As with all suppliers to dispensaries, recreational or medicinal, the two most essential steps are assuring compliance with licensing and with the health department – you are, after all, producing food products.

Two of the biggest concerns that have been raised so far regarding the production and distribution of edibles is related to quality assurance that the THC content is properly procured and labeled. The second factor is that the edibles, once out of their package, cannot easily be distinguished from other candies and baked goods.

The Science of Making Candy, Baked Goods and Savory Edibles

Making these wares to perfection is in itself a science, and no doubt the dimension of delivering medicine is an added layer of scientific execution. It is possible to know exactly how much THC is extracted into the oil used for cooking or baking, and this is a factor of the plant’s potency and variety.

Dosage

Eating Marijuana that is prepared to a moderate intensity can last hours longer than a session of smoking, because of the scientific process involved with digestion. It can also have different effects of intensity felt “in the body” as opposed to “in the mind.” All people have different experiences, but there are prevailing differences in the administration of the chemical component of the plant and how it interacts with the body. Eating Marijuana that is prepared to a moderate intensity can last hours longer than a session of smoking, because of the scientific process involved with digestion. It can also have different effects of intensity felt “in the body” as opposed to “in the mind.” All people have different experiences, but there are prevailing differences in the administration of the chemical component of the plant and how it interacts with the body.

Most recently Edibles have come under great scrutiny from Colorado governing bodies due to their inability to be distinguished from regular baked goods and candies when they are without their packaging. Of course, this is a testament to the quality of products that can be produced with modern extraction methods, but obviously a need for refinement in distribution of these products. A new law, beginning Thursday May 1, required makers of edibles to submit samples to newly licensed independent labs for testing, and if an individually packaged product exceeds the 100 milligram legal limit for THC it must be withheld from recreational store shelves. The legislation is touted to be in response to the heightened number of reports of individuals having a bad reaction to edibles from the inability for people to properly dose themselves. Future mandates are anticipated to test product so as to ensure that the distribution of THC is even throughout the product. Also, testing for contaminants will also begin in a few moths. Colorado has yet to set up a reference lab to ensure that the certified labs are accurate in their testing.

Packaging

There are special considerations for distributing medicine through food; for the patient and for the production of the goods. It is important that packaging is clearly states that the contents are non-traditional baked goods. While it is exciting the number of different types of edibles that can be made with Marijuana butter, unless you’ve established a solid market base for people purchasing perishable goods, you are likely best off selling goods that can be packaged and have a shelf life of more than a week. Nonetheless, you will likely find yourself in a situation at some point where you have stale muffins or breads that need to be disposed of. Take caution when disposing of them, because animals will always find a way into trash if not placed into a secure container. Further, small dogs could be overwhelmed and suffer strokes from eating high intensity baked goods, and children or non-licensed people could acquire the products from non-secured trash locations. Both of which are libelous situations.

The Magic Butter Machine

We have purchased our own and experimented to confirm that this machine is a good investment if you are serious about being scientific with your creations.

The most basic and clean way to extract THC into butter or oil is to wrap your diced Marijuana into a cheesecloth and simmer it directly in the butter or oil for 8-12 hours (depending on the quantity you are preparing). Use a double boiler system, so that the heat is dispersed through the boiling water in the larger pot, and the butter or oil is not directly above your heat source. You will want to use a candy thermometer to ensure your oil maintains an optimum temperature for extracting, and certainly to prevent it from burning. This process requires you watch the stove for the entire time, and is fraught with potential for errors.

Alternately, the Magic Butter Machine works as a self contained unit. With preloaded trays you can feel confident about your quantity combinations, and about the resulting potency that you will use to create your wares. The unit works safely on its own without any open flames, so you can load it up and make better use of your time  than watching and stirring like in the stove top method. On top over everything else, it is more efficient – 8-12 hours on the stove is more like 4-6 hours in the machine.