Introduction to Cooking with Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide for Honestly Mary Jane

We All Start Somewhere

Welcome to Honestly Mary Jane, where soulful flavors meet the elevated side of Southern cuisine. You're in the right place whether you're canna-curious or a seasoned stoner-chef looking to level up your edibles game. Today, we’re stepping into the kitchen for honest and unfiltered conversation about cannabis-infused cooking for newbies—what it is, how to do it safely, and why it might be your new favorite way to unwind, entertain, and nourish.

Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Cannabis in the Kitchen Isn’t New

Long before the CBD lattes and THC gummies lined these boutique shelves, cannabis had already made its way into homes, kitchens and cultural rituals across the globe. From India’s bhang lassi to Jamaica’s ganja tea, infusing food with the plant’s properties has been a holistic and often spiritual practice. But here in the modern South—especially for Black and POC women stepping into their wellness, freedom, and creativity—cannabis cooking is experiencing a beautiful rebirth. And Honestly Mary Jane is here to help guide that journey.

This guide is your first toke (pun intended) into infused cooking. You’ll learn the foundational techniques, safety tips, and soulful recipes beyond brownies and gummies—because around here, we do things with flavor, intention, and a little southern sass.

Cannabis & Culture: Why Cooking with Weed Is More Than a Trend

Before we start preheating ovens and decarboxylating flower, let’s talk about the why. Why are more Black women, Southern creatives, and wellness-minded home cooks turning to cannabis cuisine?

1. Reclaiming Ritual.

Cannabis has long been criminalized, especially in Black and Brown communities. But in this new era, we’re reclaiming our right to heal, relax, and find joy—whether through a lavender THC tea at the end of a long day or a creamy Cajun pasta that’s just a little extra euphoric.

2. Wellness Without Guilt.

For many of us, cannabis is about self-care. Infused foods can offer pain relief, anxiety reduction, better sleep, and a more profound sense of body awareness—without the stigma or shame once attached to its use.

3. Flavor + Vibe = Elevated Soul Food.

Infused cooking isn’t about getting zonked—it’s about enhancing flavors, elevating your meals, and creating a vibe. We’re talking about peach cobbler with a twist, hot honey biscuits that hit the spot, and gumbo that feels like a full-body hug.

The Basics: What You Need to Know Before You Infuse

So, let’s get into the technical part. Cannabis cooking is a balance of science and soul. Here’s what you need to understand before you sprinkle that green into your grits.

1. Know Your Cannabinoids: THC vs. CBD

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the psychoactive compound—aka, what gets you high. Great for pain relief, mood elevation, and relaxation.

CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive but still powerful. CBD offers anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and calming effects—perfect for daytime use or a gentler experience.

Pro Tip: You can combine THC and CBD for a balanced effect, often referred to as the entourage effect.

2. Decarboxylation: The Glow-Up Your Weed Needs

You can’t just toss raw cannabis into your cornbread and expect magic. You have to activate the cannabinoids through a process called decarboxylation. Essentially, it involves gently heating your flower to make the THC or CBD bioavailable, meaning it's ready for your body to absorb.

How to Decarb:

Preheat oven to 240°F

Break up cannabis into small, even pieces

Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment

Bake for 30–40 minutes, tossing halfway through

Cool and store in an airtight jar

3. Infusion Methods: The Foundation of Every Recipe

Once your weed is decarbed, it’s time to infuse it into fat or oil. Cannabinoids bind to fat, so consider options like butter, olive oil, coconut oil, or even heavy cream.

Common Infusion Bases:

Cannabutter: Classic. Versatile. Perfect for baking and Southern comfort food.

Cannaoil: Ideal for sautéing, salad dressings, and savory dishes.

Cannamilk/Cream: Great for ice creams, sauces, and decadent baked goods.

Simple Cannabutter Recipe:

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup water

7–10 grams of decarbed cannabis

Instructions:

1. Melt butter with water in a saucepan (helps prevent scorching)

2. Add cannabis and simmer on low (160–180°F) for 2–3 hours

3. Strain through cheesecloth

4. Chill until solid, then store in the fridge

How Much Is Too Much? Dosing 101

Infused food hits differently than smoking or vaping. It takes longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours), but the effects also last longer—and can be more intense. Respect the process, and always start low and slow.

Beginner Dosing Guide:

Microdose: 1–2.5mg THC

Mild: 2.5–5mg

Moderate: 5–10mg

Strong: 10–20mg+

Pro Tip: Label your infusions clearly and separate non-infused food when entertaining. Ain’t nothing worse than Auntie eating three "regular" cupcakes and taking a nap on your porch swing till Tuesday.

Good Taste: How to Complement Cannabis Flavor

Weed has a distinct, earthy flavor—some describe it as piney, while others liken it to peppery or grassy notes. Learning how to balance or mask that flavor depends on the recipe.

Flavor Pairings That Work Well:

Sweet: Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, citrus

Savory: Garlic, onions, herbs (thyme, rosemary), smoke, spice (think Cajun or jerk)

Acid: Lemon juice, vinegar, pickled elements to cut through the richness

Favorite Starter Recipes from the Honestly Mary Jane Test Kitchen

Ready to get in the kitchen? Here are a few low-dose, beginner-friendly recipes to get your creativity flowing.

1. Southern Honey Butter Cornbread with Cannabutter

A classic with a twist. The cannabutter adds depth and an ultra-satisfying melt-in-your-mouth finish.

2. Creamy Cajun Alfredo with Infused Olive Oil

Use infused oil in your roux for a velvety pasta that brings comfort and calm.

3. Lavender Lemonade Mocktail with CBD Tincture

This drink is perfect for porch hangs and is floral, refreshing, and chill without the high.

Hosting Tips: Infused Entertaining with Class

Entertaining with cannabis can be fabulous and safe—if done right. Here are some quick etiquette tips:

Always label infused foods clearly

Offer non-infused alternatives

Educate your guests on dosing

Create a vibe: low lighting, cozy music, water and snacks on the deck

Let folks stay over or arrange rides if needed

Final Thoughts: Cannabis as Connection

Cooking with cannabis isn’t just about getting lit—it’s about connecting. With yourself. With your creativity. With your community. Especially in the South, food is our love language. Infusing it with cannabis adds another layer of intention, relaxation, and joy.

So whether you’re unwinding after a long week, hosting a vibe-y dinner party, or exploring a new way to care for your body and mind—Honestly Mary Jane is here to help you infuse soul, safety, and flavor into every bite.

Stay tuned for more soulful recipes, kitchen tips, and canna-cooking stories from the Honestly Mary Jane kitchen.

Tia

Do you have questions or a favorite infused dish you want to share? Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram (@HonestlyMaryJane).