Soft Caramel Infused with CBD Hash: A Step-by-Step Treat

Introduction

Soft caramel is a staple of indulgence: a melting texture, a sweet and slightly buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Today, we offer you an original and soothing twist by adding CBD Hash. In Switzerland, CBD Hash refers to hemp-based products that comply with the legally permitted THC content (i.e., less than 1%, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Narcotics Control Ordinance [OCStup, RS 812.121.1]). The legal aspect makes this ingredient available and usable in a number of culinary preparations.

This article provides a detailed and educational step-by-step guide so you can make delicious soft caramels infused with CBD Hash at home. We have gathered reliable regulatory and scientific information to illuminate the various aspects of this recipe. We will review the legality of CBD Hash, how to select it, its incorporation into the recipe, and useful checks to enjoy a caramel that is fully compliant with the rules.

Note: This article is for informational purposes. Each country and sometimes each canton may have varying regulations. Always ensure compliance with local regulations. If you have any doubts or particular health conditions, seek professional advice before consuming hemp-based products.

What is CBD Hash?

CBD Hash, commonly referred to as “CBD hashish,” is a product derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) with a THC content that must be below 1% in Switzerland. While traditional hashish comes from the resinous glands (trichomes) rich in THC, the “CBD” version is derived from authorized hemp varieties, featuring a high cannabidiol (CBD) content and almost no THC. Thanks to this low THC content, CBD Hash is legal in several countries, including Switzerland.

According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), cannabis with a THC content below 1% is not subject to the narcotics law. This clarification is crucial to ensure that the product you use in your caramel recipe is indeed compliant with Swiss standards. Thus, you can enjoy the flavor and potentially soothing properties of CBD legally.

Legality and Regulation in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the main legal reference concerning the classification of hemp-based products is the Narcotics Control Ordinance (OCStup, RS 812.121.1). According to Article 2, paragraph 1, hemp-derived products are no longer considered narcotics as long as their THC content is below 1%. This means concretely:

  • CBD Hash is a legal product if it contains less than 1% THC.
  • A THC content above 1% would make it subject to the narcotics law, which is illegal without specific authorization.

This legal tolerance allows for the emergence of various products, including derivatives (extracts, resins, dried flowers) specifically created for the wellness, lifestyle, and sometimes culinary markets. For several years, start-ups and specialized stores have emerged throughout Switzerland, offering a wide range of CBD-based products.

Why Infuse CBD Hash in Soft Caramel?

Potential Relaxing Effect of CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published in 2017, cannabidiol does not create dependency and has a relatively satisfactory safety profile. Although no medical claims can be made without extensive clinical studies (and validated by competent authorities), some preliminary research suggests that CBD may have a potential relaxing effect (source: Bergamaschi et al., 2011, Current Drug Safety).

A Gastronomic and Aromatic Touch

Beyond the relaxing aspect, CBD Hash adds a subtle roughness and vegetal notes to your culinary preparations. Adding it to soft caramel can create a pleasant contrast between the sweet softness and the slight hemp taste, enhancing the originality of the recipe. You will achieve a surprising result while staying true to traditional caramel, provided you master the dosages.

Choosing Quality CBD Hash

Check THC Content and Cannabinoid Profile

A crucial step before making any type of culinary preparation with CBD Hash is to check the cannabinoid levels of the product. Serious Swiss producers generally provide a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory, highlighting the levels of CBD, CBG, THC, and sometimes terpenes. Ensure that the total THC does not exceed 1% to comply with Swiss legislation.

Control Contaminants

For food use, the quality of CBD Hash is paramount. It is advisable to choose a product:

  • Grown organically or with environmentally friendly practices
  • Analyzed and certified free of pesticides and heavy metals
  • Mainly processed and tested in Switzerland, a guarantee of compliance with standards

Thus, when purchasing your CBD Hash, check if the seller or producer provides a laboratory report. This ensures that you do not consume undesirable substances or too much THC.

Preparing Infused Soft Caramels: Basic Concepts

Infusion Principles

CBD does not dissolve in water; it is liposoluble. To optimize CBD extraction, it is preferable to infuse it in a fat. In the case of soft caramel, butter is your ally. When you heat butter with your CBD Hash, the cannabinoids are released and bind to the lipids, allowing for even distribution in the caramel mass afterward.

