Welcome to your complete guide for making weed gummies at home! Whether you’re new to homemade edibles or looking to expand beyond the classic pot brownie, this guide will walk you through every step, from selecting your cannabis to pulling perfect gummies out of the mold.
Cannabis-infused gummies have become one of the most popular ways to enjoy edibles for good reason. They’re discreet, portable, and easy to dose, and the fruity flavor masks the earthy taste of cannabis, making them a tasty option for people who don’t love the flavor of traditional edibles. Plus, the uniform shape of gummy molds makes it easy to cut consistent doses, so you always know how many mg of THC you’re consuming.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this project. First is time, plan for about 2-3 hours total. This includes about an hour for preparing your cannabis flower (don’t worry, we’ll explain this important step soon), another 30-60 minutes for infusing your oil, and around 30 minutes for mixing and molding your gummies. The good news? Most of this is passive time where you’re just waiting.
Choosing Your Cannabis
The cannabis you select will directly affect the potency and experience of your final product. Let’s break down what you need to know before heading to the dispensary.
Start by looking at the THC percentage on the label. For this gummy recipe, we’re using ½ gram of cannabis flower. With a 20% THC strain, that gives you roughly 100mg of THC for the entire batch. If you go with a 15% strain, expect around 75mg total. A 25% strain bumps you up to about 125mg. Knowing this math helps you dial in the dosage per gummy later.
As for strain selection, think about when you plan to eat your gummies and what kind of high you’re after:
- Hybrid strains work well for an all-purpose edible, giving you a balanced high that’s not too heavy or too heady.
- Indica-dominant strains are a solid choice if you’re planning to enjoy your gummies in the evening or before bed.
- Sativa-dominant strains tend to be more uplifting, which can be a better fit for daytime use or social settings.
Whatever you choose, make sure the flower is fresh and properly cured. Cannabis that’s old or dried out can result in weaker edibles and a less enjoyable taste in your gummies.
The Science of Decarboxylation
Before your cannabis can do its job in an edible, it needs to go through a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which doesn’t get you high. Heat converts THCA into THC, the active ingredient that produces the effects you’re looking for.
When you smoke or vape, this happens instantly. But when you’re making gummies or other edibles, you need to decarb your cannabis separately before infusing it into oil.
The Basic Process
First, get yourself an oven thermometer. Most ovens run a little hot or cold, and being off by 20 degrees can make a real difference. You’ll also need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a highly accurate food scale.
Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 220°F.
- Break up your cannabis into small, rice-sized pieces using your hands or a grinder.
- Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally.
- The cannabis should turn from green to a light golden brown. If it’s getting dark brown or black, your oven is too hot.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before handling.
Your decarbed cannabis should look lightly toasted and feel dry to the touch. At this point, it’s ready to be infused into oil for your gummy recipe.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our DIY Decarbing guide.
Making Cannabis Oil or Using a Tincture
Now that your cannabis is decarbed, it’s time to infuse it into a carrier that will mix into your gummy recipe. You have two options here: making infused coconut oil or using a pre-made cannabis tincture. Both work well, so it comes down to personal preference and how much time you want to spend.
Option 1: Infused Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice for edibles because it’s high in fat, which helps absorb cannabinoids effectively. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ½ gram decarbed cannabis
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Heat-safe container
Step-by-Step Process
- Add the coconut oil to a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once melted, stir in your decarbed cannabis.
- Keep the mixture at a low simmer (around 160-180°F) for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heat-safe container. Don’t squeeze the plant material, as this can add unwanted flavors.
Your infused oil is now ready to use in the gummy recipe.
Option 2: Cannabis Tincture
If you want to skip the infusion process, a store-bought cannabis tincture is a quick alternative. Tinctures are already activated and easy to dose, making them a convenient option for first-time gummy makers. Just check the label to know how many mg of THC are in each dropper so you can calculate your dosage per gummy.
The Gummy Recipe
Now for the fun part. This recipe keeps things simple and uses ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. This isn’t the only recipe but it’s a great beginners guide into making your first batch!
Tip: The key is working quickly once the gelatin is ready, as the mixture sets fast.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup fruit juice (no pulp)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (or 2 packets)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of your choice
- Your prepared cannabis oil or tincture
- Gummy molds
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Dropper or small spoon for filling molds
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prep Your Molds
Lay out your gummy molds on a flat surface. If you want to make removal easier later on, lightly coat them with coconut oil spray.
Step 2: Heat the Juice
Pour your fruit juice of choice into a small saucepan over low heat. Warm it up, but don’t let it boil.
Step 3: Add the Gelatin
Slowly sprinkle the gelatin over the warm juice while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the gelatin is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Sweetener and Cannabis Oil
Stir in the honey and your infused coconut oil or tincture. Keep the heat low and mix thoroughly to make sure the cannabis is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Fill the Molds
Working quickly, use a dropper or small spoon to fill each gummy mold. Try to keep the amount consistent across each cavity for even dosing.
Step 6: Set the Gummies
Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 15-20 minutes if you’re in a hurry. The gummies are ready when they’re firm to the touch and pop out of the molds easily.
Don’t rush this step! If you try to remove the gummies too early, you risk losing the batch or pouring out the gelatin while it’s still setting.
Step 7: Store Properly
Transfer your finished gummies to an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for about a week, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Dosing and Storage
Getting the dosage right is one of the trickiest parts of making homemade edibles. Unlike store-bought cannabis products, you won’t have lab-tested numbers on the package, so a little math goes a long way.
Calculating Your Dose
If you used ½ gram of 20% THC flower, your entire batch contains roughly 100mg of THC. From there, divide by the number of gummies you made. If your molds produced 20 gummies, that’s about 5mg per piece. If you made 10 larger gummies, you’re looking at closer to 10mg each.
Write this down or label your container so you don’t forget. Knowing your approximate dose helps you (and anyone else eating them) avoid an uncomfortable experience.
Start Low, Go Slow
Edibles hit differently than smoking or vaping. They take longer to kick in, often 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the effects can last much longer. If this is your first time with homemade edibles, start with one gummy and wait at least 90 minutes before deciding if you want more. You can always eat another one, but you can’t undo a high that’s too intense.
Keep Them Safe
Store your gummies in an airtight container, clearly labeled, and out of reach of children and pets. Cannabis gummies look just like regular candy, so don’t leave them sitting out or in an unmarked bag.
If a child or pet accidentally consumes them, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. If symptoms become severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Shopping at A Greener Today
Ready to make your first batch of weed gummies? A Greener Today has everything you need to get started. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right cannabis flower for your homemade edibles, whether you’re looking for something relaxing, energizing, or somewhere in between.
We stock a carefully curated selection perfect for your edible-making needs and more:
- High-quality cannabis flower perfect for infusing into oil
- Tinctures for a quicker, easier gummy recipe
- Ready-made edibles if you’d rather skip the DIY route
- Extracts, vapes, and more
Visit any of our locations to explore our selection. We’re open seven days a week, and our staff is always ready to answer questions. At A Greener Today, we’re committed to helping you create the perfect cannabis experience, whether you’re making your first batch of gummies or you’re an experienced edible enthusiast.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences with cannabis may vary depending on factors such as product type, dosage, and personal biology. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis products for medical purposes. A Greener Today makes no claims regarding the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.