Some combinations just make sense: peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, electrons and protons, Mickey and Minnie. But there’s one combination that will have you smacking your head saying, “Why didn’t I think of that before?” What is this magical mixture? It’s none other than cannabis coffee.
Clichéd “wake and bake” jokes aside, combining THC and coffee has to be one of the greatest inventions ever. Forget indoor plumbing or the wheel. We’ll take a steaming mug of ganja joe over either of those any day.
In this article, we’ll tell you why cannabis coffee is so great and give you a simple recipe that you can make at home.
The Science Of Cannabis Coffee
Cannabis coffee contains two main components: caffeine and THC. It’s the combination of those two chemicals that makes cannabis coffee unique.
Caffeine
At the biological level, the caffeine in cannabis coffee (or even just regular coffee) does a number of cool things, including:
- Boosts the effects of serotonin and dopamine
- Blocks adenosine receptors in your brain (so you don’t feel tired)
- Signals the release of adrenaline
- Increases blood flow
- Helps muscles contract
All of those effects combine into the umbrella idea that coffee gives you energy and makes you more alert.
THC
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you should be familiar with the cannabinoid THC. It’s the chemical responsible for producing the infamous “high” that gives marijuana its good and bad reputation.
Once THC arrives in your brain — it doesn’t matter whether you smoke it or eat it or rub it on your skin — the molecule mimics cannabinoid chemicals that occur naturally in your body. That makes it easy for the THC to attach itself to your cannabinoid receptors.
These receptors are found in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia, where they govern the processes of thinking, memory, motor movements, pleasure, coordination, and concentration.
The reason THC affects these areas so much more than other active cannabinoids, like CBD, comes down to shape.
Because of its specific molecular structure, THC binds like a bud in a rug to your neurotransmitters — the spaces that carry communication between your neurons. It mimics anandamide (the bliss molecule), which is a natural cannabinoid found in the body.
Once firmly attached, THC takes on anandamide’s role, stimulating brain cells to release more dopamine. This hormone is what’s responsible for all those good vibes you feel when buzzing.
Once pleasantly planted in the brain, THC can cause a range of sensory side effects, including euphoria, alertness, calmness, fragmentary thoughts, and lightheadedness.
Put ‘Em Together And What Have You Got?
When you mix THC and caffeine in cannabis coffee, you get a one-two punch of alertness and creative euphoria. Perfect for those mornings when you just want to burrow deeper into your blankets and fall back asleep.
So Many Strains, So Little Time
We get asked a lot of questions here at Honest Marijuana, but by far, one of the most common is, “What strain should I use in my cannabis coffee?”
We always cry inside a little when this comes up because the answer is so subjective (meaning it’s open to taste and personal preference). We can’t really give a definitive answer, but we can tell you how to figure it out for yourself.
Your decision should be based on two variables: flavor and desired effect.
Flavor
The bud you brew into your cannabis coffee will have a significant impact on the end flavor.
For example, if you add something like Cherry OG to the mix, you’re likely to end up with a faintly cherry-flavored coffee. Go with something like Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and you’ll add a hint of citrus to the final product.
So it all depends on which taste buds you like to tickle in the morning. The best advice we can give is to stick with one type of coffee and vary the strain you use. That way, the number of possible combinations is relatively small.
Desired Effects
If you’re looking for even more energy and enhanced creativity with your cup of joe, try a sativa strain like Sour Diesel (although what this would do to the flavor, we have no idea).
If you want to be wide awake while still feeling relaxed (and without the caffeine jitters), try an indica strain like Skywalker.
And if you want the best of both worlds — creative and calm — try a hybrid like Fruity Pebbles or Kandy Kush.
If you do choose to brew your own cannabis coffee, it may take some experimentation before you get it just right. But don’t be afraid to fail. Like pizza, even the worst cannabis coffee is still good.
Cannabis Coffee Recipe
Ingredients & Supplies
- ½ gram of ganja
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil
- Pan or kettle for boiling
- Strainer
- Large bowl or 4-cup measuring cup for straining
- Pan or coffee maker for final brewing
How To Add THC To Your Coffee
1) Grind
Chop your weed as finely as possible.
You’re certainly welcome to shred your buds with a knife if that makes you happy. But we live by the maxim, “Work smarter, not harder,” and choose to use a grinder instead. It’s easier, faster, and just plain better.
Don’t make your life any more difficult than it has to be.
2) Boil
Pour 3 cups of water into a pan and bring to a boil. If you need more explanation for this step, you might want to step aside and let someone else take over.
Once the water is boiling, toss in 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut oil.
3) Simmer
When the butter or oil is completely melted, reduce the heat until the water simmers (think gentle boil).
Sprinkle in your ground cannabis from step one and let the whole thing stew for 40 minutes. Stir the brew several times so the plant matter doesn’t stick to the side of the pan.
4) Strain
After 40 minutes, pour the water/oil/bud mix through a strainer to remove the shredded sinsemilla. Don’t worry. It’s already given up the good stuff (cannabinoids and terpenes) during the 40-minute simmer session.
So unless you like floaties in your hot beverage, get rid of that gunk.
5) Brew
Now you’re ready to make your cannabis coffee!
Pour the water you just boiled into a coffee maker or pot. Add your favorite coffee grounds and brew away.
6) Blend (Optional)
As your cannabis coffee cools, the butter or oil will separate from the water. You can extend the time the mix stays in solution by running your brewed coffee through a blender before drinking.
Of course, if you drink your coffee fast enough, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Other Ways To Make Cannabis Coffee
We’re all about quality over quantity here at Honest Marijuana, so we’re used to being patient and waiting for the best finished product. But, damn, 40 minutes for a cup of coffee? That’s a bit too much to ask, even for us.
Thankfully, there are several shortcuts you can use to cut your cannabis coffee prep time down to single digits. Here are the best ways to do it:
- Cook up a batch of cannabis butter beforehand and stir a dollop into your freshly brewed cup of joe.
- Do the same with cannabis coconut oil.
- Dribble a few drops of THC oil or tincture into your water either before or after brewing.
- Add a squeeze of cannabis honey to your mug before pouring the coffee on top.
Some people even swear by dropping a gummy into their glass or sprinkling kief on top of the whipped cream.
What To Expect When Drinking Cannabis Coffee
You’ll feel the effects of the caffeine in your cannabis coffee immediately just like you would with a regular cup of java.
But you’ll have to wait an hour or so for the THC to kick in (depending on your weight, metabolism, tolerance, and other variables). This shouldn’t come as a surprise since you are, in effect, consuming your THC like you would a pot brownie or weed tea: through your stomach.
Digestion and absorption take time, but, like every other edible, the effects will be stronger and last longer than they would if you smoked or dabbed.
Should You Buy Or Brew Your Own?
The answer to that question is completely up to you. There are a number of pre-made cannabis coffees that are trickling into the market. You can choose from THC doses ranging from 20mg to 200mg, and even get a few brands with CBD.
That said, brewing your own cannabis coffee is super easy. And chances are, you’ve already got all the ingredients in your kitchen cabinets.
Honestly, though, buying your cannabis coffee at the market (if you’re lucky) or online (if you’re like the rest of us) is the easiest option.
For more information on all things cannabis and to check out our 100-percent all-natural marijuana products, visit HonestMarijuana.com today.
