Making cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in cooking with cannabis. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process, ensuring you create a potent and flavorful butter safely. Remember to always check your local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use before proceeding.
Essential Equipment & Ingredients
Before you begin, gather these necessary items:
- Cannabis: Start with high-quality, decarboxylated cannabis. Decarboxylation activates the THC, maximizing potency. (See below for decarboxylation instructions). The amount you use will depend on your desired potency and the starting potency of your cannabis.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for optimal flavor.
- Slow Cooker or Double Boiler: A slow cooker provides even, low-heat infusion, reducing the risk of burning. A double boiler is a suitable alternative.
- Cheesecloth or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Used for filtering out plant material.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Glass Jars: For storing your finished cannabutter.
Decarboxylating Your Cannabis: A Crucial Step
Decarboxylation is essential for activating the THC in your cannabis. This process converts THCA (the inactive acid form) into THC (the psychoactive compound).
How to Decarboxylate:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Grind your cannabis: Finely grind your cannabis buds for optimal decarboxylation.
- Spread evenly: Spread the ground cannabis in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes: Keep a close eye on it; you want it to be dry and slightly browned, but not burnt.
- Cool completely: Allow the decarboxylated cannabis to cool completely before proceeding.
The Cannabutter Infusion Process
Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it's time to infuse the butter. We recommend a slow cooker method for its ease and effectiveness.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Combine Ingredients: Add your decarboxylated cannabis and butter to your slow cooker.
- Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook, the more potent your butter will be.
- Strain the Mixture: Once cooked, carefully pour the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe bowl. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much butter as possible.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cannabutter to cool completely before storing it in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks.
Double Boiler Method: (Similar steps, just using a double boiler instead of a slow cooker.)
- Fill the bottom pot: Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer.
- Combine in top pot: Place the butter and decarboxylated cannabis in the top pot.
- Simmer gently: Simmer gently for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Strain and Cool: Follow steps 3 and 4 from the slow cooker method.
Important Considerations and Safety Tips
- Potency: The potency of your cannabutter will vary depending on the potency of your starting cannabis and the amount used. Start with a low dose and wait to feel the effects before consuming more.
- Storage: Store your cannabutter in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness and potency.
- Dosage: Always start with a low dose, especially if you're new to edibles. Edibles can have a delayed and more intense effect than other forms of cannabis consumption.
- Legality: Always check your local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use before making or consuming cannabutter.
This guide offers a detailed approach to crafting your own cannabutter. Remember to prioritize safety and responsible use. Enjoy!
