Mastering Cannabis Brownies and Other Infused Treats

Cannabis infused treats are edible products that contain active cannabis compounds, offering a smoke-free alternative to enjoying the benefits of marijuana.

For those looking to create homemade cannabis edibles, here’s what you need to know:

When making cannabis infused treats at home, the most critical step is proper decarboxylation—heating your cannabis to activate the THC—before infusing it into butter or oil. This process turns the raw plant material into a potent cooking ingredient that can be incorporated into almost any recipe.

The beauty of homemade edibles is that you have complete control over ingredients, potency, and flavors. Craving fudgy brownies? Chewy cookies? Infused pasta sauce? The possibilities are endless once you master the basics of infusion.

Cannabis-Infused Treats 101: What Sets Them Apart

Ever wonder why eating a cannabis brownie feels so different from taking a puff? Let me break it down for you in simple terms.

Cannabis infused treats are food products that contain active cannabis compounds—but they work through your body in a completely different way than smoking does.

When you smoke, THC zooms straight to your bloodstream through your lungs. But your body processes edibles through a four-step journey:

First, they’re broken down in your stomach. Then, the good stuff gets absorbed through your small intestine. Next your liver turns THC into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. Finally, this boosted version enters your bloodstream and makes its way to your brain.

This digestive detour explains why you might wait 1-3 hours before feeling effects frominfused treats, unlike the almost-instant impact of smoking. It’s also why the high typically lasts much longer—anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on your metabolism, what you’ve eaten that day, and your personal body chemistry.

One of the best things about making your own cannabis treats at home? Complete control over potency. You can create precisely the experience you want.

Shop infused treats at Stoops NYC.

Why They Hit Differently

That whole “edibles hit harder” reputation is actual biology at work. The difference comes down to something called first-pass metabolism.

When your liver processes THC from edibles, it creates 11-hydroxy-THC, which crosses into your brain more efficiently than regular THC.

This change is why edibles often create:

• A more intense, full-body experience
• Effects that feel more physically grounding
• A high that builds more slowly but peaks more dramatically
• Relief that lasts significantly longer than smoking

Many of our customers at Stoops NYC describe edible effects as more immersive and physical compared to smoking’s more cerebral experience. This deeper body sensation makes edibles popular for people seeking pain relief, help with sleep, or profound relaxation.

Just remember—this isn’t simply a different way to consume cannabis, it’s almost an entirely different experience. That’s why we always recommend starting with a low dose, especially if you’re new to edibles. The journey might take longer to begin, but it’s worth the wait!

New to edibles? Check out this guide. 

Choosing Your Perfect Cannabis Infused Treat

Infused Brownies

There’s something nostalgic about cannabis brownies. They’ve maintained their crown as America’s favorite edible for good reason – that perfect fudgy texture creates a delicious binder for cannabutter that’s hard to beat.

Our customers tell us that their perfect homemade edibles start with a brownie base that’s rich and moist – never cakey or dry.

The secret? Balance your cannabutter-to-regular butter ratio (many home bakers find a 1:1 ratio works beautifully) and use high-quality cocoa.

Want to lift your brownie game?

Try adding a cannabis-infused ganache topping or swirling in some caramel before baking. The dense, chocolatey profile naturally complements those earthy cannabis notes, making brownies the perfect canvas for beginners and experts alike.

Shop THC-Brownies at Stoops NYC.

Gummies & Candies on the Rise

“What’s your favorite flavor?” is something we hear daily at the shop as customers browse our gummy selection. Chewy, colorful gummies have exploded in popularity, becoming the fastest-growing segment in the edibles market.

Gummies popularity makes perfect sense when you consider their advantages. They offer precise dosing (typically 5-10mg per piece), making them ideal for new users or those who want consistent effects. Their discreet nature, extended shelf life, and portability make them perfect for on-the-go use.

I’ve noticed many of our first-time customers lean toward gummies because they’re approachable and familiar. Plus, the variety is endless – from traditional fruit flavors to sophisticated combinations like watermelon-basil or mango-chili. Many brands now offer vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options too, making these cannabis infused treats accessible to almost everyone.

Shop THC-Gummies at Stoops NYC.

Sips, Sauces & Savories

Cannabis beverages have been a game-changer for many of our customers. Unlike traditional edibles, these drinks often kick in within 15-30 minutes thanks to sublingual absorption. From sparkling seltzers to cannabis-infused teas and coffees, these products offer a social alternative to alcohol with more predictable effects than other edibles.

Shop Cannabis-Infused Drinks at Stoops NYC.

From Flower to Flour: Infusion Techniques for Home Cooks

Making your own THC-infused treats at home starts with infusion.

Decarboxylation: The Essential First Step

Think of decarboxylation as “activating” your cannabis. Without this crucial step, you’ll end up with treats that look the part but lack any meaningful effects.

Here’s my foolproof method that works every time:

Preheat your oven to 240°F, break your flower into small pieces (not too fine!), and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

After about 40 minutes in the oven—stirring once halfway through—your cannabis should transform from bright green to a light toasty brown.