Decarboxylation (Optional, Depending on the Hash)

To convert CBDA (the acidic form of CBD) into CBD, a certain amount of heat is required, a process called “decarboxylation.” Generally, the CBD Hash available on the market is already heated or pressed, partially activating the cannabinoids. However, if your product is particularly fresh or minimally processed, a quick oven pass (about 100 to 120 °C for 30 to 40 minutes) can improve CBD bioavailability. Be sure to respect these temperatures to avoid degrading the product.

Ingredient List for About 40 Soft Caramels

  • 200 g of white sugar
  • 100 g of unsalted butter (preferably quality farm butter)
  • 15 cl of heavy cream (35% fat)
  • 1.5 g to 2 g of CBD Hash (depending on CBD concentration and desired effect)
  • 1 pinch of salt (preferably fine salt)

Notes on Dosage:

  • In Switzerland, regulations do not impose a specific CBD limit as long as the THC level respects the legal threshold.
  • Ensure that your doses of CBD Hash correspond to a THC level < 1%.
  • Adjust the amount of CBD Hash based on your sensitivity and the CBD content declared on the label.

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare the CBD Hash

  1. Weigh the desired amount of CBD Hash using a precision scale.
  2. If necessary, finely crumble the CBD Hash to facilitate incorporation.
  3. (Optional) If you have CBD Hash that is not decarboxylated:
    • Preheat your oven to 110 °C.
    • Place the CBD Hash on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
    • Bake for about 30 minutes.
    • Let cool for a few minutes.

This decarboxylation step can help activate the CBD more fully. However, many CBD Hash manufacturers already use processes where the temperature releases the cannabinoids.

2. Infuse the CBD Hash in Butter

  1. Gently melt the butter in a saucepan over very low heat.
  2. Add the crumbled CBD Hash.
  3. Stir regularly for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring the temperature remains low to avoid burning the butter or altering the active substances.

After this time, your butter should be slightly colored and ready to be used in the caramel recipe.

3. Make the Caramel Base

  1. In another saucepan, place the sugar over medium heat.
  2. Let the sugar melt without stirring at first, until you obtain a golden caramel. Watch constantly: caramel can quickly darken and become bitter.
  3. When a slightly amber color is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Incorporate the Cream and Infused Butter

  1. Off the heat, pour the warmed heavy cream (you can slightly heat it in the microwave or in a small saucepan) into the caramel. Do it slowly, as the temperature difference can cause splattering.
  2. Then return the saucepan to low heat and stir with a spatula until the cream is perfectly incorporated.
  3. Next, add the butter infused with CBD Hash.

Continue to stir gently and regularly. The texture will become smooth and homogeneous.

5. Adjust Consistency and Salt

  1. If the mixture is too thick, add a slight drizzle of additional cream.
  2. If you want a firmer caramel, simply extend the cooking time slightly to evaporate more liquid.
  3. Finally, incorporate a pinch of fine salt to enhance the sweet taste.

You can then turn off the heat and let the preparation rest for a few minutes.

6. Mold and Cool

  1. Line a small rectangular mold or dish with parchment paper.
  2. Pour the soft caramel into the container.
  3. Let cool at room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) to slightly harden.

Once the caramel is firm, you can unmold it and cut it into squares. Store your caramels in a cool, airtight container to preserve their texture and taste.

Storage and Preservation

The preservation of food products containing CBD Hash must be careful to avoid CBD degradation and oxidation. Here are some precautions:

  • Store your caramels in an airtight container, away from light and moisture.
  • Place them in a cool place, or even in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.
  • Ideally, consume them within two weeks to fully enjoy the freshness of the caramel and the aromatic properties of CBD.

Potential Effects and Usage Precautions

Presumed Relaxing Effect

According to some scientific studies, CBD is associated with stress reduction and a better sense of relaxation (Bergamaschi et al., 2011, Current Drug Safety). However, research is still in its early stages and does not allow for recognized therapeutic effects for everyone.

Low Risk of Dependency

According to the 2017 WHO report, pure CBD does not demonstrate potential for dependency or abuse. However, when used in combination with other substances, caution is advised. In our case, the THC level being below 1%, we are in a legal range and not aiming for a notable psychoactive effect.

Precautions

  • Avoid offering these caramels to people who must strictly monitor their CBD consumption (pregnant women, people under specific medication, etc.).
  • Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you have assessed your individual sensitivity to CBD-containing products.
  • Keep this type of preparation out of reach of children. Even if the THC level is low, it is better to prevent any risk of ingestion by uninformed persons.

