Cannabis Sugar
Versatile cannabis-infused sugar made by evaporating a cannabis tincture into granulated sugar, perfect for sweetening beverages, baking, and sprinkling on desserts.
This cannabis cannabis sugar recipe creates a versatile infused sweetener using tincture that you can add to beverages, drizzle over food, or use in any recipe calling for a liquid sweetener. Cannabis sweeteners are a foundational Essentials item that every edible maker should have on hand. Once prepared, they make dosing everyday foods effortless and precise. Cannabis sugar is a fat-free infusion method that lets you add THC to any recipe or beverage where regular sugar is used.
- 7 grams ground cannabis
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tablespoons high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear) for tincture extraction
- Decarboxylate the cannabis: Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the ground cannabis on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a mason jar and cover with high-proof alcohol. Seal and shake vigorously for 5 minutes, then strain through cheesecloth to collect the tincture.
- In a glass baking dish, spread the granulated sugar evenly. Pour the strained tincture over the sugar and stir thoroughly to coat all the sugar.
- Spread the wet sugar in a thin, even layer. Allow the alcohol to evaporate at room temperature for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally, or bake at 200°F (93°C) for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Once fully dry, break up any clumps with a fork. The sugar should have a slightly golden color and a faint herbal aroma.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use as a 1:1 replacement for regular sugar in any recipe.
Dosing Tips for Your Cannabis Sugar
- Calculate the total THC in your batch and divide by the number of teaspoon or tablespoon servings to know the exact dose per measure.
- Start with one teaspoon in your coffee or tea and wait 60-90 minutes to gauge potency before adding more next time.
- Use a squeeze bottle or dropper for precise dispensing. Every drop should deliver a consistent, known amount of THC.
- Cannabis sweeteners can be deceptively potent because they are concentrated. Always measure rather than free-pouring.
- Divide the total sugar yield by the number of teaspoons to calculate per-teaspoon potency; start with 1 teaspoon per serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Heating cannabis honey or syrup above 300 F (150 C) when cooking destroys THC. Add sweetener to finished dishes or use in no-heat applications.
- Not stirring cannabis-infused honey thoroughly during preparation, which causes the cannabis to settle and creates inconsistent potency.
- Making sweetener too thick or crystallized, which makes accurate measuring difficult. Maintain a pourable consistency.
- Assuming cannabis sugar has the same potency as cannabis oil. Sugar-based infusions are typically less concentrated and less efficient.
How to Store Cannabis Sugar
- Cannabis honey stores at room temperature in a sealed jar for up to 6 months. Its natural antimicrobial properties prevent spoilage.
- Cannabis simple syrup keeps refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Add a splash of vodka to extend shelf life to 6 weeks.
- Cannabis sugar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It keeps for several months without losing potency.
- Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months; keep away from moisture to prevent clumping.
Variations & Ideas
- Make cannabis-infused honey by gently warming honey with decarbed flower or cannabis tincture at low heat for a golden, versatile sweetener.
- Create cannabis simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water with cannabis tincture for a pourable liquid sweetener perfect for drinks.
- Infuse agave nectar with cannabis oil and lecithin for a vegan cannabis sweetener that blends smoothly into cold drinks.
- Make cannabis powdered sugar by blending the infused sugar with a tablespoon of cornstarch, or infuse brown sugar using the same technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gently warm honey to 160 F (70 C), stir in decarboxylated ground flower, maintain at low heat for 40 minutes while stirring frequently, then strain through cheesecloth. Alternatively, mix cannabis tincture directly into honey for a simpler process with easier dosing math.
Yes, but only add it to recipes where the sweetener is not exposed to temperatures above 300 F (150 C) for extended periods. It works best in no-bake recipes, frostings, glazes, and beverages. For baked goods, add the cannabis sweetener after baking as a drizzle.
Cannabis butter is more versatile for cooking and baking, while cannabis honey excels in beverages, drizzles, and no-heat applications. Ideally, keep both in your cannabis kitchen essentials. They serve different purposes and complement each other.
Refrigerated in a sealed container, cannabis simple syrup lasts 2-3 weeks. Adding a tablespoon of vodka per cup of syrup extends shelf life to about 6 weeks. The sugar concentration helps preserve it, but mold can develop if left too long.
Yes, gently warm real maple syrup and stir in cannabis tincture or very finely strained cannabis oil with lecithin. Maple syrup's strong flavor masks cannabis notes beautifully. Calculate the dose per tablespoon and use it on pancakes, oatmeal, or in cocktails.
Positive Effects
Negative Effects
You may or may not feel all the effects listed*