Infused Watermelon-Lime Ice Pops

When the weather heats up, nothing beats a frosty popsicle on a sunny afternoon. These infused watermelon-lime ice pops take that nostalgic summer treat and give it a grown-up, dispensary-friendly twist. They are sweet, tart, ridiculously refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make at home with just a blender and a popsicle mold.

Key takeaways

• Infused watermelon-lime ice pops are a refreshing, no-bake summer edible made with fresh watermelon, lime, and a cannabis tincture.
• This recipe makes about 8 pops; dose responsibly by dividing your tincture’s total THC by the number of pops.
• Effects take 30 to 90 minutes, so start with one pop and go slow.
• Always label your pops, store them in the freezer away from kids and pets, and follow your local laws.

Ingredients

Makes about 8 ice pops

• 4 cups fresh seedless watermelon, cubed (about half a small watermelon)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (roughly 2 limes)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup, to taste
• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Cannabis tincture (your infused element) — see the dosing note below for amount
• Pinch of salt (optional, but it makes the watermelon pop)

Instructions

1. Blend the base. Add the watermelon, lime juice, honey, mint leaves, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Taste and adjust. Watermelon sweetness varies, so taste the mixture and add a little more honey or lime until it is balanced. Remember it will taste slightly less sweet once frozen.
3. Stir in the tincture. Add your measured cannabis tincture and stir well for a full 30 seconds so it is evenly distributed. Even mixing is the most important step for consistent dosing.
4. Strain (optional). For a smoother pop, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove pulp and mint bits.
5. Fill the molds. Pour evenly into 8 popsicle molds, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Tuck a small mint leaf or thin lime slice against the side of each mold for a pretty finish.
6. Add sticks and freeze. Insert the sticks and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until completely solid.
7. Unmold and enjoy. Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the pops. Serve immediately on a hot day.

Dosing and safety

Because every tincture is different, dose by the numbers rather than by eye. Add up the total milligrams of THC in the tincture you pour in, then divide by 8 (the number of pops). For example, if you use a tincture that totals 40 mg of THC, each pop lands around 5 mg of THC — a gentle starting dose for many people.

A few ground rules for enjoying these responsibly:

• Start low and go slow. Begin with one pop, or even half, especially if you are new to edibles.
• Be patient. Edibles take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in. Do not re-dose just because you do not feel it yet.
• Label everything. Store the pops in a sealed, clearly marked container in the freezer.
• Keep them away from kids and pets. These look just like regular popsicles, so keep them out of reach.
• Mind your local laws. Cannabis rules vary by location — know and follow yours.

This recipe is for general enjoyment by adults of legal age. It is not intended as medical advice or to treat any condition.

Frequently asked questions

How much THC should be in each ice pop?

It depends on your tincture. Add up the total milligrams of THC you pour in, then divide by the number of pops. For example, 40 mg across 8 pops is about 5 mg per pop. New to edibles? Start with one pop or even half.

How long do infused ice pops take to kick in?

Usually 30 to 90 minutes, since the cannabis is processed through digestion. Enjoy one pop, wait at least 90 minutes before having more, and never re-dose just because you do not feel it yet.

Can I use cannabis oil or honey instead of tincture?

Tincture blends most smoothly into a water-based pop. You can use an infused simple syrup or canna-honey, but oils and cannabutter tend to separate and freeze unevenly in a watery mixture.

How should I store them?

Keep them in the freezer in a clearly labeled, sealed container so no one mistakes them for regular popsicles, well away from kids and pets.

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How many ice pops does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 8 ice pops, using roughly 4 cups of fresh watermelon (about half a small watermelon).

How long do the pops need to freeze before they’re ready?

Freeze the filled molds for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until they are completely solid.