Beginners Guide To Cooking with CBD!CBD has been gaining popularity as more is becoming known about this natural medication. It treats everything from anxiety to epilepsy. Cooking with CBD is an easy way to combine an appreciation for good food and overall body health. There are a growing number of restaurants and coffee shops that are offering CBD and THC infused meals and drinks but this guide will help you harness these skills at home.

Why Cook with CBD?

CBD is one of the many chemicals in the cannabis plant. It does not make you feel “high” like THC but will offer relief and a sense of calm. It is often referred to as the “bliss” molecule. There are many benefits to a variety of mental and physical health issues so why not find a fun way to incorporate it into your daily routine? Of course, you can always take a drop or capsule
but cooking with CBD has a lot of proven benefits.
  • It disguises or pairs with the flavour to create a more enjoyable experience
  • It gives you more control over the dosage
  • It is more cost effective than buying pre made edibles and can be a fun experience
Most importantly, cannabis is a spice and can be used like paprika or oregano to heighten flavour. Duncan Kwitkor, executive chef/co-owner of Abstract Table in San Francisco believes that “Cannabis can be used simply for its terpenes in a culinary application. One can also pair vaporizable forms of cannabinoid from cannabis — much like one would pair different alcoholic beverages with food. Terpenes can be used to heighten the flavors in dishes, and it has been shown to increase one’s ability to taste food. Lastly, CBD has been shown to relax the body and mind without creating confusion, all of which heightens one’s dining experience.”
Cooking with CBD

What Does CBD Taste Like?

CBD oils will all have a slightly different taste dependant on factors like the plants age and the strain it was harvested from. Experts will choose the strain and flavour profile that pairs with the dish they are making. The main flavours found in these oils are citrus, pine, earth, and pepper. Getting the flavour pairing right may take some trial and error as well as research into the different strains and products. If you want something a bit more simple to integrate, CBD isolate has no taste at all.

Tips for Cooking with CBD

Cooking with CBD should be fun but there are some basic rules to using this oil in recipes. 
Start with a lower dose: It is always better to start with a smaller dose. Everyone’s bodes react differently and it is a process finding the right amount for you. Start with 10-20mg and work your way up from there. (Or stay there if it works for you). 
CBD works better with fats: CBD is fat-soluble, meaning your body will absorb it best with fat-containing foods. This can be anything from oil, to butter. 
CBD does not do well at high temperatures: Use a thermometer if you will be heating the oil. Anything over 320 degrees fahrenheit will be too hot. At this point the oil begins to degrade and will not affect your body in the same, positive way. It will also give a terrible, burnt taste to your meal.
Be patient: Adding CBD to your recipes will mean that it has to pass through your gut and liver before entering your blood stream. The effects may take a while to kick in but be patient! You will see benefits within a few hours. 
cannabis cookies

You’re not A Great Cook, What Now? 

Don’t worry if cooking is not your strong suit! You do not need to make a complicated, gourmet meals to use CBD Oil. It can be as simple as adding it to your morning smoothies or salad dressing. Simply remember to follow these beginner tips in whatever cooking venture you decide to take on. Have fun and feel calm!