ANJA Presents: Coffee, Cannabis, and Cannabis Coffee

Ashley Robins

January 16, 2023

Cannabis and Coffee - A Match Made in Heaven

Cannabis and coffee are two beloved plants that have been enjoyed for centuries, but did you know that they have something in common?

Both cannabis and coffee undergo significant changes when heated, activating the psychoactive compounds that make them so popular. Read on to learn more about caffeine, THC, and how to make infused cannabis coffee! It's wake and bake time.

An Overview of Caffeine and THC

Caffeine is considered a psychoactive substance because it affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain. It is a stimulant that can increase alertness, improve mood and concentration, and reduce fatigue.

Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel sleepy. When adenosine levels build up, you feel more tired, but when caffeine blocks its action, the levels of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine are increased, which leads to increased alertness, mood enhancement, and other effects.

THC is also considered to be psychoactive. It is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it is responsible for the majority of the plant's mind-altering effects.

THC works by mimicking the action of naturally occurring endocannabinoids (chemicals found in the body) and interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating mood, appetite, pain sensation, and other physiological processes.

It's worth noting that, like caffeine, the effects of THC can vary depending on the dosage, the individual's tolerance, and the setting where it's consumed. While moderate THC consumption may have therapeutic benefits, excessive use can lead to negative side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired memory and judgment. Too much caffeine can cause similar effects; moderation is important when using any psychoactive substance!

Decarboxylation

Just like coffee beans, raw cannabis flowers contain compounds that are not yet active. In coffee, it's caffeine, and in cannabis, it's tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Green unroasted coffee beans have caffeine, but it's not active until it's being roasted. The roasting process causes a decrease in caffeine content, which is why darker roasts often have less caffeine than lighter roasts.

Similarly, the THCA in raw cannabis is not psychoactive until it's being heated through the decarboxylation process.

Decarboxylation is the process of removing a carboxyl group from a molecule, specifically the carboxyl group (-COOH) from cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to form tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is the precursor of THC. This process can be achieved by heating the cannabis, either by smoking, vaporizing, or baking it.

When heat is applied to THCA, it loses a carbon atom in the form of CO2, resulting in the formation of THC. This process activates the psychoactive properties of THC and makes it available for the body to use.

Think of decarboxylation like baking a cake. If you have all the ingredients to make a cake but you don't bake it, it will not turn into a cake. Similarly, raw cannabis has all the ingredients to produce the psychoactive compound THC. Still, it needs to be "baked" through the process of decarboxylation for the THC to be activated and produce the effects we associate with cannabis.

You've read this much, Now for the good stuff.

DIY Infused Cannabis Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup of freshly brewed coffee beans

1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis (or as desired)

1 cup of water

Milk or cream (optional)

Sugar or sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread your cannabis on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cannabis is golden brown. This is the decarboxylation process, which activates the THC in cannabis.

Prepare your cannabis butter or oil by mixing your decarboxylated cannabis with melted butter or oil and heat it on a low heat for about 2-3 hours. This will infuse the butter or oil with THC. For more information, check out our blog on [how to make cannabis butter.]

Grind your coffee beans and brew them according to your preferred method. You can use a French press, a drip coffee maker, or a pour-over.

Once your coffee is brewed and your cannabis butter or oil is ready, add the cannabis butter or oil to your coffee and stir well. You can use as much or as little butter or oil as you prefer, depending on your desired THC dosage.