That color change tells you the THCA has converted to THC, meaning your cannabis is now ready for infusion!

Choosing Your Strain Wisely

The strain you select dramatically shapes your experience.

Indica strains typically deliver that classic “body high”—perfect for evening brownies or treats meant for relaxation.

Sativa strains tend to produce more uplifting, cerebral effects, making them ideal for daytime consumption.

Hybrid strains offer balanced effects that can be custom to specific needs.

Cannabutter Basics

Here’s the cannabutter making method I’ve refined over years of baking:

Start with 1 cup of butter (2 sticks) and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat.

Once the butter melts, add 7-14 grams of your decarboxylated cannabis (less for beginners, more for experienced users). The key is maintaining a gentle simmer—never a boil—for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

After infusion, strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a container and refrigerate. The butter will solidify on top, while the water (containing unwanted plant material) settles below. Simply remove the solid butter, discard the water, and voilà—you’ve got cannabutter!

Store your creation in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to six months. For dosage, if you used 10 grams of 15% THC cannabis, your entire batch contains approximately 1500mg THC. Dividing that into 24 brownies gives you about 62.5mg per brownie—quite potent for most folks!

Potent Oils & Tinctures

Coconut oil is my personal favorite—its high fat content absorbs more cannabinoids than other oils, making for more potent infusions. It works beautifully in both sweet and savory recipes and is perfect for vegan baking.

Olive oil infusions are great for savory applications—think pasta dishes, salad dressings, or bread dipping. The lighter flavor profile complements many meals without overpowering them.

For the ultimate in precision dosing, cannabis tinctures can’t be beat. Made with high-proof alcohol or glycerin, tinctures can be added to nearly any recipe without affecting texture. They’re especially handy for adding to beverages or adjusting potency after cooking.

Add a bit of lecithin to your oil infusions. This natural emulsifier helps bind cannabinoids to fat molecules, potentially increasing potency and creating more consistent distribution throughout your cannabis infused treats. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

What to Expect & When

The timeline of effects with edibles is dramatically different from smoking, and understanding this helps prevent the most common mistake—getting impatient and taking more too soon.

During the first 30 minutes, you’ll likely feel nothing at all. This is normal! Your digestive system is just beginning to process the edible.

Between 30-60 minutes, some people may begin to notice very mild effects, especially on an empty stomach. But for many, the waiting game continues.

The 1-2 hour mark is when most people begin to feel definite effects. This is when patience pays off—the cannabinoids are entering your bloodstream after being processed by your liver.

At 2-3 hours, you’ll typically reach peak effects. This is when the full experience unfolds and you’ll understand your dosing choice for better or worse.

The 3-6 hour period brings sustained effects that gradually modulate. Unlike smoking, which quickly peaks and fades, edibles maintain a more consistent experience.

Finally, the 6-8+ hour window brings a gradual tapering off. Some people report feeling residual effects even into the next morning after high doses.

Scientific research on edible metabolism

Safety, Storage & NYC Legal Know-How

Your homemade cannabis infused treats deserve proper protection—both to maintain their potency and keep them away from the wrong hands.

Always store them in airtight containers away from direct light, which can break down those precious cannabinoids faster than you’d think.

For baked goods like brownies, room temperature works fine for a few days, but the refrigerator extends freshness to about a week.

What about chocolates and gummies?

They definitely need refrigeration to maintain both texture and potency. If you’re planning for the long haul, the freezer is your friend—properly sealed cannabis infused treats, butter, or oils can last up to six months frozen.

If you have children be around, invest in childproof containers or, better yet, keep everything in a locked box or cabinet.

In New York, here’s what you need to know about staying legally buying and consuming cannabis infused treats:

• Adults 21+ can legally possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate
• Enjoy your edibles in private spaces—public consumption is limited to designated areas
• Never, ever drive after consuming cannabis products (the extended duration of edibles makes this especially important)
• While home cultivation has been approved, implementation details are still evolving
• Selling homemade edibles without a license remains illegal—keep those special brownies for personal enjoyment

At Stoops NYC in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, we stay current with all regulations so you don’t have to memorize the legal fine print—just stop by and ask us anything!

Check out our guide for New York-specific information. 

DIY Recipe Spotlight: Classic Brownies & Creative Cannabis Infused Treats

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, go through some delicious recipes:

Fudgy Cannabis Brownies

These brownies are the perfect balance between rich chocolate flavor and cannabis effects.

Ingredients:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup cocoa powder (the darker, the better!)
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ cup cannabutter
– ¼ cup regular unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips

For the Ganache (Optional but highly recommended):
– 4 oz chocolate chips
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon cannabutter

The secret to these brownies is the 15-17 minute bake time – they’ll look slightly underdone in the center, but that’s exactly what you want! This ensures they stay fudgy even after cooling. The ganache adds an extra touch of luxury and a subtle boost to the overall experience.

Step-by-step brownie guide

Magic Rice Crispy Treats: Gooey Nostalgia

These are among the easiest cannabis infused treats to make. Perfect for beginners.

