Cannabis butter, often referred to as “Cannabutter,” is an essential ingredient for creating cannabis-infused foods and edibles. From brownies and cookies to savory sauces and dips, Cannabutter opens up a world of culinary possibilities for cannabis enthusiasts. While making cannabis butter may seem daunting at first, the process is surprisingly simple when broken down into the right steps.
The key to potency is choosing starting material with as many trichomes as possible. Trichomes contain most of the resins and waxes, which hold the majority of the active compounds and aromas.
In this guide, we’ll explore three methods for making cannabis butter at home:
- The Water Method – Perfect for anyone with basic kitchen equipment.
- The Infusor Machine – Ideal for convenience and precision (and the easiest!).
- The Oven Method – A less reliable method, included for awareness.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the pros and cons of each method, who they’re best suited for, and how to get started. Plus, we’ll recommend a tried-and-tested Magical Butter Machine for those looking to simplify the process.
Table of Contents
What Is Cannabis Butter?
Cannabis butter is regular butter infused with cannabis. It is created by gently heating butter with cannabis in a water bath. This process achieves two critical steps:
- Extraction: Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat-soluble. Heating the cannabis in butter allows these compounds to bind to the fats, creating an infusion.
- Decarboxylation: Raw cannabis contains cannabinoids in their acidic forms (e.g., THCA and CBDA), which are not psychoactive. Heat converts these into their active forms (THC and CBD), enabling them to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
By the end of the process, you’ll have a creamy, greenish butter that’s rich in cannabinoids and ready to use in any recipe.
Why Make Cannabis Butter at Home?
Cost-Effective: Store-bought edibles can be expensive and are often not as fresh. Making cannabis butter at home allows you to save money while enjoying the satisfaction of creating your own infused recipes.
Customizable: Making your own cannabis butter gives you full control over:
– Potency: Adjust the strength to your preferences.
– Flavor: Choose strains with flavor profiles that complement your dishes.
– Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and organic cannabis if desired.
Versatility: Cannabis butter can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet treats to savory meals. It’s a versatile base for all kinds of cannabis-infused culinary creations.
Comparison of the three Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Equipment needed | Time required | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Water Method | Easy | Basic kitchen tools | 3-5 hours | Reliable |
| 2. Magical Butter Machine | Easiest | Magical Butter Machine | 2-3 hours | Highly consistent |
| 3. Oven Method | Moderate | Oven, stovetop tools | Very inconsistent |
Why is Decarboxylation Important?
Decarboxylation is the process of activating cannabinoids like THC and CBD in your cannabis. In its raw form, cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. When exposed to heat, these compounds convert into their active forms, THC and CBD, which can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
While decarboxylation can be done by heat in an oven, achieving the precise temperature and time needed for full activation is tricky. Too much heat can destroy cannabinoids, while too little may result in under-activated cannabis.
A decarboxylator/infusor eliminates this guesswork, providing the ideal conditions for perfect decarboxylation every time.
The ideal decarboxylation temperature depends on the cannabinoid you want to activate, but in general, it’s a balance between heat and time to ensure maximum potency without degrading the compounds. THC for example has a perfect decarb Temperature of 105°C – 115°C (220°F – 240°F) for about 30-40 minutes.
With the boining temperature of water we are limited to 100°C which leads us to expand the time of the Decarboxylation process to a couple of hours using this Method.
Method 1: The Water Method
The Water Method is a classic technique that doesn’t require any specialized equipment. It involves simmering cannabis in a water-butter mixture to extract the cannabinoids while preventing the butter from burning. This method is beginner-friendly and effective, making it a favorite among home chefs.
How it works
- The water acts as a buffer, maintaining a consistent temperature and preventing the butter from overheating.
- Decarboxylation (activating cannabinoids) and infusion occur simultaneously in the same pot.
Who it’s for
- Beginners who want a simple method without extra tools.
- Anyone who prefers using basic kitchen equipment.
Pros
- Easy to follow.
- Requires minimal equipment.
- No risk of burning the butter if water levels are maintained.
Cons
- Requires close monitoring of water levels.
- Takes 3-5 hours to complete.
Want to try the Water Method? Check out our step-by-step recipe: Make Highly Potent Cannabis Butter at Home – The Ultimate Recipe (Water Method).
Method 2: The Infusor/ Decarboxylator Machine Method
The Magical Butter Machine is a game-changer for cannabis enthusiasts. This specialized device automates the process, combining decarboxylation and infusion in one easy step. With precise temperature control and a foolproof design, it’s the most convenient way to make cannabis butter.
How it works
- Simply add butter and cannabis to the machine, set the desired temperature and time, and let it do the work.
