What is Cannabutter?

     Cannabutter, short for cannabis butter, is essentially butter infused with the active compounds found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD. It serves as the base for many cannabis-infused recipes, from brownies and cookies to pasta and popcorn. When made correctly, cannabutter can provide a nice consistent way to control your dose.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
• 1/4 ounce (approximately 7 grams) of dried cannabis flower
• Cheesecloth
• Grinder
• Double boiler or saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Airtight container for storage

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis

     Before you can infuse the butter with cannabis, it’s essential to activate the cannabinoids by decarboxylating the plant material. This process involves heating the cannabis to convert THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive).

• Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
• Grind the dried cannabis flower coarsely. You don’t want it too fine; a rough grind will work best.
• Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. This will activate the cannabinoids. Be sure to check and shake the tray every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation.

Step 2: Infuse the Butter

        Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it with butter. This process extracts the cannabinoids and flavors from the cannabis into the butter.

• In a double boiler or a saucepan, melt the 2 sticks of unsalted butter over low heat.
• Once the butter is fully melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the pot.
• Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil; a gentle simmer is sufficient.
• Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape the sides of the pot to ensure the cannabis doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 3: Strain the Mixture

     After the infusion period, it’s time to strain the mixture to remove the solid plant material. You’ll use cheesecloth for this step.

• Set up a clean bowl and place a piece of cheesecloth over the top.
• Carefully pour the hot liquid through the cheesecloth to strain out the cannabis plant material.
• Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Be cautious as the mixture will be hot.

Step 4: Cool and Store the Cannabutter

     Allow the strained liquid to cool at room temperature for a while. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer it to an airtight container.

Usage Tips:

• You can use your homemade cannabutter just like regular butter in recipes, adjusting the quantity according to your desired potency.
• Start with a small amount if you’re new to edibles, as the effects can take some time to kick in.
• Label your cannabutter clearly and keep it in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

    By following these steps, you can easily create your own cannabutter at home, ready to use in your favorite cannabis-infused recipes. Enjoy responsibly, and be aware of the legal regulations regarding cannabis in your area.