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Cannabis cuisine has officially moved far beyond the days of mystery brownies and questionable-tasting cookies. Today’s best cannabis-infused dinner recipes are sophisticated, genuinely delicious, and crafted with precision. Today’s cannabis-infused dinner recipes are sophisticated, genuinely delicious, and crafted with precision — meals you’d be proud to serve at any dinner table, with the added benefit of a perfectly controlled, enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re hosting an infused dinner party for adventurous friends, cooking a relaxing meal for two, or simply exploring cannabis-infused dinner recipes for the first time, this complete guide to cannabis-infused dinner recipes will show you just how incredible infused food can be when it’s done right, this collection of 25 recipes will show you just how incredible cannabis-infused food can be when it’s done right.
The secret to great cannabis-infused dinner recipes isn’t complicated. It starts with properly prepared cannabutter or cannabis-infused olive oil — your two foundational ingredients — and then using them thoughtfully in recipes where their earthy, herbal flavor complements rather than overwhelms the dish. From creamy pastas and rich risottos to perfectly seared steaks and comforting soups, the possibilities are truly endless.
Every one of these cannabis-infused dinner recipes includes clear dosing guidance, simple step-by-step instructions, and tips for controlling potency. so you can customize each dish to your preferred experience level. I’ve also included a complete decarboxylation guide and cannabutter tutorial so you have everything you need in one place — even if you’ve never cooked with cannabis before.
Important legal note: Cannabis laws vary by state, country, and jurisdiction. This article is intended for adults in regions where cannabis is legal for recreational or medical use. Always consume responsibly, know your tolerance, and never drive after consuming cannabis-infused foods. Start low, go slow.If you’re also looking for amazing non-infused sides to round out your dinner, don’t miss our sourdough dinner rolls recipe — they’re the perfect accompaniment to any infused main course. Now let’s get cooking.
Let’s get cooking.
How to Cook with Cannabis: The Essential Basics
Before we jump into the cannabis-infused dinner recipes, you need to understand the fundamentals of cooking with cannabis. Skip this section and your infused dinners will be disappointing at best and overwhelming at worst. Master these basics and every recipe that follows will turn out perfectly.
What Is Decarboxylation (And Why It’s Non-Negotiable)
Decarboxylation is the single most important step in cannabis cooking — and the one most beginners skip or get wrong.
Raw cannabis contains THCA, which is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. According to Leafly’s guide to decarboxylation, this heat-activated conversion is what makes cannabis edibles effective. Eating raw cannabis won’t produce the effects you’re looking for. Decarboxylation is the process of applying controlled heat to convert THCA into active THC — the compound responsible for the psychoactive experience.
How to decarboxylate cannabis:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break up your cannabis flower into small, pea-sized pieces. Don’t grind it to powder — a coarse, chunky texture is ideal.
- Spread evenly in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, gently stirring once at the halfway point.
- The cannabis is ready when it’s turned from green to a golden-brown color and feels dry and crumbly to the touch.
- Let it cool completely before using it in cannabutter or infused oil.
Pro tips for decarboxylation:
- Don’t exceed 240°F — higher temperatures degrade THC and destroy terpenes (flavor compounds).
- If you’re concerned about smell, use a mason jar method: place cannabis in a sealed mason jar and bake at 240°F for 40 minutes. The jar contains most of the odor.
- Decarbed cannabis can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months — ready to use whenever you want to prepare cannabis-infused dinner recipes.
How to Make Cannabutter (Cannabis-Infused Butter)
Cannabutter is the backbone of most cannabis-infused dinner recipes. Once you have a batch of properly made cannabutter, you can substitute it into virtually any recipe that calls for regular butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 7–10 grams decarboxylated cannabis (adjust based on desired potency)
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan or slow cooker with 1 cup of water over low heat. The water prevents the butter from scorching and will be separated out later.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis once the butter is fully melted.
