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How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter: A Simple Guide

Cannabis-infused butter, commonly known as cannabutter, is one of the most versatile and popular forms of cannabis edibles. It can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from baked goods like cookies and brownies to savory dishes like pasta or mashed potatoes. Making your own cannabutter at home is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the potency of your edibles. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making cannabis-infused butter.

What You’ll Need

To make cannabis-infused butter, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter (or 2 sticks)
• 1/4 ounce (7-8 grams) of cannabis flower (adjust based on your desired potency)
• Water (about 1 cup to help regulate temperature and prevent burning)

Equipment:

• Double boiler or slow cooker
• Grinder (for grinding the cannabis)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Glass container for storing the butter
• Thermometer (optional, but helpful for monitoring the temperature)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannabis-Infused Butter

1. Decarboxylate the Cannabis

Before infusing cannabis into butter, you need to decarboxylate it. This process activates the cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), making them effective when consumed.

• Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
• Break up the cannabis buds into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
• Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. The cannabis should turn a golden brown color.
• Let the cannabis cool down after removing it from the oven. It’s now ready for infusion.

2. Grind the Cannabis

Once the cannabis is decarboxylated and cooled, grind it finely using a grinder. The finer the grind, the more surface area there is for the butter to absorb the cannabinoids.

3. Prepare the Butter

In a double boiler or slow cooker, combine the butter and water. The water helps regulate the temperature, preventing the butter from burning. Use about 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter for every 7-8 grams of decarboxylated cannabis.

• Heat the butter on low to medium heat. Avoid overheating the butter, as temperatures above 200°F (93°C) can degrade the cannabinoids and reduce potency.
• Add the ground cannabis to the melted butter, stirring gently.

4. Infuse the Cannabis into the Butter

Let the cannabis and butter mixture simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. During this process, the cannabinoids will be extracted from the cannabis and infused into the butter. It’s important to keep the temperature between 160°F and 200°F (71°C to 93°C) to avoid burning the butter.

If you are using a slow cooker, set it on the low setting for a similar duration. It’s also helpful to occasionally check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it doesn’t exceed 200°F.

5. Strain the Cannabutter

After the infusion process, it’s time to strain out the plant material from the butter.

• Set up a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a bowl or jar to catch the plant material.
• Pour the butter mixture through the strainer, allowing it to separate from the cannabis. Be sure to press gently on the cannabis to extract as much butter as possible.
• Discard the leftover cannabis material, or save it for other uses like making cannabis oil or for composting.

6. Cool and Store the Cannabutter

Once the butter has been strained, let it cool to room temperature. Afterward, place the container in the refrigerator to solidify the butter. Depending on the temperature of your fridge, this could take several hours.

Once solidified, you can store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Use Cannabis-Infused Butter

Now that you have your homemade cannabutter, you can use it in various recipes. Simply substitute it for regular butter in your favorite baked goods or cooking recipes. Some ideas include:

• Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, and more.
• Savory Dishes: Use cannabutter in pasta sauces, soups, or on vegetables.
• Spread on Toast: Spread a little on toast or crackers for a quick snack.

Remember, it’s important to start with a small dose and go slow. The potency of your cannabutter will depend on the strain and amount of cannabis you used, so it’s a good idea to test the strength of your butter by consuming a small portion (like half a teaspoon) and waiting 1-2 hours to see how it affects you.

Tips for Success

1. Decarboxylation is Key: Don't skip the decarboxylation step. This is crucial for activating the THC and CBD in the cannabis to make them psychoactive or therapeutic.
2. Temperature Control: Always infuse the butter at a low temperature. High heat can degrade the cannabinoids and lessen the potency of your final product.
3. Start Low and Go Slow: Since edibles can have delayed effects, it’s best to start with a small amount and wait for at least an hour before consuming more.
4. Experiment with Potency: If you want a stronger cannabutter, use more cannabis in the infusion process. For a milder version, use less.
5. Storage: Cannabutter can go rancid, so it’s best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life.