How to Make Cannabis Butter
Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is a versatile and potent ingredient that can be used to infuse edibles, drinks (although tincture or oil is best for drinks), and other cannabis products with the benefits of THC and/or CBD.
Whether you’re a medical marijuana patient or a recreational user, making your own cannabis butter is a cost-effective and fun way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of making cannabis butter and some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your infusion.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge and tools you need to make your own top-of-the-line cannabis butter at home. Happy infusing! |
Understanding the Science of Cannabis Butter
Understanding the science of cannabis butter is essential to making a potent and effective infusion. At the heart of cannabis butter is the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana.
However, THC is not present in its psychoactive form in raw cannabis. Instead, it is found in the form of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is a non-psychoactive compound that needs to be converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when THCA is exposed to heat, breaking down the molecule and releasing carbon dioxide. The process of decarboxylation is necessary to activate the THC in cannabis, allowing it to bind to receptors in the body and produce the desired effects.
The most common method of decarboxylation is to heat the cannabis in an oven at a low temperature (around 220°F) for 30-45 minutes. However, there are other methods of decarboxylation, such as using a sous vide cooker or an Instant Pot, which can provide more precise control over the temperature and timing of the process.
There is some controversy over the correct temperature to decarb cannabis. Some experts say that the sweet-spot is in the range of 230-250°F. Some say it’s best to do so at a lower temperature, 200-225°F. However you choose to decarb your weed, remember that the higher the temperature, the less time is needed. And never exceed 300°F.
Keep this in mind. the higher the temperature, the more molecules you disperse from your weed. We recommend the lower side of the spectrum of the “sweet-spot” at 230°F for right around 30 minutes. However, if your weed is CBD, try a higher temp and longer time… 250-260°F for 35-40 minutes. If it’s a mix, hit somewhere between those temps and times.
Once the cannabis has been decarboxylated, it’s time to extract the THC into a fat-soluble substance, such as butter or oil. This is achieved through a process called extraction, which involves heating the decarboxylated cannabis in a fat-based substance for an extended period of time.
The heat causes the THC to bind to the fat molecules in the butter or oil, allowing it to be absorbed by the body more easily.
There are several different methods of extraction, including stovetop, slow cooker, and sous vide methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The stovetop method involves heating the butter and cannabis in a pot over low heat for several hours, while the slow cooker method involves cooking the mixture on low heat for several hours in a slow cooker.
The sous vide method involves using a vacuum-sealed bag and a sous vide cooker to infuse the butter and cannabis at a precise temperature for an extended period of time.
Understanding the science of cannabis butter is crucial to achieving a high-quality and potent infusion. By properly decarboxylating and extracting the THC from the cannabis, you can ensure that your cannabis butter is effective, safe, and enjoyable to use.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain
Choosing the right cannabis strain is an important step in making cannabis butter that suits your needs and preferences. Different strains of cannabis have different cannabinoid profiles and terpene profiles, which can affect the taste, aroma, and effects of your cannabis butter. It’s important to consider your desired effects, flavor preferences, and any medical conditions you may have when selecting a strain.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cannabis strain for making cannabis butter is the cannabinoid profile. THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana.
However, some strains also contain other cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol), which can have different effects on the body. Strains with high levels of THC are generally preferred for recreational use, while strains with high levels of CBD are often used for medical purposes.
Another important factor to consider is the terpene profile of the strain. Terpenes are organic compounds that give cannabis its distinct aroma and flavor.
Different terpenes can also have different effects on the body, with some strains having energizing and uplifting effects, while others have sedative and relaxing effects. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
It’s also important to consider any medical conditions you may have when selecting a cannabis strain for making cannabis butter. Some strains may be more effective at treating certain conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable budtender to determine which strains may be best suited for your specific needs.
Overall, choosing the right cannabis strain is a crucial step in making cannabis butter that meets your needs and preferences. By considering the cannabinoid profile, terpene profile, and any medical conditions you may have, you can select a strain that will provide the desired effects and flavor profile for your cannabis butter.
Preparing Your Cannabis for Infusion
Preparing your cannabis for infusion is an important step in making high-quality cannabis butter. Proper preparation ensures that the THC is activated and ready to be extracted into the butter, resulting in a potent and effective infusion. Here are some steps to follow when preparing your cannabis for infusion:
- Grind your cannabis: Before infusing your cannabis into butter, it’s important to grind it up into a fine consistency. This allows for more even heating and extraction, resulting in a better infusion. You can use a grinder or a food processor to grind your cannabis.
