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How To Make Cannabis-Infused Butter At Home
If you love cooking, then you already know that butter is a staple ingredient to have in your kitchen when preparing recipes. By using a similar method to infusing coconut oil and olive oil, you can easily create cannabis-infused butter (aka CannaButter) by using a slow cooker or the stovetop method. Cannabis butter can be stored in the freezer for basically forever (okay, maybe more like a year), but be sure to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
For the decarboxylated cannabis flower infusion listed below, I used Harle-Tsu that measured at a total of 15% CBD and 1% THC before decarboxylation. Remember, your dosage numbers will differ depending on the strain and source that you use, so be sure to calculate your own CBD/THC milligrams per serving before making your infusion (you can find dosage calculations in my book The Ultimate Guide to CBD). Do your best to make an accurate estimate, always use measuring spoons to dose, and always conservatively sample each batch before serving to others.
A Note About Decarboxylation: In order to unlock the ultimate healing elements of CBD and THC, you must decarboxylate your dry cannabis flower before integrating it into a recipe. Decarboxylation is a heating process that triggers the chemical reaction that releases the carboxylic acids from CBD and THC to activate cannabis. In other words, you are converting CBDA to CBD and THCA to THC.
While there are many decarboxylation methods, activation is achieved by exposing dry cannabis to heat between 240–295°F (115–146°C) for 20 to 60 minutes. Heat for a shorter time at higher temperatures or for a longer time at lower temperatures between this range. For example, if you’re using a higher temperature (between 275°F and 295°F [140–146°C] ), bake for 20 minutes max and be careful not to overcook. Overheating can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes!
For the purposes of this recipe, we are going to use a decarboxylation technique that I learned from professional cannabis chef Coreen Carroll of the Cannaisseur Series, who is a spotlighted expert featured in The Ultimate Guide to CBD. Follow these steps:
Pre-heat your oven to 275°F (140°C). As your oven is heating, line a baking sheet with tinfoil. Begin to break up the dry flower into pea-sized pieces with your fingers or scissors and spread the cannabis evenly onto your baking sheet. Once the oven is heated, simply put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and then follow the recipe as noted.
Here are two ways to make cannabis-infused butter using decarboxylated flower and CBD isolate as seen in The Ultimate Guide to CBD.
Cannabis-Infused Butter Using Decarboxylated Flower
The Stovetop Method
Yield: ¾ cup (168 g)
Target Dose: 1 tablespoon = 29 mg CBD | 2 mg THC (using Harle-Tsu flower, but remember to calculate your own dose per serving based on the flower that you infuse with)
Equipment:
Digital scale
Two 16-ounce (480-ml) sterilized Mason jars
Measuring cup
Medium saucepan
Thermometer
Oven mitt
Cheesecloth
Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients:
3.5 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower of your choice
1 cup (225 g) butter (2 sticks)
1 cup (240 ml) water (optional, see note*)
*Note: While adding water to this recipe is optional, I prefer using it because it helps clarify and purify your end results by helping remove the strong herbal flavors and green notes that can appear in your CannaButter. Some chefs call this step the “water purge” as you are purging out unattractive characteristics that can affect the flavor and appearance of your butter. Chef Coreen Carroll also prefers to use water in her infusions because water helps regulate temperatures and protects oil and butter from scorching, which in turn will make your infusion taste bitter. Adding water to your infusion will not decrease the potency of your end results. CBD and THC do not bind to water, so be sure your recipe contains enough fat for these precious cannabinoids and other compounds to bind to.
Directions:
Weigh out 3.5 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower. Cut the butter into cubes. In a Mason jar, combine the butter, cannabis flower, and water. Be sure to put the butter on the bottom of the jar so it melts first. Seal the top tightly.
In a medium-sized saucepan, fill the bottom of the pan with water making sure to allow enough space so that the water will not hit the top of the Mason jar. Set the Mason jar inside and begin to heat on low. Continue to heat over a gentle boil (around 200°F [93°C]) for 2 hours, making sure the water does not exceed 211°F (99°C). Check in frequently and refill the pan with water as needed due to evaporation. Agitate the jar every now and then using an oven mitt. When finished, remove the Mason jar safely with an oven mitt and let the jar cool.
Prepare the cheesecloth by placing it over the fine-mesh strainer. Pour the infused butter over the cheesecloth into a clean Mason jar. Gently press to extract the butter; do not squeeze the cheesecloth because this will extract unattractive chlorophyll flavors. Put in the refrigerator overnight to separate out the water.
The next day, use a knife the loosen the sides of the cannabis butter that’s hardened at the top of your Mason jar. You can either poke a hole through the side and drain out the water or use a spoon to transfer the butter over to a clean container and then drain the water.
To store, seal in an airtight container, label, and then place it in the refrigerator or freezer to best preserve.
CBD-Infused Isolate Butter
The Stovetop Method
Yield: 1 cup (225 g)
Target Dose: 1 tablespoon = 30 mg CBD
Equipment:
One 16-ounce (480-ml) sterilized Mason jar
Small saucepan
Thermometer
Measuring spoons
Oven mitt
One 8-ounce (240-ml) sterilized Mason jar (optional)
Ingredients:
1 cup (225 g) butter (2 sticks)
.48 grams CBD isolate powder (480 mg CBD)
Directions:
Cut the butter into cubes and add it to a 16-ounce (480-ml) Mason jar. Fill a small saucepan with water making sure to allow enough space so that the water will not hit the top of the Mason jar.
Set the Mason jar inside unsealed and begin to heat water on low heat until it reaches 140° to 150°F (60° to 66°C). The butter should melt at this point, but be careful that the water around the Mason jar never reaches a boil.
Add the CBD isolate powder. Begin to stir the mixture and continue to heat for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the CBD isolate is completely integrated. Remove from the heat using an oven mitt and transfer it to a smaller 8-ounce (240-ml) Mason jar if you wish. Give the jar a few good shakes.
To store, seal in an airtight container, label, and then place it in the refrigerator or freezer to best preserve.
About the Author:
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm and author of The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol and Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home. She is an author, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. In addition to her work in the cannabis industry, Jamie has over a decade of wine industry experience and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Having represented a wide array of organizations and wineries, she is best known for her literary work and producing high-end events. She was also named as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheHerbSomm.
