If you’ve ever wondered how to start cooking with weed, you’re in the right place.

Whether you want to explore homemade edibles, try a new way of consuming cannabinoids, or simply elevate your culinary creativity, learning the basics of cooking with cannabis opens the door to a whole world of flavour and wellness.

While smoking and vaping are the most well-known methods of enjoying cannabis, many people across the United Kingdom are now looking for alternative, discreet and smoke-free options. Edibles offer longer-lasting effects, more accurate dosing, and the ability to add cannabinoids into everyday meals.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from decarboxylation, to making cannabis butter, to using modern alternatives such as CBD and CBG isolate extracts in your baking.

Step 1: Understanding Decarboxylation (The Essential Starting Point)

Raw cannabis or raw hemp cannot be simply thrown into a recipe and expected to work. In its natural form, cannabinoids like CBD, CBG or even trace THC are not fully activated.

Decarboxylation is the process of gently heating cannabis to activate its compounds. Here’s how to do it safely:

How to Decarb Cannabis

1. Pre-heat your oven to 110–120°C.

2. Break the cannabis or hemp into small, even pieces.

3. Spread it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway.

Your cannabis should come out dry, slightly toasted, and aromatic—this means the cannabinoids are activated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: How to Make Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)

Cannabis butter is the foundation of most traditional edibles. Once you’ve made a batch, you can use it in brownies, cookies, sauces, mashed potatoes, and more.

Ingredients

• 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis or hemp, which you can order here.

• 250g unsalted butter

• 300ml water

Method

1. Combine the butter and water in a saucepan over low heat. The water helps regulate the temperature and prevents burning.

2. Once melted, add your decarboxylated cannabis.

3. Simmer gently on the lowest heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Do not allow it to boil—this can destroy cannabinoids.

5. Line a bowl with a fine sieve or muslin cloth and strain the mixture to remove plant material.

6. Refrigerate until the butter solidifies. Lift the solid block off the top and discard any remaining water.

You now have rich, golden cannabutter ready to use in almost any recipe.

Adding CBD or CBG Isolate Extracts to Your Recipes

For customers who don’t want to use raw cannabis or who prefer precise, predictable dosing, Weed Supermarket offers CBD and CBG isolate extracts, ideal for cooking and baking.

These isolates:

• Are 99% pure cannabinoid powder

• Have no flavour or smell, making them perfect for food

• Allow you to dose accurately

• Can be added directly into dry or wet mixtures

• Check out our Isolates & Extracts here.

How to Use Them

• Add CBD isolate to your flour when baking cakes, biscuits, or bread.

• Mix CBG isolate into smoothies, soups, or sauces.

• Stir a measured dose into melted chocolate, honey, or syrups.

Isolates are a modern, hassle-free alternative for people who want the benefits of cannabinoids without infusing butter for hours.

Simple Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies (Example Recipe)

Ingredients

• 100g cannabis butter (or regular butter + added isolates)

• 150g caster sugar

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 egg

• 100g chocolate chips

• Optional: 50–100mg CBD or CBG isolate

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C.

2. Cream the butter and sugar together.

3. Add the egg and mix well.

4. Gradually fold in the flour and chocolate chips.

5. Add CBD/CBG isolate if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

6. Scoop onto a baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.

7. Cool before eating—edibles take 45–90 minutes to kick in.

We found great recipes for you to try over at Bon Appetite – Cooking With Cannabis

FAQs: Cooking with Weed & Cannabis in the UK

Do I need to decarb cannabis before cooking with it?

Yes. Without decarboxylation, cannabinoids remain inactive and won’t work properly in edibles.

Can I use hemp instead of cannabis?

Absolutely. Many people prefer hemp for its legal status and wellness-focused effects.

How strong will my edibles be?

Strength depends on the potency of your cannabis and how much you use. Start low and go slow.

How long will edibles take to kick in?

Typically 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on metabolism and stomach contents.

Is cooking with CBD or CBG isolate easier?

Yes. Isolates dissolve easily into recipes and offer far more accurate dosing.