Maximizing the Potency: Tips to Make Edibles Hit Harder

Making edibles is a fantastic way to enjoy cannabis without the need to inhale smoke or vapor. Edibles offer a different kind of high that can last longer and be more intense than other methods of consumption. However, it can be frustrating when you don’t feel the effects of your edible after waiting for an hour or more. If you’ve had plenty of edibles and haven’t felt as high as you want, there are a few things you can do to elevate your experience and make your edibles hit harder.

Firstly, it’s important to know that the intensity of edibles can vary greatly, even when you make them consistently. Therefore, it’s essential to start with a low dose and work your way up gradually. When you’re making your own edibles, carefully measure the dose you need and make sure to stick to it. If you’re buying pre-made edibles, check the dosage on the label and start with a small amount. In addition, to make your edibles hit harder, consider adding another dose or two gradually.

After trying various edibles, you may notice that there are times when they seem to produce less potent effects than expected, even if you carefully calculate the dosage. Sometimes, edibles can take longer to take effect and might not produce as strong a high as you want. If you want to learn how to make edibles hit harder, there are some tricks and tips you can use to boost your experience.

Choose the Right Strain for Edibles

When it comes to making edibles, not all strains are created equal. Some strains are naturally higher in cannabinoids that produce more psychoactive effects, while others are more mellow and may induce relaxation without the same intense high. If you want to make edibles that hit harder, you’ll want to select strains that produce more potent experiences. Sativa strains, for example, can produce more energetic and uplifting effects than Indicas that may cause relaxation and sedation.

Boost THC Content in Your Recipe

One of the easiest ways to make edibles stronger is to increase the amount of THC in your recipe. This can be done by choosing a strain that is high in THC or by adding additional cannabis concentrates to your recipe. For example, you could add distillate, wax, or shatter to your recipe to increase potency. Be careful though; adding too much can cause an uncomfortable high.

Decarboxylate Your Weed

Not all THC is created equal. In the raw cannabis plant, the chemical THC is only present in its non-psychoactive form, THCA. In order to activate the THC to create a psychoactive effect, you need to “decarboxylate” your weed. Decarboxylation is a process that involves heating your cannabis at a low temperature for an extended period. This process converts THCA into THC and creates a more potent experience.

Use High-Fat Ingredients in Your Recipe

THC is fat soluble, which means that it binds to fats in your body or fats in your food. To make your edibles hit harder, it’s important to use high-fat, greasy ingredients in your recipe. Whenever possible, choose ingredients that are high in fat or use cannabis-infused oils and butter to your recipe. This will help the THC absorb in your body more efficiently and intensify the experience.

Add Flavorful Herbs and Spices

While it may not directly affect the potency of your edibles, adding flavorful herbs and spices to your recipe can help cover up the taste of cannabis. Using strong flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla, or mint can help enhance the overall tasting experience.

Consume Edibles on a Empty Stomach

When you consume edibles on an empty stomach, the effects tend to be stronger and more immediate. If you’ve just finished a meal, try waiting an hour before consuming your edibles. This will allow your body to digest the food and absorb THC more efficiently.

Mix with Alcohol or Caffeine

When caffeine, alcohol, or other stimulants are consumed with edibles, it can intensify the experience. This is due to the way these substances interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system.

Make Sure to Dose Properly

When it comes to making edibles hit harder, it’s important to dose appropriately. Take note of the potency of your edibles and consume a dose that you know you can handle. Always start low and go slow to prevent an uncomfortable experience.

Store Your Edibles Properly

Storage can play a role in potency. Cannabis-infused ingredients need to be kept in a cool and dry place to prevent mold or spoilage. If you’re storing pre-made edibles, make sure they’re protected from light and moisture to maintain potency.

Choose a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Finally, choosing a safe and comfortable environment can help maximize the potency of your edibles. If you’re relaxed and comfortable, the overall experience can be more enjoyable. Turn up the music, put on your favorite show, or settle in with a good book, and enjoy the ride.

Section 2: Tips for Increasing Edible Potency

If you’ve tried edibles before, you may have experienced a weaker-than-expected high. While frustrating, there are actually several methods to help increase potency and make your edibles hit harder. Here are 10 tips to try:

1. Use Higher Potency Strains

The potency of your edibles often comes down to the THC content of your cannabis. To increase potency, start with a high potency strain with a THC content of 20% or higher. Higher potency strains will provide stronger effects and require less plant material to be used in your recipe.

