Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Marie Kathleen
Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is a popular and versatile ingredient used to make cannabis-infused edibles, balms, and more. This article will explore how to make cannabis butter, its various uses, and its benefits for consumers across Canada, from Vancouver to the Maritimes. Whether you’re looking to bake delicious cannabis-infused treats or enhance your meals with THC or CBD, it offers a convenient and potent solution.
What is Cannabis Butter?
Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is a powerful, versatile ingredient that combines butter with cannabis to infuse it with cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). This infused butter is commonly used to create a range of cannabis-infused edibles and topicals. Whether you’re baking your favourite cannabis cookies, cooking up a savoury dish, or making your own lotions or balms, provides an easy and controlled way to experience the benefits of Cannabis.
When properly made, cannabis butter ensures consistent potency, which allows consumers to enjoy their cannabis experience without the unpredictability of smoking or vaping. It’s especially ideal for those interested in taking Cannabis in a more discreet or gourmet form through homemade treats or self-care products.
Why Use Cannabis Butter?
Using cannabis butter comes with a variety of benefits:
- Control over dosage: You can easily adjust how much cannabis you use, helping you monitor potency for both recreational and medical use.
- Versatility: Whether for baking, cooking, or topical use, it can be incorporated into almost any recipe or homemade product.
- Discrete Consumption: With cannabis butter, you can enjoy your cannabis experience without the need for smoking, offering a more subtle method of consumption.
Now that you know what cannabutter is, let’s dive into how you can easily make it at home!
How to Make Cannabis Butter: Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own cannabis butter at home is an affordable and customizable option. This method allows you to adjust the strength based on your individual needs or preferences, giving you full control over your edible experience. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow guide for creating your very own batch of cannabis butter:
1. Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Before adding cannabis to the butter, it must undergo a process called decarboxylation. This process activates the compounds (THC, CBD) in the cannabis so that the body can effectively absorb them.
Steps for Decarboxylation:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break up the cannabis buds into smaller pieces (grinding is fine but not necessary). The idea is to expose as much surface area as possible to heat.
- Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. You’ll know it’s ready when the cannabis turns from a green color to a more golden-brown hue, and the aroma is rich and earthy.
Why Decarboxylation is Important:
This step is crucial because unheated cannabis doesn’t activate the cannabinoids in a way that they can affect the body. By heating the cannabis, you unlock the full potential of THC and CBD, giving you the effects you’re looking for in the cannabis butter.
2. Prepare the Butter
Now it’s time to prepare the butter that will serve as the base for your cannabis butter.
Steps for Preparing Butter:
- Start by melting your butter over low heat in a saucepan. Unsalted butter is recommended, giving you better control over your dosage and flavour.
- You’ll want to use about one cup of butter for every 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis (depending on the desired strength).
Tip: If you prefer a stronger butter, increase the amount of cannabis; for a lighter butter, reduce it.
Once the butter has fully melted, it’s time to add the decarboxylated cannabis.
3. Simmer the Mixture
Now that the cannabis is added to the butter, gently simmer it on low heat. This step is important because you want to avoid burning or degrading the THC and CBD by overheating the mixture.
Steps for Simmering:
- Reduce the heat to low, aiming for a temperature range of 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C). You can use a thermometer for better accuracy.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking time helps the cannabinoids infuse into the butter without burning.
- Be careful not to let the mixture come to a boil—this will destroy the potency and affect the taste of your cannabutter.
Why Simmering is Essential:
Slow simmering ensures maximum infusion, and keeping the heat below 200°F helps preserve the beneficial compounds in cannabis. When done correctly, this results in a strong and effective cannabis butter.
4. Strain the Butter
After the mixture has simmered for a few hours, it’s time to strain out the plant material, leaving you with smooth, infused butter. This step is critical to remove any leftover cannabis particles that could negatively impact the taste or texture of your butter.
Steps for Straining:
- Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to filter out the solid cannabis matter from the butter. Place a bowl under your strainer and pour the mixture slowly to catch the plant material.
- You can gently press the plant matter to squeeze out any excess butter, but be careful to avoid any bits of cannabis from making it into your final product.
Store the Finished Cannabis Butter:
- After straining, let your cannabutter cool for a few minutes.
- Once it’s cool, pour it into a sealed container (preferably glass) and store it in the fridge.
- It should last around 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
Why Make Your Own Cannabis Butter?
Benefits of Homemade Cannabis Butter:
- Cost-effective: Making your own ensures you control what goes into it, and it’s much more affordable than purchasing pre-made infused butter.
- Customization: Tailor your cannabutter to match your needs in terms of potency and flavour.
- Consistency: Homemade cannabis butter ensures consistency in strength, making it easier to control dosages in your recipes.
Now that you’ve learned the process, you’ll be able to create your own cannabis butter with ease, using it in cooking or baking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a more controlled and flavorful manner.
Uses of Cannabis Butter
Cannabis butter, or cannabutter, is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to creating homemade cannabis-infused products. The benefits of cannabis can be enjoyed in multiple forms, from baked goods to savoury meals and even topical treatments. The great thing about it is that it’s easy to use and allows you to integrate cannabis into everyday meals, giving you full control over both potency and flavour.
1. Cooking and Baking
One of the most common uses of cannabis butter is for baking delicious edibles. Cannabis-infused baked goods are a fun and effective way to incorporate the benefits of cannabis into your daily routine without the need for smoking or vaping. Whether you want to bake simple treats or experiment with gourmet cannabis dishes, it is the ideal ingredient.
