With CBD flowers in the kitchen
What are CBD flowers?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. CBD flowers refer to buds of technical hemp from specially bred varieties that are high in CBD and minimal in THC.The buds contain high concentrations of CBDA, the precursor to CBD. However, THC is also found in every plant. The acceptable level for the Czech Republic from January 2022 is 1% and for most other countries 0.3%, where tetrahydrocannabinol does not produce psychoactive effects.
The ability of CBD to bind to endocannabinoid receptors and the potential benefits to the human body, such as the alleviation of chronic pain and inflammation, relief of autoimmune disease symptoms, sleep support, relief of reflux, cramps, digestive problems and sexual impediments, are crucial.
When processing in the kitchen, keep in mind that both CBD and THC flowers have a very similar look and smell. These are only chemical differences, not physical differences. The typical cannabis smell (which some people find attractive) is therefore unavoidable. However, this varies depending on the variety - each variety contains a specific mix of terpenes, aromatic compounds that give the flowers a pine, tropical fruit or sweet aroma. The variety gives a distinctive scent.
The magic of decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is the absolute basis for getting the most out of the flowers. A process in which the plant is exposed to heat and during which the raw cannabinoids THCA, without psychoactive effects, and CBDA, with much weaker effects on the body, are converted into the active substances THC and CBD. When vaping, CBDA is immediately converted into the non-acidic CBD variant, but if you want to use the flowers as an ingredient in food and consume them, you need to 'activate' the decarboxylation process - for example, by heating the flowers in an oven.
Rules of decarboxylation in the oven:
- Maximum 45 minutes
- Ideal temperature 115 degrees
- Do not exceed 150 degrees
- Use baking paper
- Flowers broken into smaller pieces
- Store in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place
You can lower the temperature by a few degrees and extend the baking time. This method is gentler on the flowers and leaves more of the aromatic terpenes in them.
After decarboxylation, you can add the flowers to most recipes to taste. Ideal in salads, vegetable mashes or homemade batters, dressings and cakes. But hold back on the quantity and don't underestimate the power of cannabis. In crushed form, it's tempting to add more to your food than is actually necessary. While there is no risk of overdose with CBD, one can "handle" 1500 mg without side effects, on the other hand, one cannot rely on the body to handle a higher dose of flowers without negative reactions such as nausea or red eyes.
CBD oil production
Oils are an integral part of every kitchen, so there's no harm in making your own. All you need is an oil such as coconut, olive or hemp oil and a reasonable amount of CBD flowers after decarboxylation. Mix the oil and the crushed flowers and leave to macerate for a few hours to allow the ingredients to combine and release their beneficial compounds.
CBD tincture production
Do the same for CBD tincture (an herbal extract obtained by prolonged steeping in alcohol). The most popular is "Green Dragon" (a basic hemp tincture from 1942 in the USA). However, the flowers must again undergo decarboxylation and the liquid component of the tincture must be of sufficient quality. Rum or vodka is not nearly enough. Alcohol with a minimum concentration of 60 % is ideal.
Green Dragon Tincture
All you need is CBD flowers and high proof alcohol. Put the sticks in a jar and pour enough alcohol to submerge them. Seal and shake gently. Leave the jar to rest in a cool, dark place and do not expose it to sunlight or temperature shocks. The flowers can be left to infuse for as little as twenty-four hours or as long as six months. When the tincture is ready, strain the contents and pour into a glass with a dropper. The CBD flower tincture can be taken sublingually or dripped into mocktails, water and tea and left to sit for a few minutes.
CBD concentrate production
When making the tincture, it is possible to let the alcohol used evaporate even further to obtain a concentrate. Highly concentrated oil can contain a variety of beneficial substances and be a great ingredient in most recipes. The only drawback is its high concentration and the necessary caution to avoid taking too large a dose and overdosing. Only a small portion of the concentrate is needed to achieve the effects typical of a normal dose of CBD. For example, you can add it to brownies, butter or peanut spread.
Production of topical products
Creams and butters, massage oils, healing ointments and lip balms with CBD are booming. And making them at home is ridiculously easy. Just mix CBD flowers after decarboxylation with essential oil(s) or vegetable butter (you can use shea, mango or cocoa butter, for example). The concentration of cannabidiol is not very high and the skin can fully benefit from the positive effects of CBD and other natural ingredients. You can apply it to your skin right away, but it is recommended to let the ingredients sit on your skin for a few days.
Summary
You can make a range of products from hemp flowers at home that will not lose any of the potential effects of CBD. Simply treat the buds by decarboxylation and look at the quality of all the ingredients in the product, such as flowers, alcohol, butters or oils, to ensure the best possible product.
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