Cannabis-infused butter is one of the most versatile infusions in the world of edibles. Part of the infused fats group, which is the most used cannabis infused carrier for creating cannabis foods. In the edibles community, we commonly refer to it as canna butter. This infusion is useful for brownies, cookies, muffins, breads, and sauces recipes, or used directly on toast, waffles, pancakes, or muffins. In this article, I introduce you to the entire process to make cannabis-infused butter with ease.
Why is cannabis-infused butter so popular?
Cannabis-infused butter (cannabutter) is one of the most popular infusions used in food preparation. It is widely preferred because of the follwing factors:
- Versatility: It can be used in a wide range of recipes, including baked goods (brownies, cookies, muffins), savory dishes, and sauces.
- Fat content: THC and other cannabinoids bind well to fat, making butter an effective carrier for cannabis compounds.
- Ease of preparation: The process is simple and quick, requiring only butter, cannabis, heat, and a bit of time.
- Potency control: Users can easily adjust the strength of the infusion based on their needs.
- Low volatility: A good shelf life is maintained since cannabinoids naturally bind to fats. This ensures a stable product when stored in a cool place.
- Long storage: Properly kept cannabutter lasts for weeks in the fridge and longer when frozen.
A step-by-step guide to make cannabis-infused butter
While there are always a few different ways to make infusions, this recipe doesn’t require any special equipment. You should have most of the items needed to get started with cannabis-infused butters, and if you don’t, they will require a minimal investment. If you like this method of infusion, feel free to share with friends and family! Let’s get started!
Kitchen tools necessary to make cannabis-infused butter
- Glass jar with lid
- Stockpot
- Tea towel
- Oven mitts
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cup or glass container
Ingredients to make cannabis-infused butter
- Butter (the method is intended for traditional dairy butter)
- Decarboxylated dried cannabis flower
- Water (to ‘bathe’ the jar and liquify the butter)
Instructions to make cannabis-infused butter
- Put your butter into the glass jar, along with the decarboxylated cannabis, and stir to combine;
- Close the jar with the lid;
- Stand the jar up in the stockpot and fill the pot with water until the water is level with the neck of the jar;
- Place the stockpot with the jar in it on high heat on your stove and bring the water to a low boil. Leave the pot uncovered;
- Let the water boil for 2 hours;
- Check the water level periodically and add more water as needed to keep the liquid level with the neck of the jar;
- “Burp” the jar by unsealing the lid after the first hour to release any pressure build up;
- After 2 hours is up, lay a tea towel down on a heatproof surface and remove the jar from the stock pot with the silicone oven mitts or tongs;
- Let it cool enough to handle but still liquid;
- Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth (if the strainer is very fine you can probably skip the cheesecloth) and pour the butter or oil through the strainer and into another container such as a measuring cup or glass container;
- Squeeze the material in the strainer well to extract as much fat as you can;
- Compost or toss the remaining plant material;
- Label and date your infusion.
How to use cannabis-infused butter
Cannabis-infused butter is used to make:
- Cookies
- Breads
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Sauces
You can also use cannabutter as a spread, adding deliciousness to a slice of your favorite bread.
Storage, shelf life and signs of spoilage of cannabutter
To properly store cannabis-infused butter, keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and potency. For short-term use, refrigerate the butter, where it will remain fresh for up to 4 weeks. Ensure it is tightly sealed to prevent odors and moisture from affecting its quality.
Long-term storage of cannabis infused butter
For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. Divide the butter into smaller portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. This method can extend its shelf life to up to 6 months or longer.
Signs of spoilage of cannabis infused butter
Signs of spoilage include an off smell, changes in color, or mold growth. If the butter develops any of these signs, it’s best to discard it. Always label your infused butter with the date of preparation to track its freshness and ensure safe consumption.
FAQ: How to make cannabis-infused butter
1. How much marijuana is necessary to make cannabis-infused butter?
The amount of cannabis depends on your desired potency. A common starting point is 1 cup of butter to 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower. Adjust the ratio to suit your tolerance and needs. Consult our dosage calculator here.
2. Do I need to decarboxylate the cannabis before infusing it into butter?
Yes, decarboxylation is essential to activate the THC in cannabis. Please read our instructions regarding this process.
3. How can I prevent the cannabis butter from tasting too strong or bitter?
To reduce bitterness, use high-quality cannabis and strain out the plant material thoroughly. Adding a pinch of salt during infusion can also help balance the flavor.
4. How do I know if my cannabis butter has gone bad?
Cannabis butter shows spoilage through an off smell, changes in color, or mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, discard the butter. Fat degredation also reduces the potency of the THC.
5. Can I use cannabis-infused butter in any recipe?
Cannabis butter works in recipes that call for regular dairy butter, particularly in baking. It can be used for cookies, muffins, sauces, or even spread on toast or crackers.
6. Is making cannabis-infused butter easy?
Yes, infusing cannabis into butter is an easy and simple process, requiring only basic kitchen tools.
7. Does canna-butter have health benefirs?
Acording to the much respected Healthline website, cannabis butter is a good sleep aid.
8. What are the different terms used to designate “cannabis-infused butter”?
Ganjiers and cannabis chefs often use the terms “cannabutter”, “cannabis butter” and “weed butter” to designate “cannabis-infused butter”.
Cannabis-infused butter is a staple for all edibles chefs!
Give cannabutter a try and experiment with your favorite dishes! We’d love to hear about your experience—share your results or any questions you have in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade cannabis-infused creations!
To learn about other cannabis infusions, please have a look at our complete guide.