How to Make Weed-Infused Butter: A Comprehensive Guide
Infusing butter with cannabis is a straightforward process that allows you to create a versatile base for edibles. You can make weed-infused butter by decarboxylating high-quality cannabis and then infusing it into melted butter using low heat.
The Magic of Cannabutter: An Introduction
Cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, is a cornerstone ingredient in countless homemade edibles. It offers a simple, yet effective, method for incorporating the therapeutic and recreational benefits of cannabis into various culinary creations. From brownies and cookies to savory sauces and spreads, cannabutter unlocks a world of possibilities. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, ensuring you create potent and delicious cannabutter every time.
Why Cannabutter? Exploring the Benefits
Cannabutter offers several advantages over other methods of cannabis consumption:
- Versatility: It can be used in almost any recipe that calls for butter or oil.
- Discreet Consumption: Edibles offer a more discreet way to consume cannabis than smoking or vaping.
- Controlled Dosage: When made correctly, cannabutter allows for more precise dosage control compared to other methods.
- Prolonged Effects: Edibles are processed through the digestive system, resulting in a longer-lasting and often more intense experience.
- No Inhalation: Ideal for individuals who prefer to avoid inhaling cannabis smoke or vapor.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
Before you begin, gather these necessary tools and ingredients:
- High-quality Cannabis (flower or trim)
- Unsalted Butter (amount depends on desired potency and cannabis quantity)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Saucepan (preferably stainless steel or ceramic)
- Cheesecloth or Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Storage Container (airtight)
- Candy Thermometer (optional, for precise temperature control)
- Grinder (optional, but recommended for consistent decarboxylation)
Decarboxylation: Activating the Cannabinoids
Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the cannabinoids (THC and CBD) responsible for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. Without decarboxylation, your cannabutter will be significantly less potent.
- Preheat your oven to 220-240°F (105-115°C). Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes, but require longer times.
- Grind your cannabis (optional, but recommended for even heating).
- Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even decarboxylation. The cannabis should turn a light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
The Infusion Process: Making Your Cannabutter
Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it into the butter:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Avoid high heat, which can burn the butter and degrade the cannabinoids.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Maintain a low, consistent temperature to maximize cannabinoid extraction. A temperature of 160-180°F (70-82°C) is ideal.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into your storage container. Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to extract all the infused butter. Discard the remaining plant matter.
- Refrigerate the cannabutter until it solidifies.
Calculating Potency: A Rough Estimate
Calculating the exact potency of homemade cannabutter is challenging without lab testing. However, you can estimate the potency based on the THC content of the cannabis you used. This is only an estimate and can vary widely.
- Determine the THC percentage of your cannabis (this information is usually provided by the dispensary or grower).
- Convert the percentage to milligrams per gram. For example, if your cannabis is 20% THC, that’s 200mg THC per gram.
- Multiply the milligrams per gram by the total number of grams of cannabis you used.
- Divide the total milligrams of THC by the number of servings you plan to make with the cannabutter.
Example:
- 10 grams of cannabis at 20% THC (200mg THC/gram) = 2000mg total THC
- If you make 20 servings of edibles with the cannabutter: 2000mg THC / 20 servings = 100mg THC per serving
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using too much heat: This can degrade the cannabinoids and ruin the flavor of the butter. Always use low heat.
- Not decarboxylating properly: This will result in weak or ineffective cannabutter. Ensure you decarboxylate your cannabis thoroughly.
- Failing to strain the butter properly: This can leave plant matter in your cannabutter, resulting in an unpleasant taste and texture. Use cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer for optimal results.
- Inconsistent stirring: Uneven stirring can lead to inconsistent infusion. Stir regularly throughout the infusion process.
- Improper storage: Cannabutter can spoil if not stored properly. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much cannabis should I use per cup of butter?
The ideal ratio depends on the potency of your cannabis and your desired strength. A general guideline is 7-14 grams of cannabis per cup of butter, but it’s best to start with a lower dose and adjust as needed. Experimentation and responsible consumption are key.
Can I use trim instead of flower?
Yes, you can use trim (the sugar leaves and smaller leaves removed during trimming) to make cannabutter. However, trim is generally less potent than flower, so you may need to use a larger quantity to achieve the desired strength. Adjust the amount accordingly.
How long does cannabutter last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cannabutter can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to six months. Label the container with the date to ensure freshness.
Can I use a slow cooker or Crock-Pot to make cannabutter?
Yes, a slow cooker or Crock-Pot can be used to make cannabutter. This method involves infusing the butter and cannabis on low heat for several hours, typically 4-8 hours. Monitor the temperature to prevent burning.
What is the best type of butter to use?
Unsalted butter is generally recommended for making cannabutter because it allows you to control the salt content of your recipes. High-quality butter with a higher fat content will also result in a better infusion. Consider using organic butter for a healthier option.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter. The process is similar to making cannabutter, but coconut oil tends to be more potent. Start with a smaller amount of infused coconut oil when cooking.
How do I know when my cannabutter is ready?
The cannabutter is ready when the butter has a green or brown tint and the cannabis has been infusing for the recommended time (2-3 hours). Monitor the mixture closely to prevent burning.
What is the best way to consume cannabutter?
Cannabutter can be used in any recipe that calls for butter or oil. Start with a small dose and wait at least one to two hours to feel the effects before consuming more. Edibles can take longer to kick in compared to other methods of consumption.
How do I measure the potency of my cannabutter?
The only way to accurately measure the potency of your cannabutter is through lab testing. However, you can estimate the potency based on the THC content of the cannabis you used, as explained earlier. Always start with a small dose to assess the effects.
What are the potential side effects of consuming edibles?
The potential side effects of consuming edibles include anxiety, paranoia, drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Consume edibles responsibly and in a safe environment.
Can I make cannabutter with CBD-rich cannabis?
Yes, you can make cannabutter with CBD-rich cannabis. This will result in cannabutter with therapeutic benefits but little to no psychoactive effects. Choose the right strain based on your desired effects.
What if my cannabutter tastes too much like cannabis?
If your cannabutter tastes too strongly of cannabis, you can try clarifying it by melting it again and allowing the impurities to settle to the bottom. Then, carefully pour off the clarified butter, leaving the sediment behind. This can help reduce the strong flavor.