The world of cannabis edibles is broader than what’s offered at your local dispensary, but even that small selection is a wonderland for those without regular access to legal cannabis. The universe of edibles only exists because of the talent and time spent developing new products over the past 30 years (during which cannabis was largely illegal). While some of those involved may have had a culinary background, weed brownies and other ur-edibles in the past have often been more of a means to an end (getting high) than a tasty treat in and of themselves.

Today, we have gummies for that. Weed candy was first created to provide a tasty, portable edible with a good shelf life—minus the unseemly reputation of the weed brownie.

But what if you’re bored with gummies, hate brownies, or have some other conflict or contraindication with the store’s offerings? You can try making your own cannabis edibles, a process that can be delicious, fun, and a great way to save money, but it’s also incredibly time-consuming. Making cannabis edibles is a fulfilling hobby if you’re really into weed in the first place, just like brewing your own cider or crushing grapes for wine. Whether or not it’s cost-effective depends on how you value your time, so you might as well enjoy it.

Still interested in growing your own weed? Let’s weigh your options (and the pros and cons of each) before you embark on a labor-intensive weed adventure.