Coffee, to many, is a staple in Western society, especially for nurses, university students, new parents, and anyone running on too little sleep. And, just like any popular food, chefs — in this case, baristas — are always looking for ways to improve it, or at least spice it up (because let’s face it, a plain cup of joe is already too good for this world.) That’s how we get delicious and creative flavors like crème Brule flavored coffee, chocolate raspberry coffee, seasonal specials like pumpkin spice coffee and mocha mint coffee, and alcoholic variations like Irish coffee or with rum or flavored liqueur.

If you aren’t drooling at the thought of all of these heavenly flavors, here’s one more to make your jaw drop: Cannabis-Infused Salted Caramel Coffee. Read that twice. Take it in.

Cannabutter

The marijuana ingredient in this coffee recipe is cannabis butter, which is often used in edibles like brownies and cookies. The name is exactly what is sounds like: a combination of cannabis and butter. 

Cannabis is comprised of two main compounds called cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Each of these compounds affects the body differently.

THC is the main psychoactive in marijuana and is what gives users a high. THC binds with the receptors in the brain that are responsible for pain, mood, and other feelings.

CBD doesn’t cause a high but it may result in feelings of better wellbeing.

Because of the legality of marijuana can vary, the number of studies looking into its effects has been blunted (though this is changing); despite the little evidence, many people believe CBD helps them manage conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. [1]

However, one 2017 study found that CBD was extremely effective for reducing seizures for sufferers of Dravet syndrome, which is a rare form of epilepsy. An oral CBD drug called Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA to treat the disease. [2]

Fortunately, the National Institutes of Health has over 160 trials involving CBD that are either recruiting participants or already active, so there will be much more information about this drug in the near future. [3]

Using Cannabutter

Cannabis products containing THC are still illegal in many places but hemp and CBD products have been legalized in the U.S. For those in places where cannabis is not legal or prefer a substance without psychoactive effects, they can substitute cannabutter with CBD butter in this coffee recipe. (See recipe below.)

Cannabis-Infused Salted Caramel Coffee

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey*
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cannabis butter
• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• drop of vanilla extract
• cup of coffee

*If you’re looking for a way to reduce your sugar intake, try this all-natural sugar-free simple syrup. You can use it the same way as the maple syrup or honey.  

Directions:

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the maple syrup/honey and water.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, and stir until combined.
3. Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and allow it to boil on its own for a few minutes, occasionally swirling the pan.
4. Add the cannabis butter and whisk the mixture vigorously until the butter has melted and is fully incorporated.
5. Take the pan off the heat, add the coconut cream, and whisk well. Add a drop of vanilla extract.
6. Add a tablespoon of the sweet caramel sauce to your cup of coffee with hot milk of your choice, and top off with some foamed milk and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, if desired. [4]

Recipe Credit: CANNADISH

How to Make Cannabutter

For those who have access to legal marijuana, here is a recipe for Cannabutter 

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce (14 grams) cannabis
• 2 cups (500 ml) of water
• 2 sticks of butter (about 8 ounces)

Instructions

1. Decarboxylate your weed by spreading it evenly on an oven tray covered with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 240°F or 115° C for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally; then let it cool. The cannabis should look a dark brown-green color.
3. Bring the water to boil on low heat in a saucepan then add the butter.
4. Once the butter has melted, mix the pan and add the cannabis.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 hours, covered. Mix the pan every 20–30 minutes to prevent it from burning. The mixture is ready when it’s thick and a glossy.
6. Place two layers of cheesecloth over a glass container, pour the mixture over the cheesecloth and allow it to drain.
7. Let the drained liquid cool at room temperature for about an hour then place the bowl into the fridge until the butter has separated and rose to the top.
8. Scrape the butter from the bowl and place it into a separate container. It should be used promptly or frozen for up to six months. [5]

Recipe Credit: HealthLine

How to Make CBD Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butter
• 1 cup of water
• 20 ML CBD oil of your choice

Instructions:

1. Chop the butter into small pieces.
2. Place the butter, water, and CBD oil into a small pot.
3. Heat the pot over low heat for two hours. (Low heat is essential so the CBD oil does not cook out.)
4. Let the mixture cool a bit before stirring it and pouring it into an airtight container.
5. Refrigerate and use like normal butter. [6]

Recipe Credit: Joy of Cooking

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