How to Use Cannabis Butter in Baking:
- Substitute for regular butter: In your favourite recipes, replace the regular butter with cannabutter to infuse THC or CBD.
- Familiar treats: Use them to make cookies, brownies, cakes, or muffins with a twist. They provide both great flavour and the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
- Precision: When making cannabis edibles, you can control the amount of cannabis you use, ensuring your finished products are tailored to your ideal dosage.
With cannabis butter, you can easily elevate your baked goods, whether for personal enjoyment or sharing with friends.
2. Add It to Meals
Beyond baking, cannabis butter is a versatile addition to meals, enhancing both flavour and your cannabis experience. Adding a dollop of cannabis-infused butter can bring a subtle but enjoyable twist to your favourite dishes.
Popular Ways to Use Cannabis Butter in Savory Dishes:
- Mashed potatoes: Add a spoonful of Cannabis Butter creamy mashed potatoes for a rich, buttery flavour with a therapeutic bonus.
- Pasta: Stir cannabis butter into freshly cooked pasta for a cannabis-infused meal. You can also incorporate it into your favourite pesto or cream sauces.
- Grilled meats or vegetables: Use cannabutter to sauté or grill veggies or meats for added flavour and potency.
- Sandwich spreads: Spread cannabutter on bread for extra relaxation during lunchtime.
3. Topical Products
In addition to food, cannabis butter is also an excellent base for homemade topical products like lotions, balms, and salves. When applied topically, cannabinoids (especially CBD) are absorbed directly into the skin, offering targeted benefits for relief from pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.
How to Use Cannabis Butter Topically:
- Make soothing creams: Combine cannabutter with other ingredients, such as coconut oil or essential oils, to create soothing topical ointments.
- Relieve localized discomfort: Massage the infused butter directly onto areas of the body that need relief, such as sore muscles, arthritis, or skin conditions like eczema.
Cannabis butter offers the option to incorporate natural healing through the skin, providing relief without the need for ingestion.
Benefits of Cannabis Butter
Using cannabis butter comes with a variety of advantages. From providing custom dosage control to offering long-lasting effects, it’s no wonder that more people are choosing to use cannabis in this form. Whether for therapeutic or recreational purposes, making your own cannabutter is a great way to enjoy a well-balanced cannabis experience.
1. Custom Dosage
One of the major benefits of making your own cannabutter is customizing the potency to suit your personal needs. Whether you prefer a mild, relaxing experience or a more intense effect, you have control over how much cannabis goes into your butter, allowing for a precise and predictable dosage.
How Custom Dosage Works:
- Adjust strength to your preference: You can decide how much cannabis to infuse into your butter based on the type of experience you want, whether it’s for sleep, relaxation, pain relief, or just a subtle high.
- Consistency: Knowing exactly how much cannabis you’ve added means you can replicate your desired effect every time.
This personalized approach ensures that you get the exact amount of cannabis you need in each serving.
2. Long-Lasting Effects
When you consume cannabis butter, particularly in edibles, the effects tend to last longer than when consuming cannabis through smoking or vaping. The reason is that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are processed through the digestive system, which takes longer to metabolize and absorb than inhaling.
Benefits of Long-Lasting Effects:
- Sustained relief: If you’re using cannabis for pain, inflammation, or stress relief, cannabis butter can provide longer-lasting therapeutic effects.
- Lasting euphoria: For recreational use, the experience lasts for several hours, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a more gradual, longer cannabis experience.
For those seeking relief throughout the day, cannabis butter is a fantastic option, as it provides an extended experience without the need for continual dosing.
3. Versatility
The versatility of cannabis butter is one of the things that makes it so appealing. From making edibles to topicals, it’s an ingredient that can be used in many ways. The possibilities are only limited by your creativity, and it’s easy to incorporate cannabutter into both sweet and savoury dishes.
Ways Cannabis Butter Can Be Used:
- Baked Goods: Cookies, cakes, and brownies can all be easily infused with cannabis butter.
- Savoury Meals: Pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and stir-fries benefit from the richness of cannabutter.
- Homemade Topicals: You can make lotions, creams, and balms that target pain and inflammation.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, cannabis butter gives you plenty of room to experiment and enjoy cannabis in a variety of ways.
Where to Buy Cannabis Butter in Canada
If you’re not keen on making your own cannabis butter at home, don’t worry! You can easily find pre-made cannabis butter available for purchase online in Canada. Whether you’re looking for cannabis butter, THC-infused products, or other edibles, the convenience of online shopping means you can have them delivered right to your door. This option is particularly great if you’re in an area where local access to cannabis stores may be limited.
Where to Buy Cannabis Butter in Canada
There are a variety of reputable online dispensaries in Canada offering high-quality cannabis butter products, and it’s important to choose one that is licensed and trusted. By purchasing through a licensed seller, you can rest assured that the product is safe and legal. Below are some factors to consider when buying cannabis butter online, ensuring you get the best possible product.
Why Buy Cannabis Butter Online?
- Convenience: You won’t need to visit a store; you can order from the comfort of your home and deliver it to your door.
- Variety: Online dispensaries offer a wide selection of cannabis-infused products, including edibles, oils, and more, giving you plenty of choices.
- Access in Remote Areas: For those living in areas without easily accessible cannabis dispensaries, online shopping helps you get the products you need directly from licensed providers.
Choosing a Licensed Retailer
It is essential to buy cannabis butter from a licensed retailer. This ensures you purchase products that meet all Canadian regulations and quality standards. To make sure you’re choosing a reputable online dispensary, follow these guidelines:
- