CBD stands for cannabidiol, while THC is for tetrahydrocannabinol. These two are substances derived from the cannabis plant, an increasingly popular (and regulated) substance today.
A lot of people need help understanding the distinctions between the two.
First off, THC is a psychoactive component. It’s responsible for the ‘highs’ produced by consuming or smoking marijuana products.
Meanwhile, CBD is another component found in cannabis that can be isolated from THC. That means you can get the typical benefits of cannabis without the altered states of consciousness.
While these can be enjoyed on their own, some intrepid users have added them to their cuisine.
When cooking with these substances, you should first ask yourself why.
If it’s for therapeutic purposes, then you can go with CBD. On the other hand, THC brings the trips you want for relaxation and enjoyment.
Using them for cooking has grown in popularity as more places have changed their legislation on cannabis use. You can now find a plethora of products, such as Delta 8 THC distillate, which you can add to your dishes and drinks.
Sound intimidating? They’re much easier to use than you imagine. Even newbie chefs will find it quite simple once they get the hang of the basics. It’s basically cooking any other ordinary dish but using CBD and THC oil as key ingredients.
Adding a few drops of CBD or THC for sweet treats or savory dishes doesn’t hurt.
Beginners looking to learn more about cooking with CBD and THC will find this a worthwhile read. Take this as your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about using products like these in the kitchen.
Before we proceed, it’s crucial to get through some important definitions.
What Is THC?
As mentioned before, many people get confused about the distinctions between the two.
Scientifically speaking, CBD and THC have many similarities. Both have the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen, and 3 oxygen.
Likewise, CBD and THC are chemically similar to the body’s endocannabinoids. It makes interaction with CBD and THC in the human body possible.
The difference is that THC is solely responsible for the cannabis plant’s psychoactive effects. Hence, if getting high is what you’re after, choosing THC is the way to go.
You can learn more about this distinction by reading about Delta 8 distillate bulk.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant. This formulation only has minimal concentrations of THC oil, allowing users to get the benefits of the plant without the psychoactive effects.
After extraction from the flower, CBD and THC oil can be used in products like creams, topicals, pills, capsules, and, as you will learn, cooking.
Tips For Cooking With CBD And THC Oil
As with any other dish you’re preparing, your aim should be to use these oils to come up with the best dishes. Don’t skimp on the taste and flavor, even with new and potent ingredients.
When using CBD and THC oils, here are some tips to bear in mind:
Use Fat
These substances blend very well with fat. First, mix your chosen oil with the fat when cooking any dish. You may use butter, ghee, or rendered fat from beef or pork.
When CBD oil is blended well with fat, you can increase its bioavailability. It allows you to enjoy the full benefits of this compound as you eat.
Avoid Too Much Heat
If fat is their best friend, heat is their enemy. Avoid using too much heat when cooking with CBD and THC. The compounds will break down and lose their efficacy if exposed to too much of it. Staying within a limit of 320 degrees Fahrenheit is best.
Those who cook with CBD recommend adding the oil only after removing the cooked or baked dish from the heat. For example, add a few drops to the icing instead of mixing CBD oil into the cake batter before baking. This way, you can preserve the integrity of the plant compounds to get their benefits.
Alternatively, beginners can start with no-cook recipes first, like salads. This gives them a feel of what it’s like to whip up dishes with CBD oil. Doing this will help you be more confident and ready for cooking with heat.
Store CBD And THC Oil Properly
It’s always best to store CBD and THC oil properly to preserve their quality. Reputable brands usually have them bottled in blue or amber glass containers. These colors help filter out light, which can destroy the oil’s quality under constant exposure.
Your pantry or any dark but cool cabinet or room will do for storage. Most importantly, keep it out of reach of children.
Always Use High-Quality CBD And THC Oil
If you’ve been cooking for a long time, you’d know how the quality of ingredients impacts the quality of the dish you’re cooking.
As much as possible, don’t skimp on the quality of every ingredient. It doesn’t mean you have to splurge on fancy brands. Just get those that are tried and tested.
The same thing goes when cooking with CBD and THC oil. Buy only from a reputable dispensary or seller. That way, you can rest assured about the cleanliness and quality of the products. Otherwise, you’ll risk poor-tasting food and, worse, contamination.
CBD and THC oil from questionable sources is usually contaminated with pollutants, chemicals, bacteria, and fungi. You wouldn’t want those to be a part of your food. To avoid health problems, stick to the brands you can trust.
How Much CBD Oil To Use When Cooking
Cooking with CBD oil is no different from using spices. Start with small quantities first in case the ingredient is too potent. Then, as desired, you can slowly add more with every taste test.
You can start with five to 10 milligrams per serving and assess how you feel. If you think you can use more with every dish, slowly increase your dose in 5-milligram increments until you achieve your desired result.