- Decarboxylate your cannabis: As mentioned earlier, decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the THC. There are three main methods for decarboxylating cannabis: oven, stove top, and sous vide. Here are the instructions for each method:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 230°F. Grind your cannabis into small pieces and spread it out evenly on a baking sheet. Bake the cannabis in the oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns light brown in color and becomes fragrant. Let the cannabis cool before using it in your infusion.
Note: Some people prefer to use a covered Pyrex dish lined with parchment paper to keep all the beneficial molecules from escaping.
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- Stovetop Method: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add your cannabis to a mason jar or oven bag. Seal the jar or bag and place it in the pot of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours, making sure the water doesn’t boil. After the cannabis has been heated, let it cool before using it in your infusion.
- Sous Vide Method: Fill the sous vide container with water and set the temperature to 203-208°F, typically the highest setting. Grind your cannabis into small pieces and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Seal the bag and place it in the water bath. Cook for 90 minutes, making sure the temperature remains consistent. After the cannabis has been heated, let it cool before using it in your infusion.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to monitor the temperature to ensure that the cannabis is properly decarboxylated. Once decarboxylated, the cannabis can be infused into butter or other oils using various methods, such as a stovetop or slow cooker. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your cannabis is properly activated and ready for infusion, resulting in a high-quality and effective product.
- Choose the right amount of cannabis: The amount of cannabis you use will depend on your desired potency and the recipe you’re following. As a general rule of thumb, use 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of cannabis per pound of butter.
- Choose the right type of cannabis: As mentioned earlier, different strains of cannabis can have different effects and flavors. Consider your desired effects and flavor profile when choosing the strain of cannabis you’ll use for your infusion.
- Use a cheesecloth or tea bag: To keep the plant material from getting into your butter, it’s a good idea to use a cheesecloth or tea bag to hold the cannabis while it’s infusing. This will ensure that your butter is smooth and free of plant material.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your cannabis is properly prepared for infusion, resulting in high-quality and potent cannabis butter.
Making Cannabis Butter
Now that you have properly decarboxylated your cannabis, it’s time to make your cannabis butter. There are several methods of extraction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular methods are stove top, slow cooker, and sous vide methods. If you don’t have a cannabutter machine, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are the instructions for each method:
- Stovetop Method: Melt your butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add your decarboxylated cannabis and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. After the allotted time has passed, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Store your cannabis butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Slow Cooker Method: Melt your butter in your slow cooker on low heat. Add your decarboxylated cannabis and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook on low heat for 8-12 hours, stirring occasionally. After the allotted time has passed, remove the slow cooker from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Store your cannabis butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Sous Vide Method: Place your butter and decarboxylated cannabis in a vacuum-sealed bag. Set your sous vide machine to 185°F and place the bag in the water bath. Cook for 2 hours, making sure the temperature remains consistent. After the allotted time has passed, remove the bag from the water bath and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Store your cannabis butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you don’t have a cannabutter machine, you can still make cannabis butter using these methods. However, a cannabutter machine can make the process quicker and more efficient. With a cannabutter machine, you can simply add your decarboxylated cannabis and butter to the machine, press a button, and let it do the work for you.
The machine will grind and infuse the cannabis into the butter, and then strain the mixture automatically. If you plan on making cannabis butter frequently, investing in a cannabutter machine might be worth it.
By following these instructions, you can make high-quality cannabis butter at home using different extraction methods. Whether you choose the stovetop, slow cooker, or sous vide method, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and measure your cannabis and butter accurately to ensure consistent results.
Storing and Using Your Cannabis Butter
Now that you have made your cannabis butter, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its potency and freshness. To do so, store your cannabis butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can also freeze your cannabis butter for longer storage, but be sure to label the container with the date and dosage so that you can keep track of how much THC you are consuming.
When it comes to using your cannabis butter in recipes, it’s important to be mindful of dosage. Start with a small amount of cannabis butter, and gradually increase the amount until you achieve your desired effects.
The potency of your cannabis butter will depend on the strain of cannabis used, the potency of the starting material, and the extraction method. It’s also important to remember that the effects of cannabis edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, so be patient and wait for the effects to fully set in before consuming more.
