Guide To Making Cannabis Infused Coffee At Home
Quick answer
- Use a fat-soluble carrier like coconut oil or butter to infuse with cannabis before adding to coffee.
- Decarboxylate your cannabis first to activate cannabinoids for best effects.
- Start with a very low dose of infused oil/butter and increase gradually.
- Choose a brewing method that accommodates infused oil without clogging, like French press or pour-over.
- Be patient; effects from edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to manifest.
- Ensure thorough mixing of your infused fat into the hot coffee for even distribution.
- Store any leftover infused fat in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Who this is for
- Anyone interested in exploring cannabis edibles in a familiar beverage format.
- Home coffee brewers looking to integrate cannabis into their routine safely and effectively.
- Individuals seeking an alternative to smoking or vaping cannabis.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
The type of coffee maker you use can impact how well infused oils integrate. For example, drip coffee makers with paper filters might filter out some of the infused oil, or the oil could potentially clog the filter over time. French presses or pour-over methods with metal filters are often more forgiving with oils. Espresso machines are generally not recommended due to high pressure and potential for clogging.
A French press is a great choice for making cannabis-infused coffee, as its metal filter is less likely to absorb your infused oils compared to paper filters.
- Wash in warm, soapy water before first use and dry thoroughly
- Not for stovetop use
- Turn lid to close spout
- Easy-to-clean glass carafe
Water quality and temperature
Good coffee starts with good water. Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors. For most brewing methods, water heated to between 195-205°F (90-96°C) is ideal for extraction. Water that’s too hot can scorch the coffee, while water that’s too cool results in under-extraction.
Grind size and coffee freshness
The grind size should match your brewing method. A coarse grind is best for French press, medium for drip, and fine for pour-over. Always use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavor. Stale coffee, or coffee pre-ground long ago, will result in a flat-tasting brew.
Coffee-to-water ratio
A good starting point for coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee grams to water grams). This typically translates to about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your taste preferences. Too little coffee leads to a weak brew, while too much can be overly strong or bitter.
Cleanliness/descale status
A clean coffee maker is crucial for good taste and proper function. Residue from old coffee oils can make your brew taste bitter or rancid. Regularly clean all removable parts with soap and water. Descale your machine every 1-3 months, depending on your water hardness, to remove mineral buildup that can affect heating and flow.
Step-by-step how to make cannabis infused coffee (brew workflow)
1. Decarboxylate your cannabis:
- What to do: Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C). Break cannabis into small pieces, spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway.
- What “good” looks like: Cannabis will be slightly browned, dry, and crumbly. This activates the cannabinoids.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Overheating can degrade cannabinoids; underheating won’t fully activate them. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
2. Infuse a fat with cannabis:
- What to do: In a small saucepan or double boiler, gently heat a fat like coconut oil or unsalted butter with your decarboxylated cannabis on low heat for 1-2 hours. Do not boil.
- What “good” looks like: The fat will absorb the cannabinoids, turning slightly green/brown.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using too high heat can burn the cannabis and degrade cannabinoids. Keep heat low and stir occasionally.
Alternatively, unsalted butter is another great option for infusing; ensure it’s unsalted to avoid affecting the final taste of your coffee.
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For infusing, consider using a high-quality coconut oil like this one, as its fat content is excellent for absorbing cannabinoids.
- MCT Oil from Organic Coconuts - Made from virgin coconut oil, Natural Force Organic MCT Oil provides 14g of high quality, full-spectrum MCTs (C8, C10, & C12) per 1tbsp serving. With 0g sugar, 0g carbs, and only 125 calories per serving, it is the perfect source of healthy fats for keto and low carb coffee, smoothies, and cooking.
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- Nutrition You Can Trust - Natural Force values the health and happiness of our customers. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, send us a message from your Amazon account and our world-class Customer Support team will help to make it right.
3. Strain the infused fat:
- What to do: Place a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe container. Pour the infused fat through to separate the plant material. Squeeze out any remaining liquid from the plant material.
- What “good” looks like: You’ll have a clear, cannabis-infused oil or butter.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving plant material in can make the coffee taste “weedy” and can continue to extract unwanted flavors. Strain thoroughly.
4. Brew your coffee:
- What to do: Prepare your coffee according to your preferred method (French press, pour-over, drip, etc.). Use your desired grind size and coffee-to-water ratio.
- What “good” looks like: A fresh, well-extracted cup of coffee, ready for additions.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using stale coffee or incorrect grind size will result in a poor-tasting base. Always use fresh beans and grind just before brewing.
5. Measure your infused fat:
- What to do: Start with a very small amount of your cannabis-infused oil or butter, e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
- What “good” looks like: A carefully measured, small dose. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Overdosing on edibles is common. Start low and go slow; wait at least an hour before considering adding more.
6. Add infused fat to hot coffee:
- What to do: Stir the measured infused oil or butter directly into your hot, freshly brewed coffee.
- What “good” looks like: The fat should melt and incorporate into the coffee.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Adding to cold coffee won’t allow it to emulsify properly. Ensure coffee is hot.
7. Stir thoroughly:
- What to do: Stir vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure the infused fat is evenly distributed throughout the coffee.
- What “good” looks like: No visible oil slicks on the surface, or minimal separation.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Inadequate stirring can lead to an inconsistent dose per sip. Stir well.
