How to Make Weed Beer: A Complete Guide to Bottle It Up

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How to Make Weed Beer: A Complete Guide Step By Step

If you love beer and cannabis, you might be wondering if you can combine the two in a delicious and potent brew. The answer is yes, you can make weed beer, but it’s not as simple as just throwing some buds into your fermenter. There are some important steps and considerations you need to take into account before you start brewing your own cannabis-infused beer.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to make weed beer, from selecting the best cannabis strains and hops to decarboxylating your weed and adding it to your beer.

1. The First Step for Crafting Your Cannabis-Infused Beer Is to Select the Best Hops, but What are Hops?

Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of a plant called Humulus lupulus, which belongs to the same family as cannabis. Hops are widely used in brewing beer, as they add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the drink. Hops also have antibacterial and preservative properties, which help prevent spoilage and infection in beer. Some hops are more bitter than others, some have more floral or fruity notes than others, and some have more resinous or spicy qualities than others.

One of the interesting things about hops is that they are closely related to cannabis. They both belong to the same plant family (Cannabaceae) and share some of the same chemical compounds (terpenes) that give them their distinctive aromas and flavors. Terpenes are also responsible for some of the effects of cannabis on the body and mind. For example, limonene is a terpene that has a citrusy smell and taste, and it can also have an uplifting and energizing effect. Myrcene is a terpene that has an earthy and musky smell and taste, and it can also have a relaxing and sedating effect.

Because of this similarity between hops and cannabis, you can use hops to enhance or modify the effects of your weed beer. You can choose hops that match the terpene profile of your cannabis strain for a more synergistic effect, or you can choose hops that contrast the terpene profile of your cannabis strain for a more complex effect. For example, if you are using a lemony sativa strain for your weed beer, you might want to use hops that also have limonene in them, such as Citra or Cascade. If you are using an earthy indica strain for your weed beer, you might want to use hops that have myrcene in them, such as Nugget or Columbus.

2. The Second Step is to Select the Best Cannabis Strains to use for Your Weed Beer

The Second thing you need to decide is what kind of cannabis strain you want to use for your infused beer. There are many factors that can influence your choice, such as the flavor, aroma, potency, and effects of the strain. You might want to choose a strain that complements the style of beer you are making or one that contrasts it for a more interesting experience.

For example, if you are making a light and refreshing lager, you might want to use a citrusy and uplifting sativa strain, such as Lemon Haze, Blood Orange Haze, or Super grapefruit Haze. If you are making a dark and rich stout, you might want to use an earthy and relaxing indica strain, such as Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple.

Another thing to consider is the THC and CBD content of the strain. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, while CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has many medical benefits.

Depending on your preference and tolerance, you might want to use a high-THC strain for a more intense and euphoric high, a high-CBD strain for a more mellow and therapeutic effect, or a balanced strain that has both THC and CBD for a more well-rounded experience.

Some examples of high-THC strains are Sour Diesel, OG Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies. Some examples of high-CBD strains are Charlotte’s Web, Harlequin, and ACDC. Some examples of balanced strains are Blue Dream, Pineapple Express, and Cannatonic.

3. The Third Step Is to Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

This means heating the plant material to activate the cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, that are present in the raw cannabis. Decarboxylation is essential for making potent edibles, oils, tinctures, and other cannabis products.

To decarboxylate your cannabis, you will need:

an oven
a baking sheet,
some parchment paper
a grinder

To decarboxylate cannabis, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break up your cannabis buds into small pieces with your hands or a grinder. You don’t want to grind them too finely, as this will reduce the airflow and increase the chance of burning.
3. Distribute the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Make sure there is some space between the pieces for even heating.
4. Bake the cannabis for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and dry. You may want to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.
5. Let the cannabis cool down completely before using it or storing it in an airtight container.

4. How to Make Weed Beer Step by Step

Weed beer is a refreshing and potent drink that combines the effects of alcohol and cannabis. It is not very difficult to make, but it requires some patience and caution. Here are the steps to follow if you want to brew your own cannabis beer at home.

