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How To Make Weed Gummies

October 21, 2024 08:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 9 Minutes

Fact checked by Emily Mullins

Edibles, especially weed gummies, have become very popular among cannabis users. According to data released by Global Market Insights, the global cannabis edible market was valued at $8.01 billion in 2022 and it is projected to explode to a $37.11 billion industry by 2032.

And for good reason.

They offer a tasty and discreet way to consume the herb. Plus, making your own gummies at home has many benefits. For starters, you can control the ingredients, ensuring they are natural and healthy. You also have the power to decide how strong you want them to be, which can help you have a better experience. Furthermore, making gummies at home can save you money compared to buying them from a store.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making weed gummies from start to finish. You’ll learn about the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, how to properly prepare and infuse your cannabis, and tips for perfecting your gummy recipe. We’ll also cover important topics like dosage, storage, and how to troubleshoot potential pitfalls.

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create your own delicious and potent cannabis gummies at home. So, let’s get started and explore how you can learn to create this cannabis-infused culinary treat from scratch.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

Cannabis tincture or cannabis oil
Gelatin or agar-agar (for vegan option)
Fruit juice or flavored water
Sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
Citric acid (for tartness and preservation)
Optional: Food coloring, flavor extracts

Equipment:

Saucepan
Whisk
Gummy molds
Dropper or small spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Decarbing Your Cannabis

Before you start making your weed gummies, you need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process is important because it uses heat to activate the THC, which is the part that gives you the high. If you skip this step, your gummies won’t be as potent.

Here’s how you can decarb your cannabis in the oven:

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break your cannabis into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Bake the cannabis in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally to make sure it heats evenly.
Once it’s done, let it cool. Your cannabis is now ready to use in your gummies.

Now that you’ve done this step, you’re ready to move on to making your cannabis tincture or oil.

Making Cannabis Tincture or Oil

This will be the base for your gummies. There are two main methods you can use: making a tincture with alcohol or infusing coconut oil. Both methods are effective, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Making Cannabis Tincture with Alcohol

A tincture is a liquid extract of cannabis. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients and Equipment:

Decarboxylated cannabis
High-proof alcohol (like Everclear)
Mason jar
Cheesecloth or coffee filter
Small dropper bottles

Steps:

Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar.
Pour enough alcohol into the jar to completely cover the cannabis.
Seal the jar tightly and shake it for a few minutes.
Store the jar in a dark, cool place for about 2-3 weeks. Shake it once a day.
After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean jar.
Pour the tincture into small dropper bottles for easy use.

Making Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can make cannabis-infused coconut oil instead. Here’s how:

Ingredients and Equipment:

Decarboxylated cannabis
Coconut oil
Double boiler or slow cooker
Cheesecloth or fine strainer
Mason jar

Steps:

Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a double boiler or slow cooker.
Add enough coconut oil to cover the cannabis.
Heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot.
After 2-3 hours, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a mason jar.
Let the oil cool and store it in a cool, dark place.

Both of these methods will give you a potent cannabis extract to use in your gummies. Once you’ve made your tincture or oil, you’re ready to move on to the next step of preparing your gummy mixture.

Preparing the Gummy Mixture

Follow these steps to combine the ingredients and create your weed gummies.

Ingredients:

1 cup of fruit juice or flavored water
2 tablespoons of gelatin or agar-agar (for a vegan option)
1-2 tablespoons of sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
Cannabis tincture or oil (amount depends on the desired potency)
1 teaspoon of citric acid (optional, for tartness and preservation)
Food coloring (optional)
Flavor extracts (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat the Fruit Juice or Flavored Water:

Pour 1 cup of fruit juice or flavored water into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Don’t let it boil.

2. Add Gelatin or Agar-Agar:

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gelatin or agar-agar into the heated liquid. Whisk continuously until it’s completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

3. Mix in the Sweetener:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener to the mixture. Stir until it’s fully dissolved and well combined.

4. Incorporate the Cannabis Tincture or Oil:

Slowly add your cannabis tincture or oil to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed. The amount you add will depend on how potent you want your gummies to be. Start with a small amount, especially if you’re new to making edibles.

5. Add Citric Acid, Food Coloring, and Flavor Extracts:

If you want your gummies to have a tangy taste, add 1 teaspoon of citric acid. For more vibrant colors, add a few drops of food coloring. You can also add flavor extracts to enhance the taste. Stir everything until well combined.

Pouring and Setting the Gummies

With your gummy mixture ready, it’s time to pour it into molds and let it set. Follow these tips to ensure your gummies come out perfect.

Tips for Evenly Distributing the Gummy Mixture:

Make sure your gummy molds are clean and dry before you start.
Place the molds on a flat surface, like a baking sheet, to make moving them easier once they’re filled.
Work quickly, as the mixture can start to set if left too long.

Using a Dropper or Spoon:

To fill the molds precisely, use a dropper or a small spoon. This helps you avoid spills and makes sure each gummy has the same amount of mixture.
If using a dropper, squeeze the bulb to fill it with the gummy mixture, then release it slowly into each mold.
If using a spoon, gently pour the mixture into each mold, taking care not to overfill.

Setting Time and Refrigeration:

Once the molds are filled, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
After that, transfer the molds to the refrigerator. Let the gummies chill for at least 1-2 hours to fully set.
Once the gummies are firm, carefully remove them from the molds.

Now you have your very own homemade weed gummies, ready to enjoy! But before you do, let’s discuss how to calculate the dosage and store your gummies properly.

Dosage and Potency

Knowing the potency of your homemade weed gummies is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. To calculate the potency, determine the strength of your cannabis tincture or oil. For example, if you used 1 gram of cannabis with 20% THC to make your tincture, it contains 200 mg of THC. If you made 20 gummies, each one would have about 10 mg of THC (200 mg ÷ 20 gummies).

For beginners, start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5 mg of THC per gummy. It’s easier to take more if needed, but you can’t take less once you’ve eaten the gummy. Be patient and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more, as edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping.

Storing Your Weed Gummies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and potency of your weed gummies. To keep them fresh, store your gummies in an airtight container. This helps prevent exposure to air, which can make the gummies dry out and lose their potency. For best results, keep the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the gummies and keep them from melting or getting sticky.

If you have a lot of gummies, you can also freeze them. Place the gummies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can take out a few gummies at a time without thawing the whole batch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, making weed gummies doesn’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

If your gummies aren’t setting properly, it might be because the mixture wasn’t heated enough or didn’t have enough gelatin or agar-agar. Make sure to follow the recipe closely and heat the mixture until everything is well dissolved.

Uneven distribution of cannabis can be another issue. This usually happens if the tincture or oil isn’t mixed well with the gummy mixture. To avoid this, stir the mixture thoroughly before pouring it into the molds. Using a dropper can also help ensure each gummy has an even amount of cannabis.

Taste issues are common, too. If your gummies taste too strong or have a bitter aftertaste, you might have used too much cannabis or not masked the flavor well enough. Adding more flavor extracts or sweeteners can help improve the taste.

The Bottom Line

Making weed gummies at home is a fun and satisfying way to enjoy cannabis. By following these steps, you can control the ingredients, potency, and flavors to suit your preferences. From executing a flawless decarb process to creating the perfect gummy mixture, each step is important for making delicious and effective gummies. Remember to start with a low dose and to store your gummies properly for the best results.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.

Author, Share & Comments

Lemetria Whitehurst is a cannabis nurse educator and writer specializing in cannabis science and culture. Her career in the medical industry spans more than two decades where she began her career as a pharmacy technician before becoming a registered nurse. As an avid reader and researcher, she is passionate about educating others about cannabis’ medicinal properties.