How to Make Cannabis Butter at Home

Cannabutter is the heart of any homemade edible. Start low, go slow, and remember — the key is in the infusion. With the right ratio and patience, you’ll have perfectly dosed butter ready for cookies, brownies, or anything your heart (and appetite) desires.

Cannabis butter (also known as cannabutter) is a basic ingredient for making edibles like brownies, cookies, or pasta dishes. Making it at home is easier than it sounds, but it does require attention to detail to achieve a potent, safe, and flavorful final product.

Ingredients and Materials

For Cannabis Butter:

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter (preferably)
  • 7 to 10 grams of ground, decarboxylated cannabis
  • 1 cup of water (optional, helps prevent the butter from burning)

Tools:

  • Oven tray (for decarboxylation)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan or pot
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Glass container with lid (for storage)

Before You Begin: Why Can’t You Use Raw Cannabis Directly?

Because THC and CBD in the raw plant are in their acidic forms (THCA and CBDA), which are not psychoactive. To activate their effects, you need a process called:

Decarboxylation — gently heating the cannabis to activate its compounds.

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis

  1. Preheat the oven to 110–120°C (230–250°F).
  2. Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a tray lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even activation.
  4. Let it cool before using.

Step 2: Cook the Butter

  1. In a small pot over very low heat, melt the butter (add 1 cup of water if using it).
  2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis.
  3. Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Keep the temperature below 95°C (200°F) to avoid destroying cannabinoids.

Step 3: Strain and Store

  1. Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a glass jar.
  2. Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in the refrigerator.
  3. If you use water, once chilled, the butter will separate from the water. You can discard the water easily.

Dosing and Precautions

  • Start small: 1/4 teaspoon may be enough for beginners.
  • Wait 1–2 hours to feel the full effects (especially with edibles).
  • Avoid high heat: It can burn off the THC and ruin your batch.
  • Label clearly to avoid accidental consumption.

Now What?

Time to cook! You can use your cannabis butter in almost any recipe that includes fat — from brownies and pasta to pancakes or even simple toast.