What You Need:

A large pot
A cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
A funnel
A glass bottle with a cap or a cork
A hydrometer (optional)
4 liters of water
1 kilogram of malt extract (liquid or dry)
25 grams of hops
10 grams of cannabis buds or leaves
7 grams of brewer’s yeast

Preparation:

1. Heat the water in the pot until it comes to a boil. Add the malt extract and mix well to dissolve. This is your wort, the basis of your beer.
2. Add the hops and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The hops will add bitterness and aroma to your beer.
3. In the meantime, grind the cannabis buds or leaves with a grinder or a mortar and pestle. You can also use a blender or a food processor, but be careful not to overdo it. You want to break down the plant material, not turn it into powder.
4. Wrap the cannabis in the cheesecloth or the strainer and tie it with a string. This is your cannabis bag, which will infuse your beer with THC and other cannabinoids.
5. After an hour of simmering, turn off the heat and add the cannabis bag to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Do not boil the cannabis, as this will degrade its potency and flavor.
6. Remove the cannabis bag and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Discard the bag and the plant material.
7. Transfer the wort to the glass bottle using the funnel. Leave some space at the top for fermentation.
8. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the wort and shake the bottle gently to mix it. The yeast will convert the sugars in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
9. Seal the bottle with the cap or the cork. If you have a hydrometer, you can measure the specific gravity of your wort before and after the brewing process to estimate the alcohol content of your beer.
10. Store the bottle in a dark and cool place for about two weeks. During this time, fermentation will take place and bubbles will form in the bottle. Do not open the bottle until fermentation is complete, as this will release carbon dioxide and spoil your beer.
11. After two weeks, your cannabis beer is ready to drink. Enjoy responsibly and in moderation, as this drink is very potent and can have unpredictable effects depending on your tolerance and metabolism.

What is Dry Hopping?

Dry hopping is a technique that brewers use to enhance the hop aroma and flavor of their beers without adding bitterness. It involves adding hops to the beer after it has been fermented, usually in a secondary fermenter or a keg. Dry hopping can create complex and intense hop profiles that are desirable for styles such as pale ales and IPAs.

The history of dry hopping goes back to the British brewers who used to add hops to their casks before shipping them to their customers. This helped preserve the beer and also gave it a fresh hop character. Nowadays, dry hopping is done for purely sensory reasons, as hops have many volatile oils that contribute to the aroma and flavor of the beer.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dry Hopping?

The benefits of dry hopping are mainly related to the extraction of these volatile oils, which are otherwise lost during boiling or fermentation. By adding hops at a lower temperature, usually between 50°F and 70°F, the oils can dissolve into the beer and impart floral, citrusy, piney, spicy, or fruity notes, depending on the hop variety used.

Dry hopping can also add some mouthfeel and body to the beer, as well as reduce some unwanted flavors such as diacetyl or sulfur.

The drawbacks of dry hopping are few and minor, but they should be considered before applying this technique. One is the risk of contamination, as hops are not sanitized by boiling and may introduce bacteria or wild yeast into the beer. However, this is very unlikely, as hops have natural antibacterial properties and the beer is already alcoholic and acidic, which inhibit microbial growth.

Another drawback is the loss of beer volume, as hops absorb some liquid and also form a layer of sediment at the bottom of the fermenter or keg. This can be minimized by using pellet hops instead of whole hops, as they have less surface area and settle faster.

How the Dry Hopping Process Works:

The process of dry hopping is simple but requires some planning and experimentation. The first step is to choose the hop variety or blend that suits your beer style and personal preference. There are many hops available on the market, each with its own aroma and flavor profile. Some popular choices for dry hopping are Cascade, Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo, Mosaic, Centennial, and Galaxy. You can also mix different hops to create your own unique combination.

The next step is to decide how many hops to use and how long to leave them in contact with the beer. The amount of hops depends on how hoppy you want your beer to be, but a general rule of thumb is to use between 0.5 and 2 ounces of hops per gallon of beer. The contact time depends on how quickly you want to extract the oils from the hops, but a common range is between 3 and 14 days. Longer contact times may result in grassy or vegetal flavors from the hop material.

