How to Make Weed-Infused Honey: Simple Cannabis Honey Recipes & Benefits

Of all the ways to add the plant-based power of cannabinoids into your diet, cannabis-infused honey just might “bee” our favorite! It’s sweet, simple, and loaded with natural goodness. This simple recipe makes it easy to whip up a batch in your home kitchen. Keep weed honey on hand for home remedies, snacks, skincare, and more! 

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Honey (Canna Honey)

There are two methods for making cannabis-infused honey:

• Emulsify cannabis-infused oil into honey. This method can be used to make CBD-infused honey or THC-infused honey.
• Mix honey and decarboxylated cannabis, then apply heat to infuse the cannabis compounds into the honey. You can use any cannabis flower to make infused honey.

Both of these methods are great ways to infuse cannabis compounds into honey. However, infusing decarboxylated weed into honey requires warming the honey over 104°F/40°C which can result in the loss of beneficial compounds in honey such as enzymes, antioxidants, and propolis. If preserving the properties of the raw honey is a priority, use the emulsification method instead.

Emulsification simply means combining two liquids (oil and honey) into one suspension. The same process allows you to mix oil and vinegar with a natural emulsifier like mustard (or honey!) to make salad dressing.

Infuse Cannabis or CBD Oil into Honey

To make marijuana-infused honey with cannabis oil, you will need: 

• 1 cup of raw honey
• ¼ cup (2 oz) of cannabis or CBD oil (see recipe)

You can use any type of canna oil in this recipe, including pre-made CBD oil or THC oil. Cannabutter should be avoided as it spoils faster than other types of oil. 

If you are using canna oil made with raw coconut oil, the oil should be softened to liquefy the oil and cooled slightly before combining it with the honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare honey: If your raw honey is very thick or crystalized, soften it by setting a jar or bowl of honey in a warm water bath. Let it sit for 5-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute the heat and soften the honey.
2. Mix canna oil into honey: Using a whisk, slowly mix the oil into the honey, stirring constantly. It may take several minutes of mixing to emulsify the honey and oil. Once the mixture is visibly combined, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then stir it one more time to ensure it is fully emulsified. 
3. Fill a jar: Transfer the weed honey into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Label your jar, specifying that it contains cannabis, and include the date.

Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Do not refrigerate as this will cause the honey to crystalize and it may separate from the oil, “breaking” the emulsion.

Infuse Cannabis Into Honey 

This method of making canna honey calls for two ingredients:

• Cannabis, broken into small pieces with a grinder or your hands
• Honey

Since the honey will be heated, you don’t need to use raw honey, although you can if that’s what you have on hand.

You will also need cheesecloth, parchment paper or foil, a funnel, and a baking sheet. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Decarboxylate the cannabis: Preheat your oven to 250ºF. Evenly spread your ground herb on an oven-safe dish or baking pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes for higher THC, or up to 60 minutes for higher CBD. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. Keep an eye on the herb and rotate it again if it isn’t browning evenly. Optional: You can create an infusion pouch by placing your decarbed cannabis in cheesecloth and tie it closed with a string. 
2. Set up a double boiler and add ingredients: Prepare a double boiler or make one by placing a large, heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with an inch of simmering water. Add the ingredients to the bowl. If using the infusion pouch, position it so that it’s steeping in the honey but make sure you can still grab the string to remove it.
3. Simmer: Set the heat to low and allow the mixture to infuse over the simmering water for at least 40 minutes and up to 2 hours. Don’t let the water reach a full boil.
4. Cool and strain the honey: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. If you used an infusion pouch, remove it and set aside. Otherwise, place a funnel lined with cheesecloth over a jar, pour the mixture over the cheesecloth, and allow the honey to drip through. (Avoid squeezing the bag as this will force pieces through.)

Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature. You can also refrigerate your infused honey for a longer shelf life.

Tips for Best Results

Making cannabis-infused honey can be a rewarding process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you create high-quality cannabis honey:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Always use organic cannabis, and if you’re making canna oil, use high-quality oils. Opt for raw honey if you won’t be heating it, and use local honey if you can find it. 
• Temperature control: Follow temperature guidelines when decarbing and infusing cannabis into honey or oil. To preserve the beneficial compounds in your honey, use the emulsion method and avoid heating it above 104°F (40°C). When using a water bath, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and ensure the cannabis coconut oil has cooled sufficiently before mixing it with the honey.
• Dosage control: If you're new to making cannabis-infused honey, start with a small batch to experiment with dosage and potency. 

Storage and Shelf Life of Weed-Infused Honey

You may have heard the fun fact that honey can last forever. Under the right conditions, this is true, but adding cannabis and oil to the mix affects its shelf life. Since infused oils can degrade over time, their potency may weaken or shift, making it difficult to give a definite expiration date for this weed honey recipe. Proper storage in a cool, dark place can help extend the shelf life and maintain potency for longer.

You can keep your weed honey fresh for as long as possible with a few best practices:

• Make sure the container you store your honey in is sterilized and completely dry before use.
• Store honey in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air.
• Keep the infused honey in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Label your THC honey jar with the date it was made so you can keep track of how long you’ve had it.

Cannabis-Infused Honey Benefits

Combining cannabis with honey brings the best of two natural superheroes to the table, creating a tasty home remedy.

Both cannabis and raw honey are rich in antioxidants. They have properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation, improve mood, and promote better sleep. Honey is also a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, making it a go-to home remedy for colds.

How to Use Cannabis Honey

Anything you can do with honey, you can do with your honey cannabis infusion! Here are some ideas:

• Add a therapeutic spoonful to warm drinks or smoothies.
• Drizzle it over waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, or toast for a delicious medicated treat.
• A touch of cannabis honey sweetens and emulsifies salad dressings.
• Cannabis honey can be applied topically to promote faster healing and healthy skin.
• THC-infused honey is a delicious way to consume medicinal marijuana.
• Take a spoonful before bedtime to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
• Store safely out of reach of children and pets.

As with any infused food, start with a small dose to determine your tolerance and adjust as needed. 

These ideas are just the tip of the honey-dipper! Get creative with your canna honey and discover your favorite way to enjoy it. 

Common Canna Honey Questions

How much cannabis honey should I put in my tea?

As with any form of cannabis, take a low and slow approach when adding canna honey to your tea. Start with a small amount, such as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, and adjust based on your desired potency and experience level.

How long does it take for infused honey to kick in?

Everyone is different, but it typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours for infused honey to take effect, depending on individual metabolism and whether it is consumed on an empty stomach.

Does weed honey need to be refrigerated?

No, weed honey doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Store it in a cool, dark place. 

You can store honey infused with marijuana in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life. If the canna honey was made by mixing cannabis oil and honey (the emulsion method), refrigeration may cause separation. 

How do you use CBD-infused honey?

CBD-infused honey can be used like regular honey—add it to tea, drizzle it over food, or enjoy it by the spoonful.

Do you have to strain infused honey?

Yes, straining infused honey removes plant material, resulting in a smoother texture and better taste. Alternatively, you can skip the straining if you make a cannabis infusion pouch with cheesecloth or mix CBD or marijuana oil into honey.