How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter: A Simple Recipe

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter: A Simple Recipe - Earthy Select

Cannabis-infused butter, often referred to as cannabutter or weed butter, is a versatile and popular ingredient for making homemade edibles. Here, we’ll walk you through the steps of making your own cannabis-infused butter, ensuring a potent and flavorful final product. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to cooking with cannabis, this recipe will help you create infused butter for a variety of baked goods and other recipes.

Ingredients and equipment: not all cannabutters are created equal

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter (preferably organic)
  • 7-10 grams of cannabis flower (cannabis buds)

Equipment

  • Cannabis grinder
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan or double boiler
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Storage container [1]

Decarboxylation (or decarb) process for cannabis-infused butter

This process is crucial for activating the THC and other cannabinoids in cannabis. Without this step, your cannabis butter won’t be as potent. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-step decarboxylation

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 240°F (115°C).
  2. Prepare the cannabis: Use a cannabis grinder to break up the cannabis buds into smaller pieces. As a result, the cannabis will heat evenly.
  3. Spread on baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the ground cannabis evenly. Remember, make sure it is not clumped or uneven.
  4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Then, stir occasionally to ensure even processing. Ultimately, this process converts THCa into THC, making it psychoactive [2].

Cannabis and Cooking: Common Questions About Infusing Foods

Infusion process

Now that you have “decarbed” your cannabis, it’s time to infuse it into the butter. Keep in mind, this step is essential for making cannabutter that is both potent and flavorful.

Preparing the butter

  1. Melt the butter: In a saucepan or double boiler, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil, olive oil or one of he many vegan, plant-based butters on the market.
  2. Add decarboxylated cannabis: Once the butter melts, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the butter mixture. Then, stir occasionally to ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed [1].

Infusion process

  1. Simmer: Maintain a low heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours. Keep in mind, this slow infusion process helps extract the cannabinoids without burning the butter. While cooking, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even infusion.
  2. Strain the mixture: After simmering, carefully pour the butter mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl to remove the plant matter. As a result, you’ll have smooth, finished cannabutter [1].

How to Use THCa for Great Results

Five chocolate chip cookies made with cannabis-infused butter beside cannabis buds. How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter: A Simple Recipe - Earthy Select

Storing and using cannabis-infused butter

To maintain its potency and flavor, you must properly store your cannabis-infused butter.

Storage techniques

  • Refrigeration: Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cannabutter in a sealed container for up to 6 months [3].

Usage ideas and dosage recommendations

When using your cannabis butter, be mindful of dosage. For example, start with a small amount, especially if you’re new to edibles, as the effects can be strong and long-lasting.

  • Cooking and baking: Use your cannabis infused butter in any recipe that calls for regular butter. For example, it’s perfect for cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.
  • Dosage: A common dose is about 5-10 milligrams of THC per serving. Remember, adjust the amount of cannabis in your recipe based on your tolerance level and desired potency [4].

Safety and legal considerations

Understanding legalities

Cannabis laws vary by location. Thus, it’s important to learn the legal status of cannabis in your area before making cannabis-infused edibles.

Safe consumption practices

  • Responsible usage: Initially, start with a low dose and wait at least two hours to gauge the effects before consuming more. Then, after two hours, you can consume more if you desire a stronger effect. However, if this is the case, be sure to increase your dosage slowly [5].
  • Responsible sharing: Always label or make sure other people know the edible are infused with cannabis. Never give cannabis edibles to others without telling them what’s in the edibles!
  • Potential side effects: Before consumption, review possible side effects such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, and altered perception [6].

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Cannabis

Troubleshooting common issues

Even with a straightforward cannabutter recipe, you might encounter some issues. However, these solutions may help with common problems:

Issue #1: Butter not infusing properly

  • Solution: Maintain a low heat during the infusion process and stir it occasionally to prevent burning. Note: if the butter becomes too hot, it will degrade its potency [7].

Issue #2: Strong or weak potency

  • Solution: Adjust the cannabis-to-butter ratio. For instance, if you want stronger butter, add more cannabis. In contrast, if you prefer it milder, use less cannabis [7].

Spicy soup made with canna butter. How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter: A Simple Recipe

Alternative methods

While the stovetop method reflects a time-honored way of making cannabutter, there are alternative methods you can try. For example, these include:

The slow cooker method

  • Instructions: Combine butter and cannabis in a slow cooker. Then, cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally [8].

The sous vide method

  • Instructions: Place butter and cannabis in a vacuum-sealed bag. Next, cook the bag in a sous vide water bath at 185°F (85°C) for 4 hours [8].

Types of Edibles: Creative and Delicious Cannabis Treats

Premium cannabis products from Earthy Select

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Beyond Smoking: Exploring Other Methods of Cannabis Consumption

Hosting a cannabis dinner party?

The cannabis dinner party trend has taken the culinary world by storm, offering an innovative and social way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Indeed, home cooks enjoy experimenting with infusing cannabis into a variety of dishes, creating an unforgettable dining experience for their guests. By incorporating cannabis-infused butter, or canna butter, into their recipes, hosts can offer a controlled and enjoyable way to consume cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, since it may take a few hours for the THC in edibles to take effect, be sure to carve out a nice amount of time for your party [9]. You can include your potent butter in so many recipes, from appetizers to entrees, sides, and desserts to thrill your guests. Or, guests can choose how much cannabis they want to consume by adding the potent cannabutter to non-cannabis-infused dishes.

Edibles 101: How to Dose Cannabis-Infused Foods

Making other cannabis edibles at home

For those who prefer making their own edibles, infusing cannabis at home offers the advantage of knowing exactly what goes into their creations. By experimenting with different strains and dosages, home cooks can craft a unique culinary experience that highlights the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD [10].

Guide to Delta-8 THC

Key takeaway: making cannabis-infused butter at home

Making cannabis-infused butter is a simple and rewarding process. By following this guide, you can create potent, flavorful cannabutter perfect for a variety of homemade edibles. Remember to start with a small dose, consume responsibly, and enjoy the unique experience of cooking with cannabis. Happy baking!

Visit Earthy Select for an exciting selection of potent THCa and Delta-9 products delivered to your door!


Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.

References

  1. How to Make Cannabutter
  2. Guide to Decarbing Weed
  3. How to Store Cannabis Butter for Maximum Freshness
  4. How to Figure Out Cannabis Butter Dosing
  5. Edible Cannabis Affects People Differently: Start Low and Go Slow
  6. Marijuana (Cannabis, Weed) Effects
  7. How to Fix Cannabis Butter
  8. Ways to Make Cannabis Butter
  9. Your Complete Guide to Hosting a Cannabis Dinner Party
  10. How to Make Edibles: Simple Steps to Cannabis-Infused Treats

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of cannabis you use depends on your desired potency. However, a common ratio is 1 cup of butter to 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis. Remember, always adjust the amount based on your tolerance and preference for a stronger or milder effect [1].

Yes, decarboxylation is crucial. This process involves heating the cannabis to activate THC and CBD, making them bioavailable. Notably, without decarboxylation, the cannabinoids in your cannabis will not be as effective [2].

Typically, it’s best to store your cannabis-infused butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Or, for longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Ultimately, proper storage helps maintain its potency and flavor [3].

Weed butter or cannabutter is usually made from dairy butter that is not vegan. However, weed butter can be made with plant based vegan butter.

Yes you can make vegan cannabutter or vegan weed butter! Just use plant-based butter, olive oil or coconut oil instead of dairy butter.