Have you ever imagined creating your own cannabis-infused treats, blending both delight and wellness into one?
This candy recipe, which blends the wellness benefits of cannabis with the sweetness of hard candy, is not only simple but also rewarding.
After extensive research and numerous trials, I’ve perfected a 7-step recipe that ensures a successful outcome.
As a result, I decided to break down 6 straightforward steps to help you make your own delicious cannabis hard candies, right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Whether you’re seeking a fun cooking project, a personalized way to enjoy cannabis, or just curious about homemade edibles, I’ll guide you through every part of the process.
1) Preparing the cannabis
The first step in crafting your own cannabis hard candy at home is preparing the cannabis itself.
For me, this is a critical step that sets the tone for the rest of the process.
After all, it’s not just about getting the cannabis ready — it’s about setting intentions and fostering a mindful approach to your candy-making, right?
So, firstly, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This involves baking it in an oven to activate the THC or CBD hidden within its raw form.
Simply preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C), spread your cannabis on a baking sheet, and bake it for about 30–40 minutes.
Then, you have to infuse the decarboxylated cannabis into fat. For this recipe, I prefer coconut oil due to its high-fat content and stability under heat.
In a saucepan, combine equal amounts of coconut oil and water, then add your decarboxylated cannabis. Simmer this mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Finally, strain your mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container, leave it to cool, and refrigerate overnight. The infused oil will solidify on top of the water, ready to be used in your cannabis hard candy.
2) Gathering your candy ingredients
Once you have your cannabis-infused coconut oil prepared, it’s time to gather the rest of your candy ingredients.
The beauty of making cannabis hard candy is its simplicity – the ingredient list is short and sweet.
You will need:
- Sugar – the backbone of any candy recipe, providing sweetness and structure.
- Corn syrup – it ensures a smooth texture and prevents crystallization.
- Water – it helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup, creating a uniform mixture.
- Candy flavoring oil – this gives your candy its distinctive taste. Choose any flavor you like; popular options include mint, lemon, or cherry.
Once you have these ingredients at hand, you’re ready to start the actual candy-making process.
Isn’t it exciting?
Just a few simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating delicious cannabis hard candy.
3) Mixing the candy base
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, the next step might surprise you. Instead of adding the cannabis-infused coconut oil right away, we first create a candy base.
Why, you may ask?
Well, this approach ensures a smoother, more consistent final product. It allows the sugar and corn syrup to fully dissolve and start the candy-making process before we introduce the cannabis oil.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Stir this mixture continuously until the sugar is entirely dissolved – don’t be tempted to rush this step; patience is key here.
Once your sugar is completely dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the mixture’s temperature closely.
You’re aiming for the “hard crack” stage, which is around 300°F (150°C).
4) Adding the cannabis oil and flavor
Now that your sugar mixture has reached the “hard crack” stage, remove the saucepan from heat.
This is when we incorporate our cannabis-infused coconut oil and chosen flavoring.
Gently stir in your cannabis oil, ensuring it’s fully integrated into the mixture.
Next, add your chosen candy flavoring oil. It’s important to do this off the heat to retain the flavors and properties of both the cannabis oil and flavoring.
The stirring requires care as these additions can cause the mixture to bubble up. So, proceed with caution.
5) Pouring the candy mixture
With your candy mixture ready, it’s time for the next crucial step – pouring it into molds. The right mold can make a huge difference in your final product.
- Hard candy molds – These are made of plastic and are perfect for creating traditional hard candies.
- Silicone molds – They offer flexibility and easy removal of candies once they’ve hardened.
- Lollipop molds – If you want to create cannabis-infused lollipops, these molds come with slots for sticks.
Equally important is to grease your chosen mold lightly with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the hot candy mixture.
Pour the mixture carefully into each cavity until it’s filled.
Simply put, patience and precision are key here.
Remember, this is where your cannabis hard candy starts to take its final form.
6) Letting the candy harden
After meticulously pouring the hot candy mixture into the molds, it’s time to let them harden. This is where patience really comes into play.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to give your Cannabis Hard Candy ample time to set.
Rushing this process can result in candies that are soft or sticky, rather than hard and firm.
Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature.
This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the size of your candies and the temperature of your room.
How to store your cannabis hard candy
Now, imagine this: you’ve patiently waited for your cannabis hard candy to harden, and the result is a batch of beautifully formed candies.
What’s the next step?
Proper storage!
Proper storage is essential in maintaining the quality and potency of your candies.
- Firstly, remove the candies from their molds. If you’ve used silicone molds, this should be a breeze.
- Next, individually wrap each candy in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Then, store your wrapped candies in an airtight container. Keep this container in a cool, dark place – like a pantry or cupboard.
If you’re wondering how long they’ll last, under these conditions, your cannabis hard candy can stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
Final step: Enjoying your cannabis hard candy
Congratulations! You’ve just unlocked a new skill in your cannabis culinary journey.
Mastering the cannabis hard candy recipe is a significant step towards integrating cannabis into your holistic wellness routine.
- Experiment with different flavors for your candy.
- Try using different cannabis strains to vary the effects.
- Share your homemade candies with friends and family, spreading the wellness benefits of cannabis.
These candies are not just a tasty treat but also a testament to your commitment to exploring the potential of cannabis. They symbolize the balance between enjoyment and wellness, sweetness, and mindfulness.