The Question of Taste: Where Does the Aroma Come From?

CBD Hash, depending on the type of hemp variety used, has characteristic aromatic notes:

  • Earthy aromas, reminiscent of resin or wood
  • Floral and herbal nuances
  • Sometimes spicy or lemony notes linked to the presence of terpenes

These terpenes contribute to the sensory richness of the plant. In cooking, when heated at moderate temperatures, they participate in the product’s gustatory complexity. The result is a subtle caramel, where the sweetness of sugar marries with a slight vegetal fragrance.

In recent years, CBD cooking has become a real trend in some creative restaurants in Switzerland and abroad. Chefs explore new gustatory harmonies, playing on the supposed relaxing effect of cannabidiol and the variety of aromatic notes. Among the trends, we find:

  • Hemp infusions in dairy products (cream, butter) for sauces or desserts.
  • Pastries, brownies, cookies, and cakes with CBD.
  • Craft beverages with hemp, such as beer or lemonade.

However, culinary innovation must always align with legislation and respect the maximum THC tolerance. In Switzerland, a compliance label or an analysis certificate available from producers often serves as a guarantee for restaurateurs.

The Importance of Fact-Checking and Source Quality

When addressing the topic of CBD and its possible effects, it is imperative to rely on peer-reviewed scientific studies, on Swiss legislative texts, or on official laboratory reports. Indeed, many unverified pieces of information circulate online. Here are some key points to ensure information reliability:

  1. Check the study source: favor recognized scientific journals or institutional reports (WHO, FOPH, HUG, etc.).
  2. Consult official legislation: in Switzerland, the OCStup and the Narcotics Law (RS 812.121) remain the essential legal references.
  3. Rely on professional expertise: certified laboratories, pharmacists, and doctors will complement the verification process.

For food consumption, you can also consult the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) website, which regularly updates its recommendations on new foods or additives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can CBD Hash caramels be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the caramels to extend their preservation. Place them in a suitable airtight container. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, especially if moisture settles on them. The effectiveness of CBD should not be too affected under normal freezing conditions, but it is advisable to consume them relatively quickly after defrosting.

2. Does CBD alter the taste of caramel?

CBD Hash adds a vegetal note, more or less pronounced depending on the hemp variety and its terpene profile. The sweetness of soft caramel remains dominant. It is important to find a dosage that does not mask the base flavor, especially if you are new to CBD cooking.

No general official recommendation exists for CBD consumption, especially in a sweet product like caramel. Aim for moderation, especially if you are starting. Begin with a small piece (about 5 to 10 g of caramel) to assess your feeling, then adjust.

4. Doesn’t heating destroy cannabinoids?

Yes and no. Cannabinoids, including CBD, begin to degrade significantly above 160 to 180 °C. In our recipe, the heating temperature is moderate, which limits degradation. Additionally, the gradual addition of ingredients helps distribute the heat evenly. Some terpenes may be lost, but there will remain enough active compounds to enjoy the potential relaxing effect.

5. Can butter be replaced with vegetable oil?

For this soft caramel recipe, butter is traditionally preferred for its characteristic flavor (milk notes, creamy texture). However, it is possible to attempt a version with a neutral-flavored oil (e.g., coconut oil). You will need to adapt to the more liquid consistency of the oil and ensure proper infusion of the CBD Hash. The result will have a slightly different texture and taste.

Conclusion

Soft caramel infused with CBD Hash offers a gourmet and original experience, combining the sweetness of a traditional confectionery with the subtle touch of legal hemp. In Switzerland, regulations allow the use of CBD Hash if the THC level is below 1%, in accordance with the OCStup (RS 812.121.1). By choosing a quality product, analyzed by an independent laboratory, you ensure safe and legal consumption.

This recipe, although relatively simple, requires particular attention to the caramel’s temperature and the CBD Hash dosage. To preserve the quality of your caramels, take care to store them under appropriate conditions. Finally, remember that CBD is not a miracle drug and its effects may vary depending on the individual. It is recommended to start with a small piece to assess your tolerance.

By relying on reliable sources — peer-reviewed scientific studies, Swiss legal texts, and laboratory analyses — you can safely concoct your caramels. So, let yourself be tempted by this culinary adventure: by following the precise steps in this article, you will be ready to enjoy a melting caramel, enhanced by a hint of CBD for a moment of gourmet and responsible relaxation. Enjoy and happy culinary experimentation!