How to Make Weed Brownies

If there’s one treat that has stood the test of time, it’s the weed brownie. More than just a dessert, marijuana brownies have become a cultural icon, representing the perfect blend of indulgence and relaxation. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles provide a different kind of high—longer-lasting, more intense, and often much more discreet.

But before you rush to the kitchen to make your first batch of pot brownies, there’s a lot to know. Making cannabis brownies isn’t as simple as tossing ground cannabis into brownie batter. There’s a science to cannabis infusion, the importance of butter temperature, the right oven temperature, and even how to calculate THC per serving. If you’re a seasoned baker, you’ll appreciate the nuances. If you’re new, don’t worry—we’ll break it down step by step.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make weed brownies that taste great, deliver consistent psychoactive effects, and store well for up to six months. Let’s dive in.

What Are Weed Brownies?

Weed brownies, also called pot brownies, are simply regular brownies with a twist: they’re made using cannabis infused butter or cannabis infused oil instead of regular butter or oil. This process allows THC and other cannabinoids to bind to fat, which is essential for absorption in the body.

Unlike smoking weed, eating marijuana brownies provides a much different experience. The high can last anywhere from four to eight hours, making them perfect for those who want a slow, sustained effect rather than an instant hit.

Cannabis brownies have been around since at least the 1950s and 60s, often associated with counterculture and stoner culture. Today, they’ve evolved into a sophisticated cannabis edible option with various recipes to suit different flavor profiles and dietary needs. Whether you prefer fudgy brownies with cocoa powder or something lighter with chopped nuts, the possibilities are endless.

One important thing to remember: these aren’t just sweet treats—they’re homemade edibles with real psychoactive effects. This means dosing and preparation matter just as much as taste.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment

Before we start baking, let’s gather the essentials for this cannabis brownie recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• Brownie mix (for convenience) or create from scratch with:
• 1 cup unsalted butter or cannabis infused butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional for flavor and crunch)
• Cannabis butter or cannabis infused oil (depending on your preference)
• Optional: coconut oil for extra richness

Equipment

• Large bowl for mixing
• Prepared baking pan (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
• Brownie pan or standard 9x13 inch pan
• Whisk or spatula for mixing the brownie mixture
• Oven thermometer (to ensure accurate oven temperature)
• Oven, obviously
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheesecloth (for straining infused butter)

Having everything ready ensures the process is smooth, whether you’re using a boxed brownie mix or going full gourmet with a scratch recipe.

The Science Behind Infusion: Why You Need Cannabutter or Oil

Here’s the deal: THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects, is fat-soluble. This means it needs fat—like butter or oil—to bind and become bioavailable to your body. Tossing raw ground cannabis into your brownie batter won’t work.

This is why cannabis infused butter (commonly called cannabutter) or cannabis infused oil is the foundation of any good cannabis brownie recipe. These fats allow the cannabinoids to activate and deliver the effects you expect from homemade edibles.

So, which one should you use—cannabis butter or cannabis infused oil?

• Cannabutter gives a classic flavor and works best for rich brownies.
• Coconut oil offers a slightly different flavor profile and works well for vegan brownies or when you want extra potency (it’s high in saturated fat, which THC loves).

Whichever you choose, the infusion process must be done correctly for potent brownies. That brings us to the most critical step: decarboxylation.

Decarboxylation: The Key to Potent Brownies

Before you can make cannabis infused butter or oil, you need to activate the cannabinoids in your cannabis flower. This process is called decarboxylation, and it’s non-negotiable.

Raw cannabis contains THCA, which is non-psychoactive. Applying heat converts THCA into THC, unlocking the psychoactive effects you expect from edibles. Here’s how to decarb properly:

How to Decarb Cannabis

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (use an oven thermometer for accuracy).
2. Break up your cannabis flower into small pieces (not powder).
3. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 30–40 minutes, gently stirring halfway through.
5. Let it cool completely before using.

Decarbing too hot or too long can burn cannabinoids, while too short means weak brownies. So keep that oven temperature steady.

How to Make Cannabutter (or Cannabis Oil)

Once your cannabis is decarbed, it’s time for the cannabis infusion. Whether you use butter, coconut oil, or another fat, the process is similar.

Cannabutter Recipe: Step-by-Step

1. Melt unsalted butter in a pot with water over low heat. Adding water helps prevent burning.
2. Add your decarbed ground cannabis to the melted butter.
3. Simmer on the lowest setting for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Don’t let the butter temperature exceed 190°F.
4. Strain through cheesecloth into a large bowl or jar, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
5. Chill until solid, then separate the butter from the water.

