Ahh chocolate and cannabis … a beautiful combination  (and really just two of the best things to exist in general). A duo perfect for celebrating love, whatever that may look like for you. 

Think back to before cannabis was legal – if you weren’t acquiring it in flower form, it was coming to many of us in the form of a brownie (probably from your sister’s best friend’s cousin). Brownies are one of the most classic ways to enjoy cannabis in an edible form. Afterall, one of the OG forms of edible cannabis were chocolate brownies thanks to the legend Brownie Mary! 

So, what makes chocolate such a popular medium for cannabis? Let’s find out! 

History and Science Things

Both chocolate and cannabis have a rich history of use dating back centuries. Cocoa beans were first consumed nearly 5000 years ago by the Yucatan, Olmec and Aztec Indigenous peoples. One of the earliest mentions of cannabis is found in Shu King, a classic Chinese text dating back to 2300 BC.

We know how cannabinoids like CBD, THC and CBC can be immensely beneficial to our overall well-being. Both anandamide and these cannabinoids directly interact with our endocannabinoid systems and fit into our cannabinoid receptors. While the anandamide in chocolate won’t result in the high that THC will give you, it can produce a similar but much more mild and weaker euphoria. Chocolate’s anandamide also influences cells that affect mood, memory, appetite, pain perception and may even provide similar medicinal benefits that THC can provide! Sounds like a win-win. 

If you’d like to get more in the weeds (pun intended) with the scientific background, check out this article for more info!

Chocolate & Cannabis – A Love Story

Ok, let’s get to the fun part – combining chocolate and cannabis in baking… and getting baked.

When the anandamide of chocolate is combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the influences of each interact with each other and create something wonderful. When the terpenes found in particular strains of cannabis are paired intentionally with the unique flavors and aromas found in various chocolates, the flavors of both cannabis and chocolate can be heightened and accentuated. 

If your plan is to simply smoke and enjoy chocolate at the same time, look for strains with high terpene levels. Pair different strains with different chocolates (white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, etc), and remember, there are no right or wrong pairings. Try eating a piece of chocolate, let it melt in your mouth a bit, then take a hit of the paired strain. Test out combinations until you find something magical! Though, isn’t it all magical? 🙂

Or perhaps, you’d like to try making your own cannabis infused chocolate! Cannabis chocolate is a pretty easy place to start as far as homemade edibles go – check out this article for a very basic method of making cannabis infused chocolate! Remember to take it slow with your homemade edibles and give them at least 2 hours to kick in! 

Now let’s get down to business – how to make your own weed brownies. There are many recipes out there so the one below is just an option. Head to this site for more tips about baking your own weed brownies.

You’ll need:

• ⅛ ounce of ground cannabis
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅔ cup chopped walnuts

Before you can begin baking with chocolate, you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis and mix it with your butter. Here’s how you do this:

• Finely grind up ⅛ ounce of cannabis and spread it evenly over a baking sheet/pan. Preheat your oven to 240℉ and place your ground bud inside once it is ready.
• Bake for 50 minutes then remove from oven and let cool.
• Melt butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and lower heat to a simmer.
• Leave to simmer for about 45 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  Strain the cannabutter through a cheesecloth or other filter into a bowl and discard filtered remains.

After you finish infusing your butter, you can begin baking your brownies:

• Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease a glass baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
• Place chocolate in a bowl and melt in the microwave.
• Mix cannabutter, salt, vanilla, and sugar in a bowl.
• Adds eggs and mix well.
• Mix in flour and walnut – stir well.
• Pour brownie batter into your glass pan and bake for 25 – 30 minutes.

Don’t want to make your own? We’ve got you covered.

Check out Kiva Chocolate bars and Terra Bites! We also have Aunt Ellies Cookies and Brownies which range from 25mg – 500mg!

Here’s to love! ❤️  Now… get baking and get baked!