A Comprehensive Guide to Making Cannabutter

Cannabutter, or cannabis-infused butter, is a versatile and beloved ingredient in the world of edibles. It serves as the base for a wide range of homemade treats, from brownies to cookies and more. Whether you’re an experienced cannabis enthusiast or a newcomer looking to experiment with edibles, making cannabutter is an essential skill to have. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making delicious and potent cannabutter. Remember to consume responsibly and be aware of your local laws regarding cannabis use.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
• 1/4 ounce (7 grams) of high-quality decarboxylated cannabis flower (adjust the quantity to your desired potency)
• Water

Equipment:

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
• A heatproof container or bowl
• Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Decarboxylation:
   • Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
   • Grind your cannabis flower coarsely but not too fine.
   • Place the ground cannabis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake it in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until it turns light brown. This process, known as decarboxylation, activates the THC and other cannabinoids in the cannabis, making them psychoactive.
2. Infusing the Butter:
   • In a saucepan, combine the two sticks of unsalted butter with an equal amount of water.
   • Heat the mixture over low heat, allowing the butter to melt slowly.
   • Once the butter is fully melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the mixture.
   • Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid letting it boil; a gentle simmer is all you need. You may need to add more water during this time to prevent the mixture from drying out.
3. Straining the Mixture:
   • After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Place a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth over a heatproof container or bowl.
   • Carefully pour the mixture through the strainer to separate the infused liquid from the plant material.
   • Squeeze the plant material gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Chilling and Separation:
   • Place the container in the refrigerator and allow it to cool for several hours or overnight.
   • As the mixture cools, the cannabutter will solidify on the surface, making it easy to separate from any remaining water.
5. Storing Your Cannabutter:
   • Once the butter has solidified, use a knife to lift it from the water.
   • Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.

Tips and Considerations:

• Dosage: Be mindful of the potency of your cannabutter, and start with small portions until you know your tolerance.
• Adjusting Potency: You can vary the potency by using more or less cannabis in your recipe.
• Straining: To ensure a smooth cannabutter, it’s important to strain out all plant material effectively.
• Consistency: If you desire a stronger flavor, you can leave a small amount of plant material in your cannabutter.

Now that you’ve successfully made your own cannabutter, you can use it as a versatile ingredient to create a variety of cannabis-infused recipes. Remember to consume responsibly and be aware of the effects of edibles, as they can be more potent and have a delayed onset compared to smoking or vaping.