How to Make Perfect Cannabis Brownies

Written by Brandon Topp

September 3rd, 2025

Quick Stats: 30 min prep (4 hours total) | 16 brownies | 5-65mg THC per serving

Cannabis brownies are the gateway edible for good reason—when made correctly, they taste amazing and deliver consistent effects.

Whether you're making them from scratch or looking for quality pre-made options, this guide covers everything: the classic recipe, precise dosing math, and solutions to common problems.

Check out Andy's THC Brownie Bites for a delicious, potent, pre-made option.

Explore our favorites

Go to Dark Rainbow

Top Shelf

Chill

Dark Rainbow

4.64(1.7k)

High

$17.00

Go to Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies

Classic High

Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies

4.48(6.9k)

High

From $39.00

Go to Sleepytime Delta-9 THC Gummies

Sleepy

Sleepytime Delta-9 THC Gummies

4.61(8.7k)

High

From $29.00

Go to 15mg Delta 9 THC Gummies

Classic High

15mg Delta 9 THC Gummies

4.59(13.3k)

High

From $19.00

Go to THCa Moonrocks

Classic High

THCa Moonrocks

4.45(729)

High

From $11.29/g

Go to Pluto

Top Shelf

Creative

Pluto

4.52(5k)

High

From $17.00

Go to Oreoz

Top Shelf

Soothing

Oreoz

4.56(1.2k)

High

From $17.00

Go to Sleepytime Advanced THC Gummies

Sleepy

Sleepytime Advanced THC Gummies

4.4(3k)

High

From $35.00

Shop All

Table of Contents

• The Classic Cannabis Brownie Recipe

• Understanding Cannabis Brownie Dosing

• Why Your Cannabis Brownies Might Taste Bad (And How to Fix It)

• Effects Timeline: What to Expect When

• Troubleshooting Common Cannabis Brownie Problems

• Storage & Shelf Life

• Frequently Asked Questions

• The Bottom Line on Cannabis Brownies

The Classic Cannabis Brownie Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup cannabutter (recipe below) or regular butter + 7g cannabis

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup Dutch cocoa powder (masks cannabis taste better)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Your Cannabis (45 min)

• Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C). This precise temp activates THC.

• Break cannabis into popcorn-sized pieces.

• Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake 40-50 minutes until light golden brown.

• Skip if using pre-made cannabutter.

Step 2: Make Cannabutter (2 hours)

• Combine activated cannabis with 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water.

• Simmer at 160-180°F for 2-3 hours (never boil).

• Strain through cheesecloth.

• Refrigerate until solid, drain water.

Step 3: Make the Brownies (45 min)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line an 8x8" pan with parchment.

• Melt cannabutter with 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

• Whisk sugars into the melted chocolate mixture.

• Beat in eggs one at a time, add vanilla.

• Sift dry ingredients, fold gently into wet.

• Add remaining chocolate chips.

• Bake 28-32 minutes (toothpick should show moist crumbs).

• Cool completely before cutting.

Quick Alternative: Box Mix Method

Using a mix cuts the time to 45 minutes:

• Replace oil/butter with an equal amount of cannabutter.

• Follow box instructions, but don't exceed 350°F.

• Duncan Hines and Ghirardelli work best.

For those who value their time or want guaranteed consistency, Mood's precisely-dosed brownie bites deliver 20mg-60mg THC + 10mg CBD per piece and ship within 24 hours—no kitchen chemistry required.

Understanding Cannabis Brownie Dosing

The math for homemade brownies is straightforward but critical:

The Dosing Formula:

(Cannabis grams × THC % × 1000) ÷ servings = mg per brownie

Real Examples:

• 7g of 15% THC ÷ 16 brownies = 65mg each (very strong)

• 3.5g of 15% THC ÷ 16 brownies = 33mg each (experienced users)

• 3.5g of 10% THC ÷ 32 pieces = 11mg each (moderate dose)

Dosage Guidelines by Experience:

The #1 Mistake: Eating more because "these aren't working." Effects take 30-120 minutes to begin. Your liver converts Delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is 2-3 times more potent than smoking.

