How to Make THC-Infused Butter?
Making THC-infused butter, often called cannabutter, involves gently heating cannabis flower with butter to extract the THC and other cannabinoids, resulting in a potent and versatile ingredient for edibles.
Introduction to Cannabutter
Cannabutter serves as the foundation for a wide array of cannabis edibles, from cookies and brownies to savory dishes. This process allows users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a discrete and customizable manner. However, it’s crucial to understand the process thoroughly to ensure safety and potency.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Cannabutter
Why bother making your own cannabutter when you can buy edibles? The answer lies in control, cost, and customization.
- Control over Ingredients: You get to choose the quality of your cannabis and butter.
- Cost Savings: Making your own is often cheaper than buying pre-made edibles.
- Customization: You can adjust the potency to suit your individual needs and tolerance.
- Understanding the Process: Knowing how it’s made gives you confidence in what you’re consuming.
The Decarboxylation Process: Activating the THC
Before infusing your butter, you must decarboxylate your cannabis. This process converts THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a non-psychoactive compound, into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound we’re after.
- Preheat your oven to 220-240°F (105-115°C). Lower temperature is preferrable for terpene preservation.
- Spread your ground cannabis flower evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cannabis should become slightly browned and fragrant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannabutter
This method uses the stovetop, offering good control over the temperature and infusion time.
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the decarboxylated cannabis flower and melted butter. Use a ratio of approximately 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of cannabis flower per 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter.
- Simmer Gently: Cook on very low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The temperature should ideally stay below 200°F (93°C) to prevent degradation of THC. Using a double boiler or slow cooker is ideal.
- Strain the Mixture: Line a bowl with cheesecloth and strain the mixture to remove the plant matter.
- Cool and Solidify: Allow the cannabutter to cool and solidify in the refrigerator. The butter will separate from any excess water. Discard the water.
Alternative Methods: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker: Combine ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. This method offers a more hands-off approach.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to melt the butter. Add cannabis and enough water to cover the butter, then pressure cook on low for 20-30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Strain and refrigerate as usual.
Determining Cannabutter Potency
Calculating the precise potency of your cannabutter is challenging but crucial. Here’s a general guideline:
- Know Your Starting Material: Understand the percentage of THC in your cannabis flower. For example, 20% THC means 200mg of THC per gram of flower.
- Calculate Total THC: Multiply the THC percentage by the weight of your flower. (e.g., 14 grams of 20% THC flower = 2800mg of THC).
- Estimate Loss: Factor in potential THC loss during decarboxylation and infusion (around 10-20%).
- Calculate Dosage Per Serving: Divide the estimated total THC by the number of servings your cannabutter will yield.
| THC Percentage of Flower | Weight of Flower (grams) | Estimated Total THC (mg) | Potential Loss (20%) | Estimated THC Remaining (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 14 | 2100 | 420 | 1680 |
| 20% | 14 | 2800 | 560 | 2240 |
| 25% | 14 | 3500 | 700 | 2800 |
Remember that this is just an estimate and individual experiences may vary. Start with very small doses (e.g., 5mg THC) and wait at least two hours before consuming more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Cannabis: Using too high of a temperature will degrade the THC.
- Insufficient Decarboxylation: Failing to properly decarboxylate will result in weak cannabutter.
- Using Too Much Plant Material: While more plant matter might seem better, it can lead to a grassy taste.
- Not Straining Properly: Leaving plant matter in the butter can also affect the taste and texture.
- Inconsistent Dosing: Not properly calculating or estimating the dosage can lead to overconsumption.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for several months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of butter is best for making cannabutter?
Unsalted butter is generally preferred because it gives you better control over the overall flavor of your edibles. High-quality butter will also impart a better flavor. Clarified butter (ghee) is another good choice, as it has a higher smoke point and removes the water content that can promote spoilage.
Can I use stems and leaves instead of flower?
While you can use stems and leaves, the potency will be significantly lower. Flower contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids. You’ll need a larger quantity of stems and leaves to achieve a similar effect, and the resulting butter may have a more noticeable plant flavor.
How do I get rid of the grassy taste?
Proper straining is key. Use several layers of cheesecloth and squeeze gently to extract all the infused butter without forcing plant matter through. You can also clarify your butter before infusing, further reducing impurities.
How can I measure the exact THC content of my cannabutter?
The only way to get an accurate THC measurement is to send your cannabutter to a certified cannabis testing lab. Home testing kits are not reliable.
Can I use cannabutter in any recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cannabutter for regular butter in most recipes. Keep in mind the potency of your butter and adjust the amount used accordingly. Avoid high-heat cooking methods that may degrade the THC.
What are the signs of overconsumption of edibles?
Symptoms of overconsumption can include anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, nausea, and increased heart rate. It’s crucial to start with a very low dose and wait at least two hours before consuming more.
Is it legal to make cannabutter?
The legality of making cannabutter depends on the cannabis laws in your state or region. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable laws.
How long does it take for edibles to take effect?
Edibles typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, depending on individual metabolism, stomach contents, and the potency of the edible. The effects also last longer than inhaled cannabis.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, coconut oil is a popular alternative to butter. It offers a similar infusion process and can be used in many recipes. Coconut oil is also vegan and has a higher saturated fat content, which some believe aids in cannabinoid absorption.
What temperature is too high when infusing?
Temperatures above 200°F (93°C) can begin to degrade THC and other cannabinoids. Maintain a low and slow simmering process to preserve potency.
Can I store cannabutter at room temperature?
No, it is not recommended to store cannabutter at room temperature. The butter will melt and can spoil quickly. Always store cannabutter in the refrigerator or freezer.
What should I do if I’ve accidentally made my cannabutter too strong?
If you find your cannabutter is too potent, you can dilute it by mixing it with regular, uninfused butter. Start with a small amount of uninfused butter and gradually increase it until you reach your desired potency. Consider also using a smaller overall volume of cannabutter in any recipe to lower overall strength of your final product.