Cannabutter, also known as cannabis-infused butter, is a cornerstone of cannabis edibles. It’s a versatile ingredient that allows users to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking or vaping. From baking desserts to enhancing savory dishes, cannabutter opens the door to a world of infused culinary possibilities. In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of cannabutter, including how to make it, store it, and use it effectively.
How Much Cannabis Do You Need for a Cannabutter Recipe?
The amount of cannabis you’ll need for a cannabutter recipe depends on the desired potency. A common guideline is to use 7-10 grams of cannabis per cup of butter. This creates a moderately potent cannabutter, but you can adjust based on your tolerance and needs.
Before starting, it’s crucial to calculate the THC content in your cannabis. For example, if your cannabis has 15% THC, each gram contains about 150 milligrams of THC. This calculation helps determine the potency of your final product and allows you to dose your edibles accurately.
How to Make Cannabutter at Home
Making cannabutter is a straightforward process that requires some patience and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Decarboxylate the Cannabis:
• Preheat your oven to 240°F.
• Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes to activate the THC and CBD, a process known as decarboxylation.
2. Prepare the Butter:
• Use unsalted butter and melt it over low heat in a saucepan. Add a cup of water to prevent the butter from scorching.
3. Infuse the Cannabis:
• Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid letting the mixture boil.
4. Strain the Mixture:
• Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to separate the plant material from the infused butter. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
5. Cool and Store:
• Pour the cannabutter into an airtight container and let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Making cannabutter at home allows you to control its potency and tailor it to your needs. If you’re looking for an easier method, consider using a weed butter maker, which automates the process.
What’s the Shelf Life of Cannabutter?
Cannabutter typically lasts 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 6 months.
Best Practices for Storing Cannabutter
To maximize freshness and potency, follow these storage tips:
• Airtight Containers: Prevent air exposure by using a tightly sealed container.
• Label Your Cannabutter: Clearly mark the container with the preparation date and potency for easy tracking.
• Freeze for Longevity: Divide your cannabutter into small portions and freeze them for long-term storage.
Proper storage ensures that your cannabutter remains potent and flavorful for future use.
Best Ways to Use Cannabutter in Cooking
Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some popular ways to use it:
• Baked Goods: Infuse cookies, brownies, cakes, and muffins with cannabutter for a classic edible experience.
• Savory Dishes: Add it to mashed potatoes, pasta, or even as a finishing touch for vegetables or steak.
• DIY Snacks: Spread cannabutter on toast or mix it into popcorn for a quick and easy treat.
When cooking with cannabutter, keep the temperature below 350°F to prevent THC degradation.
Benefits of Cannabutter
Cannabutter allows users to enjoy cannabis in a smokeless form, making it a great option for those who prefer edibles. It’s also customizable, allowing you to control potency and flavor. Additionally, cooking with cannabutter is a creative way to incorporate cannabis into everyday meals.
How to Choose the Right Butter for Infusion
The quality of the butter you use directly impacts the flavor and consistency of your cannabutter. Opt for unsalted butter, as it provides better control over the taste of your dishes. High-fat butter is also preferred, as THC binds more effectively to fats.
Alternatives to Traditional Cannabutter
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional cannabutter, consider making THC butter with clarified butter or ghee. These options have higher fat content and are suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Learn More at Mango Cannabis
At Mango Cannabis, we’re dedicated to helping you explore the world of cannabis, from DIY cannabutter to ready-to-use products. Our dispensaries in Oklahoma, Michigan, New Mexico, and New York offer a wide range of cannabis strains, edibles, and educational resources to support your journey.
Visit us today to learn more about cannabutter, find high-quality flower for your recipes, or explore our selection of edibles. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or a first-time user, Mango Cannabis is here to guide you every step of the way.
