If you’re looking to take your cannabis experience to the next level, making your own cannabutter at home is a great way to start. Cannabutter is a versatile ingredient that can be infused into many recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make cannabutter and share a few no-bake recipes for a quick and easy treat.
What You’ll Need to Make Cannabutter
Before diving into the process, here’s a list of ingredients and tools you’ll need:
- High-quality cannabis flower or trim. A common guideline is to use about 28 grams of cannabis for every 1 cup (about 230 grams) of butter.
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) of water
- Baking sheet
- Grinder
- Small saucepan or slow cooker
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Storage container
Step-by-Step Process for Making Cannabutter
Stovetop Method
- Decarboxylate Your Cannabis: Start by preheating your oven to 105-115°C. Spread your ground cannabis flower evenly on a baking sheet and bake it for 30-40 minutes. This process, called decarboxylation, activates the cannabinoids that make cannabis potent.
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with 1 cup of water. The water helps prevent the butter from burning during the infusion.
- Infuse the Cannabis: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, keeping the temperature between 80-90°C (175-195°F). Use a thermometer to ensure the mixture stays at a low heat, as overheating can destroy the beneficial cannabinoids.
- Strain and Store: After simmering, strain the cannabutter through cheesecloth to remove any plant material. Be sure to squeeze out any remaining butter from the cloth. Pour the butter into a storage container and refrigerate for several hours to allow it to solidify.
Slow Cooker Method
- Decarboxylation: Follow the same decarboxylation process as in the stovetop method.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Place your slow cooker on the lowest heat setting (under 93°C or 200°F). Combine the butter, water, and cannabis in the slow cooker.
- Infuse and Stir: Allow the mixture to cook for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even infusion.
- Strain and Cool: Once the cooking process is complete, strain the cannabutter through a cheesecloth, and refrigerate it in a container until solid.
No-Bake Recipes Using Cannabutter
Now that your cannabutter is ready, you can infuse it into these quick and easy no-bake recipes!
1. Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients:
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) sugar
- 15 grams (2 tbsp) cocoa powder
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) cannabutter
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) milk
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) chocolate chips
- A pinch of salt
- A dash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a microwave-safe mug.
- Stir in the cannabutter, milk, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir well.
- Microwave the mug for 90 seconds. Let it cool for 2 minutes before enjoying!
2. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 120 grams (½ cup) cannabutter
- 200 grams (1 cup) sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cup) milk
- 250 grams (1 cup) peanut butter
- 30 grams (¼ cup) cocoa powder
- 300 grams (3 cups) rolled oats
Instructions:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the cannabutter, sugar, and milk, stirring continuously.
- Add the peanut butter and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the rolled oats until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
3. No-Bake Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients:
- 250 grams (1 cup) cream cheese
- 60 grams (4 tbsp) cannabutter
- 50 grams (¼ cup) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 grams (1 ¼ cup) crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
- Beat the cream cheese, cannabutter, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, then roll them in crushed graham crackers.
- Chill in the fridge for an hour before enjoying!
Tips for Safe Consumption of Cannabis Edibles
- Decarboxylate Your Cannabis: Always decarboxylate cannabis before infusing it into butter. This process activates the cannabinoids that produce the effects.
- Start Small: If you’re new to cannabis edibles, begin with a low dose. It’s recommended to start with 10 mg of THC per serving. Wait at least 1-2 hours before deciding to consume more, as the effects of edibles can take time to kick in.
- Storage: Cannabutter can last in the fridge for up to 6 months when stored properly in an airtight container. For even longer storage, consider freezing it.
Conclusion
Cannabutter is the perfect base for a variety of delicious cannabis-infused recipes, and making it at home is easier than you might think. With these simple steps and no-bake recipes, you can enjoy the unique flavors and effects of cannabis in a fun and creative way. Always remember to consume edibles responsibly and enjoy your creations!
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
External Resources:
- https://www.foodandwine.com/author/kitchen-toke
- https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/cooking/no-bake-edibles-cannabutter/
- https://www.foodandwine.com/author/kitchen-toke