How to Make Cannabis Butter? A Comprehensive Guide
Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is made by infusing butter with the cannabinoids from cannabis. This process involves decarboxylating the cannabis, infusing it into melted butter, and then straining out the plant material, leaving you with potent, versatile cannabis-infused butter.
Understanding Cannabutter: A Culinary Cornerstone
Cannabis butter (cannabutter) isn’t just a culinary novelty; it’s a foundational ingredient for countless cannabis-infused edibles. From brownies and cookies to sauces and savory dishes, cannabutter allows you to precisely control dosage and enjoy the effects of cannabis in a wide array of delicious forms. Understanding the process behind making cannabutter is crucial for any aspiring cannabis chef or patient seeking alternative methods of consumption.
The Benefits of Using Cannabutter
Consuming cannabis edibles made with cannabutter offers several advantages over smoking or vaping:
- Discreet Consumption: Edibles offer a smoke-free alternative, making them a more discreet option for some users.
- Longer-Lasting Effects: When ingested, cannabis is metabolized differently by the liver, resulting in effects that can last significantly longer than inhaled methods (often 4-8 hours, or even longer depending on individual metabolism and dosage).
- Potentially More Intense Effects: The conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver can create a more potent psychoactive experience for some individuals.
- Precise Dosing: Homemade cannabutter allows for controlled dosing, enabling users to manage their cannabis consumption more effectively.
Decarboxylation: Activating the Cannabinoids
Before you can infuse cannabis into butter, you must decarboxylate it. This process involves heating the cannabis to convert the non-psychoactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high.”
- Procedure: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread your coarsely ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. The cannabis should become lightly browned and aromatic.
The Cannabutter Infusion Process: Two Popular Methods
There are several methods for infusing cannabis into butter, but two of the most popular and effective are the stovetop and slow cooker methods.
Stovetop Method:
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the desired amount of butter over low heat.
- Add Decarboxylated Cannabis: Once melted, add your decarboxylated cannabis to the butter.
- Simmer: Maintain a very low simmer (barely any bubbles) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Be extremely careful not to burn the butter. Use a thermometer to ensure a consistent temperature below 200°F (93°C).
- Strain: Line a bowl with cheesecloth. Carefully pour the butter through the cheesecloth to strain out the plant material. Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much butter as possible. Discard the spent plant material.
- Cool and Store: Allow the butter to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the butter and decarboxylated cannabis.
- Cook: Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and prevent the butter from overheating.
- Strain: Follow the same straining procedure as described in the stovetop method.
- Cool and Store: Allow the butter to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
| Method | Time | Temperature Control | Risk of Burning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 2-3 hours | Requires monitoring | Higher |
| Slow Cooker | 4-6 hours | More consistent | Lower |
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Making cannabutter is relatively straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect the final product:
- Burning the Butter: Overheating the butter can degrade the cannabinoids and result in a burnt taste. Maintain a low and slow simmering temperature.
- Not Decarboxylating Properly: Insufficient decarboxylation will result in weak or ineffective cannabutter. Ensure proper time and temperature when decarboxylating.
- Insufficient Straining: Leaving too much plant material in the butter can affect the flavor and texture. Use multiple layers of cheesecloth for thorough straining.
- Incorrect Ratios: Using too much or too little cannabis can impact the potency. Start with a ratio of 1 cup of butter to 7-14 grams of cannabis (adjust based on your desired potency and the strength of your cannabis).
- Ignoring Strain Info: Different strains have different levels of THC and CBD. Knowing the percentage of THC and CBD will help calculate the correct dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the potency of my cannabutter?
Determining the exact potency of homemade cannabutter is challenging without lab testing. However, you can estimate the potency based on the following: (1) the amount of cannabis used, (2) the THC content of the cannabis (ideally known from lab results), and (3) the amount of butter produced. Use online calculators that can assist with estimating the dosage per serving based on these factors. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose.
Can I use cannabis stems and shake to make cannabutter?
Yes, you can use stems and shake, but the resulting cannabutter will likely be less potent than if you used flower. Adjust the amount of material accordingly. For example, you might use twice the amount of stem and shake compared to flower.
How long does cannabutter last?
Cannabutter, when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can last for approximately 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze cannabutter for several months.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter. The process is essentially the same, and many people prefer coconut oil for its taste and potential health benefits. Coconut oil tends to solidify at room temperature, so consider this when choosing your fat.
What’s the best way to store cannabutter?
The best way to store cannabutter is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent it from spoiling and losing potency. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage.
Can I use cannabutter in any recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cannabutter for regular butter or oil in most recipes. Just remember to factor in the potency of the cannabutter and adjust the amount accordingly. Start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance.
What if my cannabutter is too weak?
If your cannabutter is too weak, you can re-infuse it with more decarboxylated cannabis. Melt the cannabutter, add the additional cannabis, and simmer for another 2-3 hours, then strain again. Monitor the potency carefully next time.
What if my cannabutter is too strong?
If your cannabutter is too strong, there’s no easy way to reduce its potency directly. The best solution is to use smaller amounts in your recipes or dilute the cannabutter with regular butter or oil. Start low and go slow next time.
Can I use a MagicalButter machine to make cannabutter?
Yes, MagicalButter machines are specifically designed for infusing herbs into butter, oils, and other liquids. They automate the process, making it easier and more consistent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results, but decarboxylate the cannabis before using.
How do I know if my cannabutter has gone bad?
If your cannabutter smells rancid or moldy, or if it has an unusual color or texture, it’s likely gone bad and should be discarded. A slight separation of the butter is normal, but any signs of mold or spoilage indicate it is no longer safe to use.
How can I mask the cannabis taste in my cannabutter?
Some users find the cannabis taste in cannabutter to be strong. To mask the taste, you can use flavorful ingredients in your recipes, such as chocolate, peanut butter, or strong spices. Proper straining will also help.
How long does it take for edibles made with cannabutter to take effect?
Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours (or even longer) to take effect, depending on individual factors such as metabolism, stomach contents, and dosage. It is crucial to be patient and avoid taking more until you feel the effects.