In the ever-evolving landscape of recreational cannabis, the combination of weed and beer has captured the attention of both marijuana enthusiasts and fermentation aficionados. Cannabis and beer stand out as two of the most popular remedies for relaxation; the former offers a gentle high, while the latter provides a subtle, sociable buzz.

While it’s true that there are risks when simultaneously consuming bongs and pints, responsibly combining weed and beer can enhance each other’s effects, creating a pleasant mood ideal for parties and social gatherings. So, get ready to dive into the world of cannabis-infused beer!

Can beer be infused with cannabis?

Humans have been harnessing the effects of cannabis and beer separately since ancient times. The marijuana-based drink “bhang”, a blend of weed, milk, and nuts, dates back to around 1000 B.C. in India. Similarly, the Chinese began consuming alcohol around 7000 B.C.

However, the combination of both substances, as far as we know, emerged in contemporary times. Before the legalization of cannabis in the United States, pioneering brewers began crafting beers with this herb in the early 2000s.

So, it’s established: although still relatively uncommon, cannabis-infused beers do exist. Consumers in countries like Canada can purchase these beers directly from stores. However, those living elsewhere will have to make the extra effort to brew their beer at home. Let’s get to work, starting with one of the most crucial questions: What beers pair well with buds?

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What beers are best crafted with cannabis?

If you step into any respectable brewery, you’ll find a multitude of beers, including major commercial lagers, alongside rare creations from local microbreweries. The vast selection of beers parallels the diversity of strains available to weed consumers. 

But what combinations offer the best experience? In reality, it all comes down to personal preferences. However, some starting combinations include:

1. Lager

Known for their crisp and clean profiles, lagers serve as an excellent base for THC and flavorful terpenes. Their smooth flavors leave plenty of room for specific strain flavors to shine. 

Also, their moderate alcohol content works well in incorporating the psychoactive effects of cannabis into the equation.

2. Stout

This beverage provides a richer experience. Dark, malty, and earthy tones complement certain cannabis strains. Stout brings coffee and chocolate notes and also has a higher alcohol content than lagers.

3. Pilsner

Pilsners are refreshing, light, and crisp. Although they are a type of pale beer, pilsners differ in having more hop and spice flavors, derived from a different yeast used during the fermentation process.

4. Indian Pale Ale (IPA)

Drinks in this category are hoppy, imparting a pleasant bitter taste. For more adventurous palates, they pair well with earthy or sweet cannabis strains.

What are the benefits of cannabis-infused beer?

Here are some of the main reasons why cannabis consumers occasionally opt for a marijuana-infused beverage:

Strong High

Cannabis beer offers something different than other cannabis preparations—the presence of alcohol. If you’ve ever combined marijuana and alcohol, you’ll know that things can quickly take a turn, turning a fun night of dancing and chatting into a disastrous occasion for vomiting in the toilet bowl. Why? Because the combination of THC and alcohol produces a much more intense high; research demonstrates that alcohol causes a higher peak concentration of THC in the bloodstream. 

While it can be a potential recipe for disaster, cannabis beer can also yield a superior high for experienced and sensible consumers. The key is moderation.

Two Birds with One Stone

If you’re someone who enjoys smoking a joint while having a beer, cannabis beer can help you combine two activities in one. 

This beverage will get you high and provide that spark simultaneously, saving you from juggling between serving beers and rolling joints. However, be aware that you’ll experience a much more intense effect, as orally consumed THC hits harder and lasts much longer.

Tension Relief

Marijuana’s THC releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone, while alcohol stimulates GABA receptors that regulate anxiety. Taking both substances together can make some consumers feel more relaxed. But remember, it’s all about finding the balance.

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Beer with THC vs. CBD

When we talk about cannabis, we’re not just referring to the most potent strains. Instead, the effects of the herb are based on hundreds of unique phytochemicals, including countless cannabinoids and terpenes. Among these compounds, THC and CBD are the most well-known for their influence on the mind and body.

THC is the foundation of the quintessential cannabis experience and induces feelings of euphoria, creativity, and laughter but also comes with side effects such as red eyes and dry mouth. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t produce any high. Instead, this molecule has gained a reputation for providing a sharpened and clear-headed effect.

