How To Make Cannabutter

WHAT IS CANNABUTTER USED FOR?

Cannabutter is commonly used to make edibles like infused brownies, gummies and even savoury dishes such as pasta or sauces. It’s also a key ingredient in tinctures, which are liquid extracts made for controlled dosing.

Adding cannabutter to your cooking lets you experiment with flavours and adjust the strength to suit your needs. From creating comfort food or gourmet-inspired dishes to preparing light, no-bake recipes, it’s a practical option for those looking for plant-based infusion alternatives to traditional methods.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CANNABUTTER

To make cannabutter at home, you'll need a few basic items. Start with unsalted butter and your chosen plant material. A grinder will help break down the plant for better infusion.

For the cooking process, a slow cooker is a popular choice for maintaining steady heat, though a stovetop or saucepan can also work well. Use parchment paper to line your baking tray during preparation to minimise mess.

For those who prefer plant-based options, coconut oil or olive oil can replace regular butter. These oils are popular because they offer a higher fat content, which improves cannabinoid absorption. They’re also great for recipes where butter might not work as well, such as dressings or lighter dishes.

HOW TO MAKE CANNABUTTER STEP BY STEP

Making cannabutter is easier than you think, and it just takes a few steps. We recommend taking your time with low heat to get the best infusion.

Follow these steps carefully for consistent results:

• Decarb the plant material: Preheat your oven to 115°C. Spread the ground material on parchment paper and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly.
• Melt the butter: In a saucepan, stovetop, crockpot or double boiler, melt a cup of butter with a cup of water over low heat. The water helps prevent the butter from burning as it melts.
• Start the infusion process: Add the decarbed material to the melted butter. Keep it on low heat and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally so everything blends properly.
• Strain the butter mixture: Pour everything through a cheesecloth into a mason jar or bowl to separate the solids. 
• Cool and store: Once strained, let the butter cool. Refrigerate it until it hardens, then remove any water that separates. Store the final product in an airtight container for freshness.

WHY DECARBING IS IMPORTANT FOR CANNABUTTER

Heating the plant material, also called decarboxylation, is an important step when making cannabutter. This process activates the compounds that give you the desired effects and makes the material easier to infuse. It also enhances the flavour by preserving terpenes, the aromatic compounds that add depth to your recipes.

To decarb, all you need to do is preheat your oven to 115°C. Spread the material evenly on a baking sheet and heat it gently to maintain the terpenes while activating the compounds. Skipping this step can make your cannabutter less effective, so it’s worth taking the extra time to do it properly.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR MAKING CANNABUTTER

Making cannabutter involves handling heat and specific materials, which is why a little care goes a long way. Start by working in a well-ventilated area to stay comfortable during decarbing and infusing. Reliable kitchen tools like thermometers help you maintain the right temperatures and avoid overheating.

If this is your first time making edibles, start with small batches to get familiar with the process. Once your cannabutter is ready, label it clearly to avoid any confusion and store it safely out of reach of children and pets.

HOW TO CHECK THE POTENCY OF YOUR CANNABUTTER

To measure the strength of your cannabutter, start by testing a small amount of the final product, like a quarter teaspoon, and wait at least an hour to feel its effects. This way, you can determine the potency without overestimating its strength.

This is especially important if it’s your first time making or using it. Potency can vary based on how effectively the cannabinoids were infused during the process.

For a more accurate estimate, you can use DIY calculators available online, which help you approximate potency based on your ingredients and method. Comparing your results to a standardised product from a pharmacy can also give you an idea of its strength.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR STRAINING CANNABUTTER

Straining your cannabutter is an important step to remove any leftover plant matter and achieve a smooth final product. Follow these simple tips to help you get the best results:

• Use a cheesecloth for fine straining: A cheesecloth works well for catching small particles and gives you a smooth result.
• Opt for a mesh strainer for extra support: Placing a mesh strainer under the cheesecloth helps hold it steady while pouring the mixture.
• Let the mixture drip naturally: Allow the liquid to pass through the strainer without squeezing too much, as this can push unwanted particles through.
• Strain while the mixture is warm: Warm butter flows more easily through the cloth or mesh strainer, which makes the process smoother.
• Use a second straining step if needed: For an even cleaner final product, you can strain it twice to remove any remaining residue.

HOW TO USE CANNABUTTER IN RECIPES

Using cannabutter in your cooking is a simple way to create homemade edibles with your favourite flavours. From sweet treats to savoury dishes, it’s perfect for trying out new cannabutter recipes with a few basic tips.

These are some helpful ways to include cannabutter or cannaoil in your meals:

• Substitute it for regular butter: Replace the butter in your recipe with cannabutter to create infused brownies, cookies or sauces.
• Combine with regular butter: For milder potency, use a mix of cannabutter and plain butter.
• Be mindful of heat levels: Keep the cooking temperature low to medium to avoid degrading the infusion during cooking time.
• Incorporate it into no-bake recipes: Use cannabutter in recipes like spreads, dips or energy balls to avoid heating it altogether.
• Try switching to cannaoil: If you prefer using oils, swap cannabutter for cannaoil in recipes like salad dressings, marinades or stir-fries.

COMMON ISSUES WHEN MAKING CANNABUTTER

Sometimes, your cannabutter might not turn out as planned. If it’s weaker or stronger than expected, the issue could be with the infusion process or decarboxylation timing. We recommend double-checking your temperatures and times to fine-tune your method for the next batch.

A grainy texture usually means that the butter wasn’t fully strained, leaving behind solids. Straining it thoroughly through a cheesecloth can help fix this. For an overly strong flavour, blending your cannabutter with regular butter is a simple way to tone it down and create more balanced recipes.

HOW TO STORE CANNABUTTER

Store your cannabutter in an airtight container to keep it fresh and preserve its quality. For short-term use, place it in the fridge to help prevent exposure to air and keep the flavour intact.

You can also freeze your cannabutter in small portions for longer storage to make it easier to use later. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long, as this can cause it to spoil or lose its effectiveness.