Cannabis Cake: Origins, Recipe, Effects & Safety Tips

Cannabis cake — we’ve all heard of it, usually through some story (true or not) about a friend who overdid the dose. Behind the folklore image, though, there’s a real product, with history, variations, and effects that shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether you’re curious, a foodie, or just a bit too adventurous, this article walks you through the world of cannabis edibles. We’ll talk tradition, dosage, effects, legality… and of course, good taste.

Where does cannabis cake come from?

A classic among THC edibles

Before it was a joke between friends, cannabis cake was one of the oldest cannabis edibles in history. You can trace it back to Indian cuisine (the famous bhang) and certain Middle Eastern rituals. But it really took off in the 1960s and 70s, with counterculture and hippies, when “space cake” became legendary.

From traditional recipes to pop culture

Today, cannabis cake is everywhere: movies, TV shows, memes… But behind the cliché, it’s gone through a true culinary evolution. From simple brownies with Marrakech butter to gourmet pastries with microdosed THC, recipes have become more refined. There’s even talk now of cannabis gastronomy, where flavor matters just as much as effects.

What types of cannabis cakes are there?

The Marrakech butter cake

This is the foundation of almost everything. Marrakech butter is butter infused with decarboxylated cannabis to extract THC. You can use it like regular butter in cakes, cookies, or even spreads. It gives a slightly green color and a very distinctive taste (love it or hate it).

Space cakes, brownies, cookies: what’s the difference?

Space cake is usually a sponge cake, often sold in slices in coffee shops.
Brownies are denser, often chocolatey, and hide the taste of cannabis better.
Cookies allow for lighter dosing — perfect for first-timers.

Each format has its fans, but they all share the same base: a fat infused with cannabis.

CBD version without the “high”

Not in the mood to get high? No problem. A CBD cake brings all the calming benefits of hemp without the psychoactive buzz. It’s legal in most European countries (as long as THC stays below the legal limit) and perfect for a chill, tasty break.

How to make a cannabis cake

The must-do step: decarboxylation

We can’t stress this enough: no decarb = no effects. This step means gently heating cannabis flowers to activate THC (or CBD). Bake them on a tray at 110°C for 30–40 minutes. Once that’s done, you can infuse them into butter or oil.

What dosage for a safe experience?

This is the classic trap. Always start small (between 0.1 g and 0.3 g of decarbed cannabis per serving), especially if you’re new. The effects take time to kick in but can be strong. So: go light, wait 90 minutes, and adjust next time.

Simple homemade cannabis cake recipe

Here’s a basic, fluffy recipe — simple but effective:

Ingredients:

150 g flour
100 g sugar
2 eggs
100 g Marrakech butter
½ packet baking powder
A touch of vanilla or chocolate, depending on your taste

Preparation:

Whisk the eggs with the sugar.
Add flour, baking powder, then the melted cannabis butter.
Pour into a cake tin and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.

And most importantly: wait before grabbing another slice!

How to store cannabis cake

Shelf life

A homemade cannabis cake will usually keep up to 5 days in the fridge if properly wrapped. After that, both flavor and texture go downhill.

Fridge, freezer, or vacuum-sealed?

Fridge: best for quick consumption.
Freezer: perfect for keeping several ready-to-go portions.
Vacuum-sealed: extends shelf life without losing potency.

Signs your cake is too old to eat

Rancid smell or visible mold
Texture that’s too dry or sticky
Loss of that distinct cannabis aroma

If in doubt, throw it out. Better that than spending the night in the bathroom…

What are the effects of cannabis cake?

Physical and mental effects

THC eaten rather than smoked hits harder and lasts longer. Depending on your dose, you might expect:

Deep physical relaxation
Euphoria or uncontrollable laughter
Altered sense of time

But for some, especially if they overdo it, it can also mean fatigue, anxiety, or nausea.

Onset and duration

It usually takes 30 to 90 minutes to kick in, and can last 4 to 8 hours — even longer for high doses. So don’t rush it. Don’t go “I’ll just have another bite, I don’t feel anything.” Unless you enjoy having deep conversations with your lamp.

Why the effects can surprise you (or last forever)

Once digested, THC is transformed by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, a stronger compound that crosses into the brain more easily. That’s why cannabis cake hits so much harder than a puff on a joint.

Tips before eating cannabis cake

Always eat a balanced meal beforehand. Don’t eat it on an empty stomach, or the effects may hit too suddenly. Fat helps your body absorb THC more smoothly, making the experience easier.

Always wait at least 90 minutes before another serving. Yes, it’s long. But better a mild, controlled effect than a surprise rocket trip from your couch.

Don’t drive, don’t work, and if it’s your first time, make sure you’re with someone you trust. The first experience is often unpredictable, so it’s better to keep it safe.

Where to buy legal cannabis cakes

If you’re passing through Amsterdam, that’s where it all began. Coffee shops often sell space cakes by the slice, usually with a moderate dose of THC. But even there, effects can surprise you, and quality varies from place to place.

But you don’t need a plane ticket across Europe to try a good cannabis cake. With us, you’ll find tasty products, precisely dosed, and fully compliant with European law. We recommend our mini chocolate cones, each with 10 mg THC + 10 mg CBD (plus the three other main cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, CBC) — perfect for a light, delicious experience.

👉 Check out our mini chocolate cones with THC & CBD