- The Cannabist’s cannabutter guide recommends maintaining temperatures between 160–200°F for optimal THC extraction without degradation. The mixture should never reach a full boil — maintain a gentle, barely-there simmer between 160–200°F (70–93°C).
- Strain through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a glass container, squeezing out every drop of liquid. Discard the plant material.
- Refrigerate overnight. The butter will solidify on top and the water will separate to the bottom.
- Lift the solidified cannabutter off the water, pat it dry, and discard the water.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Yield: Approximately 1 cup of cannabutter.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
For recipes where butter isn’t ideal — Mediterranean dishes, salad dressings, sautéed vegetables — cannabis-infused olive oil is your go-to.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 7–10 grams decarboxylated cannabis
Instructions:
- Combine oil and decarboxylated cannabis in a saucepan or slow cooker.
- Heat on lowest setting for 2–3 hours, maintaining a temperature between 160–200°F. Stir every 30 minutes.
- Strain through cheesecloth into a glass jar or bottle. Squeeze out all the oil.
- Store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months, or refrigerate for up to 3 months.
This same method works with: coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any cooking oil you prefer.
Cannabis Dosing Guide for Dinner Recipes
Proper dosing is the most critical element of successful cannabis-infused dinner recipes — it’s the difference between a wonderful experience and an uncomfortable one. This is especially important for dinner recipes because edibles take 45 minutes to 2 hours to take full effect — you can’t “un-eat” a dose that’s too strong.
Recommended Dosing Per Serving
| Experience Level | THC Per Serving | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Microdose / Beginner | 2.5–5 mg THC | Mild relaxation, subtle mood lift |
| Low Tolerance | 5–10 mg THC | Noticeable relaxation, mild euphoria |
| Moderate Tolerance | 10–20 mg THC | Strong effects, significant euphoria |
| High Tolerance | 20–50 mg THC | Intense effects (experienced users only) |
| Very High Tolerance | 50–100 mg THC | Very intense (medical patients / daily users) |
How to Calculate THC Per Serving
Here’s the formula:
Total THC in cannabutter = (grams of cannabis used) × (THC percentage of strain) × 1000 × 0.88
The 0.88 factor accounts for the molecular weight difference during decarboxylation.
Example: If you use 7 grams of cannabis at 20% THC:
- 7 × 0.20 × 1000 × 0.88 = 1,232 mg total THC in your entire batch of cannabutter
- Divided into 1 cup (16 tablespoons) = ~77 mg THC per tablespoon
- If a recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cannabutter and serves 6 people = ~25.7 mg THC per serving
Golden Rules for Cannabis Dosing in Dinner
- Start low, go slow — especially with guests who may have different tolerances.
- Wait at least 2 hours before considering a second serving. Edibles can take a long time to fully kick in.
- The best cannabis-infused dinner recipes don’t infuse every component of the meal. Infuse the sauce OR the butter on the bread — not both. This keeps dosing predictable and manageable.
- Label everything clearly. When hosting an infused dinner party, always have non-infused options available for guests who prefer them.
- Fat is your friend. THC binds to fat, so recipes with butter, oil, cream, and cheese produce the most consistent and effective results. This study from the National Institutes of Health confirms that dietary fat significantly increases THC bioavailability.
- Have CBD on hand. CBD can help counteract the effects of THC if someone consumes too much.
Cannabutter Dinner Recipes
These cannabis-infused dinner recipes use cannabutter as the primary infusion method — simply substitute cannabutter for regular butter in these dishes.
1. Cannabis-Infused Garlic Butter Steak
Why you’ll love it: A perfectly seared ribeye basted with cannabis-infused garlic butter is arguably the most luxurious cannabis dinner recipe in existence. The rich, herby flavor of cannabutter pairs beautifully with high-quality steak.
