Though smoking and vaping remain common methods of cannabis consumption, edibles have seen a surge in popularity. A key ingredient in many of these edible products is cannabutter—a butter infused with cannabis that can either be homemade or purchased from licensed dispensaries. However, since cannabis laws differ widely across regions, it’s essential to verify its legal status in your area before using it or any related product. In this article, we’ll explore cannabutter—its primary uses, preparation process, and potential side effects.
What Is Cannabutter or Weed Butter?
As the name suggests, cannabutter is a blend of butter and cannabis, often used as the base for edible creations like brownies, cookies, and other baked treats. Before purchasing or preparing your own, it’s helpful to consider the kind of effects you're aiming for.
Cannabis is rich in two key cannabinoids: THC, which produces intoxicating effects, and CBD, which does not alter mental state. Depending on the desired outcome, cannabutter can be infused with just CBD or a mix of both THC and CBD—making it either non-psychoactive or capable of delivering a noticeable high.
How To Make Weed Butter
While dispensaries in regions where cannabis is legal often sell ready-made cannabutter, many people prefer the satisfaction of crafting their own at home. If you're looking to create it yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it right.
Step 1: Activate the Cannabis (Decarboxylation)
Before infusing butter, cannabis must be heated to convert its inactive compounds—THCA and CBDA—into their active counterparts, THC and CBD. This process, known as decarboxylation (or “decarbing”), is essential to unlocking the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
Start by preheating your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread ½ ounce (14 grams) of cannabis evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring and rotating the material every 10 minutes to avoid scorching. If you’re using fresh flower, extend the time to an hour; if the cannabis is older and drier, reduce it to around 20 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the color shifts from bright green to a deep brown-green. Be careful not to let the temperature exceed 240°F, as this can degrade terpenes—the aromatic oils that contribute to the flavor, fragrance, and possible medicinal qualities of the plant.
Step 2: Infuse with Butter on the Stove
Once your cannabis is decarbed, gather the following:
- ½ ounce (14 grams) of activated cannabis
- 2 cups (500 ml) of water
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter (about 8 oz or 225 g)
- 1 medium saucepan with lid
- 1 wooden spoon
- 2 layers of cheesecloth
- 1 medium glass container or bowl
Using low heat, bring the water to a gentle boil. Add the butter and stir until fully melted. Mix in the cannabis, cover with the lid, and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes to prevent sticking or burning. The mixture is ready when it looks thick and shiny on top.
Line a glass bowl with two layers of cheesecloth, pour the mixture through it, and let the liquid strain completely. Discard the leftover plant material.
Let the strained mixture cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, then refrigerate. As it chills, the butter will solidify and separate, forming a top layer. Once firm, carefully remove the butter and store it in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for short-term use, or freeze it for up to six months.
Dosing Tips and Final Notes
When baking with homemade cannabutter, it's often wise to use half regular butter and half cannabutter to control potency. Begin with small servings to gauge the strength, especially if you’re new to edibles.
For a non-psychoactive version, opt for cannabis that contains no THC—this ensures you avoid any mind-altering effects while still benefiting from other cannabinoids like CBD.
Main Uses of Cannabutter
Cannabis is gaining recognition for its therapeutic potential and is increasingly embraced as a natural remedy for a wide range of health concerns. One of its more accessible forms, cannabutter, provides a smoke-free alternative that can be used in homemade edibles, making it especially appealing for individuals seeking gentler consumption methods.
May Help Ease Cancer-Related Discomfort
Cancer treatments often bring a host of unpleasant side effects—nausea, pain, and vomiting among them. Historically, cannabis has been used to combat nausea, and this benefit was among the earliest medical uses ever identified. The plant contains active compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a complex network that helps regulate mood, appetite, and physical sensations.
While THC has been studied most extensively for its role in reducing nausea and enhancing appetite, CBD and other cannabinoids may also offer relief. That said, overconsumption of cannabis can sometimes lead to the very symptoms it's meant to treat, making medical guidance essential for proper use. Cannabis is also commonly prescribed to help alleviate chronic pain associated with cancer. As an edible medium, cannabutter allows patients to incorporate cannabis into food, providing a discreet and inhalation-free option.
May Support Better Sleep
Cannabis is often associated with improved sleep, especially among those struggling with pain or insomnia. Reviews of available studies suggest that THC, whether used alone or with CBD, may improve sleep quality by influencing the body’s circadian rhythm and minimizing pain-related disturbances. However, reliance on cannabis for rest can potentially lead to dependency over time. More high-quality research is needed to fully understand how cannabinoids affect sleep cycles and long-term restfulness.
Summary
While cannabutter offers a convenient way to consume cannabis, it’s not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is dosing—since the THC content can vary from batch to batch, it's easy to accidentally ingest more than intended.
Cannabutter, a blend of cannabis and butter, is most often used in homemade edibles like cookies, brownies, and candies. These infused treats may provide relief from symptoms related to cancer and may also support better sleep. Still, due to the potential for uneven THC distribution, mindful preparation and cautious consumption are key to avoiding unintended effects.