Cannabis Butter, also known as cannabutter, is one of the most essential ingredients in any cannabis kitchen. It is the cornerstone of countless edibles, from classic brownies to savory pasta sauces, and is loved for its versatility and ease of use. Cooking and baking with cannabis have become increasingly popular, as more people explore the joys of incorporating this plant into their daily lives.
The Water Method is a time-tested and beginner-friendly way to make cannabis butter using everyday kitchen equipment. This classic technique involves simmering cannabis in a water-butter mixture, which prevents the butter from burning and ensures a smooth infusion of cannabinoids.
What makes the Water Method so popular? It’s accessible to everyone and doesn’t require any specialized tools or machines. Whether you’re new to making edibles or a seasoned cannabis chef, this method is simple, reliable, and produces potent results.
In this step-by-step recipe, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from preparing your cannabis to straining and storing the final product. Get ready to create highly potent cannabis butter that’s perfect for a variety of delicious recipes!
There are many reasons for cannabis’s rise in popularity. Weed has become more socially acceptable in recent years, with many recognizing its potential to improve daily life in various ways. It can promote relaxation, alleviate pain, spark creativity, or simply provide a sense of calm. However, not everyone enjoys smoking or vaporizing cannabis, either due to personal preference or health concerns. For these individuals, edibles provide an excellent alternative.
Edibles offer a unique experience. They metabolize differently in the body, often leading to a longer-lasting and more intense effect than inhaled cannabis. Plus, they eliminate the harshness associated with smoking. Thankfully, cannabis is a highly versatile plant that lends itself beautifully to cooking. Whether sweet or savory, it complements a wide variety of dishes, enhancing both flavor and experience.
This guide will teach you how to make the single most important ingredient for successful cannabinoid-infused recipes: cannabis butter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cannabis connoisseur, this step-by-step recipe is designed for everyone. And yes, you can make cannabis butter using either non-psychoactive CBD-rich hemp flowers or THC-rich buds, depending on your preferences and local regulations.
If you’re concerned about waste, don’t be! This recipe works equally well with leftover plant material, trimmings, or even “shake” (the bits left at the bottom of a bag). The key is to ensure that your starting material has a high concentration of trichomes, the tiny, resin-filled crystals that contain most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
Cannabis Butter – Water Method
Description
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Cannabis
Before starting, break up the cannabis into small pieces. This increases the surface area and ensures more cannabinoids are extracted during the infusion process. Grinding is unnecessary—a simple hand crumble will suffice.
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Simmer the Water and Butter
Add ¾ of the water to your saucepan and heat it slowly over medium heat until it begins to steam.
Cut the butter into small chunks and add it to the water. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and forms a uniform layer on the surface.
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Add the Cannabis
Stir the crumbled cannabis into the water-butter mixture.
Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. It’s crucial that the mixture simmers gently without boiling to preserve the cannabinoids.
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Infuse the Butter
Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Keep an eye on the water level. If too much evaporates, add more hot water to keep the bottom of the saucepan covered by at least 4-6 cm of liquid. This ensures the temperature stays consistent and prevents burning.
During this time, the cannabinoids will decarboxylize (convert to their active forms) and bind to the butter’s fat molecules.
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Strain and Separate
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Place a cheesecloth or fine sieve over a large bowl or container. Carefully pour the butter mixture through, letting the liquid pass through while the plant material remains in the cloth.
Wearing gloves, squeeze the cheesecloth to extract any remaining butter.
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Cool and Solidify
Transfer the strained liquid into a storage container. Refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
Once chilled, the butter will solidify on top, separating from the water below. Gently lift the butter layer off and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Storing and Using Your Cannabis Butter
Refrigerator Storage: Cannabis butter will last for up to three weeks in an airtight container.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the butter in portioned amounts. This makes it easy to use in recipes without defrosting the entire batch.