Cannabis butter, or "cannabutter," is a game-changer for cannabis enthusiasts who love to cook. It’s versatile, discreet, and perfect for infusing both sweet and savoury dishes with the benefits of cannabis. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your culinary cannabis journey, Hive Cannabis has you covered with this step-by-step guide.
Why Make Cannabutter?
Cannabutter is the key ingredient for many cannabis-infused recipes. It offers a smoke-free, long-lasting way to enjoy cannabis and can be tailored to your desired potency. Use it in everything from brownies to mashed potatoes for a customized experience that’s as delicious as it is effective.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 7–10 grams of cannabis (adjust based on your preferred potency)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water (optional, to prevent scorching)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan or double boiler
- Cheesecloth
- Strainer
- Airtight storage container
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Before cannabis can infuse into butter, its cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) need to be activated through a process called decarboxylation.
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break your cannabis flower into small, even pieces and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Let it cool; the cannabis will appear lightly toasted and golden.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
- In a medium saucepan or double boiler, melt the butter on low heat.
- Add 1 cup of water to help regulate the temperature and prevent scorching (optional but recommended).
Step 3: Infuse the Butter
- Stir your decarboxylated cannabis into the melted butter.
- Simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours, keeping the temperature between 160–200°F (70–93°C). Stir occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
- Place a cheesecloth over a fine mesh strainer and position it over your storage container.
- Slowly pour the butter mixture through the cheesecloth, letting the liquid filter through while trapping the plant material.
- Carefully squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much butter as possible—just be cautious, as it may still be hot.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Let the strained butter cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it solidifies.
- If you used water, the butter will separate as it chills. Simply scrape off the solid butter layer and discard the water.
- Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
How to Use Cannabutter
Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient that can replace regular butter in almost any recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Spread it on toast for a quick and easy edible.
- Bake cannabis-infused cookies, brownies, or muffins.
- Stir it into mashed potatoes, pasta, or sauces for a savoury twist.
Dosing Tips
- Start Low, Go Slow: To avoid overconsumption, calculate the potency of your cannabutter based on the strength of your cannabis. Start with 1 teaspoon and wait 1–2 hours to gauge the effects.
- Label It Clearly: Always mark infused butter and store it securely to prevent accidental consumption, especially by kids or pets.
Elevate Your Cooking with Hive Cannabis
Making cannabutter at home is easier than you think, and it opens the door to endless culinary creativity. With high-quality flower from Hive Cannabis, you can create personalized edibles that take your cannabis experience to the next level.
Visit Hive Cannabis in-store or browse our online menu to find premium products for your next infusion project. Let’s get cooking!