How to make it:
Season a 12-oz ribeye generously with salt and pepper. Sear in a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet with regular cooking oil for 3–4 minutes per side. During the last 2 minutes, add 2 tablespoons cannabutter, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Continuously baste the steak with the melted cannabis-infused garlic butter using a spoon. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Dosing note: Using 2 tablespoons of cannabutter divided between 2 servings = approximately 1 tablespoon per person. Adjust your cannabutter potency accordingly.
Serve with: Roasted potatoes (non-infused), a simple green salad, and our soft sourdough dinner rolls for soaking up that incredible cannabis-infused garlic butter.
2. Cannabis-Infused Creamy Pasta Alfredo
Why you’ll love it: Alfredo sauce is essentially butter, cream, and Parmesan — making it the ideal vehicle for cannabutter. The richness of the sauce masks any herbal cannabis flavor beautifully, and the high fat content ensures optimal THC absorption.
How to make it:
Cook 1 lb fettuccine to al dente. In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons cannabutter with 1.5 cups heavy cream over medium-low heat. Stir in 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese until silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss the pasta in the sauce, add pasta water as needed for consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serves: 4–6
Pro tip: Never boil cannabutter in the sauce — keep the heat at medium-low to preserve THC potency.
3. Cannabis-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Why you’ll love it: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple — and they’re absolutely perfect for cannabis infusion. The butter melts right into the potatoes, distributing the dose evenly throughout.
How to make it:
Boil 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with 3 tablespoons cannabutter, ½ cup warm heavy cream, salt, and white pepper. Mash until smooth and fluffy. Top with a small pat of regular butter, chopped chives, and a crack of black pepper.
Serves: 6
4. Cannabis-Infused Lobster Tail
Why you’ll love it: If you’re going for a truly elevated dining experience, cannabis-infused lobster tail with drawn cannabutter is the ultimate indulgence. Special occasion luxury meets cannabis sophistication.
How to make it:
Split 4 lobster tails lengthwise. Brush with regular melted butter, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Broil for 8–10 minutes until the meat is opaque and the shells are bright red. Serve with individual ramekins of melted cannabutter mixed with lemon juice and minced garlic for dipping.
Serves: 4 (each guest controls their own dosing through the dipping butter)
5. Cannabis-Infused Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Why you’ll love it: Pure comfort food, elevated. The cannabutter replaces regular butter on the outside of the sandwich, getting golden and crispy on the griddle while infusing every single bite.
How to make it:
Spread cannabutter generously on the outside of 2 slices of sourdough bread per sandwich. Layer sharp cheddar, gruyère, and a slice of American cheese between the bread. Grill on medium heat in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Serve alongside a bowl of hot tomato soup (non-infused).
Serves: 1 sandwich per person — adjust cannabutter amount per individual tolerance.
6. Cannabis-Infused Chicken Piccata
Why you’ll love it: Bright, lemony, and savory — chicken piccata’s butter-and-caper sauce is a natural fit for cannabutter. The acidity of the lemon juice and briny capers balance the earthiness of the cannabis perfectly.
How to make it:
Pound 4 chicken cutlets thin, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour. Sauté in regular olive oil until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons cannabutter, ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons capers. Simmer until slightly reduced. Return chicken to the sauce, spoon it over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serves: 4
7. Cannabis-Infused Shrimp Scampi
Why you’ll love it: Garlicky, buttery, wine-kissed shrimp tossed with linguine. Shrimp scampi is already a butter-heavy dish, making it one of the easiest and most delicious ways to incorporate cannabutter into dinner.
How to make it:
Cook 1 lb linguine. Sauté 1 lb peeled large shrimp in regular olive oil until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp. Add 3 tablespoons cannabutter, 6 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup white wine, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Simmer 3 minutes. Return shrimp, add cooked pasta, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Toss to coat.
Serves: 4
Cannabis-Infused Oil Dinner Recipes
These cannabis-infused dinner recipes use cannabis-infused olive oil as the primary infusion vehicle — ideal for Mediterranean, Italian, and lighter dishes.