Be patient with CBD’s effects. Note that cooking with CBD oil means using a diluted version.
Moreover, consuming CBD and THC with food results in longer digestion. The reason behind this is what’s known as the ‘first pass effect,’ which means anything digestible still must pass through the gut and liver before reaching the bloodstream. This makes CBD in food less immediate and potent than in other forms.
Recipes To Try
CBD is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. You can always start with your favorite food or one you’ve been trying to use them with.
Here are some popular recipes that use CBD:
- CBD sauces: like hot sauce, barbeque sauce, aioli sauce, or garlic sauce
- CBD gummies: a great choice if you want to digest CBD in minimal and controlled doses
- CBD soups: combining some of the benefits of CBD with the warmth of soup; great for those feeling under the weather
- CBD meals: usually for dinner, with pasta being a common favorite
- CBD salads: regular salads with CBD mixed into the dressing
- CBD baked goods: the most popular type of CBD edibles (like brownies)
There are many more examples you can find online. There’s no limit to what you can do with these oils in your favorite meals.
Why Cook With CBD and THC Oil?
While immensely popular, there’s still a lot of criticism and debate surrounding the use of CBD and THC. Even regular users may question why you would use this in food.
There’s more to cooking with CBD oil than just being a fad. This is considered one of the best ways to enjoy CBD and THC’s benefits while reducing the associated risks.
For instance, unlike vaping, cooking with CBD oil doesn’t use combustion to be released. This makes it less harmful to the respiratory system.
Eating with CBD and THC oil also helps mask their unpleasant earthy scent, making it much easier to consume them for the benefits. Unless you say you’ve added a few drops, no one would know that your dish has CBD.
Beginners can also benefit from how cooking with CBD offers a slow and gradual release of the chemical into the bloodstream. It takes anywhere between half an hour to an hour to take effect through digestion. This allows you to enjoy its benefits while having more control over understanding how your body reacts to CBD and THC and how much time you need to get rid of cannabis derivatives.
Can CBD And THC Be Used In Beverages?
You know you can put CBD and THC into solid food. But what about drinks?
Suppose you’d rather have those oils in your beverage instead of your food. In that case, you can infuse CBD and THC oils into your favorite drinks. You can do this with beer, tea, coffee, and smoothies.
Many users love putting CBD and THC in their coffee as a great way to kickstart their mornings. It allows them to get their soothing properties while still having an energy boost to get through a busy day. Tea is another good choice if you prefer taking these substances in the afternoon.
How Does CBD And THC Oil Make You Feel?
If it’s your first time cooking with CBD and THC oil, you may wonder how they would make you feel when eaten.
The most immediate effect would be a stronger sense of calmness and relaxation. This is one of their primary benefits.
You can think of this as incorporating vegetables into your diet. Do it slowly but surely, so that one dish at a time, your body starts to get used to CBD and THC. You may not necessarily feel any difference on day one, but with regular, safe, and controlled use, you may feel their effects bringing a difference in your daily life.
Likewise, those who suffer from sleeping problems can also benefit from the calming properties of CBD and THC. If you plan to use them this way, taking infused meals at night is best to maximize their relaxation properties.
Other health benefits of CBD include:
- Stress relief
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower risk of diabetes
- Improved brain function
If you have any specific health concerns, discuss that with your doctor. If you find one who advocates for CBD, you’ll have valuable insights on how to use it for the best possible effects.
Take note that it’s not a substitute for medical intervention. Default on your trusted physician’s advice for any health issues.
Do CBD And THC Contain Nutrients?
Some of CBD’s pleasant effects come from its great nutritional content. Beyond the cannabinoids, it has other beneficial elements like terpenes and amino acids. The former are aromatic compounds made by many plants like hemp. The latter refers to organic compounds the body uses to grow and maintain critical functions.
Some minerals and nutrients in CBD and THC are thiamine, manganese, riboflavin, zinc, and niacin. These are highly beneficial for the human body, giving you more reasons to try adding these substances to your meals.
What Are The Possible Side Effects?
While generally safe, that doesn’t mean CBD and THC oil has no side effects.
Everyone’s body reacts differently to certain substances, especially those still new or foreign to them. The good news is they’re usually minimal.
These are some of the potential side effects you may get from using them:
- Change in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
If you experience any adverse reactions, hold off on using the oils. Then, get your doctor’s advice on whether or not it’s safe for you to continue. Ensure you follow their advice.
Here’s another reminder to not use them as substitutes for medical treatment.
Cook The Right Way
Now that you’ve got a good grasp on cooking with CBD and THC, would you like to join the bandwagon? They’re a popular supplement that has made its way into the kitchen.
Whatever your intended purpose, what matters most is for you to get the most out of these novel ingredients in the safest way possible. Source your products from certified dispensaries, use fresh products, and talk to your doctor about any concerns.