How to Make Cannabutter
Two simple methods to infuse butter with cannabinoids for cooking. Keep heat low, strain clean, label your batch.
TL;DR: Decarb at low heat, then infuse into butter using a water-bath simmer or direct saucepan simmer. Strain with cheesecloth, chill until firm, and store sealed. Start low when cooking with infused butter, because edibles can sneak up on you.
Quick Summary
- How to Make Cannabutter uses low heat + butter fat to infuse cannabinoids into a cooking base.
- Decarb first for more consistent infusion and more predictable results.
- Pick Method 1 (water-bath) for steadier temps or Method 2 for simple saucepan cooking.
- Strain, chill, and store sealed, clearly labeled, and away from kids and pets.
- Discard any plant matter with mold or mildew and keep temps above 140°F while heating.
Ingredients
- 🧈Unsalted butter: 3/4 lb
- 🌿Cannabis flower or trim: up to 1/2 oz (clean, dry, no mold)
- 💧Water: used in Method 1 to help prevent scorching
Tools
- 🍪Baking sheet + oven (for decarb)
- 🍲Pot or saucepan (for infusion)
- 🥄Spoon (stir frequently)
- 🧻Cheesecloth + strainer (for clean separation)
- 🧊Container (for chilling + storage)
Step 1: Decarb (Quick Prep)
Place cannabis tops on a baking sheet and heat at the lowest possible temperature, no higher than 150°F. This helps dry the buds and activates (decarboxylates) some inactive cannabinoids into THC.
- Spread cannabis on a baking sheet.
- Heat at the lowest setting, not above 150°F.
- Cool before infusing.
Method 1: Water-Bath Simmer
- Grind: Crush the marijuana into a fine powder.
- Fill: Add enough cannabis to fill a boiling pot roughly 1/3 full.
- Add butter + water: Use 1 part butter and 4 parts water, filling the pot to about 3/4.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Strain: After about 30 to 90 minutes total, strain through cheesecloth.
- Chill: Cool then refrigerate until the butter hardens on top.
- Separate: Remove the hardened butter and discard the water.
Method 2: Direct Butter Simmer
- Melt: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add: Sift the marijuana and add it to the butter.
- Simmer: Simmer gently until the butter becomes green in color.
- Strain: Pour through cheesecloth and press to squeeze out as much butter as possible.
- Store: Freeze for longer storage, or refrigerate. Some people pour cold water over the top to reduce oxygen exposure.
Important Information About Cannabis Food Safety: Cannabis may contain air-borne pathogens, mold, and other contaminates. Store unused cannabis in an airtight container, preferably a glass mason jar. Discard any plant matter with mold or mildew. Heat cannabis above 140°F while cooking to reduce potential air-borne contaminates.
It is important to know the footprint of the marijuana being used. Knowing what chemicals, if any, were used to produce it can be helpful information pertaining to your health.
If you would like to know more about cannabis read our Cannabis for Dummies section and impress your friends.
Well we hoped you learned about how to make cannabutter and use it wisely in your daily meals. And when you’re ready to shop smart, find great, safe, and tested products on USAWeed.org.
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