8. Cannabis-Infused Margherita Pizza
Why you’ll love it: Homemade pizza with a drizzle of cannabis-infused olive oil as a finishing touch. The oil goes on after baking to preserve potency, and the flavor pairs naturally with basil, tomato, and fresh mozzarella.
How to make it:
Stretch your favorite pizza dough onto a baking sheet. Top with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, salt, and a drizzle of regular olive oil. Bake at 475°F for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. After removing from the oven, drizzle each slice with cannabis-infused olive oil and top with fresh basil leaves. The heat-sensitive finishing application preserves maximum THC potency.
Serves: 4 (drizzle measured per slice for accurate dosing)
9. Cannabis-Infused Bruschetta Chicken
Why you’ll love it: Juicy pan-seared chicken topped with fresh tomato bruschetta and a cannabis-infused balsamic glaze. It’s fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly easy.
How to make it:
Season 4 chicken breasts and pan-sear in regular oil until cooked through. Mix diced Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spoon the bruschetta topping over the hot chicken. Drizzle with additional balsamic reduction.
Serves: 4
10. Cannabis-Infused Aglio e Olio (Garlic & Oil Pasta)
Why you’ll love it: This classic Italian pasta has only a handful of ingredients — and the star is the oil. Substituting cannabis-infused olive oil creates a dish that’s minimalist, flavorful, and perfectly dosed.
How to make it:
Cook 1 lb spaghetti al dente. In a large pan, gently warm ¼ cup cannabis-infused olive oil with 8 thinly sliced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes over low heat (do not let the garlic brown or the oil overheat). Add cooked pasta and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously until the sauce emulsifies and coats every strand. Finish with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Serves: 4
Critical note: Keep the heat LOW when warming cannabis oil. High heat degrades THC rapidly.
11. Cannabis-Infused Caprese Salad
Why you’ll love it: The simplest infused dinner starter imaginable. No cooking required whatsoever — just beautiful ingredients assembled and drizzled with cannabis-infused olive oil.
How to make it:
Alternate slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on a platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle with cannabis-infused olive oil (measured per serving), flaky sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Finish with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
Serves: 4
12. Cannabis-Infused Garlic Bread
Why you’ll love it: The perfect side dish for any infused Italian dinner. You can make it with cannabutter OR cannabis-infused olive oil — both versions are outstanding.
How to make it:
Slice a French baguette lengthwise. Mix 3 tablespoons cannabutter (or cannabis-infused olive oil) with 4 minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread generously on the cut sides of the bread. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. Slice into individual portions for controlled dosing.
Serves: 6
Cannabis-Infused Comfort Food Recipes
These cannabis-infused dinner recipes are for when you want cozy, warming, soul-satisfying comfort food with a cannabis twist.
13. Cannabis-Infused Mac and Cheese
Why you’ll love it: Rich, creamy, ultra-cheesy mac and cheese made with cannabutter. This is the comfort food king of cannabis-infused dinner recipes — and the one recipe that absolutely everyone requests again.
How to make it:
Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons cannabutter over medium-low heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour to create a roux. Gradually add 3 cups whole milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup gruyère, salt, pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder until completely smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serves: 6
14. Cannabis-Infused French Onion Soup
Why you’ll love it: Deeply caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted gruyère. The cannabutter goes into the onion-caramelizing stage, infusing the entire soup with a subtle, warm undertone.
How to make it:
Thinly slice 4 large yellow onions. Cook in 3 tablespoons cannabutter over medium-low heat for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Add 1 tablespoon flour, stir for 1 minute. Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and 6 cups beef broth. Simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into oven-safe bowls, top with a thick slice of crusty bread and shredded gruyère. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serves: 6
15. Cannabis-Infused Creamy Tomato Soup
Why you’ll love it: Silky smooth tomato soup with a swirl of cannabis-infused cream. It’s comforting, simple, and pairs perfectly with cannabis-infused grilled cheese (Recipe #5) and our homemade sourdough dinner rolls for the ultimate infused comfort dinner combo.
