Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking with Cannabis
Cannabis-infused cuisine has become one of the most exciting frontiers in food today. Whether you're experimenting at home with infused brownies, learning how to make your own cannabutter, or attending a private cannabis dinner, there’s a growing appreciation for the art and science of cooking with cannabis.
But as interest grows, so do the mistakes—some of which can turn a dreamy experience into a disorienting one. From overdoing the dosage to skipping essential steps, these errors are common for beginners and surprisingly easy to make.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to help you avoid the five most frequent pitfalls we see in cannabis kitchens—and show you how to infuse with clarity, safety, and flavor.
1. Skipping Decarboxylation
If you're cooking with raw cannabis flower, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is skipping decarboxylation—the process that activates THC and CBD through gentle heat.
Why It Matters
Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive precursors to THC and CBD. Without decarbing, your edibles won’t deliver the expected effects. You might be left wondering, “Why don’t I feel anything?” or “Did I waste all that bud?”
How to Decarb Properly
Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
Break up cannabis buds with your hands to be about the size of golf balls or a little smaller (not too fine)
Spread evenly on parchment paper
Bake for 30–45 minutes, stirring halfway through
Let cool before using in infusions
Pro Tip
Always decarb before making cannabutter, oil, or tinctures. Skipping this step is like baking cookies with raw flour—it just doesn’t work.
2. Guessing the Dose
This is the classic rookie move—and the easiest way to ruin a good time.
Why Guessing is a Problem
Cannabis edibles metabolize differently than smoking or vaping. The effects take longer to set in and hit more intensely. When you “eyeball” your dosage, you’re playing a risky game. One portion might have barely any THC, while another might leave someone couch-locked for hours.
The Right Way to Calculate
Here’s a quick formula:
1 gram of cannabis at 20% THC = 200mg THC
If infused into 1 cup of butter = 200mg THC total
If a recipe uses ¼ cup = 50mg THC
If the dish serves 10 = 5mg THC per serving
It’s that simple—but it matters a lot.
When in Doubt, Use Tools
THC dosage calculators
Labeled, lab-tested cannabis products
If you’re hosting guests or creating infused meals or a tray of brownies for others, being accurate is a form of hospitality. You’re not just serving food—you’re creating an experience. The right dose makes it better.
3. Overheating Your Infusion
Another common mistake happens during the infusion process itself—too much heat.
What Happens When You Overheat THC?
THC begins to degrade at temperatures over 300°F (149°C). While infusing oil or butter, maintaining a gentle simmer (ideally between 160°F to 200°F) helps preserve potency without burning off the good stuff.
Signs You’ve Overcooked It
Oil or butter turns brown or smells burnt
Infusion has little to no effect
Harsh or bitter flavor in finished dishes
Infusing the Right Way
Use a double boiler, slow cooker, or stovetop on low
Simmer for 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally (for flower)
Strain through cheesecloth and store in a sealed container
Taking your time here is essential. Think of it like steeping tea: you want low, consistent heat—not a rolling boil.
4. Not Mixing Thoroughly
Let’s say you nailed the infusion—but if you don’t mix your edible batter or dish properly, you still risk uneven potency.
Why It’s a Problem
THC binds to fat, but it can settle or clump within a recipe. That means one cookie might contain 2mg and the next could have 25mg. This leads to unpredictable experiences, especially for guests who are new to edibles.
How to Fix It
Blend infused butter/oil thoroughly into your mixture
Stir well after adding infused ingredients
Use an electric mixer for baked goods
For liquids (like drinks or sauces), whisk vigorously or use a blender
Think Like a Chef
Consistency is part of the craft. If you’re putting love into your flavors, you should also ensure every bite delivers a predictable experience.
5. Poor Storage and Labeling
Even if you’ve crafted the perfect edible, poor storage or unclear labeling can cause confusion—or worse.
Storage Tips
Store edibles in airtight containers
Refrigerate or freeze for long-term use
Keep away from light, heat, and especially children and pets
Labeling isn’t just for safety—it’s also helpful for memory. Ever find a mystery cookie in the fridge and wonder, “Was that infused?”
Best Practices
Clearly label containers with:
Strain name
THC/CBD content per serving
Date it was made
Use different packaging for infused vs. non-infused items
If serving at a party, create a visual indicator like color-coded napkins or tags
Being intentional about storage and labeling reflects professionalism—and it protects those you care about.
Bonus Mistake: Not Considering Tolerance Levels
Every person processes cannabis differently. One person’s “perfect dose” might be another’s “overwhelming trip.” Always ask guests:
Have you tried edibles before?
What’s your preferred dose?
Are you looking for a mild or stronger experience?
Tailor the Menu
You can even create tiered options:
Microdosed appetizers (1–2mg THC)
Moderate main courses (5mg THC)
Stronger desserts (10mg+ THC)
Or make non-infused versions alongside infused dishes—so everyone can participate comfortably.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Experience, Skip the Stress
Cooking with cannabis is an art and a science. Done right, it’s one of the most rewarding and unique culinary adventures you can offer. But it’s not just about throwing weed into your brownie mix and hoping for the best. Precision matters. Safety matters. Flavor matters.
Avoiding these five common mistakes will save you from frustration—and make your meals and edible creations unforgettable for all the right reasons.
If you're new to cannabis cuisine, don’t stress. At Dine with Roilty, we offer private chef experiences, hands-on cooking classes, and a growing library of resources to help you master every step of the process—from decarboxylation to dinner.
Ready to Cook Smarter with Cannabis?
✅ Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Dosing Edibles
✅ Book a private cannabis dinner or cooking class in the Denver area
Your next cannabis culinary adventure starts here—flavorful, safe, and elevated.