If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your cooking with a little extra buzz, cannabis butter—commonly called cannabutter—is your new best friend. It’s the secret ingredient behind many delicious cannabis-infused edibles, from brownies to savory dishes. Making cannabutter at home is easier than you might think, and with the right steps, you can create a potent, flavorful butter that will transform your recipes. Let’s dive into how to make cannabis butter, step by step, in a friendly and straightforward way.
What Is Cannabis Butter?
Cannabis butter is simply butter infused with cannabis compounds, primarily THC and CBD, which are fat-soluble. This means the cannabinoids bind well to the fats in butter, allowing you to cook or bake with cannabis without smoking it. The result? Edibles that deliver a longer-lasting and often stronger effect compared to other consumption methods.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these essentials:
– Cannabis: 7-10 grams of ground cannabis flower or trim (amount varies depending on desired potency)
– Butter: 1 cup (unsalted is preferred for cooking flexibility)
– Water: 1 cup (helps regulate temperature and prevents burning)
– Grinder or your hands (to break up cannabis)
– Baking sheet and parchment paper (for decarboxylation)
– Saucepan or double boiler
– Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
– Jar or container for storage
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Decarboxylation is the key first step. It activates the THC in cannabis, turning THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive), which is necessary for the butter to have its effects.
– Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C).
– Break up your cannabis into small pieces—not too fine, or it will slip 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 ensure even heating.
This slow and low heating preserves cannabinoids and terpenes, giving you a better flavor and potency.
Step 2: Melt the Butter with Water
While your cannabis is decarboxylating, prepare the butter infusion:
– In a saucepan or double boiler, combine 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water.
– Heat on low, allowing the butter to melt gently. The water keeps the temperature stable and prevents the butter from burning.
Step 3: Infuse the Butter with Cannabis
Once the butter is melted and your cannabis is decarbed:
– Add the ground cannabis to the melted butter.
– Keep the heat low—between 160°F and 200°F (70°C to 93°C)—and let it simmer gently.
– Stir occasionally and let it infuse for 2 to 3 hours. Avoid boiling, as high heat can degrade cannabinoids and ruin the flavor.
This slow simmer allows the cannabinoids to bind to the butter fat, creating a rich green mixture.
Step 4: Strain the Cannabutter
After simmering:
– Set a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a clean jar or bowl.
– Pour the butter mixture through the strainer to separate the plant material from the infused butter.
– Avoid squeezing the cheesecloth too hard to prevent chlorophyll from seeping into the butter, which can cause a bitter, grassy taste.
Step 5: Cool and Store Your Cannabutter
– Let the strained butter cool to room temperature.
– Place it in the refrigerator to solidify, ideally overnight.
– You’ll notice a layer of water at the bottom—carefully remove the solid butter layer and discard the water.
– Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for longer storage.
Tips for Success
– Start low and go slow: When using your cannabutter in recipes, begin with small amounts to gauge potency. Edibles can take 1-2 hours to kick in and effects last longer than smoking.
– Use quality ingredients: The quality of your cannabis and butter directly affects the flavor and potency.
– Avoid overheating: Keep temperatures low throughout to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes.
– Portion before freezing: Freeze in small portions for easy use without thawing the entire batch.
What Can You Do with Cannabutter?
Once you have your homemade cannabutter, the culinary possibilities are endless. Use it in:
– Brownies and cookies
– Sauces and spreads
– Sautéed vegetables
– Toast or pancakes
– Any recipe that calls for butter or fat
It’s a versatile way to enjoy cannabis in your cooking without the smoke.
Cannabis butter is easy to make at home with just a few simple steps. With patience and care, you can create a delicious, potent ingredient that elevates your cooking and brings a new experience to your kitchen. Enjoy responsibly and savor the creative journey!