Make Cannabutter at Home

Written By Katie Hassell

Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient to use as a butter substitute in your favorite recipes. You can use this staple for baking sweet treats, cooking savory dishes, or spreading it on a warm piece of toast for a simple, relaxing treat. Be sure to start with a small amount and wait to feel the effects before indulging further!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of butter, cut into cubes (salted or unsalted)

• 7 – 10 grams of medical cannabis flower (your preference), broken up with a hand grinder.

• Small crockpot

• Kitchen thermometer

• Strainer or tea infuser

• Glass container with lid

Directions 

1. Set your crock pot to low heat and add butter.
2. Once the butter has reached 160 degrees, add the medical cannabis flower and mix. Be sure not to let the butter exceed 215 degrees.
3. Let the butter mixture simmer in the crockpot on low for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. 
4. Check on the mixture every 30 minutes and gently stir. 
5. After 2.5 to 3 hours, turn off the crockpot. 
6. Carefully strain the butter mixture through a strainer into the glass storage jar. This process may take a few minutes. Do not push on the flower to speed up the process because it could cause smaller flower pieces to fall into the jar and affect the flavor. 
7. Cover the butter and place in the fridge for an hour before use.  

The strength of your cannabutter will vary based on the amount and the flower stain you use. It’s best to test ¼ – ½ teaspoon on a piece of bread or toast to gauge the strength of your butter. 

Tips & Tricks

• The butter mixture must stay over 160 degrees for at least 2.5 hours for the flower to decarboxylate, activate the THC. 
• You also don’t want to heat the butter mixture to exceed 215 degrees because it will burn off the cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Some cheesecloth can be used with the strainer to separate the smallest flower pieces from the butter.