Cannabutter is widely used to make edibles that are potent and tasty. They offer a unique way of enjoying your favorite strain of weed that can be shared with friends, and even enjoyed by individuals in need of gentle pain relief caused by muscular or joint issues.
There are many health benefits that weed has in terms of reducing pain, inflammation, and creating a calming effect in the brain. Whether you want to promote relaxation or enjoy getting stoned in a new way, you can get creative in the kitchen using cannabutter for edibles.
This is a guide into how you can make your own cannabutter, and what it can be used for.
Why Use Cannabutter?
Firstly, there are certain concerns over the use of cannabutter when making edibles. This is largely because of the high fat content and use of dairy products, which makes cannabutter unsuitable for vegans and those who are following a low fat diet.
If this is the case, it could be worth considering cannaoil, which is made slightly differently and involves oils rather than butter, which has a reduced fat content. Of course, no single substance is superior, and each has their own unique characteristics in terms of infusion processes and potency.
Check out the cannabutter vs cannaoil comparison here. It is your responsibility to find something that works for you. However, cannabutter tends to be the preferred ingredient in baking and creating edibles. This is because it is easier to substitute regular butter in a recipe and make tasty treats.
Decarboxylation
The first process involved in making cannabutter is decarboxylation. By definition, this is the removal of carbon atoms from the chain. In terms of cannabutter, it activates some of the psychoactive compounds within the plant which will make you feel high.
Converting THCA into THC and activating CBD is commonly done using heat, and you can use an oven for this when you want to make cannabutter for edibles. The lipids in the butter bind to the weed, which make it more potent once this process has been done.
Heat the oven for 220 Fahrenheit, and begin breaking up the plant using a grinder, your hands, or even scissors. Spread the weed evenly onto a baking sheet, and let the oven reach temperature.
Place the tray into the oven, and mix every ten minutes to prevent it from burning. Older batches should be baked for around 20 minutes, whereas fresh crops that still need to dry out should be left for an hour.
You will know when the decarboxylation process has occurred when there is a visible color change to the leaves. The bright green shade of leaves will change to a darker brownish green color. Once you see this, it is time to remove from the oven and move onto the next step.
Infusion
Next, you can begin to actually make the cannabutter for your favorite edibles. Add water and butter to a pan, and allow it to fully melt on a very low heat. Once there are no solids remaining, add the decarboxylated weed and mix well before covering. A 1:1 ratio of cannabis to butter is typically recommended, but feel free to use a different amount depending on the desired potency.
Let the pot simmer for four hours, stirring every thirty minutes. It is a good idea to insert a thermometer if you have one, as you should not let the temperature exceed 180 degrees. Once the mixture has simmered for the allotted time, carefully strain into a tupperware container, jar, or anything that can be chilled and sealed.
Leave the butter at room temperature so that it can fully set, and then it is ready to use. Spread some onto toast, use your cannabutter in baking, or keep it in a sealed container for up to six months.
What To Make
Now is the time for you to get creative with your homemade cannabutter. Replace the butter in your favorite recipes, or look for specific ideas for edibles. Peanut butter cookies are great if you aren’t the biggest fan of the plant taste.
Other great options are brownies, cakes, and savory dishes. When you are making anything that requires butter, you can add a little cannabutter for a calming effect.
Summary
Making your own cannabutter allows you the freedom to control the potency of it. You can add it to any recipe that you like, and it is an incredibly versatile ingredient to have when you are making your own edibles from home.