The final step is to add the hops to your beer and wait for them to do their magic. You can use a mesh bag or a hop sock to contain the hops and make them easier to remove later. You can also use a hop spider or a hop cannon to inject the hops into your keg under pressure. Whatever method you choose, make sure to sanitize your equipment and avoid introducing oxygen into your beer, as this can cause oxidation and spoilage.

Dry hopping is a fun and rewarding way to improve your beers and unleash your creativity as a brewer. By experimenting with different hop varieties, amounts, and times, you can discover new flavors and aromas that will delight your senses and impress your friends. Cheers!

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Consuming Cannabis Beer?

While some people may enjoy the effects of THC-infused beer, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects of drinking it. Some of the common side effects of weed beer are:

Drowsiness: Weed beer can make you feel sleepy and reduce your alertness. This can impair your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require concentration.
Dry mouth: Weed beer can cause your mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable. This can affect your oral health and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Anxiety: Weed beer can cause you to feel anxious, paranoid, or nervous. This can worsen if you have a history of mental health problems or if you drink it too much.
Increased heart rate: Weed beer can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous if you have a heart condition or if you drink it too much.
Nausea: Weed beer can cause you to feel nauseous or vomit. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Interaction with other drugs: Weed beer can interact with other drugs, such as prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other substances. This can cause unpredictable and potentially harmful effects.

Weed Beer, Time to Bottle It Up?

Weed beer is a creative and fun way to combine two popular hobbies: cannabis and craft beer. Whether you want to make your own weed beer or try some from a local brewery or dispensary, you will be able to enjoy a unique and satisfying experience. Weed beer is not for everyone and should be consumed with caution and moderation, but if you are curious and adventurous, you may find it worth a try. Cheers!

FAQs

What are the benefits of weed beer?

Weed beer is a non-alcoholic beverage that can provide some of the effects of cannabis, such as relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria. Weed beer may also have some health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How do I make weed beer at home?

To make weed beer at home, you will need some basic brewing equipment, such as a mash tun, a kettle, a fermenter, and a bottling bucket. You will also need some ingredients, such as water, yeast, hops, and marijuana. The process is similar to making regular beer, except that you replace the barley with marijuana in the mashing stage. You can find detailed instructions and recipes in our blog post.

Is weed beer legal?

Weed beer is not legal in most countries, as it contains THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, some places have legalized or decriminalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, which may allow you to brew and consume weed beer legally. You should always check your local laws before making or drinking weed beer.

Where can I buy weed beer?

Weed beer is not widely available commercially, as it faces legal and regulatory challenges. However, some breweries and dispensaries in places where cannabis is legal may offer weed beer for sale. You can also order weed beer online from some websites, but be careful of the quality and legality of the product.

How does weed beer taste?

Weed beer has a unique taste that depends on the strain of marijuana used and the amount of hops added. Some weed beers may have a herbal, earthy, or citrusy flavor, while others may have a more bitter or sour taste. It may also have a strong smell of cannabis, which some people may find pleasant or unpleasant.

How much weed beer should I drink?

The effects of weed beer may vary depending on your tolerance, body weight, and metabolism. Weed beer may take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping cannabis, as it has to pass through your digestive system first. It may also last longer than other methods of consumption. Therefore, you should start with a small amount and wait at least an hour before drinking more. You should also avoid mixing weed beer with alcohol or other drugs, as this may increase the risk of adverse effects.

What are the risks of weed beer?

Weed beer may have some side effects, such as dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite, drowsiness, anxiety, or paranoia. These effects may be mild or severe depending on your dosage and sensitivity. Weed beer may also impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, so you should not drive or operate machinery after drinking it. Weed beer may also interact with some medications or medical conditions, so you should consult your doctor before trying it if you have any health issues.

Are CBD beers safe to consume?

CBD beers are beverages that contain cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis plants. CBD is said to have relaxing and pain-relieving effects, but it does not cause intoxication like THC, another compound found in cannabis. CBD-infused beers are not for everyone, and they may interact with some medications or health conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before trying them and to consume them responsibly and moderately.