How to make it:
Sauté diced onion and garlic in regular olive oil. Add 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer 20 minutes. Blend until smooth. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons cannabutter off the heat. Stir until the cannabutter is completely melted and incorporated.
Serves: 6
16. Cannabis-Infused Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Why you’ll love it: Thick, creamy potato soup loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives — with cannabutter stirred in at the end for a perfectly controlled infusion. Essentially, a loaded baked potato in soup form.
How to make it:
Cook diced bacon until crispy, set aside. Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and simmer until potatoes are tender. Mash some potatoes in the pot for thickness while leaving others chunky. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons cannabutter until melted. Serve topped with crumbled bacon, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh chives.
Serves: 6
Cannabis-Infused International Dinner Recipes
Take your taste buds around the world with these globally inspired cannabis-infused dinner recipes.
17. Cannabis-Infused Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Why you’ll love it: The warm spices in butter chicken — garam masala, turmeric, cumin — complement the earthy, herbal notes of cannabis beautifully. The rich, buttery tomato sauce is an ideal vehicle for cannabutter infusion.
How to make it:
Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder for at least 1 hour. Grill or bake until cooked through. For the sauce: sauté ginger and garlic in regular butter, add crushed tomatoes, cream, garam masala, and salt. Simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons cannabutter until silky smooth. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Serve over basmati rice with warm naan bread.
Serves: 6
18. Cannabis-Infused Mushroom Risotto
Why you’ll love it: Risotto’s slow, meditative cooking process pairs beautifully with the intentional mindset of cannabis cooking. The cannabutter is stirred in at the very end — the classic “mantecatura” step — creating a luxuriously creamy finish.
How to make it:
Sauté sliced mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster) in regular butter until golden. Set aside. In the same pan, toast 1.5 cups Arborio rice in olive oil for 1 minute. Add ½ cup white wine and stir until absorbed. Ladle in warm mushroom or vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is creamy and al dente (about 18–20 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in the mushrooms, 2 tablespoons cannabutter, and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Serves: 4
19. Cannabis-Infused Thai Coconut Curry
Why you’ll love it: Fragrant, creamy, and gently spiced — Thai coconut curry is an outstanding canvas for cannabis-infused coconut oil. The coconut richness envelops the cannabis flavor completely.
How to make it:
Sauté Thai curry paste (red or green) in 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused coconut oil over low heat for 1 minute. Add 2 cans coconut milk, sliced vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, bamboo shoots), and protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu). Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and fresh Thai basil. Serve over jasmine rice.
Serves: 4
20. Cannabis-Infused Tacos with Infused Crema
Why you’ll love it: Rather than infusing the taco filling itself, this recipe uses a cannabis-infused crema as a topping — giving each person complete control over their dose. Smart, delicious, and social.
How to make it:
Prepare your favorite tacos — seasoned ground beef, carnitas, grilled fish, or roasted cauliflower. For the infused crema: whisk together ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused olive oil, lime juice, salt, and a pinch of cumin. Drizzle the measured infused crema over assembled tacos. Each person can add as much or as little as they prefer.
Serves: 4–6
Infused Dinner Party Recipes
Planning a cannabis-infused dinner party? These recipes are designed for entertaining — impressive presentation, crowd-pleasing flavors, and controlled dosing for every guest.
21. Cannabis-Infused Beef Bourguignon
Why you’ll love it: This French classic is the ultimate dinner party centerpiece. Rich, wine-braised beef with mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots — with cannabutter melted into the finished sauce for a sophisticated infused twist.
How to make it:
Sear seasoned beef chuck pieces in regular oil. Remove and sauté carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms. Add tomato paste, flour, red wine (1 full bottle), and beef broth. Return the beef, cover, and braise at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours until fork-tender. Remove from oven. Stir 3 tablespoons cannabutter into the sauce until melted. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with crusty bread.
