Cody Casey
Cannabis-infused butter, or cannabutter, is a common way to make edibles. The process involves decarbing the weed first to increase the potency of the butter, and then melting butter and simmering the mixture on low heat for a few hours. The longer the cooking time, the more potent the cannabutter will be. It's important to note that homemade edibles are difficult to dose accurately, and butter burns easily, so close monitoring is necessary. Once the desired cooking time has been reached, the mixture is strained, and the cannabutter can be stored for future use in baked goods and other dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fat | Butter, ghee, olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, oil, or lard |
| Type of cookware | Saucepan, stock pot, double-boiler, slow cooker, Crock-Pot, or any other countertop appliance that has a time-and-temperature regulating feature |
| Amount of butter | 1 cup |
| Amount of water | 1 cup or 2 cups of hot water (optional) |
| Cannabis to butter ratio | 1:1 |
| Amount of cannabis | Depends on the desired potency |
| Decarbing | Preheat oven to 245-250°F (120°C) and place cannabis on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes |
| Grinding cannabis | Use a grinder, food processor, or break up the weed with your hands |
| Simmering temperature | 160-200ºF |
| Simmering time | 2-4 hours |
| Straining | Use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth |
| Refrigeration time | Up to 2 months in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Decarbing cannabis increases potency
Cooking Pot into Butter
To cook pot into butter, or "cannabutter", you'll need patience, organisation, a reliable recipe, and some understanding of dosing. You'll also need to decarb the cannabis first. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Grind or break up the cannabis into small, uniform pieces. Be careful not to grind it into a fine powder, as anything small enough will end up in your final product.
- Preheat your oven to around 240-250°F (115°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the broken-up cannabis on it.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven for 20-45 minutes. Gently mix the buds every 10-15 minutes to expose all sides. The final colour should be a light golden brown.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stock pot, double boiler, or slow cooker on low heat. A cup of water will help regulate temperature and prevent scorching.
- After the butter is fully melted, add in the decarbed cannabis. Simmer on low heat between 160-200°F for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the mixture simmers, the more potent your cannabutter will be.
- Place a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a jar and pour the butter/cannabis mixture through it to strain.
- Your cannabutter is now ready to use in baked goods and other foods!
Decarbing cannabis is essential for anyone looking to take full advantage of its medicinal and psychoactive properties. It increases potency by converting the non-psychoactive THCA in cannabis into psychoactive THC. This makes the cannabis more potent for use in edibles, tinctures, and other non-smoking consumption methods. The THC is already activated, allowing for quicker and more complete absorption in the digestive system.
The decarbing process also improves the longevity of cannabis by removing moisture and making the cannabinoids more chemically stable. This makes it possible to produce larger batches that will retain their potency over time. However, it's important to note that decarbed cannabis may have a different flavour profile, which some people may find less appealing.
To achieve perfect results, attention to detail and precision are required. The recommended temperature range for decarbing is between 240-250°F (115°C), and the duration should be around 20-45 minutes. It's crucial to monitor the process closely to avoid over-decarboxylation, which can lead to a loss of potency and degradation of terpenes and other cannabinoids.
Once you've successfully decarbed your cannabis, proper storage is essential to preserve its potency and flavour. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Some users vacuum-seal their decarbed cannabis to ensure maximum freshness and longevity.
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Use unsalted butter for baking
When it comes to baking with cannabis, unsalted butter is often recommended. This is because it allows you to control the final product's salt level and because of its high fat content. Using unsalted butter also ensures consistency and freshness in your baked goods.
However, there are some bakers who prefer to use salted butter in their recipes. They argue that salted butter enhances the flavour of sweet baked goods and that the salt lends a warmth and richness that balances out the sweetness. Some bakers also mention that using salted butter in their recipes has never affected the texture of their baked goods.
If you do decide to use salted butter in your baked goods, it is important to consider the amount of salt in the recipe. You may need to adjust the amount of salt added to the recipe to compensate for the salt in the butter. It is also recommended to use recipes that are intended for salted butter.
Ultimately, the decision to use unsalted or salted butter in baking is a matter of personal preference. Some bakers prefer the control that unsalted butter offers, while others find that salted butter enhances the flavour of their baked goods. Experimenting with both types of butter and adjusting the salt content in the recipe can help you determine which type of butter works best for your specific recipe.
