Olivia Carter
For those who enjoy the effects of cannabis but prefer not to smoke it, cannabis-infused butter is a versatile and delicious option. By infusing butter with cannabis, you can easily incorporate it into a variety of recipes, such as brownies, cookies, or even just spread it on toast for a delightful treat.
While there are various methods to make cannabis butter, one of the easiest and most convenient ways is to use your freezer. This method eliminates the need for constant stirring and allows you to extract the THC from the cannabis quickly and efficiently.
To get started, you will need a few simple ingredients and equipment:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of ground cannabis
- Cheesecloth or a strainer
- Airtight container for storage
First, you’ll want to decarboxylate your cannabis, which is the process of activating the THC. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and spread your ground cannabis onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even heating. This process will ensure that your cannabis is potent and ready to be infused into the butter.
Next, place your decarboxylated cannabis and unsalted butter into a saucepan on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 hours. The low heat will slowly extract the THC from the cannabis into the butter, creating a potent infusion.
Once the infusion is complete, it’s time to strain out the plant material. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or strainer, ensuring that all of the cannabis is removed. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and discard the remaining plant material.
Carefully transfer the infused butter into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to solidify and cool completely, which usually takes a few hours. Once firm, your cannabis butter is ready to use in any recipe that calls for regular butter.
Remember that cannabis-infused butter can be quite potent, so exercise caution when using it in recipes. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage if desired. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and incorporating the benefits of cannabis into your culinary creations!
Step 1: Decarboxylation
Before making cannabis butter, it is important to decarboxylate your cannabis. Decarboxylation is a process that activates the cannabinoids in the plant material, making them more psychoactive.
To decarboxylate your cannabis, you will need to preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Start by breaking up your cannabis buds into small pieces, about the size of a dime.
![Herb Guard - 1 Oz Airtight Jar & Container [3 Pack] (500 ml) Airtight Ultraviolet Protection Keeps Goods Fresh for Months](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RmcdqFr9L._SS520_.jpg)
Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. It is important to check on the cannabis regularly and stir it around every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation.
After 40 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the decarboxylated cannabis cool completely. The cannabis should be dry and crumbly, indicating that it has been successfully decarboxylated.
Decarboxylated cannabis can now be used to make cannabis butter, which can then be used in various recipes such as cookies, brownies, or other edibles.
| Materials: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Cannabis buds | 1. Preheat the oven to 240°F (115°C). |
| – Baking sheet | 2. Break up the cannabis buds into small pieces. |
| – Parchment paper or silicone baking mat | 3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. |
| – Oven | 4. Bake the cannabis in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, checking and stirring every 10 minutes. |
| 5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the decarboxylated cannabis cool completely. |
Step 2: Freezing the Butter
Once you have mixed the cannabis with the butter, it’s time to freeze it. Freezing the butter helps to solidify the mixture and allow the cannabinoids to infuse with the fat more effectively.
Here are the steps to freeze the cannabis butter:
- Transfer the cannabis butter mixture into an airtight container. Make sure to scrape all of the mixture from the pan to get the maximum potency.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from getting in and to preserve the potency of the cannabis.
- Place the container in the freezer for at least 2 hours. This will give enough time for the butter to solidify.
- Check on the container periodically to make sure it is freezing properly. If you notice any condensation or ice forming on the inside of the container, it means that air is getting in. Remove the container and seal it again.
- Leave the container in the freezer for a total of 24 hours to ensure that the butter is completely frozen and infused with the cannabinoids.
Freezing the cannabis butter will make it easier to work with when you are ready to use it in your recipes. It will also help to preserve the potency of the cannabinoids, ensuring that you get the most out of your homemade cannabis butter.
Step 3: Infusing the Butter
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it into the butter. Here’s how to do it:
- Place a saucepan on the stove and set the heat to low. Add the butter and let it melt slowly.
- Once the butter is melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan. Stir well to ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed in the butter.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours. This will allow the cannabinoids in the cannabis to infuse into the butter.
- Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the butter from burning.
- After 2-3 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. Squeeze the cloth or strainer to extract as much infused butter as possible.
- Transfer the infused butter into a container and refrigerate it until it solidifies.
Now you have homemade cannabis-infused butter ready to use in your favourite recipes. Remember to label it clearly and store it in a safe place, away from children and pets.
Step 4: Straining and Storing
Once the butter has been infused with cannabis, it’s time to strain out the plant material and store the infused butter for future use. Follow these steps:
- Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a heatproof container.
- Slowly pour the melted butter into the strainer, allowing it to filter through into the container. The strainer will catch any remaining plant material.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press down on the plant material in the strainer, extracting as much infused butter as possible.
- Discard the leftover plant material.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to solidify the butter.
- Once the butter is solid, remove it from the freezer and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
It’s important to label the container with the date and potency of the infused butter, so you know when and how much to use in your recipes.
Now that you’ve successfully strained and stored your cannabis butter, you’re ready to start using it in your favorite recipes. Remember to always start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage to find the right level of potency for your needs. Enjoy!
Tips and Precautions
When making cannabis butter in the freezer, it’s important to keep a few tips and precautions in mind:
1. Choose the right strain: Different strains of cannabis can have different effects and flavors. For a more tailored experience, choose a strain that aligns with your desired outcome.
2. Use decarboxylated cannabis: Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its cannabinoids. Make sure you decarboxylate your cannabis before using it to make butter for maximum potency.
3. Freezing time: The longer you freeze the cannabis and butter mixture, the more potent your final product will be. However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended time as it can affect the taste and texture of the butter.
4. Strain the butter: After the freezing process, strain the infused butter using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant material. This will result in a smoother and more enjoyable end product.
5. Store properly: Transfer the cannabis butter into an airtight container and store it in the freezer until ready to use. This will help preserve its potency and prevent it from going rancid.
6. Start with small doses: When using cannabis butter, start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the right amount for your needs. Edibles can have a stronger and longer-lasting effect compared to smoking or vaping cannabis.
7. Keep out of reach of children and pets: Cannabis butter can be attractive to children and pets due to its enticing aroma and taste. Be sure to keep it safely stored away to prevent accidental ingestion.
8. Know your local laws: Before making cannabis butter, familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations regarding cannabis in your area to ensure you are in compliance.
By following these tips and precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis butter while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
FAQ
What is cannabis butter?
Cannabis butter is a type of infused butter that is made by extracting the cannabinoids from cannabis flowers and infusing them into butter. This butter can then be used to make various edible cannabis products such as brownies, cookies, and cakes.
Why would I want to make cannabis butter?
There are several reasons why someone might want to make cannabis butter. Firstly, it allows you to easily consume cannabis without smoking or inhaling it. It also provides a more gradual and longer-lasting high compared to smoking. Additionally, by making your own cannabis butter, you have control over the quality and strength of the cannabis used.
What ingredients do I need to make cannabis butter in the freezer?
To make cannabis butter in the freezer, you will need the following ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, 1 cup of ground cannabis flower, and 4 cups of water.
