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Cannabis butter has been dethroned as the king cooking companion; now, cannabis oils reign supreme. This shift has occurred for several reasons. First, butter is very simplistic, both in flavor and versatility. Second, its use has mainly been limited to baking rather than cooking. And third, it's far from healthy.
As cannabis enthusiasts are becoming more sophisticated and more health-conscious, they're discovering healthier ways to infuse THC into common cooking oils, like olive and walnut. With the seemingly unlimited ways to cook with cannabis-infused oils and recipes for making your own oils at home, you now have complete control over exactly what you're putting into your body.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oils on earth and has been a staple ingredient in regions like the Mediterranean for centuries. Monounsaturated fatty acids (the main fat in olive oil) and the antioxidants within olive oil are said to provide health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease. Due to these and other advantages, it's the perfect oil to add a little THC to before drizzling it over a salad or vegetable medley. If you really feel like testing your culinary skills, check out this recipe for fish tacos that uses cannabis olive oil. Purchase cannabis-infused olive oil online or make your own with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fats in the oil world. Because of this, you might be surprised to see it anywhere near a list of healthy cannabis-infused oils. However, coconut oil has been given a bad rap. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which differ from high-chain triglycerides in the way your body uses the fat. The triglycerides convert directly into energy, giving you a boost in your day. Just imagine what adding a strong sativa strain into the mix could do for your overall mood and vitality. Want to give it a try? Here's a handy recipe to get you started. To get the most out of this highly useful fat, you may want to start your day with some Bulletproof Coffee with Cannabis.
Cannabis Essential Oils
Cannabis essential oils are extracted by steam distillation from the flower and upper leaves of cannabis plants. Because of this, these oils may be the healthiest way to consume cannabis of all. While many people see benefits to infusing THC into common cooking oils, this process can dilute the oil and may make it difficult to dose accurately. Cannabis essential oils, however, are powerful and undiluted, unlike the others on this list, meaning that very little is needed to feel the effect. In fact, because of their low doses, these oils can be added to nearly any dish without dramatically altering the taste. They're also the most popular in the medical marijuana community for treating ailments such as anxiety, pain, cancer relief, heart problems and headaches.
With more dispensaries popping up across the country, the demand for edibles has created a market that begs for innovation. Oils are broadening the limited landscape of cannabis cooking, especially for health-conscious consumers and home cooks. Regardless of which type of oil you're using, you'll be feeling the benefits of a healthy, hempy lifestyle in no time.
