Cannabis-infused butter, also known as cannabutter, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. Making your own cannabutter at home allows you to control the potency and quality of the final product. Below is a detailed recipe, including the ingredients and step-by-step process to make cannabis-infused butter.
Ingredients
•1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
•1 cup (7-10 grams) decarboxylated cannabis
•1 cup water (optional, helps to regulate temperature and prevent burning)
Equipment
•Baking sheet
•Parchment paper
•Grinder
•Double boiler or saucepan and heatproof bowl
•Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
•Container for storing butter
•Rubber spatula
Decarboxylation Process
Decarboxylation is a crucial step that activates the THC in the cannabis, ensuring that it will have the desired psychoactive effects when consumed. Here’s how to decarboxylate your cannabis:
1.Preheat your oven to 245°F (120°C). Using a slightly lower temperature for a longer period helps to preserve the terpenes, which are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the cannabis.
2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3.Break up the cannabis into small, even pieces. You can use a grinder or your hands. Spread the cannabis evenly across the parchment paper.
4.Bake the cannabis in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, gently shake the tray to ensure even heating. The cannabis should turn a light to medium brown color.
5.Remove from oven and let it cool. Once cooled, the cannabis is ready to be infused into the butter.
Cannabutter Preparation
1.Grind the decarboxylated cannabis into a coarse powder using a grinder. This increases the surface area and ensures better infusion.
2.Melt the butter in a double boiler or a saucepan with a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. If using a saucepan, add the water to help regulate the temperature and prevent burning.
3.Add the ground cannabis to the melted butter. Stir well to combine. Maintain a low heat to avoid burning the butter and degrading the cannabinoids.
4.Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally. The mixture should never come to a full boil. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature stays around 160-180°F (70-80°C). This slow infusion process allows the cannabinoids to fully bind with the fats in the butter.
5.Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container. This removes the plant material, leaving you with a smooth, infused butter. Use a rubber spatula to press and extract as much butter as possible from the plant material.
6.Let the cannabutter cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it solidifies. The water, if used, will separate from the butter. Once the butter is solid, you can easily drain off the water.
7.Store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Dosage and Usage
When using cannabutter in recipes, it’s important to remember that the potency can vary based on the strength of the cannabis and the amount used. Start with a small amount and wait at least 1-2 hours to gauge the effects before consuming more.
Cannabutter can be used as a substitute for regular butter in any recipe. Here are a few ideas:
•Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, cakes, and muffins.
•Savory Dishes: Mashed potatoes, pasta, and sautéed vegetables.
•Spreads: Use it on toast, bagels, or mix it into sauces and dressings.
Tips for Success
•Use high-quality cannabis: The quality of your cannabis will directly impact the quality and potency of your cannabutter.
•Maintain low heat: High temperatures can destroy cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the effectiveness and flavor of your cannabutter.
•Label your container: Clearly mark your cannabutter container and store it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.
By following these steps, you can create your own cannabis-infused butter at home, providing a versatile and potent ingredient for a wide range of culinary creations. Enjoy responsibly!
