Every holiday table deserves a show-stopping gravy — and this year, cannabis takes the spotlight. Whether infused with THC for a festive lift or CBD for mellow relaxation, this rich, savory sauce can elevate mashed potatoes, turkey, or even roasted veggies into a next-level experience.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to flawless cannabis gravy lies in three fundamentals: proper activation, smart infusion, and silky texture. Decarboxylation, or “decarb,” transforms inactive cannabinoids into active compounds by baking the flower at a low temperature. Since cannabinoids love fat, infusing them into butter, ghee, or oil ensures excellent absorption and full-bodied flavor. Combined with a well-made roux, the result is a gravy that’s equal parts creamy, aromatic, and effective.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 4 tablespoons cannabutter, canna-ghee, or canna-oil
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 to 4 cups warm unsalted stock (turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami)
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
• Optional: a few tablespoons of pan drippings for extra depth

Step 1: Decarb the Flower

Preheat the oven to 240°F (115°C). Break up dried cannabis flower into small pieces and spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let cool completely before using.

Step 2: Infuse the Fat

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of butter, ghee, or oil with 7 to 10 grams of decarbed cannabis. Simmer gently on the lowest heat, around 200–250°F (93–121°C), for about two hours. Strain through cheesecloth to remove plant material, and refrigerate the infused fat until ready to use.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Melt 4 tablespoons of the infused fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to create a light golden roux. Gradually pour in the warm stock while whisking continuously until smooth. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the gravy thickens to a glossy finish. Season with salt, pepper, and the optional umami boosters.

Step 4: Manage Potency

To estimate potency, calculate:
(grams of flower × cannabinoid % × 1000) ÷ total tablespoons of fat.
For example, 7 grams at 20% THC infused into 8 tablespoons of fat equals about 175 mg per tablespoon. Using 4 tablespoons in the gravy would deliver 700 mg total—too high for most guests—so it’s smart to dilute with plain butter or serve smaller portions. Beginners should start with 2.5–5 mg THC per serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Label infused gravy clearly, serve responsibly, and make a non-infused version for guests who prefer it. Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days and reheat gently with a splash of stock to restore texture.

Chef’s Notes

Adding soy sauce or pan drippings enhances depth and color without overpowering the cannabis notes. For CBD gravy, simply substitute CBD-dominant flower or oil using the same process. High-fat foods like this gravy naturally help the body absorb cannabinoids more effectively.