When brewing cannabis beer, you can determine the product’s effects by choosing strains with different levels of THC and CBD. Those with a high THC content will produce a potent psychoactive effect, while those loaded with CBD will focus more on relaxation. Therefore, selecting strains rich in both compounds offers the best of both worlds.

How to Prepare Your Cannabis

Before brewing the beer, you’ll need to prepare your herbs properly. You see, raw marijuana contains very little THC. Instead, the molecule appears as the chemical precursor THCA, which doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. 

To convert THCA into THC, you’ll have to decarboxylate your cannabis. This may sound complicated, but it simply involves exposing your buds to some heat. Follow these simple steps to achieve it:

1. Grind the herb

Start by grinding the entire herb into a coarse powder. This will significantly increase the surface area of the plant material and the efficiency of the decarboxylation process. The next beer recipe requires 20g of cannabis, so you’ll need to grind quite a bit!

2. Preheat the oven

Turn on the oven to 110 °C and let it heat up while you proceed to the next step.

3. Prepare the tray

Line a tray with parchment paper and spread your ground herb over it as evenly as possible.

4. Inside

Place the tray in the oven and set the timer for 30-40 minutes.

5. Let it cool

After the kitchen timer goes off, take your tray full of herbs out of the oven and set it aside to cool.

How to Brew Cannabis Beer at Home?

With a good amount of ground and decarboxylated cannabis at your disposal, you can now start brewing your first batch of marijuana beer! 

Ingredients:

• 20g of ground and decarboxylated cannabis flowers

• 85g of hop pellets (we recommend Citra hops)

• 4 liters of light malt extract syrup

• 400g of brewing barley

• A packet of slow-fermentation yeast

Equipment:

• French press

• 30-liter pot

• 10-liter fermentation bucket

• Siphon tube

• 2 large muslin bags

• Large airtight sealable bag

• Rolling pin

• Strainer

• Large bowl

• Sanitizer

• Glass beer bottles

• Capper and caps

• Thermometer

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Step-by-Step Brewing Process

• Malt Grinding: Place the malt grains into a sealable bag. Use a rolling pin to gently crush them, breaking their outer shell without completely flattening them.

• Grain Boiling: Fill the 30-liter pot with 2 liters of water. Turn on the stove and use the thermometer to bring the water to 66-68 °C. Add the ground grains and boil for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Strain the Malt: Set a strainer over a large bowl and pour the mixture through it. Discard the grains and pour the strained liquid back into the 30-liter pot.

• Add the Syrup: Pour the light malt extract into the pot and stir until fully dissolved. Then, fill the pot to a total volume of 6 liters.

• Hops: It’s time to add the hops. Place them in a muslin bag and seal it. Insert the bag into the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the brew simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. 

Then, remove the pot from the heat, take out the hops, and let it cool completely.

• Sanitize and Transfer: Disinfect and rinse the siphon and fermenter following product instructions. Use the siphon to transfer the liquid from the pot to the fermentation bucket.

• Inoculate the Container: Add your packet of slow-fermentation yeast to the fermentation bucket; these microbes will convert sugars into alcohol over the next few days. Put on the lid and seal the top of the bucket tightly. Within 24 hours, the bucket’s content should develop a foam layer, indicating fermentation.

• Sterilize the Muslin Bag: When you see a foam layer forming, place the second muslin bag in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize it. Then, remove it from the pot and let it cool enough to handle safely.

• Add the Herb: Put the herb into the hot bag and seal it. Place the bag in the fermentation bucket and close the lid.

• Let Fermentation Take Its Course: The yeast will work hard over the next ten days to ferment your mixture and turn it into beer. Both the fat and alcohol in the solution will extract THC and other compounds from the herb, incorporating them into the beer. Gently shake the bucket once a day to stir the ground cannabis.

• Bottling: After ten days, the most exciting part of the process arrives—bottling! Remove the herb bag from the bucket. Grab your bottle and open the container’s tap to fill it. Use a capper to seal the bottles and store them in the refrigerator.

Do you dare?