An Easy Way to Make Cannabutter

How to Make Cannabutter at Home: A Complete Guide

Why Make Cannabutter?

While dispensaries sell a variety of cannabis edibles, making your own cannabutter is fun, cost-effective, and offers full control over ingredients and potency. Edibles provide a smokeless option for cannabis consumption, which is beneficial for those with respiratory issues. Additionally, they deliver longer-lasting effects, making them ideal for pain relief, better sleep, and anxiety reduction.

What Is Cannabutter?

Cannabutter is simply butter infused with cannabis. It can be used in baking, cooking, spreading, or even eaten as-is. You can also substitute butter with other fats, depending on your dietary needs or preferences.

Step 1: Choose Quality Cannabis

Always start with fresh, high-quality cannabis. Poor quality weed may affect the potency and medicinal value of your cannabutter. Pick the right strain based on your needs—Indica for relaxation or Sativa for energy.

Step 2: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis (“Activate” It)

THC and CBD must be activated through heat to have an effect. This process is called decarboxylation.

1. Preheat oven to 220°F (105°C).
2. Break your cannabis into small pieces.
3. Spread it on a baking sheet (cover with foil if using a convection oven).
4. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Choose Your Fat

Cannabis compounds bind to fat. Butter is most common, but alternatives include:

• Coconut oil (best THC absorption)
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Bacon fat
• Vegan butter

Tip: Coconut oil has a higher fat content, making it more effective for medical-use edibles.

Optional: Make Coconut Fat

1. Boil shredded coconut meat in water until milky.
2. Cool and refrigerate.
3. Skim the fat that rises and solidifies.

Step 4: Infuse Cannabis into Fat

Method 1: Basic Stovetop

• Combine equal parts butter and water with decarbed weed in a saucepan.
• Keep temperature between 160°F and 200°F.
• Simmer 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Method 2: Double Boiler

• Place weed and fat in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
• Simmer gently for 1 hour or less.

Method 3: Slow Cooker

• Place melted fat in a Crock-Pot.
• Add decarbed cannabis in a sachet.
• Set to low and steep for 8 hours.

Method 4: Sous Vide

• Combine fat and cannabis in a sealed jar.
• Place in 185°F water bath for 4 hours.

Step 5: Filter and Store

• Strain mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Storage Tips:

• Avoid light, moisture, and heat.
• Oils may last up to 2 years depending on type.

Calculating Potency

Formula:

1. (THC% in decimal) × grams used × 1000 = mg THC
2. mg THC ÷ tablespoons fat = THC per tbsp

Example:
18% THC, 5g = 0.18 × 5 × 1000 = 900mg THC
If using 16 tbsp fat: 900 ÷ 16 = 56.25mg per tbsp

Adjusting Potency in Recipes

Low Potency: Use a mix of cannabutter and regular butter.
High Potency: Use pure cannabutter.

Dosing Advice for Beginners

• Start slow (5–10mg THC per serving).
• Wait 1–2 hours before consuming more.
• Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking.

Popular Uses

Sweet Recipes

• Brownies
• Cookies
• Fudge
• Cakes

Savory Recipes

• Mac & Cheese
• Garlic bread
• Pasta
• Dips
• French toast

Final Thoughts

Cannabutter is a flexible and powerful way to enjoy cannabis. Once you understand how to decarb, infuse, and dose it properly, you can elevate your culinary creations and therapeutic routines alike. Now that you know how easy it is, go make your own batch and start experimenting!