To properly make cannabutter, follow these steps.
Step 1: Decarboxylation
It’s important to bake cannabis before making cannabutter.
In its raw form, it contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which are the inactive versions of
THC and CBD (
2Trusted Source,
8Trusted Source).
By heating these compounds, they undergo decarboxylation — also known as decarbing — and become the active compounds THC and CBD (
2Trusted Source,
8Trusted Source).
To activate THC and CBD, preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and place 1/2-ounce (14 grams) of cannabis onto a baking sheet. Allow it to cook for approximately 30–40 minutes.
If you’re using fresh cannabis, you may need to let it cook for up to 1 hour. Conversely, if you’re using older, drier cannabis, shorten the cooking time to around 20 minutes.
Be sure to stir and rotate the cannabis every 10 minutes to prevent burning. You will know it’s decarboxylated when its color changes from a bright green to a dark brown-green.
Finally, make sure your oven does not exceed 240°F (115°C), as this can destroy important oil compounds called terpenes. These compounds are responsible for the smell, flavor, and medicinal effects of the plant (
9Trusted Source).
Step 2: Stovetop cooking
Once the cannabis has been activated, you need the following:
- 1/2 ounce (14 grams) decarboxylated cannabis
- 2 cups (500 ml) of water
- 2 sticks of butter (approximately 8 ounces or 225 grams)
- 1 medium-sized saucepan with a lid
- 1 wooden spoon
- 2 cheese cloths
- 1 medium-sized glass bowl or container
On very low heat, bring the water to a boil and then add the butter. Once the butter has completely melted, stir it well and add the cannabis to the mixture. Put the lid on and allow it to simmer for 3–4 hours.
Be sure to stir the mixture every 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. The mixture is done when it’s thick and glossy on the top.
Once it’s finished cooking, place two layers of cheesecloth over a glass bowl or container, pour the mixture onto the cheesecloth, and allow the liquid to drain through.
Let the remaining liquid cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, then place the bowl
in the refrigerator until the butter has completely separated from the water and appears as a thick top layer.
Carefully scrape the butter from the bowl and place it in a separate container. Store it in the refrigerator for immediate or short-term use. Moreover, it can be kept in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.