Cannabutter is the golden ticket to creating your favorite cannabis edibles. From gooey brownies to creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the foundation for culinary creativity. Making some at home might sound intimidating, but with this guide, you’ll be whipping it up like a pro in no time. Let’s dive in to this cannabutter recipe and make some magic!
What Is Cannabutter?
Cannabutter is exactly what it sounds like: butter infused with cannabis. It’s a versatile ingredient that lets you incorporate cannabis into virtually any recipe. But here’s the secret sauce—before the magic happens, you need to decarb your cannabis.
What’s Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a fancy word for heating your cannabis to activate its psychoactive properties. Without this step, your cannabutter won’t have the effects you’re looking for. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds, and we’ll walk you through it.
What You’ll Need
Before we start, let’s gather the essentials.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of water (keeps the butter from burning)
- 7-10 grams of cannabis flower (adjust for desired potency)
Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan or double boiler
- Fine strainer or cheesecloth
- Airtight container for storage
Ready? Let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
First things first—you need to activate the THC in your cannabis. Think of this as unlocking its potential.
- Preheat your oven to 245°F (118°C).
- Break your cannabis into small pieces (don’t grind it too fine) and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
What to Watch For: Your cannabis will turn a light brown color and release a nutty, earthy aroma. That’s how you know it’s ready. Let it cool before moving on.
Pro Tip: Patience is key! Low and slow preserves the cannabinoids and terpenes, ensuring a flavorful and potent infusion.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a saucepan or double boiler, combine the butter and water. The water keeps the butter from scorching during the infusion process.
Heat the mixture on low until the butter is completely melted. Keep an eye on it—temperatures above 200°F (93°C) can degrade the cannabinoids.
Common Mistake: Skipping the water. This small step protects your butter and ensures a smooth infusion.
Step 3: Infuse the Cannabis
Now it’s time to combine your decarboxylated cannabis with the melted butter.
- Add the cannabis to the saucepan and stir gently to ensure it’s fully submerged.
- Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
What’s Happening Here? The THC is bonding with the fat molecules in the butter, creating your infusion. Don’t rush this step—good things take time.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat low! If you see bubbles forming, reduce the temperature immediately.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
After your infusion is complete, you’ll need to separate the butter from the plant material.
- Place a cheesecloth or fine strainer over a bowl or container.
- Slowly pour the butter mixture through the cheesecloth, letting it drip naturally.
- Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract the last bits of butter—but don’t go overboard, as squeezing too hard can push plant particles into your butter.
What to Expect: The result is a rich, golden butter that’s smooth and ready to solidify.
Step 5: Store Your Cannabutter
Pour the strained butter into an airtight container and refrigerate until solid. Once cooled, you’ll notice any remaining water separates at the bottom. Carefully drain it off, and you’re good to go!
Stored in the fridge, your cannabutter will last up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions.
Dosage and Potency Tips
Cannabutter potency can vary, so it’s important to calculate dosage carefully. Here’s a simple method:
- Find the THC percentage of your cannabis (e.g., 20% THC = 200mg THC per gram).
- Multiply the THC content by the number of grams used.
- Divide the total THC by the number of servings in your recipe.
Example: Using 7 grams of 20% THC cannabis = 1,400mg THC total. If your recipe makes 20 servings, each serving contains about 70mg THC.
Start Low and Go Slow: Edibles hit differently, so begin with a small amount and wait at least 1-2 hours before consuming more.
Quick Cleanup Tips
Don’t forget to tidy up after the fun!
- Dispose Responsibly: Recycle any used foil, parchment paper, or containers.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash your cheesecloth and saucepan with warm, soapy water to remove any residue.
Final Thoughts
Cannabutter is a game-changer for cannabis enthusiasts, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to edibles or a seasoned chef, this recipe sets you up for success. Just remember: start low, go slow, and enjoy responsibly.
Now grab your ingredients, channel your inner cannabis chef, and let the infusing begin. Happy cooking!