How to Make Potent Cannabis Butter for Edibles

If you’re venturing into the world of cannabis edibles, knowing how to make cannabis butter is essential. This magical ingredient forms the basis of countless recipes, from brownies to cookies to savory dishes. Making cannabis butter, often referred to as “cannabutter,” at home allows you to control the potency and quality, ensuring you get the most out of your cannabis. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making potent cannabis butter right in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of water
  • 7-10 grams of cannabis (adjust according to desired potency)
• Tools:
  • A baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • A saucepan or double boiler
  • A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • A container for storing your butter

Decarboxylation

First things first, we need to decarboxylate the cannabis. This might sound complicated, but it’s simply a process of heating the cannabis to activate its psychoactive properties.

1. Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C).
2. Break the cannabis into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.

Decarboxylation is crucial because it converts THCA into THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

Infusing the Butter

Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it with butter.

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add a cup of water to prevent the butter from burning.
2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter.
3. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture doesn’t come to a full boil as this can destroy the cannabinoids.

The goal here is to allow the cannabinoids to bind with the fat in the butter, creating a potent cannabis infusion.

Straining the Mixture

Once your butter is infused with cannabis, it’s time to strain out the plant material.

1. Prepare a container with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
2. Pour the mixture through the strainer into the container. Use a spoon to press out as much butter as possible from the plant material.
3. Let it cool at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.

Once cooled, your cannabutter will solidify, and you can remove any excess water that separates from the butter.

Storing Your Cannabis Butter

Proper storage is essential to maintain the potency and freshness of your cannabis butter.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze the butter. It can last up to six months in the freezer.

Always label your container with the date and potency if possible, so you know exactly what you’re working with.

Tips for Potent Cannabis Butter

Making cannabis butter can be a bit of an art. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Choose high-quality cannabis: The better the bud, the better the butter.
• Use unsalted butter: It has a higher fat content which helps in binding more cannabinoids.
• Adjust the dosage: Start with a smaller amount of cannabis if you’re new to edibles, and increase as you get more comfortable with the effects.

Infusing the Butter

Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it with butter.

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add a cup of water to prevent the butter from burning.
2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter.
3. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture doesn’t come to a full boil as this can destroy the cannabinoids.

The goal here is to allow the cannabinoids to bind with the fat in the butter, creating a potent cannabis infusion.

 Straining the Mixture

Once your butter is infused with cannabis, it’s time to strain out the plant material.

1. Prepare a container with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
2. Pour the mixture through the strainer into the container. Use a spoon to press out as much butter as possible from the plant material.
3. Let it cool at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.

Once cooled, your cannabutter will solidify, and you can remove any excess water that separates from the butter.

Using Cannabis Butter in Recipes

Now that you have your cannabis butter, the possibilities are endless. You can substitute it for regular butter in any recipe, sweet or savory. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Brownies: A classic choice that’s always a hit.
• Cookies: Infuse your favorite cookie recipe for a delightful treat.
• Pasta sauces: Add a bit of cannabutter to your Alfredo or Bolognese sauce for a savory twist.

Remember, edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, so start with a small amount and wait to gauge the effects before consuming more.

Conclusion

Learning how to make cannabis butter is a game-changer for anyone interested in cannabis edibles. By following these steps, you can create a potent, versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations. Just remember to enjoy responsibly, start with small doses, and most importantly, have fun experimenting in the kitchen. Happy baking!