The trick to perfect rice crispy treats is using cannabis-infused ghee instead of regular cannabutter. The clarified butter creates a cleaner flavor and better texture. Each square contains approximately 5mg THC (depending on your infusion strength), making them perfect for portion control.

I love adding a handful of crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before they set. For chocolate lovers, fold in some mini chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly (so they don’t completely melt).

Cannabis infused rice crispy treats

THC Gummies: Vegan Fruit Chews

Store-bought gummies are great, but there’s something special about crafting your own. These vegan fruit chews use agar-agar instead of gelatin, making them suitable for plant-based diets.

The fruit purée is where you can really make these your own. Strawberry-lime is a classic combination, but don’t be afraid to experiment with mango-chili, blueberry-lemon, or even watermelon-mint for something unexpected. The citric acid dusting on the outside gives them that perfect sweet-tart balance that makes gummies so addictive.

For the most precise dosing, invest in a good silicone mold with uniform cavities. This allows you to calculate exactly how much cannabis is in each piece. I find that smaller gummies (about 5mg THC each) are ideal – you can always have a second one if needed, but you can’t “un-eat” a too-potent gummy!

Savory Movie-Night Popcorn

Not everyone has a sweet tooth. This chili-lime popcorn is my go-to for movie nights with friends who prefer a more subtle cannabis experience.

The beauty of infused popcorn is the low dose – approximately 2mg THC per cup – which makes it perfect for social settings where you want to maintain conversation and actually remember the movie you’re watching! The fat in the coconut oil helps carry the cannabis compounds while the zesty seasoning creates a flavor so good, you’ll make it even when you’re not looking for infusion.

Portion control is key with this recipe. I like to divide the finished popcorn into individual paper bags or bowls right away, rather than setting out one big communal bowl. This prevents the “handful after handful” scenario that can lead to accidental overconsumption.

Try making multiple seasoning variations in separate bowls – perhaps a curry powder version or a garlic-parmesan option alongside the chili-lime. Just remember to keep clear labels on each!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis-Infused Treats

How long should I wait before taking a second dose?

I always tell consumers to wait a full 2-3 hours before even thinking about a second dose. Your digestive system works at its own pace, and cannabis edibles can sometimes take longer than expected to kick in.

The scenario we see most often with overconsumption? Someone takes an edible, feels nothing after 45 minutes, decides it “isn’t working,” takes more, and then both doses hit simultaneously. Trust me, you’ll have a much better experience if you give your body time to process that first dose completely.

Can I fly with homemade cannabis infused treats?

No—you cannot legally fly with homemade edibles, even between states where cannabis is legal. This is because airports and airplanes fall under federal jurisdiction, and cannabis remains federally illegal.

Crossing state lines with cannabis products constitutes interstate trafficking under federal law, regardless of the legal status in your departure and arrival states. My advice? Enjoy your homemade treats at home and, if you’re traveling to another state with legal cannabis, purchase products locally when you arrive.

How do I know the exact potency of my homemade edibles?

Start with your flower’s approximate THC percentage (typically 15-25% for quality cannabis), calculate the total milligrams (1 gram of 20% THC cannabis contains about 200mg THC), assuming 70-80% efficiency in your decarboxylation and infusion process, and divide by your number of servings.

For example, if you use 3.5g of 20% THC cannabis (approximately 700mg THC total) with 75% efficiency (525mg), and make 20 brownies, each brownie would contain about 26mg THC—which is actually quite potent for many users!

Will CBD edibles make me feel high?

No, CBD-only treats won’t produce the intoxicating “high” you might associate with traditional edibles. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, offering more subtle effects that many people describe as relaxing, pain-relieving, or anxiety-reducing.

How can I reduce the cannabis flavor in my edibles?

Not everyone loves that distinctive herbal taste. To minimize it, try water-curing your cannabis before decarboxylation (soaking it in water for 4-7 days, changing water daily), using water when making cannabutter to help remove chlorophyll, and choosing recipes with bold flavors like chocolate, spices, or citrus that can mask the cannabis notes.

I’ve found that adding complementary flavors like mint, coffee, or cinnamon works wonderfully, as they naturally pair with cannabis’s earthy profile. Some of our customers also prefer using concentrates instead of flower for infusion, as they typically impart less plant flavor while maintaining potency.

Can I use any strain for making edibles?

Yes, but the effects will vary. Indica strains typically produce more relaxing body effects, while sativas tend toward energetic, cerebral experiences. Consider your desired outcome when selecting.

How long do homemade cannabis edibles stay good?

Properly stored in airtight containers, brownies and cookies last 5-7 days at room temperature or 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Gummies and chocolates should be refrigerated and can last 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze most infused treats for up to 3 months.

Is it legal to make edibles at home in New York?

Adults 21+ can legally possess cannabis and make edibles for personal consumption in New York. However, selling homemade edibles remains illegal without proper licensing.

What foods pair well with cannabis edibles?

Fatty foods can sometimes improve absorption, while citrus fruits might complement the experience through terpene interaction. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, and have some CBD-only products on hand to help moderate THC effects if needed.