How to Make Pot Butter for Beginners

First off, what is weed butter - otherwise known as Cannabutter? As the name clearly implies, cannabutter is exactly what it sounds like – it is the combination of cannabis and butter. While cannabis alone provides a plethora of health benefits and as such becoming more widely accepted as a natural alternative to various ailments, making utilizing cannabutter gives you a satisfying smoke-free option that is very approachable due to its inherit versatility and inconspicuousness.

Before you go out and buy a bunch of weed for your first Cannabutter experiment, it is important to decide what effects you are hoping to achieve. For instance, cannabutter can be made with CBD only, or it could be made with a mix of both THC and CBD noting that THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the component found in cannabis that proves psychedelic and  mind-altering effects.

Cancer Treatment

It has been well-established for some time now that cannabis helps to alleviate the  nausea and vomiting  that is induced by many cancer treatments. In fact, it is the natural anti-nausea properties within cannabis that was its first well-documented health benefit discovered.

Sleep Aid

If you are someone who struggles with insomnia while the sun sets and the rest of the world rests, cannabutter may be an ideal option for you. There are many strains available have shown reliable and consistent qualities of improving one’s sleep. Both CBD and THC seem to have an effect of sleeplessness as both compound appear to affect your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and decrease pain-associated insomnia.

If you are not looking to get the mind-altering effects from THC, then it is suggested that you stick with the CBD. Otherwise, feel free to experiment! Once you have this under your belt, you will be able to infuse butter in more creative ways as well such as infusing sesame chili oil or enhanced coconut oil!

Though your pot butter will understandably vary with regards to THC and CBD levels, this particular recipe, found at  Bonappetite.com yields approximately 30 mg of THC per table spoon.

So here is what you will need to get started:

• ½ ounce of weed  (You can take advantage of our same day weed delivery right to your door in Canada by visiting www.leafythings.com)
• Hand grinder or scissors
• Glass baking dish or sheet pan
• Oven

Decarbing 

The first sets of step involve the process is the decarboxylization of your cannabis which consists of you baking your pot which in turn activates the cannabinoids.

1. Preheat your oven (220° F)
2. Break apart the weed by using a grinder, scissors or by hand just as you would when Rolling a Joint.
3. Even out the broken down cannabis over the baking sheet or sheet pan and place in the center rack of the oven. Older cannabis will require approximately 20 minutes whereas high-grade pot requires about 45 minutes and hour or more is the weed is still damp.
4. Every ten minutes check on your weed and mix it around to avoid burning
5. Once you notice the colour of the weed turning from bright green to a dull brown, you know t hat decarbonation is complete.

Related Blog: Rolling a Joint

Infuse the Cannabis with the Butter

For the next set of steps, you will need to have the following:

• 1½ cup water

• 8 ounces clarified butter, melted butter, or oil

• ½ ounce decarboxylated cannabis

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Thermometer, optional cheesecloth and/or metal strainer

1. First add the butter and water into a medium sized pan on low heat.

2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis once the butter has fully melted. Mix well with a wooden spoon and cover

3. Have the mixture simmer for 4 hours. While stirring every half hour to avoid burning the butter. If you have a thermometer, make sure the temperature does not reach above 180°.

4. After 4 hours, strain with cheesecloth or metal strainer into a container. Let the butter cool to room temperature. You can either use your mixture immediately after cooling or store in your freezer for up to six months!

For fun cannabutter recipes for you to try out once you have mastered the butter, check out Vice's ultra-munchie list today!