So, you want to learn how to make THC butter? Excellent choice. Whether you’re looking to bake goods to get baked good, impress your friends with a batch of homemade edibles, or just enjoy a more discreet way to consume cannabis, THC butter, aka cannabutter, is your golden ticket. It’s the foundation of many delicious weed-infused delights, from cookies and dagga muffins to sensational savory dishes. Plus, making it yourself means you control the potency, flavor, and quality. No more sketchy dispensary edibles with mystery dosages that leave you either underwhelmed or under the table – you can make this to suit your tolerance.
But before we dive into how to make THC butter, let’s start with the basics: what THC butter is, why you need to decarboxylate your cannabis, and how to dose it properly so you don’t end up stapled to the couch, contemplating the existence of reptilians after three bites.
What Is THC Butter?
THC butter goes by a few names, but is primarily referred to as cannabutter, cannabis butter, or weed butter. It’s exactly what it sounds like, too; butter that has been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to create edibles because butter’s high fat content absorbs cannabinoids beautifully.
Using decarbed cannabis is crucial for effective infusion, as it activates the psychoactive properties of the cannabis, ensuring optimal results.
Once infused, THC butter can be used just like regular butter in any recipe, meaning you can turn just about anything into a cannabis treat (yes, you can even spread it on your morning toast!). We’ll show you how to make this incredibly versatile THC butter from scratch – more or less. You don’t have to churn your own butter; store-bought is definitely easier.
Understanding Cannabis Butter and Its Benefits
Cannabis butter is a culinary marvel that combines the rich, creamy goodness of butter with the potent effects of cannabis. By infusing butter with the active compounds of cannabis, such as THC and CBD, you create a versatile ingredient that can knock any dish up a notch. The cannabinoids bind to the fat molecules in the butter, ensuring a longer-lasting and more intense high compared to smoking or vaping. It also gives you the effects of cannabis without the risk to your lungs. This makes cannabis butter a favorite among those who enjoy homemade edibles or want to get high without the pungent smell. Whether you’re baking a batch of brownies or whipping up a savory sauce, cannabis butter adds a delightful twist to any grub.
Choosing the Right Strain for Cannabis Butter
Selecting the right strain of cannabis is a crucial step in making cannabis butter. Different strains offer varying effects, flavors, and aromas, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your desired experience. For a relaxing and calming effect, opt for a strain high in CBD. If you’re after an energizing and uplifting experience, a strain rich in THC is your best bet. Popular strains for making cannabis butter include Ice Dream Cake, known for its sweet and fruity flavor, Strawberry Banana Grape, which offers a tasty euphoric high, and Banana Biscotti F1, famous for its unique aroma of vanilla and berries. All of these strains are ideal for growing in South Africa's climate, too. By choosing the right strain, you can tailor your cannabis butter to suit your preferences perfectly.
Begin by Decarboxylating Your Weed
Before you start dumping ground-up cannabis into a pan of melted butter, there’s one critical step you need to take: decarboxylation. Sounds highly technical, but it’s just a scientific term for activating your weed. Raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which won’t get you high. Heating ground cannabis transforms THCA into THC, which most certainly will.
How to Decarboxylate your Cannabis Flower
This is the key step in how to make THC butter as it’s how you get the THC to become potent. Begin by preheating your oven to about 115°C. This is the sweet spot where cannabinoids activate without burning off valuable THC.
Note: Don't be tempted to use shake for this, even though it might save the good stuff for smoking. You still want to use premium bud here to make sure you get a good combination of potency and top-quality flavor.
Grind your cannabis flower coarsely – not too fine, or you’ll end up with grassy-tasting butter.
Spread it out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. A single layer works best for even heating.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, gently stirring the buds every 10 minutes to prevent your weed from scorching.
Cool before use – you don’t want to toss hot weed into butter immediately.
Now that you’ve got activated cannabis, you're on the road to potent edibles so let’s talk dosage.
Dosing Your Infused Butter Properly
If you’ve ever had a bad edible experience (or watched someone else go through it), you know the importance of correct dosing. Too little and you feel nothing. Too much and you’re questioning your existence.
Always remember the golden rule of cannabis edibles: start low and go slow. The potency of your THC butter will depend on the strength of your weed, how much you use, and how well it infuses. Here’s a basic formula:
1 gram of cannabis flower at 15% THC contains about 150mg of THC, so if you use 7 grams ( a quarter ounce of weed) that’s 1,050mg of THC. Spread that across a full cup of butter, and you get about 43mg per tablespoon of cannabutter. That’s a lot.