Serves: 6
22. Cannabis-Infused Stuffed Salmon
Why you’ll love it: Elegant, healthy, and impressive — salmon fillets stuffed with a cannabis-infused herb cream cheese filling. The richness of the salmon’s natural fats works synergistically with THC for optimal absorption.
How to make it:
Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused olive oil, minced garlic, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cut a deep pocket horizontally into each salmon fillet. Stuff with the cream cheese mixture. Season the outside with lemon pepper and paprika. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
Serves: 4
23. Cannabis-Infused Lamb Chops with Herb Compound Butter
Why you’ll love it: An exquisite dinner party main course. Perfectly seared lamb chops topped with a melting disc of cannabis-infused compound herb butter. The compound butter melts over the hot chops, creating a luxurious, infused pan sauce.
How to make it:
Make compound butter: mix softened cannabutter with fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Roll into a log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper. Sear in a screaming-hot cast-iron pan for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Rest 5 minutes, then top each chop with a ½-tablespoon disc of the cannabis compound butter. Serve immediately as the butter melts over the chops.
Serves: 4 (dosing controlled by the measured butter disc)
24. Cannabis-Infused Cacio e Pepe
Why you’ll love it: The most elegant simple pasta in the world — just cheese, pepper, pasta water, and butter. Replacing regular butter with cannabutter makes this Roman classic an unforgettable infused dinner party course.
How to make it:
Cook 1 lb tonnarelli or spaghetti very al dente. Reserve 2 cups starchy pasta water. In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons cannabutter with 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper over low heat. Add the pasta and ½ cup pasta water. Toss vigorously. Remove from heat and gradually add 2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano, tossing constantly while adding splashes of pasta water until an impossibly creamy, emulsified sauce coats every strand.
Serves: 4
25. Cannabis-Infused Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
Why you’ll love it: The show-stopping grand finale of this collection. A whole roasted beef tenderloin with a cannabis-infused red wine reduction sauce. This is special occasion dining at its absolute finest.
How to make it:
Season a 3-lb beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Sear on all sides in a hot pan, then roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Rest 15 minutes. For the sauce: reduce 2 cups red wine, 1 cup beef broth, shallots, and thyme by half. Strain, then whisk in 3 tablespoons cold cannabutter off the heat until glossy and emulsified. Slice the tenderloin and drizzle with the cannabis-infused red wine sauce.
Serves: 6–8
Expert Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
Follow these essential tips to ensure every one of your cannabis-infused dinner recipes turns out perfectly:
1. Never apply high heat directly to cannabis-infused fats.
THC degrades rapidly above 320°F (160°C). Always add cannabutter or infused oil at the end of cooking, off the heat, or during low-temperature steps. Drizzling infused oil as a finishing touch is the safest method for preserving potency.
2. Fat is essential for THC absorption.
THC is fat-soluble, meaning it needs to bind to fat to be properly absorbed by your body. Recipes high in butter, cream, cheese, oil, and animal fats will produce the most consistent and effective infusions.
3. Infuse only ONE component of the meal.
This is critical for dosing accuracy. If you’re making infused pasta sauce, serve it with non-infused bread. If the garlic bread is infused, keep the main course regular. This prevents accidental over-dosing and allows guests to control their experience.
4. Always calculate and communicate dosing.
Use the THC calculation formula from the dosing section above. Calculate the total THC in the dish, divide by servings, and tell your guests the approximate dose per serving. Transparency is essential, especially when hosting.
5. Edibles take 45 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles must be digested before THC enters the bloodstream. The FDA’s guidance on cannabis edibles emphasizes the importance of patience when consuming infused foods. Warn guests to wait at least 2 hours before deciding they “don’t feel anything” and consuming more. This is the #1 cause of uncomfortable edible experiences.
