5 Simple Cannabutter Recipes for Beginners

In the world of edible cannabis, cannabutter stands as a fundamental ingredient, known for its versatility and potency. Whether you're a home cook or a cannabis enthusiast, understanding how to infuse butter with the active compounds from cannabis can open up a world of culinary possibilities. In this blog post, we'll explore five straightforward cannabutter recipes that are perfect for beginners, helping you to embark on your journey into infused cooking with confidence and ease.

Why Cannabutter?

Before we delve into the recipes, let’s briefly touch on why cannabutter is so essential:

• Versatility: It can be used in a vast array of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.
• Control over dosage: Making your own cannabutter allows you to precisely control the strength of your edibles.
• Healthier alternative: Compared to oils, butter has a rich flavor profile that’s suitable for many dishes.

Recipe 1: Traditional Cannabutter

The simplest cannabutter recipe requires just a few basic ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup water
• 7-10 grams of finely ground cannabis flower

Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes. This process, known as decarboxylation, activates the THC.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter with water over low heat. This mixture helps to control the temperature and prevent burning.
3. Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the pan, stirring gently. Simmer this for 2-3 hours without letting it boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a container, squeezing out as much butter as possible. Refrigerate until the butter hardens, which will separate it from the water.
5. Remove the solidified butter from the water. Your cannabutter is now ready!

Recipe 2: Cannabutter with Coconut Oil

If you’re looking for an alternative with some unique properties, consider this hybrid:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• ¹⁄₄ cup coconut oil
• 7-10 grams of finely ground cannabis flower

Here’s the process:

1. Decarb your cannabis as described in the traditional recipe.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and coconut oil together with water. Coconut oil boosts the psychoactive effects of THC and provides a unique flavor.
3. Add cannabis, let it simmer for 2-3 hours, then strain and refrigerate as above.

Recipe 3: Vegan Cannabutter

For those adhering to a vegan diet or wanting a dairy-free option:

• 1 cup of coconut oil or plant-based butter
• 7-10 grams of finely ground cannabis flower
• 1 cup of water

Follow these steps:

1. Decarboxylate your cannabis.
2. Heat the water in a saucepan, then add your chosen vegan butter or oil. Melt until combined.
3. Add cannabis, simmer for 2-3 hours, strain, and let it cool. With coconut oil, be mindful that it solidifies at lower temperatures.

Recipe 4: Quick Cannabutter

For those short on time but not on cannabis:

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter
• 7 grams of finely ground cannabis flower

To make it:

1. Skip the decarboxylation step and use a stovetop method:
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, add cannabis, and cook at a low heat for 45 minutes to an hour. The heat itself will activate the THC.
3. Strain and cool; use immediately or refrigerate for storage.

Recipe 5: Microwave Cannabutter

If you’re limited to kitchen appliances:

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter
• 4 grams of finely ground cannabis flower

The process is quick:

1. Decarboxylate cannabis (this step cannot be skipped).
2. Add decarboxylated cannabis and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Heat in the microwave for 4 minutes, stirring every minute. Ensure the temperature remains below boiling.
4. Strain through a cheesecloth into a container, cool, and use or store.

👉 Note: Remember that the potency of your cannabutter will depend on the cannabis strain, dosage, and how long it's simmered. Always start with a low dose to gauge its strength.

💡 Note: Cannabutter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or frozen for up to 6 months. Ensure it's labeled clearly to avoid mix-ups with regular butter!

We've explored five beginner-friendly cannabutter recipes, each offering a different approach to infusing cannabis into your culinary creations. By understanding the basics of decarboxylation, extraction, and the unique properties of various fats, you can tailor your cannabutter to suit your dietary needs or kitchen setup. Remember, the key to successful cannabis edibles is patience, precision, and a touch of creativity. With these recipes, you're now equipped to transform simple ingredients into potent and delicious edibles, ready to elevate your cooking game while exploring the medicinal and recreational benefits of cannabis.

Can I use any strain of cannabis for cannabutter?

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Yes, you can use any strain of cannabis. Indica, Sativa, or hybrid strains will all work for cannabutter. The effects will vary based on the strain’s terpene profile and THC/CBD content.

How do I know the strength of my cannabutter?

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The strength of your cannabutter can be estimated by knowing the amount of cannabis used and its THC percentage. For precise dosing, many opt for laboratory testing, but a general rule of thumb is to start with a small amount to gauge its effects.

Can I infuse any type of fat with cannabis?

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Yes, cannabis can be infused into a variety of fats, including oils like olive, avocado, and MCT oil, as well as butter and ghee. Each fat will impart a slightly different flavor and can offer different culinary applications.