Get High on Hot Chocolate? - How to Make Cannabis-Infused Hot Cocoa at Home

cannabis hot coco

Have you ever longed to snuggle up by a warm fire with a delightful cup of hot chocolate while easing into a calm state of mind? If so, this simple cannabis-infused hot chocolate recipe will swiftly provide you with that soothing experience – especially ideal for a chilly winter evening!

To keep this beverage healthier, use cow's milk instead of almond milk, swap out hot chocolate powder for unsweetened cocoa powder, and replace butter with coconut oil. To add a touch of sweetness, you can opt for honey, sugar, stevia, or any other unrefined sweetener of your preference.

The Basics of Cannabis-Infused Hot Chocolate

Cannabis-infused hot chocolate, often called "cannacocoa," is the perfect marriage of comfort and therapy. The key to making this delectable concoction lies in two primary components: cannabis and hot chocolate. However, before you dive into the recipe, it's crucial to understand the basics.

Cannabis Selection: Start by selecting the right strain of cannabis. The choice of strain can influence the effects of your cannacocoa. Indica strains tend to promote relaxation and can be perfect for unwinding in the evening, while Sativa strains offer more of a cerebral, uplifting high. Hybrid strains, which combine characteristics of both, can be a middle-ground choice.
Decarboxylation: This step is pivotal in cannabis-infused cuisine. In its raw form, cannabis contains THCA, which lacks psychoactive properties. Through heating, THCA transforms into THC, the compound responsible for inducing psychoactive effects. To unleash the potential of THC, decarboxylation of your cannabis is necessary. It's a straightforward process: grind your preferred strain, evenly disperse it on a baking sheet, and bake it in the oven at a temperature of 220-240°F (105-115°C) for 30-45 minutes. This method guarantees the complete activation of THC within your cannabis.
Infusion Method: The THC must be extracted from the decarboxylated cannabis and incorporated into a fat-based medium, like butter or oil. For cannacocoa, infusing your cannabis into milk or cream is ideal. The fat in the milk binds to the THC, making it more bioavailable and effective. The potency of your cannacocoa depends on the amount of cannabis you use and the duration of the infusion.

Recipe For Cannabis-Infused Hot Chocolate

Beginners can use this recipe, which takes only 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients and items:

One to Two grams of marijuana (hash, bud, or trimmings)
One cup of milk
One cup of water
One teaspoon of coconut oil (regular or cannabis-infused)
Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
Coffee filter

Instructions

To start, finely grind your marijuana.
Next, combine the ground marijuana, water, milk, and coconut oil in a saucepan. The coconut oil is crucial here because cannabinoids in cannabis are not water-soluble, and the oil helps them bind to fats, ensuring the effects are not weakened.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. Avoid letting it reach a vigorous boil if possible.
Simmer the mixture for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the marijuana from sticking to the bottom.
In a mug, place the cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix.
Position a coffee filter atop the mug and strain your cannabis mixture, removing any leftover plant matter.
Give your mug a good stir to blend everything.
Finally, top it off with whipped cream or any other desired additions to your hot chocolate.

Dosage Requirement

The recipe specifies 1-2 grams of decarbed cannabis, but adding only what you're comfortable consuming is essential. An average gram of marijuana contains about 15-20% THC, resulting in approximately 150-200 mg of THC per gram.

Usually, edibles deliver roughly 50% of the THC's impact. Therefore, it's sensible to calculate that 1 gram of marijuana in an edible concoction results in around 75-100 mg of THC. Given that a recommended beginner's dose falls between 5-10 mg per individual and an experienced user usually consumes 10-20 mg of THC, 75-100 mg of THC could be too high for one person.

Consider how many portions you split your cocoa recipe between and go from there. Don't be shy if you need to add less weed to your mixture than the recipe calls for! It's better to be underwhelmed than overwhelmed. See these common edible mistakes for extra precaution.

As a general rule, it's advisable to start with a low cannabis dose and adjust it as necessary. Cannabis-infused beverages and edibles typically require about 45 minutes to take effect, with the whole experience emerging within 30 minutes to an hour. Consuming excessive weed-infused hot cocoa too rapidly, you could encounter undesirable marijuana-related side effects or even a THC overdose.

If you aim to create cannabis-infused hot chocolate that closely mimics a standard cup of hot cocoa, we have a solution to offer.

Approaches for Enjoying Cannabis-Infused Edibles

When dealing with cannabis-infused edibles, such as this cannabis hot chocolate recipe, there's a risk of overindulging. Before delving into your edible adventure, keep these recommendations in mind:

Begin with a small dose and adjust as needed.
Be patient and wait for the full effects to kick in (at least 2 hours).
Consume a meal before ingesting edibles to slow their onset.
Sharing the experience with friends is a good idea, especially if it's your first time with a particular edible.
Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the experience.
Avoid combining edibles with alcohol.
Always calculate the dosage in advance.

Conclusion

Exercising caution and thoughtful consideration when indulging in cannabis-infused edibles is paramount for a safe and enjoyable experience. These guidelines underscore the importance of starting with a conservative dose and patiently waiting for the full effects to manifest, typically within at least two hours.

Eating a meal beforehand can help slow the onset of edibles, and sharing the experience with friends, especially when trying a new edible, can enhance the overall experience. Staying well-hydrated with water throughout the journey is advisable, while it's crucial to avoid combining edibles with alcohol. Lastly, always take the time to accurately calculate your dosage to ensure a pleasant and controlled experience.