Extracting THC from cannabis leaves and turning it into delicious gummies is a fun and rewarding process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your weed gummies come out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll include tips to enhance your experience and recommend a high-quality gummy mold for the best results.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the process, gather these essential ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- Fresh or dried cannabis leaves
- Coconut oil or butter (for THC infusion)
- Water
- Unflavored gelatin or vegan gelatin substitute
- Flavored gelatin (optional for taste)
- Sweetener (like honey or sugar)
- Citric acid (for shelf stability and a tangy flavor)
Tools:
- A decarboxylation-safe baking sheet
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Gummy molds
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis Leaves
Decarboxylation is the first and most crucial step to activate THC in the leaves. Without it, your gummies won’t provide the desired effects.
How to Decarboxylate:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Spread your cannabis leaves evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once done, let the leaves cool.
This process converts THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive), making it ready for infusion.
Step 2: Infuse THC into Oil or Butter
Infusing THC into fat is key for making weed gummies. Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its high fat content and neutral flavor.
Infusion Steps:
- Combine the decarboxylated cannabis leaves with coconut oil or butter in a saucepan.
- Add a small amount of water to prevent burning.
- Simmer on low heat (160-200°F or 71-93°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove plant material, leaving you with THC-infused oil.
- Store the infused oil in an airtight container.
Step 3: Make the Gummy Mixture
Now that you have your THC-infused oil, it’s time to make the gummy base.
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with your sweetener of choice. Heat until dissolved.
- Add unflavored gelatin and whisk until fully combined. For vegan options, use agar-agar.
- Stir in your flavored gelatin for taste and color.
- Gradually mix in your THC-infused oil. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add a pinch of citric acid for a tangy flavor and longer shelf life.
Step 4: Pour Into Molds and Set
Carefully pour the gummy mixture into your gummy molds. Using high-quality molds, like these PJ Bold Gummy Molds, ensures professional-looking results and easy release.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use a dropper or syringe to fill molds evenly.
- Tap the mold gently to remove air bubbles.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the gummies are firm.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once set, pop the gummies out of the molds and store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and potency.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make weed gummies from leaves is a fantastic way to use your cannabis plant efficiently. By following these steps and tips, you can create delicious, potent gummies that are perfect for sharing or personal enjoyment.