Cannabutter is the cornerstone of countless cannabis-infused recipes, from brownies to savory dishes. Learning how to make cannabutter at home is surprisingly simple, and mastering this process opens the door to a world of culinary creativity.

What is Cannabutter?

Cannabutter is butter infused with cannabis. This process extracts the active compounds—THC, CBD, and others—into the fat of the butter, making it easy to incorporate into your favorite recipes.

Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water (to prevent burning)
• 7-10 grams of cannabis flower (adjust for desired potency)

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Grinder (manual or electric)
• Saucepan or slow cooker
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Glass jar or container for storage

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Decarboxylation is a crucial step that activates the THC and CBD in your cannabis.

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Grind Cannabis: Lightly grind the cannabis. Avoid over-grinding, as fine particles can pass through the strainer later.
3. Bake: Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Cool: Let the cannabis cool completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

1. In a saucepan or slow cooker, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of water over low heat. The water helps regulate the temperature and prevents burning.

Step 3: Infuse the Butter

1. Add Cannabis: Stir the decarboxylated cannabis into the melted butter-water mixture.
2. Simmer: Maintain a low heat (around 160-200°F or 70-93°C) for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
   • Pro Tip: A slow cooker is great for this step because it maintains a consistent temperature.

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

1. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a glass jar or container.
2. Carefully pour the butter mixture through the cheesecloth, letting the liquid strain through.
3. Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract any remaining butter, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent plant material from seeping through.

Step 5: Solidify and Store

1. Let the butter cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it solidifies. The butter will separate from the water.
2. Once solid, scrape off the butter and discard the water layer.
3. Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for several months.

Tips for Success

1. Dose Wisely: Start with a small amount of cannabis and adjust potency based on your tolerance. A kitchen scale is helpful for accurate measurements.
2. Monitor Temperature: Keep the infusion temperature below 200°F (93°C) to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes.
3. Label Clearly: Always label your cannabutter to avoid accidental consumption by others.
4. Experiment: Use cannabutter in both sweet and savory recipes. It’s versatile and works in everything from cookies to mashed potatoes.

How to Use Cannabutter

Once your cannabutter is ready, the possibilities are endless! Substitute it for regular butter in any recipe, keeping in mind the desired dosage per serving. Remember that edibles take 30-90 minutes to take effect, so start low and go slow.

Making cannabutter at home is a rewarding process that brings the art of cannabis cooking to your fingertips. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to create delicious and potent edibles tailored to your preferences.