DIY Cannabis Cooking: How to Make Your Own Cannabis Butter
Cannabis-infused edibles have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing marijuana. One of the most popular and versatile ingredients used in creating edibles is cannabis butter. Making your own cannabis butter at home allows you to control the dosage and potency, ensuring a more enjoyable and consistent experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making homemade cannabis butter using a simple recipe.
Ingredients & Supplies:
– 1 ounce of finely ground cannabis (source)
– 4 cups (1 quart) of water
– 1 pound of unsalted butter
– Strainer or cheesecloth
– Medium-sized saucepan
– Heat-resistant container or bowl
– Wooden spoon
Warning: The production of cannabis butter involves the use of heat, which transforms non-psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) into psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THC content of your final product will depend on the strain and potency of your cannabis. It is essential to use caution while determining the appropriate dosage of edibles that you consume. Start with a low dose, especially if you are new to consuming cannabis edibles.
Instructions:
1. Decarboxylation of Cannabis
Before beginning the infusion process, it’s essential to decarboxylate your cannabis. Decarboxylation involves heating the marijuana to activate its THC, making it more potent and psychoactive. To decarboxylate, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the finely ground cannabis in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake the cannabis for approximately 30 – 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Once the cannabis appears slightly darker in color and has a pleasant aroma, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare the Butter and Water Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the water and butter. Heat the mixture on low heat until the butter is melted and thoroughly mixed with the water.
3. Add the Decarboxylated Cannabis
Once the butter has melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the cannabis is evenly dispersed throughout the liquid.
4. Simmer the Mixture
Simmer the cannabis-infused liquid on low heat for approximately 3 – 4 hours, stirring frequently. The mixture should never reach a boiling point, as this can destroy the THC in the cannabis and alter the infusion’s effectiveness. The liquid will gradually reduce and thicken as the butter absorbs the cannabis compounds.
5. Strain the Cannabis Butter
After the mixture has simmered and thickened, prepare a heat-resistant container or bowl and a strainer or a piece of cheesecloth. Carefully pour the liquid through the strainer or cheesecloth, allowing the butter to separate from the residual plant material. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to press the cannabis against the strainer or cloth to extract as much butter as possible. Discard the leftover cannabis material.
6. Cool the Cannabis Butter
Once strained, allow the cannabis butter to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This will cause the butter to solidify and separate from the water, making it easy to lift out.
7. Remove the Solidified Butter
Using a knife or spatula, carefully lift the solidified cannabis butter from the water in the container and transfer it to a storage container. Discard the remaining water. Your cannabis butter is now ready to use in your favorite edible recipes.
Storage:
Cannabis butter can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month or frozen for up to six months. To use frozen cannabis butter, simply thaw it in the refrigerator before incorporating it into your recipes.
The versatility of cannabis butter makes it a popular choice for creating homemade edibles. By following this simple recipe and controlling the cannabis dosage, you can confidently enjoy a wide variety of delicious and potent treats. Just remember to consume responsibly and enjoy your homemade cannabis butter!