Nine Realms cannabis flower buds and a block of butter on the kitchen counter

How to Make Cannabutter: Guide

Author: Edijs Eleksis

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Time: 7 min

Making your own cannabis edibles opens up a world of flavors. But to do that, you have to know how to make cannabutter. With that, you can make everything from rich brownies to tasty sauces. This guide makes it easy, combining science with kitchen know-how. It's perfect for both newbies and those looking to improve their skills.

What is Cannabis Butter and What are Its Benefits?

Infusing butter with cannabis makes cooking a way to take care of yourself. Unlike smoking cannabis, edibles last longer and let you control how much you take. For those in Germany and other European countries, making cannabisbutter is a fun way to mix cooking with wellness.

What Exactly Is Cannabis-Infused Butter?

This mix combines cannabis with butter's fats. Heat makes the THC and CBD in cannabis work. Once it's infused, you can use it in desserts, soups, or even coffee.

Why Homemade Edibles Beat Store-Bought

There are three main reasons to make your own:


  • Cost efficiency: DIY versions are much cheaper than store-bought
  • Tailored potency: You can adjust the strength to your liking
  • Flavor control: You can add herbs like rosemary or cinnamon for extra taste

Edibles take 30–90 minutes to start working but last 4–8 hours. Simmering for two hours ensures even infusion without losing cannabinoids. This method also keeps terpenes, which affect flavor and benefits.


For beginners, start small and keep track of how much you take. Use quality ingredients to make cannabis butter that's both effective and tasty.

Nine realms cannabis flower buds on the table with brownies and butter next to them

Summary: Homemade edibles are better than store-bought because they're cheaper, customizable in potency, and let you control flavor with added herbs.

How to Make Cannabutter?

Good cannabis-infused butter needs three main things and the right tools. Using top-notch ingredients and preparing your kitchen right ensures great results. Here's what you'll need.


Ingredient

Quantity

Purpose

Cannabis Flower

7–10 grams

Provides active compounds like THC/CBD

Unsalted butter

250g

Fat base for cannabinoid absorption

Water

1 liter

Prevents burning during simmering

Choose organic butter with 82% fat for the best infusion. Use fresh water to keep temperatures stable. High-quality cannabis flowers give better taste and potency than trim.

Equipment Checklist

  • Pot: Heavy-bottomed stainless steel or ceramic
  • Cheesecloth/strainer: Filters plant material
  • Airtight container: Glass jars work best
  • Oven: For decarboxylation at 110°C
  • Digital thermometer: Monitors 85–95°C range

A sharp grinder makes cannabis pieces the same size for better activation. Use silicone spatulas to get every bit of infused butter from your pot. Get these tools ready to make the process smoother.

Preparing Your Cannabis: Decarboxylation and Cutting

Getting your cannabis ready is key to a good infusion. This step makes the cannabis work well and makes it easy to extract. We'll look at the best ways to get your cannabis ready for infusion.

Decarboxylation Explained

Decarboxylation makes cannabis work. Raw cannabis has acids that turn into THC and CBD with heat. Skipping this step means your infusion might not work well.


  1. Preheat oven to 110°C (230°F)
  2. Break buds into pea-sized pieces using clean hands
  3. Spread evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet
  4. Bake 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes

Keep an eye on the temperature. Too high can ruin the cannabinoids. When done right, the cannabis will look golden and smell nutty.

Nine Realms cannabis flower buds placed in the oven

Proper Grinding and Cutting Techniques

Even texture means even infusion. Here's how to do it:


  • Use a grinder with sharp teeth—avoid powdery results
  • Hand-chop with a chef’s knife for larger batches
  • Discard stems to prevent bitter flavors

Too fine and it won't strain well. Aim for coarse sea salt texture. This balances size and structure. Let the decarbed cannabis cool before grinding. Store it in airtight containers if not using right away. These steps help make a good infusion and keep the flavors and terpenes.

Melting the Butter: Process and Temperature Considerations

Melting butter is the first step to making good cannabis infusion. Getting it right ensures the active compounds are evenly spread and the flavors are preserved. By controlling the heat and timing, you get consistent results without losing potency.


Start by cutting 250g of unsalted butter into uniform cubes. Mix them with 1 liter of water in a heavy-bottomed pot. The water helps prevent the butter from burning.


Step

Action

Temperature Range

1

Melt butter-water mix

70–80°C

2

Add decarbed cannabis

85–95°C

3

Simmer gently

90–95°C

Stir the mix every 15 minutes to keep it together. This method keeps the flavors and lets the cannabinoids bind with fat.

Maintaining Optimal Cooking Temperatures

Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. Too hot and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) degrades. Too cold and it takes longer to extract. Keep it between 90–95°C for 2–3 hours for full infusion.


