How to Make Cannabis Butter: Step-by-Step Recipe

Cannabis butter is one of the star ingredients for anyone who enjoys cannabis edibles (food made with cannabis). With this butter you can make anything from brownies and cookies to sauces or any recipe that needs a special touch. Below, we explain how to make it safely and effectively.

Ingredients

• 10 grams of cannabis buds (adjust the amount to the strength you want)
• 250 grams of unsalted butter (good quality for a better flavour)
• 500 ml of water

Additional equipment

• Large pot or saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Fine strainer or straining cloth
• Airtight container
• Oven gloves (optional, for handling the hot butter)

Method

1. Decarboxylating the cannabis

Decarboxylation simply means heating the cannabis gently. This process activates cannabinoids (the active compounds of the plant) such as THC and CBD, which are essential for getting the desired effects in edibles.

How do you decarboxylate?

1. Preheat the oven to 110-120 °C (230-250 °F).
2. Break the cannabis buds into small pieces, without turning them into powder.
3. Spread the buds on a tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so the heat spreads evenly.
5. Take the tray out of the oven and let the buds cool before moving them to the pot.

2. Infusing the butter

Now that the cannabinoids are activated, it's time to infuse them into the butter, that is, let them pass into the fat while it cooks slowly.

1. In a large pot, mix the butter with the water and heat it over low heat.
2. Stir gently until the butter has completely melted.
3. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the mixture.
4. Cook over very low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring from time to time. Keep the temperature steady (it should not go above 90-100 °C) and don't let the mixture boil, as too much heat could destroy the cannabinoids.

Note: The water helps regulate the temperature and stops the butter from burning.

3. Straining and storage

1. Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest for a few minutes.
2. Strain the liquid through a fine strainer or a cloth to remove all the plant material.
3. Pour the strained liquid butter into an airtight container.
4. Let it cool to room temperature, then put it in the fridge until it sets.

Once the butter has hardened, you'll see a layer of water at the bottom of the container. Carefully pour off the excess water. Your cannabis butter is ready to use.

Recommended dosage

How strong the butter is depends on the amount of cannabis used and its THC concentration. To consume it safely:

• Start with a small amount, for example one teaspoon in your first recipe.
• Wait at least 2 hours before having more.
• If you're a beginner, try using less cannabis first (for example, 5 grams instead of 10).

Tips and variations

• If you want a smoother butter, strain it again to remove more plant residue.
• You can freeze the butter in small portions so it's easier to use and keeps longer.
• Experiment with different cannabis varieties to get different flavour profiles and effects. For example, varieties with citrus terpenes (the aromatic compounds of the plant) will add a refreshing touch to your recipes.

Important warning about edibles

Cannabis in edibles takes effect more slowly but lasts longer than other ways of consuming it. The effects can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to kick in, depending on factors such as your metabolism, the amount you take and whether you've eaten beforehand.

Avoid taking too much: because the effects are delayed, it's easy to have more than you should, thinking it isn't working. Be patient and stick to the recommended doses.

Frequently asked questions

How long does cannabis butter keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can keep for up to 3 weeks. Frozen, it stays in good condition for several months.

Can I make this recipe with leaves instead of buds?

Yes, but bear in mind that leaves contain fewer cannabinoids than buds, so the effects will be milder.

Can I make vegan butter?

Of course: you can replace the butter with coconut oil. The process is the same, and the result is suitable for vegans.

Cannabis butter is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the effects of cannabis. With this recipe, you can make it at home safely and effectively. Enjoy your edibles responsibly!