If you’re a cannabis enthusiast or just curious about how to infuse your culinary creations with the goodness of cannabis, learning how to make cannabis butter is a must! Also known as cannabutter, this rich and flavorful butter is the key ingredient in countless delicious edibles, from decadent brownies to savory sauces.
In this guide, we’re breaking down every step—from decarboxylating your cannabis to getting the perfect infusion.
Key Takeaways
- Activate the psychoactive properties of cannabis through decarboxylation for effective results.
- Use cannabis butter in a wide range of dishes, from baked goods like brownies and cookies to savory sauces and spreads.
- Control the strength of your cannabis butter to match your desired experience.
- Enjoy the rewarding process of making cannabis butter while enhancing your cooking skills.
- Prioritize safety by knowing your limits and local cannabis laws for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Why Make Cannabis Butter?
Cannabis butter is more than just a way to enjoy edibles—it’s a key ingredient for those looking for long-lasting, smoke-free effects. According to a 2022 survey from Statista, cannabis edibles account for over 15% of the legal cannabis market in North America, showing a major trend toward enjoying cannabis in deliciously discreet ways.
Cannabutter is also known for providing longer-lasting effects than inhaled cannabis, ideal for users seeking therapeutic relief. Dr. Amanda Reiman from the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine notes that “Edibles can be especially effective for people seeking sustained relief from chronic pain and stress.”
Key Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Making cannabis butter is easier than you might think. Gather these essentials before you get started:
- 7–10 grams of premium cannabis buds (adjust to the desired potency; for top-quality cannabis, explore Budora’s selection here)
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of water (optional, helps regulate temperature and prevents burning)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for filtering
- Baking sheet and parchment paper for decarboxylation
- Slow cooker or saucepan for infusing the butter
By using quality ingredients, you’ll ensure your cannabutter is as effective and flavorful as possible. Budora’s cannabis strains can be tailored to your preferences—whether you want a relaxing indica experience, an uplifting sativa effect, or a balanced hybrid.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butter from Cannabis
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make butter from cannabis.
Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis
The first and most crucial step is to decarboxylate, or “decarb,” your cannabis. This process activates the THC, CBD, and other beneficial compounds, allowing them to bind with the fat in butter. Without decarbing, your cannabutter won’t have any psychoactive or therapeutic effects.
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Set the temperature low to preserve cannabinoids.
- Break apart cannabis buds into small pieces (avoid grinding too fine).
- Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Step 2: Melt and Infuse the Butter
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it into the butter. Here’s how to do it:
- Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat in a slow cooker or saucepan.
- Add 1 cup of water (optional) to help regulate the temperature and prevent burning.
- Stir in the decarboxylated cannabis and keep the mixture at a low simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Low, slow cooking ensures that all the cannabinoids bind to the fat in the butter without degrading due to high temperatures.
Tip for Best Results: Using quality butter is as important as using quality cannabis. For premium cannabis strains, check out Budora’s range of indica, sativa, and hybrid options here.
Step 3: Strain and Store
After infusing, you’ll need to strain out the plant material to leave only smooth, THC-infused butter:
- Place a cheesecloth over a bowl or jar and slowly pour the butter mixture through it, allowing the liquid to collect while separating out the plant matter.
- Squeeze out any remaining butter from the cheesecloth to get every last bit.
- Refrigerate the strained butter for at least an hour to solidify.
Proper storage is essential to maintain potency. Once solidified, cannabutter can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for several months.
Dosage Guide: How to Safely Enjoy Your Cannabutter
Edibles can be tricky, especially if you’re new to cannabis butter. The effects of edibles are known to be stronger and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping, so a small dose can go a long way.
- Beginner Dose: 5–10 mg THC per serving
- Intermediate Dose: 10–20 mg THC per serving
- Experienced Dose: 20–50 mg THC per serving
Remember, it can take 60–90 minutes to feel the full effects of cannabis butter. For first-timers, we suggest starting with a low dose and waiting to gauge the effects before consuming more.
Cannabis to Butter Ratio
When crafting cannabutter, understanding the cannabis-to-butter ratio is essential for achieving the desired potency. This ratio not only influences the strength of your final product but also allows you to tailor the experience to your preference—whether you want a mild flavor or a robust kick.
Standard Ratio
A common starting point for potency is 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis to 1 pound (4 sticks) of butter. This creates a robust infusion that can be quite strong, depending on the strain used.
Milder Cannabutter
If you’re looking for something gentler, increase the amount of butter about cannabis. For example: 1 ounce of cannabis to 2 pounds of butter.
Stronger Cannabutter
Conversely, for those who prefer a more potent experience, you can decrease the butter amount: 1 ounce of cannabis to ½ pound (2 sticks) of butter. This higher concentration will enhance the potency, making it ideal for experienced users wanting more pronounced effects.
Creative Ways to Use Cannabis Butter
Cannabis butter is incredibly versatile. Here are a few tasty ideas to get you started:
Classic Brownies or Cookies
A timeless favorite, and the cannabutter brings an extra layer of enjoyment.
Buttered Toast or Spread
For a quick and easy edible, spread a small amount of cannabis butter on toast.
Infused Savory Dishes
Add it to pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables for a gourmet cannabis experience. Discover Budora’s top-quality cannabis strains and choose the perfect one for your cannabutter here.
Final Thoughts
Making cannabutter at home is easier than you think, and once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re into baked goodies or experimenting with savory dishes, this infused butter will take your culinary adventures to the next level. And remember, the quality of your final product depends on the cannabis you start with. For the best results, browse our selection of high-grade flowers at Budora—your go-to destination for premium cannabis, delivered fast and discreetly.
