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How to Make Cannabutter: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Introduction
Good cannabutter starts with decarboxylated cannabis, gentle heat, and patient straining. Keep the butter below a hard simmer, label it clearly, and use it later only in recipes where you can portion servings carefully.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Servings | 1 cup cannabutter |
| Recipe Type | Recipe |
| Infused | Yes |
| Infused Ingredient | Cannabis flower |
| Best For | Infusion base |
Important Edible Safety Note
Cannabis edibles can take longer to feel than inhaled cannabis and may last longer. Potency depends on the cannabis flower, extraction, how evenly the finished butter is mixed, and the serving size. Start with a low serving, wait before taking more, label infused foods clearly, and store them securely away from children, pets, and anyone who could mistake them for non-infused food. This recipe is for adults in places where cannabis use is legal; follow your local laws.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup
- Ground cannabis flower – 7 to 10 grams (decarboxylated)
- Water – Optional (helps prevent burning)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Heatproof jar with lid
Before You Start
Decarboxylate the cannabis before it goes into the butter. Have cheesecloth or a fine strainer ready, keep the heat low, and prepare a labeled jar before straining the finished cannabutter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Decarboxylate the Cannabis
- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Spread cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes to activate cannabinoids.
Melt Butter and Combine
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add a bit of water if desired.
- Stir in decarbed cannabis and simmer on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Strain and Store
- Strain the mixture using cheesecloth or fine mesh into a jar.
- Refrigerate or freeze in a clearly labeled container, then use only in recipes where portions can be measured clearly.
Dosing and Portioning Notes
Potency depends on the cannabis flower, extraction, how evenly the finished butter is mixed, and the final serving size. Without tested potency information for the cannabis flower and finished butter, dosing cannot be calculated from the recipe alone. Use the listed 1 cup cannabutter to plan measured portions, and calculate dose from the labeled infusion strength before eating.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep the butter at a low simmer rather than a boil so the milk solids do not scorch.
- Stir occasionally during infusion, then strain slowly so plant solids stay out of the finished butter.
Storage and Serving
Transfer the finished cannabutter to a clean covered container with the date and infusion clearly labeled. Keep it refrigerated or frozen according to food-safety needs, and use it only in recipes where portions can be measured clearly.
Keep infused butter counted, clearly labeled, and secured until use. Do not leave infused butter on counters, tables, or anywhere children, pets, or guests could reach it by accident. Discard anything that was left out, unlabeled, unattended, or cannot be clearly identified.