Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/4 ounce (7 grams) finely ground cannabis flower (stems and seeds removed)
- 1 quart (4 cups) water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan or small pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Heatproof jar or container
- Refrigerator (for cooling and storage)
Instructions
- Decarboxylate your cannabis – Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. This process activates THC and CBD for infusion.
- Simmer gently – In a saucepan, bring water to a light simmer and add butter. Once melted, add the decarbed cannabis. Maintain a low simmer (not a boil) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and cool – Line a jar or bowl with cheesecloth and carefully pour the mixture through, removing plant material.
- Separate and store – Refrigerate overnight. Once solid, lift the butter layer from the top and store it in an airtight container.
Notes
Tips for Adjusting Potency (If you prefer a stronger batch):
- Use 1 cup butter and 1 cup water instead of ½ cup and 1 quart.
- Extend the simmer time by 30–60 minutes for deeper infusion.
- Choose strains with higher THC content (20–25%+).
For a more precise potency estimate, use the Kind Meds Cannabutter Cooking Calculator – it factors in THC/CBD percentage, infusion efficiency, and servings.
Notes
- Low and slow is key: Keep your mixture at a gentle simmer — never boiling — to preserve potency and flavor. A low, steady heat ensures even infusion without burning off valuable cannabinoids.
- Choose quality butter: Use high-fat, unsalted butter (ideally organic). Cannabinoids bind to fat, so richer butter gives a more efficient infusion and smoother texture.
- Mind your aroma: Cannabutter has a distinct herbal scent while simmering. Use good ventilation or simmer with a lid partially on if preferred.
- Strain carefully: Don’t squeeze the cheesecloth too hard — that can push through plant particles and create a gritty texture. Let gravity do most of the work.
- Cool completely before storing: Proper cooling helps the butter solidify evenly and prevents separation. Once hardened, lift it from the water layer cleanly.
- Portion and label: Divide your cannabutter into tablespoon portions and clearly label with potency. It’s easy to use in future recipes and avoids any confusion.
- Flavor upgrades: For a more gourmet result, try infusing the butter with complementary flavors during simmering — such as a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or orange peel — for sweet recipes, or rosemary and garlic for savory dishes.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Protein: 0