How To Make Your Own Cannabis-Infused Honey
Cannabis-infused honey combines the sweetness of honey with the long-lasting effects of an edible. It can be stirred into tea, drizzled over toast, mixed into oatmeal, or used in recipes that call for a gentle sweetener. The key to a consistent result is controlling the cannabis dose before it reaches the honey.
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so dried cannabis does not simply dissolve into honey. A reliable method involves decarboxylating the flower, infusing it into a small amount of oil, and then blending that oil into warm honey. This extra step improves consistency and helps prevent wasted flower.
Adults in Halifax and the Halifax Regional Municipality can source cannabis flower, concentrates, CBD products, and other supplies through Atlantic Green Cross. When selecting flower for an edible, consider the cannabinoid profile and your intended time of use; this evening strain guide can help you think through those choices.
Choose Ingredients And Equipment
For a small batch, use 7 grams of dried cannabis flower, 120 millilitres of neutral cooking oil, and 250 grams of honey. Coconut oil works well because it is stable when gently heated, though avocado or MCT oil can also be used. A small amount of sunflower lecithin may improve blending, but it is optional.
You will also need an oven, baking sheet, parchment paper, saucepan or double boiler, thermometer, fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, heatproof jar, silicone spatula, and a digital scale. Use equipment dedicated to cannabis preparation if possible, since the aroma and resin can linger.
Choose cannabis flower with a clearly stated THC or CBD percentage. For a first batch, a lower-THC flower gives you more room to measure and adjust servings. You can also make a CBD honey by using CBD-dominant flower, although CBD products may still contain small amounts of THC unless they are specifically labelled otherwise.
Decarboxylate The Flower
Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids through controlled heat. Break the flower into small pieces with your fingers or a grinder, but avoid turning it into a fine powder. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Heat the oven to approximately 115°C and bake the cannabis for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The flower should become dry and lightly toasted, not dark or burnt. Excessive heat can degrade flavour and cannabinoids, so an oven thermometer is useful if your appliance runs hot.
Allow the decarboxylated flower to cool before measuring it. Grinding after heating can make straining easier, but keep the texture coarse enough that it does not pass through the filter. Good preparation and clean handling matter as much as the cooking time; these smoother smoking experience principles also apply when preparing flower for an infusion.
Make A Gentle Cannabis Oil
Add the decarboxylated flower and oil to a saucepan or double boiler. Warm the mixture at approximately 75°C to 85°C for two to three hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes. Keep the temperature low and steady. The oil should never smoke, boil, or fry the plant material.
When the infusion is finished, pour it through cheesecloth set over a fine-mesh strainer. Press gently to recover the oil, but do not squeeze aggressively if you want a cleaner taste and texture. The leftover plant material can be discarded according to local waste guidance.
Let the oil cool slightly, then measure its volume. This makes it easier to estimate the strength of the honey. Infusion efficiency varies, so potency calculations are estimates rather than guarantees. If you prefer a more predictable process, a labelled cannabis oil or tincture can be incorporated into honey instead of preparing flower from scratch.
Blend The Infused Honey
Warm the honey in a double boiler or heatproof jar set in hot water. Keep it below approximately 60°C and avoid boiling. High heat can alter the honey’s flavour and may reduce the quality of some aromatic compounds.
Add the infused oil gradually while stirring continuously. If you are using lecithin, add a small amount according to the product directions. Blend for several minutes until the mixture looks evenly combined. Because honey and oil naturally separate, stir again before transferring the finished product and before each use.
Pour the mixture into a clean, opaque jar with a secure lid. A small jar makes it easier to use measured portions and reduces repeated exposure to air. Label it clearly with the date, ingredients, estimated cannabinoid strength, and a warning that it contains cannabis.
| Ingredient or step | Suggested amount or setting | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dried cannabis flower | 7 g | Provides the cannabinoids |
| Cooking oil | 120 ml | Carries THC or CBD into the honey |
| Honey | 250 g | Adds sweetness and forms the final mixture |
| Decarboxylation | 115°C for 35–40 minutes | Activates cannabinoids |
| Oil infusion | 75–85°C for 2–3 hours | Transfers cannabinoids into oil |
| Lecithin | Optional, according to label | Helps the oil and honey stay blended |
Estimate The Potency Carefully
To estimate the total THC in the batch, multiply the flower weight in grams by 1,000, then multiply by the THC percentage written as a decimal. For example, 7 grams of flower labelled at 15% THC contains a theoretical maximum of about 1,050 milligrams of THC before losses. If you assume an approximate 70% extraction efficiency, the estimated batch total becomes about 735 milligrams.
Divide the estimated total by the number of equal servings. If the finished honey weighs 250 grams and you portion it into 50 servings of 5 grams each, a 735-milligram batch would contain approximately 14.7 milligrams per serving. This is only an estimate because laboratory potency, decarboxylation, infusion, straining, and uneven mixing all affect the final result.
For a first edible experience, begin with approximately 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, then wait at least two hours before considering more. Edible effects can take 30 minutes to two hours to appear and may last six hours or longer. CBD-dominant honey may feel different, but it should still be labelled and used carefully.
Store And Use It Responsibly
Keep cannabis honey in a sealed container away from heat and direct sunlight. Refrigeration can extend freshness, although chilled honey may crystallize and become harder to measure. Use a clean spoon each time, and check for changes in smell, appearance, or taste before using it.
Never leave infused honey where children, guests, or pets could mistake it for ordinary food. Store it separately from regular honey and label the container prominently. Do not drive, cycle in traffic, operate machinery, or combine cannabis with alcohol or sedating medication after consuming it.
- Measure each portion with a digital scale or measured spoon.
- Stir the jar before serving because oil can rise to the surface.
- Begin with a low THC amount and wait several hours before increasing it.
- Keep a written note of the flower strength, recipe, and personal response.
- Consider CBD-dominant flower if you want to avoid a strong intoxicating effect.
A homemade infusion can be enjoyable, but commercially labelled cannabis oils and edibles may offer more predictable dosing. For Halifax-area residents, Atlantic Green Cross provides daily home delivery, a $40 minimum order, and a stated 1–3 hour delivery guarantee or the order is free. Shop for a clearly labelled product or the ingredients for your next batch, and keep every serving measured, marked, and safely stored.