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THC Jell-O Shots
Prep: 15 minutes | Setting: 2–4 hours | Yield: ~20 shots (2 oz cups)
Classic Jell-O shots with a cannabis twist. You can infuse these with cannabis tincture (easiest, mixes cleanly) or infused coconut oil (requires lecithin for even distribution). The alcohol is optional — these work just as well as booze-free THC shots.
⚠️ Dosing: Jell-O shots are easy to eat fast. Start with 5–10mg THC per shot and wait at least 90 minutes before having another. Edibles hit harder and last longer than smoking — onset is 30–90 minutes, peak at 2–3 hours, and effects can last 4–8 hours. Label clearly and keep away from children.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 box (3 oz) Jell-O gelatin dessert (any flavor — cherry, lime, and watermelon work great)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Cannabis Infusion (choose one)
Optional — Alcohol
- ½ cup vodka or rum (80 proof), replacing the cold water entirely
Equipment
- 20 plastic shot cups (2 oz) or silicone shot molds
- Sheet pan or tray that fits in your fridge
- Whisk
Instructions
- Dissolve the Jell-O. Pour the Jell-O powder into a bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk for 2 minutes until completely dissolved. No granules should remain.
- Add cold liquid. Stir in ½ cup cold water (or ½ cup vodka/rum if making boozy shots). If using alcohol, do NOT add it while the water is boiling — heat burns off the alcohol.
- Add cannabis.
- Tincture method: Stir in 2–4 tablespoons of cannabis tincture. It blends right in.
- Oil method: Whisk the melted coconut oil and lecithin into the warm (not boiling) Jell-O mixture. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to emulsify. The lecithin keeps the oil from separating — without it, you'll get oily pools on top.
- Pour into cups. Arrange shot cups on a tray. Pour the mixture evenly into 20 cups (~2 oz each). A measuring cup with a spout makes this cleaner.
- Refrigerate. Chill for at least 2 hours, ideally 4. They're set when firm to the touch and no longer sticky on top.
- Serve. Run a finger around the edge to loosen, or just eat straight from the cup. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Dosing Guide
Calculate your per-shot dose before making the batch:
Formula: Total mg THC in your infusion ÷ number of shots = mg per shot
Example — Tincture
If your tincture is 10mg/mL and you add 3 tablespoons (45mL):
- Total THC: 45mL × 10mg = 450mg
- Per shot (20 shots): 450 ÷ 20 = 22.5mg per shot (strong — consider using less tincture)
- For 10mg/shot: Use ~1.3 tablespoons (20mL) of the same tincture
Example — Infused Oil
If your oil is 50mg/tablespoon and you add 2 tablespoons:
- Total THC: 2 × 50mg = 100mg
- Per shot (20 shots): 100 ÷ 20 = 5mg per shot (mild — good starting point)
💡 Tip: First-timers should aim for 5mg per shot. Experienced users can go 10–15mg. Going above 20mg per shot is risky — these things go down easy and people always eat more than they planned.
Flavor Combos
- Margarita: Lime Jell-O + tequila + splash of lime juice
- Jungle Juice: Cherry Jell-O + vodka + splash of fruit punch
- Piña Colada: Pineapple Jell-O + coconut rum (use infused coconut oil for double coconut)
- Watermelon Sugar: Watermelon Jell-O + vodka + pinch of Tajín on top
- Booze-Free: Any flavor + cold water + tincture only (great for daytime)
Tips
- Tincture vs. oil: Tincture is easier — it mixes cleanly and distributes evenly without lecithin. Oil gives a slightly richer mouthfeel but requires extra whisking.
- Don't overheat tincture. Add it after the boiling water step. High heat degrades THC.
- Alcohol + cannabis = stronger effects. Alcohol increases THC absorption. If combining, reduce THC dose by 25–50%.
- Silicone molds: Easier to pop out than plastic cups. Star, bear, or cube molds all work.
- Extra firm: Add 1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin to the boiling water step. Makes them firm enough to handle without cups.
- Label everything. These look identical to regular Jell-O shots. Mark them clearly — "THC" on the cups with a Sharpie works.