Why Your Cannabis Brownies Might Taste Bad (And How to Fix It)

Problem: Strong weed taste overwhelms the chocolate Solutions:

• Use Dutch cocoa instead of regular (stronger chocolate flavor).

• Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder.

• Include 1/2 tsp peppermint extract.

• Strain cannabutter more thoroughly.

• Use less cannabis for a lighter taste.

Problem: Uneven potency (one piece floors you, next does nothing) Solutions:

• Mix the batter extra thoroughly.

• Use cannabutter vs. adding ground flower.

• Cut into uniform sizes with a ruler.

• Consider professional options for consistency.

This is why many prefer Mood's brownie bites—each one contains exactly 20mg-60mg THC and 120-60mg CBD, made with Belgian chocolate and sea salt. No math errors or surprise knockout squares.

Effects Timeline: What to Expect When

Understanding timing prevents overconsumption.

Factors affecting onset:

• Empty stomach = faster (30-45 min)

• After a meal = slower (60-120 min)

• Metabolism speed varies by person

• First-timers often feel more substantial effects

Troubleshooting Common Cannabis Brownie Problems

"My brownies didn't work."

Likely causes:

• Skipped decarboxylation (must heat to 240°F)

• Temperature too high (THC degrades above 350°F)

• Old/weak cannabis

• Individual tolerance

"Effects too strong"

What to do:

• Stay calm—effects are temporary

• Hydrate with water

• Find a comfortable, quiet space

• Sleep it off if possible

• CBD can help counteract if available

"Brownies are dry/crumbly."

Fix for next time:

• Don't overbake (28-32 min max)

• Cannabutter adds moisture—use the full amount

• Slightly underbake for a fudgier texture

• Add extra egg yolk for richness

Storage & Shelf Life

Room temperature (3-5 days):

• Airtight container

• Cool, dark place

Refrigerated (1-2 weeks):

• Wrap individually in parchment

• Sealed container

• Bring to room temp before serving

Frozen (up to 6 months):

• Wrap each piece separately

• Label with date and dose

• Thaw 30 minutes before eating

Critical: Always label "CONTAINS THC" with dosage info. Store securely away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use CBD instead of THC?

Yes! Same process, but CBD won't cause psychoactive effects. Great for relaxation and pain relief without the high.

Q: How long does cannabutter last?

Properly stored cannabutter keeps 2 weeks refrigerated or 6 months frozen.

Q: Will making brownies smell up my house?

Activating THCa creates some odor. Use exhaust fans, open windows. The baking smell is mostly chocolate.

Q: Can I use trim/shake instead of flower?

Yes, but use 2x the amount (14g instead of 7g) as it's less potent.

Q: What about using concentrates?

Distillate, resin, and other concentrates can be added directly to melted butter—no decarb needed. Start with 1g for the entire batch.

Q: Why do edibles hit harder than smoking?

Your liver converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. Same amount of THC equals more substantial effects when eaten.

Explore our categories

Shop All

Gummies

Flower

Edibles

Beverages

Vapes

Pre-Rolls

Concentrates

Bestsellers

Merch

Shop All

The Bottom Line on Cannabis Brownies

Making perfect cannabis brownies requires patience, precision, and practice. The 4-hour process from decarb to cooling means planning ahead. The math for dosing needs to be exact.

The technique affects both potency and taste.

Whether you invest the afternoon making your own or choose laboratory-tested options that ship to your door, the key is knowing your dose and respecting the delayed onset.

Start with less than you think you need—you can always eat more brownies tomorrow.

For those seeking convenience without compromise, Mood's brownie bites offer Belgian chocolate flavor with precise 20mg-60mg THC + 20mg-60mg CBD dosing, over 600 positive reviews, and a 100-day guarantee.

Sometimes the best brownie is the one you don't have to calculate, measure, or wait four hours to make.

Medical Disclaimer: Cannabis affects everyone differently. Start with low doses and wait 2+ hours before consuming more. Consult healthcare providers about interactions with medications. Keep all cannabis products secured from children and pets. Know your local laws.