How Do I Make Weed Butter? A Beginner’s Guide to Homemade Cannabutter

Weed butter or cannabutter is the heart of many cannabis edibles, offering a delicious and versatile way to experience the effects of cannabis through your favourite food. Whether you’re planning to make baked goods, savory dishes, or even infused ice cream, creating your own cannabis butter at home is something every weed enthusiast should try at least once.

What Is Cannabutter?

Cannabutter — short for cannabis butter — is a type of infused butter made by combining ground cannabis with regular butter through a simple extraction process. It’s a common ingredient in homemade edibles like brownies, cookies, and even savoury recipes, offering a tasty way to enjoy the effects of cannabis without smoking.

Marijuana Butter vs. Smoking: Which Delivers a Stronger High?

Cannabutter delivers stronger effects than smoking or vaping. It’s advised to start small, especially if you’re new to cannabis edibles. Everyone metabolizes edibles differently, and the adverse effects of overconsumption can be unpleasant.

At Olive Jar Cannabis, we offer carefully selected cannabis flower ideal for making cannabutter with consistent potency and clean flavour, so you can craft reliable, high-quality homemade edibles with confidence and ease. With our premium selection, you get the quality and consistency needed for a smooth infusion process, whether you’re making a small batch or exploring your favourite cannabutter recipes.

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What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Butter with Cannabis?

To make your own weed butter, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and tools found in most kitchens:

• 1 cup of butter (unsalted butter is best)
• 1 cup of water (helps control heat and prevents burning)
• 7–10 grams of your favourite cannabis flower
• Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
• Medium bowl or heatproof bowl
• Baking sheet
• Foil or parchment paper
• An airtight container or a well-sealed mason jar

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How Long Does it Take to Make Weed Butter?

It takes 2 to 3 hours to make weed butter. The process includes decarboxylating cannabis for 30–40 minutes and then simmering it with butter for 2 hours. You should stir occasionally and avoid boiling to preserve potency. Make sure to use unsalted butter for best results and strain before storing.

What is the Best Ratio for Cannabutter?

The best ratio for cannabutter is 1 cup of butter to 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis. This ratio provides potent but manageable effects for most users. Adjust potency by using less cannabis for milder butter or more for stronger infusions, depending on your tolerance and recipe needs.

Turning Cannabis into Butter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Decarboxylation Process

Before you make weed butter, you’ll need to activate the THC and CBD in your cannabis flower through a process called decarboxylation. Don’t be intimidated by the weird name, it’s just the process of gently heating cannabis to activate its compounds.

Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break the cannabis flower into smaller pieces and spread them on a non-stick baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
3. Bake on the center rack for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes for even heat distribution.

This decarb process transforms the raw plant material into a potent form, making your cannabis infusion more effective.

Step 2: Simmer and Infuse

Once your herb is decarbed, it’s time to start the infusion process.

1. In a saucepan, combine:
   • 1 cup butter
   • 1 cup water
   • Your ground herb (7–10 grams)
2. Simmer on the lowest heat setting for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally.
   • The water helps maintain low cooking temperatures and prevents the butter from burning.
   • Avoid letting the mixture come to a full boil — gentle heat is key.

Over this period of time, the lipids in the butter will absorb the psychoactive compounds in the cannabis.

Step 3: Strain and Cool

Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to separate the plant matter from your infused butter.

1. Set a sieve with two layers of cheesecloth over a heatproof bowl.
2. Carefully pour the mixture through, allowing the cannabis butter layer to pass while capturing any leftover plant matter.
3. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until the layer of butter solidifies on top.
4. Discard any excess water beneath the butter layer.

Pro tip: Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to get all that potent butter out, but avoid pressing too hard — that can release inert plant matter and create a bad plant taste.

Step 4: Store and Enjoy

Transfer your strained butter to an airtight container, such as a glass container or mason jar. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer.

Now you’re ready to use your homemade cannabis butter in baking, cooking, or any cannabis-infused edibles. Try adding a bit of butter to your next salad dressing, roast vegetables, or even melt it over popcorn.

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10 Simple Ways to Start Enjoying Your Cannabutter

1. Spread on toast or muffins – Just like regular butter.
2. Stir into pasta or rice – Adds flavour and infusion to a warm meal.
3. Melt over popcorn or roasted vegetables – A savoury twist for snack time.
4. Mix into mashed potatoes – Comfort food with a calming effect.
5. Bake into cookies or brownies – A classic cannabis edible.
6. Blend into oatmeal or smoothies – Start your day mellow.
7. Add to sauces or soups – Easy to incorporate while cooking.
8. Stir into coffee or tea – A cozy, infused morning or evening drink.
9. Melt onto pancakes or waffles – A sweet way to elevate your breakfast.
10. Use in grilled cheese or sandwiches – Swap regular butter for a mellow twist.

Dosage Tips: Start Low and Go Slow

The psychoactive effects of cannabis in edibles can vary greatly from person to person, depending on:

• Your tolerance
• The cannabis strain used
• The fat content in your recipe
• Your cooking techniques

For beginners, we recommend starting with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of your cannabutter and waiting 1–2 hours to feel the cannabis effects before consuming more.

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Should I Use Indica or Sativa Cannabis to Make Cannabutter?

If you’re new to making cannabutter, one of the first questions you might ask is: Should I use indica or sativa cannabis? The answer depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.

• Indica strains are generally known for their relaxing, body-focused effects. People often use them to unwind, ease stress, or help with sleep. If you’re planning to make edibles for evening use or relaxation, indica flower might be your best choice.
• Sativa strains, on the other hand, tend to have more uplifting and energizing effects. They’re often used for daytime focus, creativity, or social settings. If you’re infusing cannabutter for brunch recipes or daytime snacks, a sativa might be the way to go.
• Not sure which one’s right for you? You can also try hybrid strains, which offer a balance of both effects.

At Olive Jar Cannabis, we carry a curated selection of indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis flower, perfect for making cannabutter that suits your vibe. Whether you’re looking for something mellow or more motivating, our premium flower ensures a smooth infusion process and consistent results.

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