How to Make Cannabutter at Home

Cannabis butter, or "cannabutter," is a key ingredient in many cannabis-infused recipes, allowing you to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of marijuana into your favorite dishes. Whether you’re making edibles like cookies, brownies, or savory meals, cannabis butter offers a versatile way to enjoy marijuana in a controlled, discreet, and delicious way. Making your own cannabutter at home is surprisingly easy, but it requires patience and careful attention to the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own cannabis butter.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as it gives you more control over the flavor and salt content in your final product.

• 1/4 to 1/2 ounce (7-14 grams) of cannabis: The amount of cannabis depends on your desired potency. For a moderate dose, 1/4 ounce should suffice.

• Water: Water is necessary to prevent the butter from burning during the infusion process and to help separate the plant material later.

• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer: This will help you strain out the cannabis material from the butter after the infusion process is complete.

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Step 1: Decarboxylation – Activating the Cannabis

Before making cannabutter, it’s essential to activate the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the cannabis through a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis contains THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is non-psychoactive. Decarboxylation converts THCA into the active compound THC, which provides the psychoactive effects when consumed.

To decarboxylate your cannabis:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).

2. Break your cannabis buds into smaller pieces (you don’t need to grind it finely at this stage).

3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The cannabis should turn a light golden brown.

Once decarboxylated, let the cannabis cool before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Infusing the Butter

Now that your cannabis is activated, it’s time to infuse it with butter.

1. Melt the butter: In a saucepan or slow cooker, melt the unsalted butter on low heat. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to the butter (this will help prevent burning during the infusion process).

2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis: Once the butter is melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan or slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

3. Simmer the mixture: Maintain low heat throughout the infusion process. Allow the butter and cannabis to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The temperature should not exceed 200°F (93°C) to avoid burning the cannabinoids. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to the "low" setting.

4. Monitor the infusion: During the simmering process, make sure the mixture doesn’t come to a boil. Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it stays at a low, steady simmer. Adding more water throughout the process can help maintain the consistency and prevent the butter from burning.

Step 3: Straining the Cannabutter

After the butter has infused with cannabis, it’s time to strain out the plant material.

1. Prepare the strainer: Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a heatproof container, such as a glass jar or bowl.

2. Strain the mixture: Carefully pour the cannabis and butter mixture through the strainer to remove the solid plant material. If you're using cheesecloth, squeeze it to extract as much of the infused butter as possible.

3. Let the butter cool: Allow the cannabutter to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it. As it cools, the butter will solidify, and the excess water will separate. You can simply pour off the water once the butter has fully hardened.

Step 4: Storing the Cannabutter

Once your cannabutter has cooled and solidified, it’s ready to use. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze it for longer-term storage.

Dosage Tips: Keep in mind that the potency of your cannabutter depends on the strain and amount of cannabis used. Start with a small amount (around 1 teaspoon) in your recipes to gauge the potency before consuming more. It’s always better to start low and go slow with cannabis edibles to avoid overconsumption.

Conclusion

Making your own cannabis butter is an easy and rewarding way to infuse your favorite dishes with the power of marijuana. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create a versatile ingredient that will open the door to a wide variety of cannabis-infused recipes. Whether you use it in baked goods, savory dishes, or beverages, homemade cannabutter provides a fun and customizable way to experience cannabis. Just remember to always dose responsibly and enjoy the relaxing effects that cannabis can bring!