How To Make Cannabis Infused Butter

Cannabis-infused butter is one of the easiest ways to make edibles at home. Whether you want to bake a batch of brownies or dose the mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, a little cannabutter can go a long way. 

The infusion process will take a few hours, but this recipe is so simple any beginner can follow along. 

What You’ll Need

We used the saucepan method for this recipe. But you can also use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or infusion device like a Levo or Ardent FX to infuse the cannabis into the butter. 

Materials

• • Cheesecloth
  • Strainer
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Grinder
  • Spatula
  • Scale
  • Oven
  • Air-tight container to store the infused butter

Ingredients

• • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup ground cannabis flower (~7g-10g)

How Much Cannabis to Use

The ratio largely depends on the desired potency. However, a common starting point is 1 cup of butter to 1 cup (~7-10 grams of cannabis). Figuring out the exact potency of your cannabutter can be a little tricky because there are a few factors that come into play. You’ll need to know the weight or amount of cannabis you’re using as well as the percentage of cannabinoids like THC or CBD. If you have that information then you can use a dosing calculator like this from Ardent for better estimation.

Decarboxylating Cannabis

To feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis, the THCA must be converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation. When making edibles, you’ll need to decarboxylate your cannabis buds in the oven before you infuse them into your medium (butter, oil, etc).

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis

1. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 245°F
   2. Next, grind up your cannabis.
   3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   4. Spread the ground cannabis on a baking sheet.
   5. Bake at 245°F for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   6. Remove from the oven and set aside.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter

Now that the THC in your cannabis has been activated, you can start to begin the infusion process.

1. 1. Melt the butter and water on low in a saucepan.
   2. Once the butter has melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis.
   3. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally without letting it get to a boil.
   4. Place your cheesecloth and a mesh strainer over your storage container, then pour the infused butter mixture into it. Lightly squeeze the remaining liquid from the cheesecloth into the container.
   5. Place your storage container in the fridge to let the mixture solidify (~10-24 hours).

*Sometimes, water can form at the bottom of your container. If this happens, remove the butter from the top, drain the water, and then add your butter back to the container. 

Dosing the Infused Cannabis Butter

The best way to test the potency of your cannabutter is by trying a small amount (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) before making your whole batch of edibles.

If your batch of butter is too strong, you can tone it down by splitting the infused butter with regular butter in your recipe. (ex. If your recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you can use 1/2 cup infused and 1/2 cup non-infused butter). If that feels better, then you could try using half the amount of ground cannabis when you make your next batch of butter. 

Once you infuse your butter, you won’t be able to increase the potency; you’ll have to eat more of it. If your first batch isn’t strong enough, try adding an additional 1/4 cup of ground cannabis to your next batch. 

Making your own edibles can take trial and error; be patient, and remember to always go low and slow.

How to Make Edibles with Cannabis-Infused Butter

Once your butter is solid and you’ve found your ideal dose, you can add it to various recipes. Spread it onto toast, bake brownies, or impress your guests at Thanksgiving by making an infused turkey gravy. The options are endless!

As the cannabis industry grows, professionals with a comprehensive understanding of both the product and the industry are in high demand. Our Dispensary Agent Certification program goes beyond simple recipes. It dives into the science of cannabis and how various methods, including edibles, impact the body differently.