Cannabis In Brewing

Cannabis-infused beverages are gaining popularity as more and more people discover the benefits of combining cannabis with other drinks. Cannabis can be added to any variety of beverages including beer.

The first step in brewing cannabis-infused beverages is to decarboxylate the cannabis. Decarboxylation is a process that involves heating the cannabis to a specific temperature to activate the THC and other cannabinoids. This process is essential as it makes the cannabis active and enables it to produce the desired effects.

For a simple approach to decarboxylate cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Grind the cannabis buds and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 30-40 minutes. After that, let it cool and grind it again to get fine particles.

Cannabis-infused beer continues to gain popularity in craft beer brewing. To make cannabis beer, you will need to first brew a regular beer, then add decarboxylated cannabis during the fermentation process. You can also add cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused honey to your beer.

You can also add cannabis to other beverages. Cannabis tea is a popular choice. To make cannabis tea, simply add decarboxylated cannabis to boiling water, and let it steep for a few minutes.

For coffee, you can add cannabis-infused milk or cream to your coffee. To make cannabis-infused milk or cream, heat the milk or cream in a saucepan and add decarboxylated cannabis. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine strainer.

Cannabis soda is also gaining popularity. To make cannabis soda, mix decarboxylated cannabis with simple syrup and add it to carbonated water. You can also add fruit juice to give it more flavor.

Always remember to start with a small dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more.

Additional resources:

Cannabis / Marijuana as an Ingredient in Alcohol Beverages

A legal opinion on this issue from Gray Robinson

The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)  will not approve any formulas or labels for alcohol beverage products that contain a controlled substance under federal law. Consequently, substances that currently are the subject of commercialization under state laws, such as tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), cannabidiols (CBD), or terpenes, are nevertheless deemed illegal under federal law and will not be approved by TTB as ingredients for any alcohol beverage regulated by the agency. 

A selection of articles from Beerandbrewing.com on home brewing with cannabis

Author Keith Villa, Ph. D., is a trailblazer in the rapidly growing market of non-alcoholic cannabis-infused beers as the brewmaster and co-founder of CERIA Brewing, based in Arvada, Colorado.