Cannabis sugar is slightly more complicated than creating an oil or butter infusion, however, the versatility and convenience of infused sugar makes the extra labour incredibly worthwhile. Learn how to make cannabis sugar with our simple recipe.
Sugar has been cultivated for thousands of years in Asia and Europe and using cannabis sugar in coffee, tea, or any other edibles is incredibly convenient. As always, it is important to remember that cannabis edibles affect every individual in a different way. This is due to the endocannabinoid system found within humans and other mammals which responds to the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis.
Equipment Needed to Make Cannabis Sugar
No specialty kitchen equipment is required for this cannabis infusion, all of this equipment is easily found.
- Mason jar
- Large bowl
- Cheesecloth
- Large glass baking dish
- Oven glove
Much of this equipment to make cannabis-infused sugar is also used for cannabutter and cannabis oil infusions. Having separate kitchen equipment that is purely for cannabis infusions is highly recommended.
Ingredients to Make Cannabis-Infused Sugar
Everclear alcohol may not be available where you live. Substitutes for Everclear alcohol include Absinthe, Bacardi 151, St. Vincent Rum, and Mezcal, among others. High-proof alcohol is needed for this infusion to work which is why Everclear is recommended for those who are able to source it.
- 10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis
- 300 grams of granulated sugar (sucrose)
- 360ml Everclear high-proof alcohol
Everclear high proof alcohol is found in 120, 151, 189, and 190 proof, all of which work with this recipe.
How to Make Cannabis Sugar: An Easy Method for Cannasugar
Firstly, decarboxylated cannabis is needed for this recipe like any other cannabis infusion. Learn how to decarb cannabis for edibles here.
- After decarboxylation, reduce the heat on the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius)
- Place all of the cannabis inside the mason jar and then add all of the Everclear alcohol to the mason jar
- Ensure all of the cannabis has been coated in alcohol, shake the jar with the lid tightly screwed on if need be
- Place in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 Celsius) for 20 minutes
- Every 5 minutes, remove the jar (with an oven glove) and shake lightly for 15 seconds before placing back in the oven
- Now, strain the liquid through your cheesecloth and into the large glass bowl
- Mix sugar into the infused, and strained Everclear mixture
- Spread sugar/alcohol mixture onto a glass baking dish, ensuring an even distribution
- Place this glass baking dish back in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 Celsius)
- Stir regularly until the alcohol has completely evaporated
- Remove from the oven when the cannabis sugar has a golden-brown colour
- Set aside and allow to cool before using in any infusions
- Store cannabis-infused sugar in a cool, dark place, preferably in an airtight jar
You have now made your very own cannabis-infused sugar; depending on the THC content of your cannabis, as well as if you decide to use this amount of cannabis, will both have an effect on the potency of cannasugar.
Cannabis Sugar: Is Decarboxylation Necessary?
Decarboxylation is a necessary process when making cannabis edibles. Cannabis is not psychoactive in its raw form and this process ensures that valuable cannabinoids, such as Delta-9 THC, are properly activated.
In addition, the process of decarboxylation also prepares cannabis for bioavailability, a process that allows cannabis to have an effect as an edible substance.
Learning how to decarboxylate cannabis will become an essential foundation in any cannabis consumer’s knowledge.
How to Decarboxylate for Cannasugar, Butter, & Oils
There are several ways to decarboxylate cannabis for edibles. Perhaps the easiest way is a traditional decarb, however, cannabis consumers have found success with other methods such as sous-vide and mason jar decarboxylation. Not to mention, vaped cannabis is also considered decarbed and can be used in cannabis infusions and edibles very easily. Learn about the different types of decarboxylation below:
Traditional Decarboxylation: Usually all that is needed to decarboxylate cannabis in the traditional way is parchment paper, a baking tray, and of course, cannabis. The traditional decarboxylation is the easiest method for beginners, as well as those who prefer this method to the others below.
Mason Jar Decarboxylation: Mason jar decarboxylation for cannabis edibles is becoming increasingly popular for many cannabis edibles enthusiasts. The mason jar method involves decarbing cannabis inside a mason jar with the lid on (loosely). Arguably, this method preserves more terpenes than a traditional decarboxylation because they are trapped within the mason jar. Using the same mason jar (that you decarboxylated in) for cannabis sugar, butter, or oil infusions, will give the infusion a signature taste, usually much richer than infusions made with traditionally decarbed cannabis.
Sous-Vide Decarboxylation: Sous-vide cannabis decarboxylation is also becoming a highly used method among experienced cannabis edibles chefs. Equipment to achieve the sous-vide decarb process is relatively simple to find. Sous-vide immersion circulators are not overly expensive and they last a very long time. The sous-vide decarboxylation process is somewhat more complicated than a traditional decarb, but, the results are hard to argue with in terms of consistency and taste. The sous-vide process can also be used to infuse butter or oil with cannabis.
Already Vaped Cannabis or Already Vaped Bud (AVB): After vaporizing dried cannabis, a consumer is left with brown, often brittle, cannabis flower material. Before throwing this material away, take a minute to reflect on the process of decarboxylation. Vaping dried cannabis achieves a very similar result, depending on the temperature of your vaporizer, and this ‘waste’ material can be used to infused butter, oil and more. The maximum temperature you should operate a vaporizer at if you want the use ‘Already Vaped Bud’ in cannabutter or cannabis oil is 440 degrees Fahrenheit (227 degrees Celsius). At higher temperatures, combustion begins to occur and the cannabis flower material is no longer useful for cannabis infusions. Vaped cannabis is often high in a cannabinoid known as CBN, a potent sedative. Using vaporized cannabis in infusions or edibles may have a different effect on the consumer than traditionally decarboxylated cannabis.
How to Use Cannabis Sugar in Edibles
One of the most common ways to use this sugar is in tea or coffee. The smaller dosage of THC you will receive (due to the smaller amount of sugar used in these drinks) can be ideal for microdosing, a practice that has become popular with many medical cannabis patients.
Another easy way to use this infused sugar is within cannabis edibles. Among the gigantic amount of cannabis edibles you can make with this sugar, some of our favourites are:
- Cookies, such as peanut butter, chocolate chip etc
- Infused syrups/honey
- Curries or sauces that call for sugar (Pad Thai, spaghetti bolognese etc)
- Infused condiments such as ketchup
- Cannabis churros and donuts
- Cheesecake
Let your imagination run wild when it comes to creating any sort of cannabis edibles as we are only scratching the surface here.
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