If you’re new to edibles, aim for 5-10mg per serving. You can always eat more if you want to experience greater effects, but you can’t uneat a brownie that’s about to launch you into orbit. Once again, start low and go slow.
What Utensils Do You Need To Make THC Butter?
An important question, for sure. Before we get cooking, make sure you have the necessary tools for the job. Tools and ingredients are vital factors of how to make THC butter.
- Baking sheet (for decarboxylation)
- Parchment paper (to put your weed on for decarboxylation)
- Saucepan or slow cooker (to melt the butter and infuse the weed)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer (to separate the butter from the plant matter)
- Glass jar or airtight container (to store the end prooduct)
- Wooden spoon (because stirring is key)
Ingredients For Making THC Butter:
For a good potent batch of THC butter, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (higher fat content is better)
- 7 grams (¼ oz) of decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup of water (to prevent burning)
Note: You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or one of many other fats instead of butter for your infusions. Coconut oil has a higher fat content, which can enhance the potency of the infused end product, and it is versatile for various culinary applications.
How To Make THC Butter
Once you’ve decarboxylated your cannabis and let it cool, it’s time to get down to business and infuse it with the butter. The good news is, it's all fairly simple and straightforward and the equipment does the magic part.
Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan on a low heat. Do not rush this part, as too much heat can destroy THC.
Then, add water to help regulate the temperature and keep the butter from burning.
Stir in your decarboxylated cannabis, and mix well to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Let it simmer on a low heat (way down between 70-90C) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Be patient here and play the long game to make sure everything infuses properly. Do not be tempted to crank everything up to get over the line sooner. You don’t want your mixture to boil or burn. Look for the mixture to be a dark green color rather than just tainted green - then you'll know it's about ready.
Finally, strain the mixture through your cheesecloth or strainer, separating the butter from the plant matter. Be sure to squeeze out every last drop of buttery goodness.
Now, we'll be honest - the mixture in the pot doesn't look particularly appetizing, but once you strain the plant matter out, you'll have an altogether more appealing-looking substance. Refrigerate until the mixture solidifies, then pour off any excess water that separates.
Et voila! Now you know how to make THC butter to use in any recipe.
Using Cannabis Infused Butter in Recipes
Cannabis infused butter is a game-changer in the kitchen, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. From sweet snacks to lekker savory dishes, the options are endless. When incorporating cannabis infused butter into your recipes, it’s wise to start with a small amount and adjust to taste. This ensures you achieve the desired potency without overwhelming your dish. Classic recipes like brownies and cookies are always a hit, but don’t stop there. Imagine a grilled cheese sandwich with a hint of cannabis butter or a rich, creamy sauce infused with that extra kick. You can even use cannabis infused butter in dressings and marinades, adding a unique twist to your meals.
Tips for Storing and Handling Cannabis Butter
Proper storage and handling of cannabis butter are essential to maintain its potency and flavor. Here are some tips to keep your cannabis butter in top shape:
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to prevent spoilage and contamination.
- Keep it away from heat sources like ovens and stovetops to avoid degradation.
- Always use a clean and sanitized utensil when handling cannabis butter to prevent contamination.
- Label and date your containers to ensure you use the oldest product first. By following these tips, you can enjoy your cannabis butter at its best for longer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Making Cannabis Butter
Making cannabis butter can sometimes be a bit tricky, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips. Remember, recipes are all well and good, but sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to get it to that sweet spot for your own liking.
- If you feel your cannabis butter is too weak, try increasing the amount of cannabis used or steeping the mixture for a longer period.
- If it’s too strong, reduce the amount of cannabis in the mixture or shorten the steeping time.
- For grainy or separated butter, stir the mixture occasionally during the steeping process or use a blender to emulsify it.
- If the flavor or aroma is off, no problem! Consider using a different strain and/or adjusting the steeping time. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfect cannabis butter every time.
By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll know how to make THC butter the right way, every time, to enhance your creations and provide an incredible edible experience.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make THC butter isn’t just about getting high – it's about crafting a personalized, delicious edible experience. Whether you use it for baking, cooking, or just spreading on toast, homemade cannabutter lets you enjoy cannabis in a way that’s both tasty and controlled. Just remember: dose carefully, go slow, and enjoy responsibly. Now, go forth and bake like Jenny Morris. A very high Jenny Morris. Happy Cooking!
