What is Cannabis Infused?
Cannabis-infused food or drinks refer to any product enhanced with a concentrated dose of the psychoactive compound THC. While most beverages only contain THC, others may include additional chemicals like caffeine, alcohol and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis infusions have become one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis; many companies sell cannabis-infused drinks at retail stores and cannabis dispensaries while consumers can also make homemade drinks using cannabis oil and other ingredients.
Cannabis-infused drinks come in various flavors and can be purchased at grocery stores and specialty shops across the U.S. They’re often promoted as healthier than traditional alcoholic drinks and sold to people over 21 in states where marijuana legality has been approved, providing another discreet method of indulging in higher concentrations of THC than smoking or chewing on edible marijuana products.
Infused drinks should not be given to children and may lead to adverse health effects in some individuals. As the amount of THC can vary widely between drinks, it is crucial that users read labels carefully and follow directions for their safety as excessive doses could produce more intense highs than desired and may lead to overintoxication if more than one infused beverage is consumed at once.
THC-infused drinks tend to be stronger than standard alcoholic beverages. A typical THC-infused beverage typically contains between 2-4 milligrams of THC per 8 ounces, making it very strong if someone who is new to consuming large doses is unaware. Furthermore, due to the lack of standards within the industry it can be hard to assess exactly how much THC there is in each drink.
Homegrown cannabis infusions allow you to tailor both dosage and flavor profile exactly to your preference, from smoothies and baked goods, all the way through to creating your own cannabis-infused cooking spray!
To create a cannabis infusion, first you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis by heating it at low temperature for an extended period of time, activating cannabinoids with heat. After decarboxylation has taken place, ground the cannabis finely before adding it to any recipe and simmering the mixture for at least four hours – stirring regularly will prevent burning from taking place!
Once the infusion has cooled, it should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge. Refrigerated tinctures have an expected shelf life of six months; for longer storage needs it can also be frozen.
Popularity of infused beverages stems largely from their socially acceptable consumption without drawing any unnecessary attention to themselves. Furthermore, they offer an alternative way of indulging cannabis that can help alleviate anxiety, depression and stress symptoms.