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Simmering time affects potency
The potency of cannabutter is influenced by the simmering time. The longer the mixture simmers, the more potent the final product will be. This is because the THC in cannabis is fat-soluble, and simmering allows the THC to be absorbed by the butter. Therefore, the longer the simmering time, the more THC will be present in the butter.
However, it is important to note that simmering for too long or at too high a temperature can lead to degradation of the THC, resulting in a loss of potency and an unpleasant taste. The ideal simmering temperature range is between 160-200°F (71-93°C), with some sources specifying a maximum temperature of 180°F (82°C). Exceeding 250°F (121°C) will cause the THC to degrade, resulting in a loss of potency and an unpleasant taste.
The recommended simmering time varies across different sources and recipes. Some recommend simmering for 2-3 hours, while others suggest longer infusion times of up to 4 hours or more to achieve a more potent product. One source mentions a recipe that calls for 22 hours of simmering, while another source recommends a minimum of 30-45 minutes.
It is worth noting that the potency of cannabutter is influenced not only by simmering time but also by other factors such as the quality and quantity of cannabis used, the decarboxylation process, and individual tolerance. Therefore, it is important to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find the optimal simmering time for the desired potency while also considering other factors that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the final product.
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Storing cannabutter
Choosing a Storage Container
Firstly, choose an appropriate container for your cannabutter. It is recommended to use an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a mason jar. This helps prevent moisture and air from entering and ensures that your cannabutter stays fresh for a longer period.
Refrigeration
For short-term storage, the refrigerator is your best option. Cannabutter can last in the refrigerator for about 2-3 weeks. Make sure to keep it in a dry, cool, and dark location within the fridge. Avoid exposure to natural light or sunlight, as this can degrade cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Freezer Storage
For long-term storage, consider freezing your cannabutter. It can last for several months in the freezer when properly stored. Wrap the cannabutter in individually sized portions to ensure easy dosing when you need it. You can use baking paper or glass jars for freezer storage, as long as they don't crack.
Mold Prevention
Mold is a common issue with cannabutter, so take steps to prevent it. Always use clean utensils when handling the cannabutter to avoid contamination. Additionally, moisture can breed bacteria and promote mold growth, so ensure your storage container is dry and airtight.
Dosage and Portioning
When preparing your cannabutter for storage, consider the dosage and portioning. You can use a teaspoon mold for enjoying cannabutter in small quantities or a stick mold for baking edible cannabis products like cookies. This way, you can easily measure and control your dosage.
Legal Considerations
Finally, remember to always follow local laws and regulations regarding the consumption and storage of cannabutter. Even in places where cannabis use is legal, there may be specific rules for edibles. Stay informed and consume responsibly.
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Adding water to the pot
Secondly, adding water helps to clarify the oil by attracting impurities from the bud, such as the compounds that give leaves their green colour. These impurities are then left in the water, ensuring that only pure butter or oil is extracted. This process is known as a "water wash" and can enhance the taste of the final product by removing unwanted flavours.
Additionally, water allows the butter to harden without sticking to the sides of the pan or jar. This makes it easier to extract all the butter from the leaves, reducing waste. Water also helps to separate the butter or oil from the trim or plant material, especially when using coconut oil, which solidifies at room temperature.
When adding water to the pot, it is recommended to use a 1:1 ratio of water to butter or oil. For example, if you use one cup of butter, you would add one cup of water. This ratio aids in the emulsification process and ensures that the butter or oil is effectively clarified.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to decarb or activate the cannabinoids in the cannabis. This can be done by covering a baking sheet with parchment paper and placing the loosely broken-up cannabis on it. Heat in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 245ºF, gently mixing the buds every 10-15 minutes.
The next step is to melt the butter. Melt one cup of butter in a saucepan, stock pot, double boiler, or slow cooker on low heat. Add one cup of water to help regulate temperature and prevent scorching.
After the butter is fully melted, add in the decarbed cannabis and simmer on low heat between 160-200ºF for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the mixture simmers, the more potent your cannabutter will be.
Once the infusion is complete, strain the mixture through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any particulate. The cannabutter can then be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
