Hemp beer: the Maria CBD Oil recipe

Difficulty: Medium

Preparation: 1-2 hours

Cooking: 2 hours

Serves: 10-20 peopleCost: Medium

Introduction

Beer has long been a favorite drink among Italians and people around the world, often chosen to accompany convivial and social occasions. Over the years, people have indulged in creating alternative and fun beer styles, such as fruit beer, spiced beer, coffee beer, honey beer and… hemp beer!

Yes, with the rise of CBD-cannabis over the past few years, a surprising and very-easy-to-make pairing has come to life!

It is actually possible to replace the hop flower with the cannabis flower, since the latter belongs to the Cannabaceae family, the same family cannabis itself comes from. You had no idea, right?

Well, today we will show you in a few simple steps how you can make your own hemp beer at home, combining tradition and innovation to obtain a drink with a unique and original taste.

Hemp beer

Hemp beer is a fun, innovative drink that combines the tradition of beer with the unique properties of cannabis.

Brewed with cannabis inflorescences, preferably in their light version, this beer offers a distinctive flavour that can range from herbal notes to citrusy undertones, according to the chosen strains.

The use of cannabis in beer is not limited to flavour alone, but also extends to the relaxing and slightly euphoric effects that some strains can provide. Perfect for those who are looking for something new and curious, hemp beer represents a fusion of brewing artistry and the world of cannabis, offering a unique experience to be shared in good company.

Hemp beer: what are its benefits?

But isn’t it common knowledge that combining alcohol and cannabis is risky and generally discouraged?

Actually yes, but only if done irresponsibly, without carefully following the correct steps and respecting precise doses in preparation.

Also, we highly recommend using only CBD-cannabis inflorescences, as they contain a minimal amount of THC and, for this very reason, they don’t cause psychoactive effects typical of traditional cannabis.

The substance to keep in mind is CBD, which has countless beneficial properties for the body and mind.

That being said, let’s review all the benefits that hemp beer can offer you:

• Natural relaxation: CBD contributes to reducing stress and promoting a feeling of general well-being.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Due to cannabinoids, it can help counteract small inflammatory states.
• Antioxidant effect: The combination of hops and hemp promotes antioxidant properties, which help fight free radicals.
• Improved mood: Moderate consumption can promote relaxation and help counteract anxiety and daily tension.
• Unique and aromatic flavour: Hemp gives the beer a delicate, herbal aroma, perfect for those seeking new and unique flavours.

Alcohol and cannabis: the combined effect

The combined effect of alcohol and cannabis may be interesting, but needs to be handled carefully.

Alcohol has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, providing a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, while CBD-cannabis, due to its CBD content, may have relaxing, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, without the psychoactive effects of THC.

When consumed together, alcohol may amplify the relaxing effects of CBD, leading to a greater sense of well-being and calm. However, it is important to remember that the interaction between alcohol and cannabis can vary on an individual basis, and excessive consumption of either can lead to feelings of drowsiness or dizziness.

For a safe experience, it is recommended to properly dose both alcohol and CBD-cannabis, always listening to your body and consuming responsibly.

What are the ideal beers to infuse with cannabis?

When it comes to cannabis beer, choosing the right beer is crucial to best enhance the aromas and properties of cannabis. The ideal beer should harmonize with the aromas of cannabis, creating a balanced and pleasant combination. Each type of beer has unique characteristics that can influence the final experience. Here are some of the best beer varieties to infuse with cannabis:

• Lager: fresh and clean flavor, ideal for enhancing the aromatic notes of cannabis without overpowering them.
• Pilsner: light and crisp beer that balances the earthy profile of cannabis with its acidity.
• Stout: robust body with chocolate and coffee flavors, perfect for an intense and enveloping infusion.
• IPA (India Pale Ale): bitter and citrusy taste that highlights the fresh and fruity notes of cannabis.
• Blonde Ale: light, malty blend that pairs well with cannabis infusion.
• Wheat Beer: smooth texture and fruity hints that perfectly complement the profile of cannabis.

Choosing the right beer for cannabis infusion depends on personal taste and the type of experience one wishes to have. Each variety, from light beers like Lager to the robustness of a Stout, offers a unique opportunity to explore new pairings and to highlight the properties of cannabis in a creative and rewarding way.

The best cannabis flowers for hemp beer

When it comes to cannabis varieties and strains, the field is truly vast. In fact, there are hundreds of them, each offering the palate a distinct and unique taste experience.

The choice is dictated by personal taste and preference, based on the desired effect and flavor.

