How to Make THC Gummy Bears with Canna Oil

In January of 2017, edibles, as many people call them, changed my life forever.

I was losing my battle with a misdiagnosed autoimmune illness and from the years of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed to me.

Then, a bold and courageous mother figure in my life introduced me to cannabis-infused chocolates, and within 30 days, I replaced over 16 years of prescribed opioids that had been stealing my life away. 

That’s how my cannabis journey began, but I had one big problem! I couldn’t access edibles or gummy bears in my state’s medical cannabis program.

I also learned how expensive they were in other states! So I knew I had to learn how to infuse with cannabis.

I chose gummy bears as my first infused edible because I knew chocolate would melt too quickly, especially in the summer when I am away from home.

You will save a ton of money by making your own gummy bears; the bonus is an incredible feeling of accomplishment. 

I’ve tried several recipes over the years and finally stuck to this one as the master recipe. 

This is a great no-fail recipe for beginners. The corn syrup in this recipe will help your gummy bears have that nice and chewy texture we’ve all come to love.

Corn syrup is also used in candy making to prevent crystals from forming. I’ll continue to share variations of this recipe for you to adapt to your needs.

This cannabis gummy recipe makes approximately 120 bears or 96 square pieces.

Equipment needed for infused gummies:

• Square Silicone Candy Mold
• Gummy Bear Silicone Candy Mold
• Cannabis Leaf Silicone Mold
• Candy “dropper pipettes” or Silicone Squeeze Bottle
  (or whatever you find that works to fill the cavities)
• Cooking spray
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Saucepan
• Silicone rubber spatulas
• Whisk

Ingredients for RSO infused gummies:

• 2 Tbsp. Bulk Unflavored Knox Gelatin or 2 envelopes
• 1 Small box 3oz.- (4 servings) or ½ cup bulk Flavor of your choice Jello
• ½ Cup water
• 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
• 1 Dram LorAnn Oil of your choice to compliment Jello flavor
• 1- tsp Sunflower Lecithin or Soy Lecithin
• ¼ cup or desired amount of decarboxylated prepared cannabis oil (See Notes)

Instructions for RSO gummies:

1. Combine unflavored gelatin and water in a small to medium saucepan. Stir to mix with a spoon or silicone rubber scraper.
   
   Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
   
   
2. While the gelatin “blooms”, mix 1 tsp of lecithin into ¼ cup of cannabis-infused oil.
   
   Warm the mixture to help emulsify. I use a mug warmer to achieve this step. You’ll need to stir a lot!
   
   
3. Stir in the flavored jello and corn syrup. Turn the stove burner to low to medium-low, depending on your stove.
   
   Stir constantly to heat the mixture, and make sure your ingredients are well incorporated. Do not boil.
   
   
4. Once your mixture seems well incorporated, turn the stove burner off and add the entire 1 dram bottle of LorAnn Oil. Stir well.
   
   (Work quickly to keep the mixture hot enough to pour into molds. Keep the pan on the heating element that’s turned off will help)
   
   
5. Add your cannabis oil mixture and stir and stir until you are confident it’s incorporated as evenly as possible.
   
   Although many recipes warn against using a whisk and causing foamy bubbles, I find it necessary to get the cannabis oils to mix in.
   
   Mixing can take 5-10 minutes, depending on the amount of cannabis oil you add.
   
   I sometimes briefly warm up the pan on low if I feel my mixture is getting too cool.
   
   
6. Set your silicone molds on a tray or cookie sheet. If your molds are new, wash and dry completely beforehand.
   
   To condition the molds, spritz lightly with a neutral cooking spray such as coconut oil. Wipe out any excess oil with a lint-free towel.
   
   Do not overspray.  Use a dropper or silicone squeeze bottle to fill your molds quickly.
   
   Count how many pieces your batch made. You’ll need to know this number to estimate the strength of your edible.
   
   
7. When your molds are firm enough to be moved, place them into the refrigerator until set.
   
   I have also put them in the freezer with no problems. The trays may be necessary to keep them level and avoid spills.
   
   
8. When the candy is firmly set and ready, “pop the squares out.” I always work over a silicone mat.
   
   At this point, you can choose to take an additional step of air drying to improve texture.
   
   (See notes on how to air dry) I always skip this step and am still very pleased with the outcome.
   
   If you decide to skip the air dry process and the pieces seem to stick together, you can lightly spray oil.
   
   Hold coconut oil spray 10-12 inches above and give a quick spritz. Alternatively, you can spray your hands and lightly toss the pieces around.
   
   
9. Package andyour gummies in an airtight container or bag.
   
   To preserve the integrity of the cannabis and to prevent mold, store them in the refrigerator or freezer long-term.
   
   Label well with warnings and dosage if known. I use these medical cannabis labels.
   
   
10. Divide the strength or milligrams of cannabis by the number of pieces to determine the approximate strength of each.
    
    I can’t stress enough to package and label with warnings that your candy is medicated. Store safely away from children or unsuspecting adults.
    
    
11. Start Low and Go Slow! The medicated edible rule is to start with a very low dose of THC and slowly increase until you know the effect.
    
    Edibles can take up to 3 hours to peak in some individuals.
    
    Learn to know your body and your dose. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different.
    
    Some people prefer 2mg and others feel nothing after 200mg. Also, DIY gummies aren’t uniform in size or dosage, so keep that in mind.
    

NOTES:

Infused Canna Oil

The oil you used to infuse may affect the taste. Unrefined coconut oil will have a coconut taste.

Refined or MCT coconut oil will not and is considered a neutral flavor. Cannabis, of course, has a flavor of its own. The more you use, the more you will taste.

This recipe has a lot of additional flavoring and some sweeteners to help balance the cannabis flavor. 

Lecithin

Lecithin will help your cannabis oil stay mixed and evenly incorporated throughout your edibles. 

Lecithin is used widely in commercial baking, but you often don’t hear it used in home baking. Lecithin comes in granules or liquid forms.

According to WebMD, “Lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks.” 

Lecithin is an emulsifier, which is an ingredient that will help other ingredients not only mix well but remain mixed.

Since oil and water don’t like to stay mixed, we add soy or sunflower lecithin to our gummy bear recipe as a binder. You can use liquid or powder lecithin interchangeably. 

Use the amount and type you are comfortable with. 

Pro Tips

How to air dry gummies

Drying is said to improve texture and make them more like store-bought candy. Since drying removes moisture, this step will naturally extend the shelf life. 

To air dry, individually place each piece on a drying rack or a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Cover the gummies with a flour-sack towel or other breathable lint-free cloth and allow them to dry for 24 to 72 hours.

Turn pieces as needed.

• Try making this recipe without any cannabis first. Once you are confident, you can begin with the real deal.
  
  Use a neutral oil or sweetener as if you were adding cannabinoids to get a feel for how the process goes.
  
  
• You don’t have to stick to THC dominant “strains.”
  
  
• Properly label and package gummies to avoid accidental consumption.
  (mylar bags & stickers are a huge help)
  
  
• Refrigerate or freeze gummies to preserve potency and shelf life. They will mold if not kept cold.
  
  
• This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable, so take notes on what you tried, and don’t be afraid to be creative as you get more comfortable.
  

Well, what are you waiting for? Read through the recipe, gather your ingredients and choose a flavor! 

-Penelope

More Gummy Bear Recipes

– How To Make Gummy Bears With RSO/FECO

– How To Make The Best Sour Gummy Bears Infused With Cannabis

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