6. Eating on an empty stomach intensifies effects.
If you want a milder experience, serve a non-infused appetizer or snack before the infused main course. A full stomach slows absorption and leads to a gentler onset.
7. Use an herbal flavor profile to complement cannabis.
Cannabis has naturally herbal, earthy, sometimes piney or citrusy terpene profiles. Recipes featuring fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil), garlic, lemon, mushrooms, and warm spices complement and camouflage cannabis flavor most effectively.
8. Keep detailed notes.
Cannabis cooking is part art, part science. Record the strain, amount, and method used for each batch of cannabutter or infused oil. Note potency results so you can replicate your successes and adjust future batches.
How to Store Cannabis-Infused Ingredients
| Product | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabutter | Up to 2 weeks in airtight container | Up to 6 months wrapped in plastic + foil |
| Cannabis-infused olive oil | Up to 3 months in dark glass bottle | Not recommended (texture changes) |
| Cannabis-infused coconut oil | Up to 2 months | Up to 6 months |
| Decarboxylated cannabis | Up to 6 months in airtight jar in cool, dark place | Up to 1 year |
| Leftover infused meals | 3–4 days in airtight container | Up to 3 months (recipe dependent) |
Important: Label ALL cannabis-infused products clearly with the date made, type, and estimated potency. Store them separately from non-infused products and always keep out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cannabis edibles take to kick in?
Cannabis-infused food typically takes 45 minutes to 2 hours to produce noticeable effects, depending on your metabolism, body weight, tolerance, and whether you’ve eaten recently. Effects can last 4 to 8 hours, significantly longer than smoking or vaping. Always start with a low dose and wait at least 2 full hours before consuming more.
What’s the best way to mask the taste of cannabis in food?
Recipes with strong, bold flavors mask cannabis taste most effectively. Rich, cheesy dishes (mac and cheese, Alfredo pasta), heavily spiced dishes (curry, chili), garlicky dishes, and chocolate-based recipes all work exceptionally well. Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme complement the natural terpene profile of cannabis rather than fighting against it.
Can I use any strain of cannabis for cooking?
Yes, but different strains produce different effects and flavor profiles. Indica-dominant strains tend to produce more relaxing, body-focused effects ideal for evening dinners. Sativa-dominant strains may produce more energetic, uplifting effects better suited for social dinner parties. Hybrid strains offer a balanced experience. Choose based on the experience you want to create.
Is it legal to cook with cannabis?
Cannabis laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. In many US states and Canadian provinces, adults 21+ can legally purchase, possess, and consume cannabis, including in edible form. However, serving cannabis-infused food to others may have specific legal considerations. Always verify the laws in your specific location using NORML’s state-by-state cannabis law guide before cooking with cannabis, and never serve infused food to anyone without their full knowledge and explicit consent.
Can I make cannabis-infused dinner recipes vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute cannabis-infused coconut oil or cannabis-infused olive oil for cannabutter in any recipe. Coconut oil is an excellent THC carrier due to its high saturated fat content, and it works beautifully in curries, pasta dishes, and baked goods.
How do I know if my cannabutter is strong enough?
The most reliable method is to test a small amount first. Spread ¼ teaspoon of your cannabutter on a cracker, eat it on an empty stomach, and wait 2 hours to gauge the effects. This gives you a baseline understanding of the potency before using it in a full recipe. For precise measurement, you can also send a sample to a cannabis testing laboratory in legal markets.
These 25 cannabis-infused dinner recipes prove that cooking with cannabis can be sophisticated, delicious, and perfectly controlled. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis chef or making your first batch of cannabutter tonight, these recipes will elevate your dinner table — literally and figuratively.Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need fresh cannabis-infused dinner recipes — I’ll be adding new favorites regularly. Which recipe are you trying first? Let me know in the comments below!
Always consume responsibly. Start low. Go slow. Enjoy the journey.