Here are the ones we suggest:

• Amnesia Haze: A stimulating and creative high, with a fresh, citrusy note reminiscent of orange and lemon, and a light earthy aftertaste.
• Pineapple: Euphoric and stimulating, with a sweet, tropical pineapple flavor, perfect for a refreshing, light beer.
• White Widow: A balanced, relaxing yet cerebral high. The flavor is earthy and floral with a hint of pine, creating a rich and intense aromatic profile.
• Lemon Haze: Stimulating and energizing, with a bold lemon flavor and a hint of grass that makes it refreshing and lively.
• Honey Cheese: Relaxing and soothing, with a flavor blending notes of cheese and honey, for a smooth and slightly spicy beer.
• Purple Haze: Euphoric and happy, with a fruity flavor of grapes and berries, accompanied by a hint of earth for a sweet and complex aromatic profile.
• For other types of flowers, consult our Maria CBD Oil catalog.

Hemp beer: the recipe

But let’s get to the point: how do you make hemp beer?

To make a craft hemp beer, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients

• 20 g ground and decarboxylated cannabis buds
• 8 g pelleted hops (we recommend Citra hops for a fresh, citrusy aroma)
• 4 liters clear hopped liquid malt extract
• 400 g malted grain
• 1 package slow-fermenting yeast (ideal for craft beers)

Tools

• 30-liter stockpot
• Glass beer bottles
• Siphon tube
• French press coffee maker
• 10-liter fermentation bucket
• Large resealable bag
• Strainer
• Rolling pin
• Large bowl
• Sterilizing liquid
• Corker and caps
• Thermometer

Preparation

Now that you have all the ingredients on the table, carefully follow these steps to make the perfect hemp beer, combining unique flavors and a relaxing effect, without compromising the quality of the final product.

• Chop the weed: Start by taking the cannabis and grinding it finely. Make sure the pieces aren’t too large so that the heat can extract all the desired compounds from the plant.

• Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to about 105-110°C. This step is important because it activates cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, through a process called decarboxylation, without burning them.
• Prepare the baking sheet: Arrange the ground cannabis in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will ensure the herb is evenly coated during baking.

• Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cannabis for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, check occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn. The cannabis should be golden brown and slightly crispy, but not charred.
• Let it cool: Once the cannabis has been decarboxylated, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before using. At this point, your cannabis is ready to be infused into beer.
• Crush the grains: Use a rolling pin or other tool to break up the malt grains so they can more easily release their sugars during cooking.

• Boil the malt: In a large pot, bring about 30 liters of water to a boil and add the malt. Let it boil for at least an hour to extract the sugars needed for fermentation.

• Strain the malt: Once the malt has been boiled, use a strainer or filter to separate the liquid from the malt solids. Keep the strained liquid, which will be the base for your beer.
• Add syrup: At this point, add a malt syrup to intensify the flavor of the beer and increase its sweetness.
• Add hops: Add hops to balance the sweetness of the malt and give the beer a distinctive flavor. You can choose any hops you like, but Citra is a very common choice.

• Sanitization and Transfer: Make sure all materials that will come into contact with the liquid are sterilized. Transfer the filtered liquid to the fermentation bucket.
• Inoculate the vessel: Add the fermentation yeast to the liquid to begin the fermentation process. Make sure the temperature is suitable for the yeast you are using.
• Sterilize the muslin bag: Sterilize the cotton muslin bag you will use to contain the cannabis. This step is essential to avoid contamination.
• Insert the weed: Place the decarboxylated cannabis in the muslin bag and immerse it in the fermentation liquid. You can also use the bag to prevent the cannabis from spreading.

• Let it ferment: Cover the fermentation bucket and let it rest for about 7-14 days. During this time, the yeast will convert the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Bottle: Once fermentation is complete, transfer the beer to glass bottles, adding caps and letting it ferment further for about two weeks.

THC and CBD beer: differences

When it comes to hemp beer, it’s important to understand the difference between THC and CBD, two of the main compounds found in cannabis. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the molecule responsible for psychoactive effects, which can be more intense and alter perception. In contrast, CBD (cannabidiol) has no psychoactive effects and offers relaxing, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The choice of cannabis strains for beer depends on the desired effects: THC will produce a more potent and stimulating beverage, while CBD will ensure a lighter, more relaxing experience.

However, for safety and legal compliance reasons, it’s recommended to use CBD-cannabis, which contains less than 0.6% THC but retains a good amount of CBD. This way, you can enjoy an aromatic and relaxing beer without any unwanted effects.

You can find all the varieties you desire on our Maria CBD Oil online store, which offers only high-quality, certified products that comply with all Italian and European laws.

Conclusions

Hemp beer, therefore, represents an interesting fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience for both the palate and overall well-being. Whether you choose CBD-rich strains for a relaxing effect or experiment with more intense notes, it’s essential to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients and the preparation process.

Now that you’ve stocked up and have 10 liters of hemp beer in the fridge, you can enjoy a different experience with friends and family, always with awareness and responsibility.

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