Cannabis-infused butter, often called “cannabutter” - is a go-to staple for anyone looking to create homemade cannabis edibles. With the right techniques, you can produce a potent, reliable base for cookies, brownies, sauces, and more. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from decarboxylation to dosage.

What Is Cannabutter? Cannabutter is simply butter infused with the active compounds of cannabis, such as THC and CBD. It allows you to easily incorporate cannabis into a wide range of recipes.

Why Make It at Home?

• Control Over Potency: Customize the strength to your personal preference.

• Quality Assurance: Choose the strains you love for the relief you need.

• Cost Efficiency: Way more affordable than purchasing pre-made edible products.

1. Cannabis Flower: About 7–10 grams for every cup of butter (or use our calculator below to create a batch based on desired potency).

2. Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) of high-quality, unsalted butter.

3. Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: For decarboxylation.

4. Saucepan or Slow Cooker: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or opt for a slow cooker.

5. Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: For filtering out plant matter.

6. Airtight Container: Mason jars or similarly sealable containers for storing.

To unlock the psychoactive properties in your cannabis, heat is needed. This process, known as decarboxylation or "decarbing", transforms THCA into THC.

1. Preheat Oven to 240°F (115°C).

2. Prep the Cannabis: Break or grind cannabis into small pieces.

3. Spread Evenly: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cannabis evenly.

4. Bake: Place in the oven for 30–40 minutes, mixing/tossing every 10 minutes for even heating.

Tip: Keep temperatures low to preserve terpenes, which contribute to flavor and potential medical benefits. 240F for 30min is a good place to start, but some folks decarb at lower temps for a longer amount of time.

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan or slow cooker on low heat. Avoid scorching.

2. Add Decarboxylated Cannabis: Stir gently to ensure even distribution.

3. Simmer: Keep the mixture on low for 2–4 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.

Tip: You can add a small amount of water (about 1 cup per cup of butter) to help prevent scorching and to remove some off-flavors in the finished butter. The water can be separated out later after the butter has cooled. 

1. Prepare Your Filter: Line a fine mesh strainer or funnel with cheesecloth.

2. Pour Slowly: Strain the butter into a heat-safe bowl or jar, being careful not to squeeze too hard (this can force unwanted plant material into the butter).

3. Cool: Let the cannabutter rest until it reaches room temperature.

Tip: If you used water, you might see a separate water layer after cooling. You can poke a hole in your cold cannabutter and easily pour off the water.

After straining and cooling, transfer your cannabutter to an airtight container or mason jar. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage (up to six months). Be sure to label it clearly, especially if you share your kitchen with others!

Determining the right dosage can be tricky.

• Start Small: If you’re new, begin with lower amounts of cannabis and work your way up.

• Calculate Potency: Keep track of the THC percentage in your flower. As a rough example: 1 gram of cannabis at 15% THC contains about 150 mg THC.

• Label Clearly: Make sure anyone who uses the butter understands that it contains cannabis.

• Use our calculator!

Note: Edibles (especially those made with cannabutter) take longer to produce effects, typically 45–90 minutes. Always allow sufficient time before consuming more.

Substitute cannabutter in your favorite recipes in place of regular butter. Consider these crowd-pleasers:

• THC Brownies

• THC Cookies

• THC Cakes

• THC Banana Bread

• THC Gummies

Keep in mind, extended cooking times or high temperatures (above ~350°F/175°C) may degrade some of the THC. If possible, add cannabutter later in the cooking process or stick to lower heat.

1. Skipping Decarboxylation: Without this crucial step, the butter may lack potency.

2. Overheating: High heat can convert THC to CBN, reducing potency and creating a super sleepy-time effect.

3. Too Coarse or Too Fine Grind: Extremely fine material may pass through the strainer and make a mess or not taste great.

4. Guessing Dosage: Always do calculations (use our calculator) and keep notes to track potency.

Crafting your own cannabutter is both an art and a science. By mastering low-and-slow heating, precise decarboxylation, and careful straining, you’ll have a versatile ingredient ready to elevate your favorite infused dishes. Enjoy responsibly, and remember to label your creations.

Disclaimer: Laws regarding cannabis vary by jurisdiction. Always be aware of local regulations, and consume responsibly.