Cannabis butter, or cannabutter, is a fundamental ingredient in the world of cannabis edibles. Infusing butter with cannabis allows THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, to be easily integrated into virtually any recipe, transforming ordinary dishes into potent and enjoyable experiences. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, making cannabutter is a simple process that opens the door to a wide array of gourmet cannabis-infused recipes. Here’s how you can make your own at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup (approximately 7-10 grams) of ground cannabis, decarboxylated
Decarboxylation: The First Step
Before infusing your butter, it’s crucial to decarboxylate your cannabis. This process involves heating the cannabis to activate the THC, making it psychoactive.
- Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C).
- Spread your ground cannabis on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation.
- Remove from oven and let it cool.
Making Cannabutter
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, you’re ready to make butter.
- Melt the butter gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a cup of water to prevent the butter from scorching.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter, stirring it in slowly.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture come to a boil. The low heat allows the THC to infuse into the butter without burning.
- Strain the mixture. After simmering, use a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a container, separating the plant matter from the butter. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth; let the butter drip out naturally.
- Refrigerate the strained butter until it solidifies. The water added earlier will separate from the butter and can be removed easily once the butter is solid.
Congratulations! You now have cannabutter, which can be used in place of regular butter in baking recipes, sautéing vegetables, or even spreading on toast for a potent and tasty treat.
Tips for Success
- Start with quality cannabis. The quality of your cannabis will greatly affect the potency and taste of your cannabutter.
- Be mindful of dosage. If you’re new to edibles, start with a low dose and go slow. It’s easy to eat too much, and the effects can take longer to kick in compared to smoking.
- Store properly. Cannabutter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks or in the freezer for extended preservation.
