Ever wondered what makes special brownies so special? The secret ingredient is cannabutter, and it’s easier to make at home than you might think. By using high-quality cannabis, you can create the perfect infused butter for your ideal edible experience.

Cannabutter is simply cannabis-infused butter. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be swapped into almost any recipe that calls for regular butter, from cookies and cakes to savory sauces. This guide will walk you through the essential process of decarboxylation—”activating” the cannabis for edible use—and how to infuse it into butter. In about three hours, you’ll have a potent batch of cannabutter that can stay fresh for up to six months when stored correctly.

Understanding Cannabis Dosage

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to understand dosage. When you make edibles at home, you have complete control over their potency. This means you can tailor your creations to your specific tolerance, whether you prefer a mellow buzz or a more powerful experience.

The key to unlocking the psychoactive potential of cannabis is a process called decarboxylation. This involves heating the flower slowly at a low temperature to convert non-psychoactive cannabinoids into the THC that produces the desired effects. The strain and amount of cannabis you choose will directly impact the strength of your final product.

One of the main benefits of making your own cannabutter is cost. The markup on store-bought edibles can be significant due to licensing costs and taxes. Making your own is often more economical. Plus, remember that quality matters. Using good-quality cannabis will result in a better-tasting and more potent cannabutter.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: High-fat content is key for infusion. You can also use other fats like coconut oil, olive oil, or even lard. Coconut oil has a higher fat content than butter, which can yield a stronger infusion.
• 1 cup water: This helps regulate the temperature and prevents the butter from scorching.
• 7-10 grams of cannabis: Start with a quarter ounce. Choose a quality strain from a trusted source like Kush21 for the best results. The potency of your cannabutter will depend on the THC percentage of your flower.

Equipment Required

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Saucepan, slow cooker, or double boiler
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Storage container (like a glass jar or airtight container)
• Cannabis grinder (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making cannabutter involves two main stages: decarboxylating the cannabis and then infusing it into the butter.

Step 1: Decarboxylation (Decarbing)

This is the most important step to activate the THC in your cannabis.

1. Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C).
2. Break the cannabis into small pieces. You can use a grinder, but don’t grind it into a fine powder, as this can make it difficult to strain later.
3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes. If you have a convection oven, cover the sheet with foil and poke a few holes in it to prevent the flower from blowing around. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s lightly browned and fragrant.

Step 2: Infusion

Now it’s time to infuse the decarbed cannabis into your butter. There are several methods you can use.

Saucepan Method:

1. Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter to a saucepan. Let the butter melt over low heat. The water helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Once the butter has melted, add your decarboxylated cannabis and stir.
3. Simmer on low heat (between 160-200°F or 71-93°C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it come to a full boil. The mixture should gently simmer.

Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Method:

This method is great for a “low and slow” infusion and requires less active monitoring.

1. Turn your slow cooker to the lowest setting. Add the butter and decarbed cannabis.
2. Cover and let it cook for 4-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you steep, the more potent the flavor and color will become.

Double Boiler Method:

This is a gentler heating method that reduces the risk of scorching.

1. Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Place the butter and decarbed cannabis in the top pot.
3. Let it infuse for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Filtering and Storing

Once your infusion is complete, the final step is to strain out the plant matter.

1. Place a fine-mesh strainer or a few layers of cheesecloth over your storage container.
2. Carefully pour the hot cannabutter mixture through the strainer.
3. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth or press the plant material, as this can push unwanted plant flavors into your butter.
4. Let the cannabutter cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it until it solidifies. Any excess water will separate from the butter and can be discarded.

Your cannabutter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.

Using Cannabutter in Recipes

You can use your homemade cannabutter in any recipe that calls for butter or oil. The classic choice is brownies, as the strong chocolate flavor pairs well with cannabis. But don’t limit yourself! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: The spices and oats work surprisingly well with the cannabis flavor.
• Lemon Cake or Curd: If you used a citrusy strain, the flavors will complement each other beautifully.
• Peach Cobbler: A citrusy strain infused in coconut oil can be added to the fruit filling for a delicious twist.
• Savory Dishes: Use your infused butter or oil to baste proteins, stir into sauces, or drizzle over roasted vegetables.

When baking, you can substitute all or part of the butter in a recipe with cannabutter, depending on your desired potency. Always start with a small dose (5-10 mg THC per serving) to see how it affects you.

Your Guide to Homemade Edibles

Making your own cannabutter is a rewarding process that gives you full control over the potency and flavor of your edibles. It’s a cost-effective and creative way to enjoy cannabis. Remember to start with high-quality products, calculate your dosage carefully, and most importantly, have fun with it.

Ready to start your culinary cannabis adventure? Visit a Kush21 location to find the perfect flower for your homemade cannabutter.

Disclaimer: Please consume cannabis responsibly. The effects of edibles can be more potent and longer-lasting than other forms of consumption. Start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before consuming more. Do not operate machinery after consumption. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Featured image by Correen

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