Tip: If you want a vegan alternative, replace butter with coconut oil and follow the same steps.

Your infused butter or oil is now ready to transform a regular brownie recipe into the ultimate batch of cannabis infused brownies.

Dosing 101: How Strong Should Your Weed Brownies Be?

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make with brownie edibles is underestimating their potency. Unlike smoking, edibles take longer to kick in and can hit much harder. That’s why dosing is crucial.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Start low and go slow. A good starting point is 5–10 mg THC per serving.
• Factors that affect strength:
• THC percentage in your cannabis flower.
• Amount of cannabis used in the cannabis infusion.
• Use online edible calculators to determine potency accurately.

If your tolerance level is low, don’t eat a whole batch or even a large piece. Overdoing it can lead to an uncomfortable high lasting hours.

Weed Brownie Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve got your cannabis infused butter or oil ready, let’s get to the main event: how to make weed brownies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cannabis butter (or cannabis infused oil)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
2. Line your brownie pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. In a large bowl, mix cannabis butter with sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until the wet batter is well combined.
5. Sift in cocoa powder, all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Stir gently until the brownie mixture forms. Avoid overmixing.
7. Fold in optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
9. Bake brownies for 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
10. Let cool completely before cutting into even pieces.

Pro Tip: Use real butter for richer flavor, but always ensure it’s cannabis infused for those psychoactive effects.

Tips for Perfect Weed Brownies

Want to bake brownies like a pro? Here are a few tips:

• Even THC distribution: Stir the brownie batter thoroughly.
• Avoid raw cannabis: Always decarb before making infused butter.
• Don’t overbake: Overcooking can degrade THC, leaving you with weak edibles.
• Flavor balance: Cannabis can have an herbal taste, so mask it with rich chocolate or add-ins like nuts.
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These little details separate a mediocre batch from brownies that truly taste great.

How Long Do Weed Brownies Take to Kick In?

Patience is key. Unlike smoking, where effects hit in minutes, cannabis infused brownies can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Factors include your metabolism and whether you ate beforehand.

The high from marijuana brownies lasts 4–8 hours, so don’t redose too soon. If you eat too much, you could experience intense psychoactive effects for the whole evening.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Responsibly

Learning how to make weed brownies isn’t just about baking—it’s about understanding cannabis infusion, dosing, and safety. From decarbing cannabis flower to perfecting the brownie mixture, every step matters.

Store your brownies in an airtight container for longer storage—up to six months in the freezer. Label them clearly to avoid accidental consumption.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade edibles, this cannabis brownie recipe will help you bake brownies that taste great and deliver the perfect high. Just remember: start low, go slow, and enjoy responsibly.

Happy baking!

How to Make Weed Brownies: FAQs

1. How much of a weed brownie do you need?

The right amount of a weed brownie depends on your tolerance level and the potency of your batch. For beginners, it’s safest to start with a small piece containing 5–10 mg THC. Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more, as the effects take longer to kick in compared to smoking. Experienced cannabis enthusiasts may consume larger pieces, but always calculate THC per serving using your cannabis butter or cannabis infused oil. Remember: it’s easier to add more later than to deal with overconsumption.

2. What is weed in brownies called?

The weed used in brownies is often referred to as cannabis, cannabis flower, or marijuana. Once it’s processed into fat for baking, it becomes cannabis infused butter (cannabutter) or cannabis infused oil. When mixed into brownie batter, it creates cannabis brownies, marijuana brownies, or simply weed brownies—all terms used interchangeably depending on context.

3. How much distillate should I put in brownies?

If you’re using THC distillate instead of traditional cannabis flower, dosage is key. Start with 5–10 mg THC per serving. For example, if your distillate contains 900 mg THC per gram and you’re making 10 brownies, you’d use roughly 0.06 grams (60 mg) of distillate for the whole batch for a low dose, or adjust according to your desired potency. Mix the distillate with melted butter or oil first to ensure even cannabis infusion throughout the brownie batter.

4. How long do edibles last after being opened?

Proper storage is essential for maintaining flavor, potency, and freshness. Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for 2–3 weeks or freeze for up to six months. Always separate the brownies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and label your container clearly. Proper storage helps retain the moist crumbs and flavor while keeping your brownie edibles potent.