2. Decarboxylate Your Weed

Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabinoids to activate their psychoactive effects. To decarboxylate your weed, preheat your oven to 240°F and bake your cannabis flower on a baking tray for 30 minutes. This will help maximize the potency of your edibles.

3. Grind Your Cannabis Finely

Grinding your cannabis flower finely before cooking helps to expose more surface area for extraction. This means that more THC and other cannabinoids will be available for your body to absorb, which will make your edibles stronger.

4. Use More Cannabis in Your Recipe

Using more cannabis in your recipe is an effective way to make your edibles more potent. Simply use more cannabis in the recipe by adding more to your oil or butter mixture. Keep in mind that adding too much cannabis can result in unpleasant side effects such as nausea and paranoia.

5. Increase Cooking Time

Cooking your cannabutter or cannaoil for longer than recommended can increase the potency of your edibles. The longer your cannabis cooks, the more THC and other cannabinoids are extracted, resulting in stronger effects. Just be careful not to burn your mixture.

6. Follow a Recipe

Following a recipe is crucial when making edibles. A good recipe will guide you through every step of the process to make sure that your edibles are both potent and delicious. Avoid winging it or improvising your recipe if you want consistent results.

7. Consume on an Empty Stomach

Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can help to increase their potency. This is because THC and other cannabinoids are absorbed more effectively when there is no other food in your stomach competing for space. However, consuming edibles on an empty stomach can also lead to stronger effects than you might anticipate, so start with a smaller dose.

8. Experiment with Different Cooking Methods

Different cooking methods can have a big impact on the potency of your edibles. For example, using a pressure cooker can produce stronger effects than slow-cooking. Sous vide cooking can also make your edibles more potent, as it helps to prevent the evaporation of cannabinoids.

9. Pair with a Fatty Meal

Edibles are more effective when consumed with a fatty meal. This is because cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so pairing them with high-fat foods can help to increase potency. Consider pairing your edibles with foods like avocados, cheese, nuts, or oily fish.

10. Be Patient

Edibles can take a long time to take effect and can last for several hours, so it’s important to be patient and wait it out. Resist the urge to consume more if you don’t feel the effects right away, as this can result in overconsumption and unpleasant side effects. Instead, wait for at least an hour or two to fully feel the effects, and go from there.

Section 3: Tips for Increasing the Potency of Your Edibles

If you’re not feeling the effects of your edibles, it’s time to up your game. Here are some tips for making your homemade treats pack a punch.

1. Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Before you make your edibles, you need to activate the THC in your cannabis by decarboxylating it. This process involves heating your weed at a low temperature to remove the carboxylic acid molecule from the THC-A molecule. This step will make your edibles more potent and effective.

2. Use High-Quality Cannabis Edibles

Using quality cannabis is key to achieving a high-potency edible. Choose strains that are high in THC or CBD and known for their therapeutic properties. When purchasing, make sure that the edibles have been tested and labeled for their potency levels.

3. Experiment with Dosing and Ratio

Dosing and ratio will vary based on your tolerance level and desired effects. A general rule of thumb is to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the potency that works for you. Experimenting with the ratio of THC to CBD is also a good idea as CBD can counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC.

4. Use Fat-based Ingredients for Extraction

THC and CBD are fat-soluble, which means they bind to fat molecules. Using fat-based ingredients for extracting cannabinoids from the plant material is the best way to ensure a high-potency product. Consider using ingredients such as butter, coconut oil, or heavy cream for optimal results.

5. Allow Time for Infusion and Digestion

Making edibles is a process that takes time. Once you have combined your cannabis with your chosen fat-based ingredient, you need to allow time for infusion. Most recipes will recommend letting the mixture sit for a minimum of one hour. Additionally, the digestion process of edibles is slower than smoking or vaping. Allow time for the effects to kick in before consuming more.

Bonus Tip: Make a Tincture

Making a tincture is another way to increase the potency of your homemade edibles. A tincture is essentially a concentrated form of cannabis that is infused with alcohol or glycerin. The tincture can be added to food or drinks to create a high-potency edible. This method is particularly useful for those who do not want to ingest fat-based ingredients.

Incorporating these tips into your homemade edibles process will ensure that you have the most potent product possible. Remember to always start with a low dose, be patient with the process, and enjoy the journey.

Happy Eating!

Now you know how to make your edibles hit harder than ever before. Remember, start low and go slow to avoid any unpleasant experiences. Don’t forget to experiment with different strains and ingredients to find what works best for you. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you back for more tips on the wonderful world of cannabis. Enjoy your next batch of edibles, and as always, happy eating!