- The machine grinds, heats, stirs, and infuses your butter automatically.
Who it’s for
- Regular cannabis users who want consistent potency.
- Home chefs who value time and precision.
- Anyone looking to make large batches with minimal effort.
Pros
- Fully automated and easy to use.
- Consistent results with precise temperature control.
- Multi-functional (can also be used for tinctures, oils, and more).
Cons
- Requires an upfront investment (but it’s worth it for frequent users)
- You need to Decarboxylize in your oven
Recommendation: If you’re serious about making edibles, we highly recommend the Magical Butter Machine. This device simplifies the entire process and ensures top-notch results every time. Click here to check it out on Amazon!
Ready to use the Magical Butter Machine? Follow our detailed guide: Easy Cannabis Butter at Home – Magical Butter Machine Recipe.
Method 3: The Oven Method
The Oven Method, also known as the Pre-Decarboxylation Method, involves activating the cannabinoids in the oven before infusing them into butter. While this method is less reliable due to potential temperature fluctuations, it’s worth mentioning for those without other options.
How it works
- Cannabis is decarboxylated in the oven, then combined with butter on the stovetop to complete the infusion.
Who it’s for
- People with limited equipment who are willing to experiment.
- Those familiar with precise temperature monitoring.
Pros
- Allows for decarboxylation in advance.
- Works with basic kitchen tools.
Cons
- Risk of uneven heating and cannabinoid degradation.
- Requires extra steps compared to other methods.
Note: While this method works, it’s not our top recommendation. For better results, consider the Water Method or the Magical Butter Machine.
Why we recommend the “Magical Butter Machine” Infusor
While the Water Method is great for beginners and the Oven Method is an option for the resourceful, the Magical Butter Machine stands out for its convenience and reliability. Here’s why:
✔️ Effortless Process: It handles everything for you—from grinding to heating and stirring.
✔️ Consistent Results: Precise temperature control ensures potency and flavor every time.
✔️ Multi-Purpose: Use it to make not just butter, but also tinctures, oils, and more.
Investing in a Magical Butter Machine is a no-brainer for anyone serious about edibles. Check it out on Amazon today and take your cannabis cooking to the next level!
Which is our personal Favorite Method for Cannabis Butter?
While the Magical Butter Machine is an excellent tool for convenience and consistency, our favorite method for Cannabutter remains the Water Method. Here’s why:
- No special Equipment needed: The Water Method uses everyday kitchen tools that most people already have at home. There’s no need to invest in specialized equipment.
- Reliable Results: By simmering the cannabis in a water-butter mixture, the water acts as a buffer, preventing the butter from burning and ensuring the cannabinoids are evenly extracted.
- Cost-Effective: It’s an affordable way to create potent cannabis butter without purchasing a machine.
- Hands-On Experience: For those who enjoy the process of making edibles, the Water Method allows for more involvement and control, making it a fun and rewarding experience.
While the Magical Butter Machine is perfect for regular users looking for ease and precision, the Water Method is a tried-and-true classic that delivers fantastic results with minimal effort and no extra costs. For those who love a hands-on approach or want to save money on equipment, the Water Method is a fantastic option.
HOWEVER: If you’re looking for the most versatile and reliable method to create not just cannabis butter but also unique infusions like THC honey or gummy bears, the Magical Butter Machine is unbeatable – and, in fact, it’s the only practical way to make these specialized infusions. Especially THC-infused honey is very hard to make without an infusor.
General Tips for making Cannabis Butter
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your butter and cannabis will directly impact the flavor and potency of your cannabutter. Choose unsalted butter and fresh, trichome-rich cannabis for the best results.
- Monitor Temperature Carefully: Cannabinoids are heat-sensitive. Keeping the temperature low and steady (around 100°C or 212°F) preserves potency and prevents burning.
- Calculate Dosage Accurately: Start with a small amount of cannabis butter in your recipes to test its potency. Over-consumption of edibles can lead to an intense and uncomfortable experience.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate your cannabis butter in an airtight container for up to three weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. Label it clearly to avoid accidental consumption by others.
Conclusion
Cannabis butter is the foundation of countless edible recipes, and making it at home is easier than you might think. Whether you choose the Water Method, the Magical Butter Machine, or the Oven Method, each technique has its own benefits and challenges.
For those new to cannabis cooking, the Water Method offers a reliable starting point. For the ultimate in ease and consistency, we recommend investing in a Magical Butter Machine – a tool that transforms the process into a stress-free experience.
Whatever method you choose, enjoy the process and remember to consume responsibly. Happy canna-cooking!