishes like sauces, soups or baked goods.

How many grams can an edible have?

It depends on your local cannabis laws. In legal markets, commercially, edibles are often limited to  5–10mg THC per serving and 100mg per package. Homemade edibles vary - dose carefully.

Are edibles safe for beginners?

Yes—but start low (5mg THC) and wait 1-2 hours before increasing. Many first-time users take too much too soon.

Do edibles hit slower?

Yes. Edibles typically take 30 to 120 minutes to take effect, depending on:

• Your metabolism
• Whether you’ve eaten
• The edible’s fat content

Does food make edibles less potent?

Not less potent - but food slows absorption. A high-fat meal can increase THC absorption, which may enhance effects.

References

1. Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics., Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770–1804., DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200790152.
2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.
3. National Library of Medicine: “Accumulation of rare earth elements in corn after agricultural application”.
4. McPartland & Russo, 2001.