Slowly add butter to keep the texture even. After cooling, the infused butter will solidify on top. This careful timing ensures the infusion is potent without being bitter.

Simmering Your Cannabutter for Maximum Potency

The secret to good infusion is controlled heat. Gentle simmering releases the cannabis compounds while keeping them intact. Mastering this step ensures balanced effects and consistent results in every dish.

Time and Temperature: The Extraction Sweet Spot

Duration

Temperature

Potency Level

3–4 hours

85–90°C

Mild (beginners)

6–8 hours

88–93°C

Moderate (regular users)

12–24 hours*

90–95°C

Strong (experienced)

*Use sous-vide methods for extended simmering to prevent evaporation. Avoid boiling—temperatures above 100°C degrade THC and CBD. A digital thermometer helps maintain ideal conditions during the process.


Simmering allows gradual cannabinoid transfer into fats. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent hot spots. For brownies or other edibles, this method ensures even distribution of active compounds.

Tailoring Effects Through Precise Measurement

Dosage determines experience intensity. Beginners should start with 5–10mg THC per serving. Use this formula:


  • Total THC = (Cannabis % THC × Grams used) × 0.87*
  • Portions = Total THC ÷ Desired mg per serving

*Accounts for decarboxylation efficiency. Example: 7g of 15% THC cannabis yields ~90mg THC per teaspoon of butter.


Potency escalates with extended simmering but requires careful tracking. Label containers with creation dates and estimated cannabinoid content. Pair these strategies with low-temperature storage to preserve freshness.

Creative Edible Recipes and Usage Tips with Cannabutter

Transform ordinary meals into infused experiences by blending cannabis butter with everyday ingredients. From breakfast to dessert, this versatile fat base elevates dishes while delivering consistent effects. Explore these inspired approaches to culinary creativity.

Incorporating Cannabis Butter into Your Favorite Recipes

Swap regular butter 1:1 in classic recipe for predictable dosing. Try these crowd-pleasers:


  • Sweet: Fold into brownie batter or melt into dark chocolate for fondue
  • Savory: Whisk into hollandaise sauce or herb compound butter for steaks
  • Quick Bites: Spread on toast with honey or stir into oatmeal

Balance flavor by pairing earthy cannabis notes with bold ingredients like coffee, citrus zest, or garlic. For baking, mix infused and regular butter to control potency without altering texture.

Nine Realms customer making brownies in the kitchen with flour, butter, chocolate

Innovative Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Freeze cannabis butter in ice cube trays for precise 1-tbsp portions. Use oven-safe containers to refrigerate batches for 2 months or freeze up to 6 months. Label clearly with:


  1. Preparation date
  2. Estimated THC/CBD per teaspoon
  3. Best-used-by timeframe

Common questions about recipe adjustments? Simmer sauces below 95°C to preserve potency. For gummies or candies, blend with coconut oil for smoother mixture. Always start with 5mg THC portions when testing new edibles.


Remember: Proper storage in airtight containers maintains freshness and prevents accidental consumption. Pair these strategies with quality cannabis flower to craft dishes that delight both palate and senses.

Conclusion

Learning to make homemade cannabis butter opens up new possibilities in cooking and health. It really is the tastiest of all cannabis products. This starts with decarboxylation in the oven and then simmering carefully. This way, you get consistent results every time.


It's important to use the right amount and keep the temperature just right. This helps keep the good stuff in the butter. Store it in the fridge for two months or freeze it for longer. Always label it with the date and how much cannabis it has.

Trying out new recipes is fun with good infusion methods. Start with a little bit in your food or sauces. Remember, everyone's body reacts differently, so be careful.


Quality comes from being patient and paying attention to details. Whether you're making desserts or savory dishes, keep the heat low. This helps keep the flavor and potency just right.


Understanding the effects of edibles and following these tips can make exploring cannabutter rewarding. Going from a small amount of butter to a delicious dish is worth it with the right knowledge.

“Spread joy with every bite: cannabutter makes magic happen.”

FAQs about How to Make Cannabutter

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter is best because it has a lot of fat. This fat helps bind with cannabinoids well. For vegans, refined coconut oil works great because it absorbs cannabinoids similarly.

How long should I simmer the cannabis-butter mixture?

Simmer it for 2–3 hours at a low heat (80–95°C/176–203°F). Longer simmering can make it stronger. But, don't let it boil because high heat can ruin the cannabinoids.

How do I control the potency of my infused butter?

Change the cannabis-to-butter ratio to control the strength. Start with 7–10 grams of decarboxylated flower for every 250g of butter. Use strains with known THC/CBD levels for accurate dosing.

Pretty Cool Nine Realms Blog Author

Author: Edijs Eleksis

Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!

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