When cooking with cannabis butter, keep in mind that it has a lower smoke point than regular butter, so it’s not suitable for high-heat cooking. It’s best to use cannabis butter in recipes that require low to medium heat, such as baked goods or sautéed vegetables. You can also use cannabis butter as a spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
Finally, it’s important to take safety precautions when storing and using cannabis butter. Keep your cannabis butter out of reach of children and pets, and label the container clearly to avoid any confusion.
Remember that consuming too much THC can possibly lead to unwanted side effects, so start with a small amount and wait for the effects to set in before consuming more.
By following these tips, you can safely store and use your cannabis butter in a variety of recipes. Just remember to start with a small amount, be mindful of dosage, and take safety precautions to ensure a positive experience.
Advanced Techniques and Recipes
For those looking to take their cannabis butter game to the next level, there are a variety of advanced techniques and recipes to explore.
One popular option is to make vegan and dairy-free cannabis butter using alternative fats such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or nut-based butters. These options are not only suitable for those with dietary restrictions, but they also add unique flavor profiles to your cannabis-infused creations.
Another advanced technique is to make cannabis-infused oil or ghee. Like cannabis butter, these infusions can be used in a variety of recipes, but they have different properties and uses.
Cannabis oil is a great option for recipes that require a liquid fat, such as salad dressings or marinades. Ghee, which is a form of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine, has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it a great option for high-heat cooking.
When it comes to recipes, the possibilities are endless with cannabis butter. Some popular options include classic chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.
But you can also use cannabis butter in savory dishes such as pasta sauces, mashed potatoes, and even soups. One fun option is to make cannabis-infused popcorn for a movie night at home.
For those who want to experiment with more unique cannabis butter recipes, there are a variety of options to explore. How about cannabis-infused caramel sauce, or cannabis-infused honey for your tea or toast? You can also use cannabis butter to make infused whipped cream or buttercream frosting for your desserts.
Just remember to start with a small amount of cannabis butter and be mindful of dosage when trying out new recipes. With these advanced techniques and recipes, you can take your cannabis-infused creations to the next level and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
In conclusion, making cannabis butter is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a variety of different ways.
Whether you choose to use the stovetop, slow cooker, sous vide, or any other method, the key is to take your time and be patient. With the right techniques and recipes, you can create delicious and potent cannabis-infused butter that can be used in a wide range of dishes.
Remember to always be mindful of dosages and to start with a small amount if you are new to using cannabis.
Additionally, proper storage is crucial to maintain the potency and freshness of your cannabis butter. By following these tips and techniques, you can create the perfect cannabis butter that suits your taste preferences and desired effects.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide to making cannabis butter. We hope you found it informative and helpful in your cannabis-infused culinary journey. Don’t forget to share your experiences and favorite recipes with us and your fellow cannabis enthusiasts!
Cannabutter Recipes
Here is a recipe for cannabutter using the stovetop method:
Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/2 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
or 1 cup of coconut oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil
1 cup Water
Instructions:
1. Grind your decarboxylated cannabis into a fine consistency.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring a cup of water to a low boil on the stovetop.
3. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
4. Once the butter has melted, add the ground cannabis to the saucepan, stirring it in thoroughly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling the mixture, as this can degrade the THC content of the butter.
7. After 2-3 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
8. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a glass container, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
9. Let the butter cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to solidify.
10. Once the butter has solidified, remove it from the container and discard any remaining water.
11. Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Here are recipes for the slow cooker and sous vide methods for making cannabutter:
Slow Cooker Cannabutter Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/2 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
or 1 cup of coconut oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the decarboxylated cannabis, unsalted butter, and enough water to cover the cannabis and butter.
2. Set the slow cooker to low and let the mixture cook for 8-12 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. After 8-12 hours, turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a glass container, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
5. Let the butter cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to solidify.
6. Once the butter has solidified, remove it from the container and discard any remaining water.
7. Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Sous Vide Cannabutter Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/2 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
or 1 cup of coconut oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil
2-3 vacuum-sealed bags
Instructions:
1. In a vacuum-sealed bag, combine the decarboxylated cannabis and unsalted butter.
2. Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
3. Fill a large pot or container with water and set your sous vide machine to 185°F (85°C).
4. Place the vacuum-sealed bag in the water and let it cook for 4-6 hours.
5. After 4-6 hours, remove the bag from the water and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a glass container, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
7. Let the butter cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to solidify.
8. Once the butter has solidified, remove it from the container and discard any remaining water.
9. Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Remember to always start with a small amount of cannabutter and be mindful of dosage when using it in recipes or for medicinal purposes. Enjoy!
Enjoy the Infusion,
