Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is the perfect base for making delicious edibles like brownies or cookies. Here, I'll show you a simple method for making it yourself.
Why decarboxylate cannabis?
Before you start making the butter, you need to decarboxylate the cannabis. This converts the inactive THCA into psychoactive THC, which produces the desired effect. This step is essential, so don't forget it!
What you need
Ingredients
- 10 g cannabis flowers or trim (depending on desired strength)
- 250 g butter
- 500 ml water
utensils
- Baking tray and baking paper
- Pot
- Heat-resistant glass container (e.g. preserving jar)
- Sieve or cheesecloth
- Storage jar or airtight container
Step 1: Decarboxylate cannabis
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 110–115 °C.
- Chopping: Tear the cannabis flowers into small pieces, but do not grind them too finely.
- Baking: Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30–45 minutes, turning every 10–15 minutes to ensure even heating.
Step 2: Melt butter and add cannabis
- Heat water: Pour the water into a pot and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
- Melt butter in a glass container: Place the butter in a heat-resistant glass container and place it in a simmering water bath. Let the butter melt slowly.
- Add cannabis: Once the butter is completely melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis and stir well.
Step 3: Simmer the cannabis
- Maintain temperature: Let the mixture steep in a glass container in a water bath at low heat (approx. 70–90°C) for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally. Make sure the temperature doesn't get too high to avoid destroying the THC.
Step 4: Sieve and store
- Strain: Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a storage container. Gently squeeze out any remaining butter to extract as much liquid as possible, but avoid over-pressing, as this can release bitter compounds.
- Cool: Let the butter cool and then refrigerate it. Once it has solidified, you can remove any excess water.
Tips for use
- Dosage: Start with small amounts to better assess the potency. Homemade cannabutter can be very potent!
- Storage: Cannabutter will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
With these instructions, you can make your own cannabis butter and use it in a variety of ways. Whether sweet or savory—there are no limits to your creativity!
Note: Check the legal regulations regarding cannabis in your country before processing it.
