Cannabis coils provide an easy and discreet way to infuse edibles with THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids.

Concentrates allow you to precisely dose edibles and avoid some of the messiness of traditional cannabis cooking methods.

In this article, we will explore how to safely and effectively use cannabis concentrates like THC oils and distillates to make delicious and potent homemade edibles.

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Common concentrate types include THC oils, CBD oils, Rick Simpson oil (RSO), distillate, honey oil, kief, hash, rosin, and more. Concentrates are created through extraction processes like solvent extraction or pressing that remove cannabis compounds from the plant material. 

This results in an oily or waxy substance with high concentrations of THC, CBD, or other compounds. For example, a THC oil or distillate syringe may contain 80-90% THC compared to 15-35% in dried flowers.

The higher potency means you need only small amounts of concentrate to infuse edibles with an appreciable dosage. Concentrates also come pre-decarboxylated, so you don’t need to activate THC through heating before use.

When choosing a concentrate for edibles, consider the cannabinoid profile, your desired effects, and the concentrate’s properties.

Full-spectrum oils retain more diverse cannabinoids and terpenes for an entourage effect, while distillates isolate individual compounds like THC or CBD. Consistency also matters – thinner oils integrate into recipes more easily than waxier concentrates.

It’s recommended to start with a full- or broad-spectrum THC oil for its versatility across sweet and savory recipes.

Before using concentrates to infuse recipes, gently warm the concentrate container in a water bath to slightly loosen the thick oil or wax.

This makes it easier to measure and combine with other ingredients without messy clumping. Use small doses at first – you can always add more concentrate later but cannot remove excess THC once baked into edibles. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to avoid direct skin contact with concentrates.

Cannabis concentrates can be seamlessly incorporated into any recipe calling for oil, butter, or other fat. Simply substitute the same amount of concentrate for the oil or butter in the recipe.

For example, if a cookie recipe calls for 1⁄2 cup of butter or oil, use 1⁄2 cup of THC oil instead. The process could not be simpler. Consider the potency of the concentrate when deciding the dose – start with 5-10mg of THC per serving for beginners.

Always store and label finished edibles clearly.

Tips for different infusion methods: 

• Mix the concentrate thoroughly for baking goods into wet ingredients like nut butter or mix-ins before adding dry ingredients. This ensures even THC distribution.
• Stir concentrates directly into heated oils for savory dishes like pasta sauces. Remove from heat before simmering to prevent excess evaporation. 
• Swirl small drops of oil onto desserts after baking, like chocolate truffles or brownies, allowing some absorption before serving. 
• Infuse butter or creams by gently heating concentrate-butter mixtures in a water bath, then use as you would infuse butter in recipes.

To calculate dosage, consider not only the overall THC in the batch but how many individual portions it makes. For example, 1g of 80% THC distillate contains 800mg of THC.

In 12 cookies, each cookie portion would contain approximately 66.67mg of THC (800mg total THC divided by 12 portions). Mark servings clearly to avoid accidental overconsumption by naive users.

Always err on the side of lower doses when infusing to ensure a pleasant experience. Potency may vary between edible types – candies tend to hit harder than baked goods. Start low and go slow.

• Use concentrates within 1-2 months of opening for maximum freshness. Store upright in a cool, dark place. 
• Consider pairing strains with recipes – sativas for breakfast pastries, indicas for desserts. Terpene flavors also shine through. 
• Bake at slightly lower temperatures if possible to prevent THC from being over-activated and lost through vaporization. 
• Experiment with different fat types like coconut oil or ghee to alter effects. Fats aid THC absorption in the body. 
• It’s easy to make large batches and portions into individual servings for consistent dosing over time. Freeze or refrigerate extras. 
• Clean all surfaces and utensils thoroughly that come in contact with concentrates to avoid accidental dosing later. 
• Have CBD-infused snacks on hand if nausea occurs due to excess THC – CBD counteracts these side effects. Go slow!

Mastering homemade cannabis edibles with concentrates takes some slight adjustments compared to traditional methods but results in a cleaner, more precise infusion process. Start low and be mindful of potency as you experiment with infusing your favorite recipes. With some practice, you’ll be safely producing consistent and tasty medicated treats in no time.