If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making cannabis-infused edibles, learning how to make marijuana butter (commonly called cannabutter) is the perfect place to start. Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from brownies and cookies to savory dishes, delivering that signature cannabis kick. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making your own cannabutter at home.
What You’ll Need
– 1 cup unsalted butter (using unsalted butter helps control flavor)
– 1 cup water (helps regulate temperature and prevents burning)
– 1 ounce cannabis flower (buds or high-quality trim)
– Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer (for straining)
– Saucepan or slow cooker
– Baking sheet and parchment paper
– Grinder or your hands (to break up cannabis)
– A jar or container (to store your finished butter)
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Raw cannabis isn’t psychoactive until it’s heated through a process called decarboxylation. This activates THC, the compound that gives you the high.
– Preheat your oven to about 240°F (115°C).
– Break the cannabis into small pieces—not too fine, or it will pass through the strainer.
– Spread the cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
– Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring gently every 10-15 minutes to expose all sides.
– Remove from oven and let cool. This step is crucial for potency.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add Water
– In a saucepan or slow cooker, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter on low heat.
– Add 1 cup of water to the butter. The water helps keep the temperature steady and prevents the butter from burning.
Step 3: Combine Cannabis and Butter
– Once the butter is melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan.
– Stir gently to coat all the cannabis in butter.
Step 4: Simmer Gently
– Keep the mixture on low heat, ideally between 160°F and 200°F (70°C to 93°C).
– Let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
– Do not let it boil, as high heat can destroy cannabinoids and terpenes.
– This slow simmer allows the THC and other compounds to infuse into the butter.
Step 5: Strain the Butter
– Set up a bowl with a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over it.
– Carefully pour the butter and cannabis mixture through the strainer.
– Gently press the cannabis to extract as much butter as possible, but avoid squeezing too hard to prevent bitter chlorophyll from getting into your butter.
– Discard the leftover plant material.
Step 6: Cool and Store
– Let the strained butter cool to room temperature.
– Place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
– The butter will solidify on top, with any excess water settling below.
– Remove the solid butter from the container and discard the water.
– Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Success
– Use unsalted butter for the best flavor and control.
– Keep the heat low and slow to preserve the potency and taste.
– Avoid grinding cannabis into a powder to prevent plant matter from passing through the strainer.
– Label your cannabutter clearly and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
– Start with small doses when cooking with cannabutter to gauge potency.
Why Make Your Own Cannabutter?
Making marijuana butter at home is cost-effective and lets you control the strength and flavor of your edibles. Plus, it opens up a world of creative cooking possibilities—from classic brownies to gourmet dishes infused with cannabis. Once you master the basics, you can experiment with different strains and recipes to find your perfect blend.
Making marijuana butter is straightforward and rewarding. With just a bit of patience and care, you can create a potent, flavorful ingredient that elevates your homemade cannabis edibles to a whole new level. Happy cooking!