8. Enjoy and be patient:
- What to do: Sip your cannabis-infused coffee slowly.
- What “good” looks like: A pleasant, warm beverage.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Expecting immediate effects. Edibles take longer to kick in than smoking/vaping, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not consume more thinking it’s not working.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping decarboxylation | Little to no psychoactive effect, wasting cannabis. | Always decarboxylate cannabis before infusion. |
| Overheating during infusion | Degradation of cannabinoids, leading to reduced potency and harsh flavor. | Use low heat, a double boiler, or a slow cooker on low. |
| Not straining infused fat properly | “Weedy” taste, gritty texture, potential for further unwanted extraction. | Use fine mesh or cheesecloth to thoroughly strain all plant material. |
| Using too much infused fat initially | Over-intoxication, unpleasant experience. | Start with a very small dose (e.g., 1/4 tsp) and wait to assess effects. |
| Not stirring infused fat into coffee well | Inconsistent dosing, some sips more potent than others. | Stir vigorously for at least 30 seconds to emulsify. |
| Not using a fat-soluble carrier | Cannabinoids won’t dissolve or be absorbed effectively. | Always infuse cannabis into coconut oil, butter, or another fat. |
| Impatience after consumption | Taking more too soon, leading to over-intoxication. | Wait at least 1-2 hours for full effects to manifest before considering another dose. |
| Poor quality base coffee | An unpalatable drink, even with the desired effects. | Use fresh, quality coffee beans and proper brewing techniques. |
| Storing infused fat improperly | Spoilage, loss of potency, growth of mold. | Store infused oil/butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. |
| Ignoring cleaning/descaling of brewer | Off-flavors, reduced machine lifespan, potential for clogs. | Regularly clean all brewer parts and descale as needed. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your cannabis is not decarboxylated, then you need to bake it first because raw cannabis contains THCA, not THC.
- If you want a stronger effect from your cannabis coffee, then increase the amount of infused fat slowly over time because edibles have delayed and potent effects.
- If your infused coffee tastes “weedy,” then you likely didn’t strain the plant material well enough or used too much because plant matter contributes to bitter flavors.
- If your infused fat isn’t mixing well into your coffee, then ensure your coffee is hot and stir more vigorously because fat emulsifies better in hot liquids.
- If you’re new to edibles, then start with a very low dose of infused fat (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon) because individual tolerance varies greatly.
- If you’re using a drip coffee maker, then consider adding the infused fat after brewing because oils can clog paper filters or drip trays.
- If your coffee tastes bland, then check your coffee-to-water ratio and grind size because these are fundamental to good coffee extraction.
- If you feel no effects after 2 hours, then consider a slightly larger dose next time, but never redose within the same consumption window because effects are delayed.
- If you’re concerned about the taste of cannabis, then use a strong-flavored coffee or add sweeteners/creamers because they can mask the herbal notes.
- If your infused fat solidifies in the coffee, then you likely didn’t stir it enough or the coffee cooled too quickly because fats need heat to stay emulsified.
- If you want to store your infused fat long-term, then refrigerate it in an airtight container because this slows spoilage and potency degradation.
FAQ
Can I just add ground cannabis directly to my coffee grounds?
No, simply adding ground cannabis directly to coffee grounds will not work effectively. Cannabinoids are not water-soluble, meaning they won’t extract into the coffee during brewing. Additionally, you need to decarboxylate the cannabis first to activate its psychoactive compounds.
How long does it take for cannabis-infused coffee to take effect?
Effects from cannabis edibles, including infused coffee, typically take longer to manifest compared to smoking or vaping. You can expect to feel the effects anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption, depending on your metabolism and how much you’ve eaten recently.
How long does homemade cannabis-infused oil or butter last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade cannabis-infused oil or butter can last for several weeks. Its shelf life is generally similar to that of the uninfused oil or butter you started with. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.
What’s the best type of fat to infuse with cannabis?
Coconut oil and unsalted butter are excellent choices for cannabis infusion because they have a high fat content, which is crucial for absorbing cannabinoids. Coconut oil is particularly popular due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some believe aid in cannabinoid absorption.
Is there a specific coffee brewing method that works best for cannabis-infused coffee?
French press and pour-over methods are often preferred because they don’t use paper filters that might absorb some of the infused oil. Drip coffee makers can work, but you should add the infused fat after brewing to avoid potential filter clogging or loss of potency.
How do I know how much cannabis to use for infusion?
Determining the right amount depends on the potency of your cannabis and your desired effect. It’s crucial to start with a very small amount of decarboxylated cannabis (e.g., 0.5-1 gram per cup of oil/butter) and then use a very small dose of the infused fat in your coffee. You can always increase the dosage in subsequent batches once you understand its effects.
Can I reheat cannabis-infused coffee?
Yes, you can reheat cannabis-infused coffee. However, repeated reheating can degrade the coffee’s flavor and potentially some cannabinoids if heated too high. It’s best to consume it fresh or gently reheat it without boiling.
Will my house smell like cannabis when I’m making this?
Yes, decarboxylating cannabis in the oven and infusing it with oil will produce a noticeable odor. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using an exhaust fan to minimize the smell.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific cannabis strains and their effects
- Legal considerations for cannabis use
- Advanced cannabis extraction techniques
- Detailed health effects of cannabis consumption
- Recipes for other cannabis edibles
- How to grow your own cannabis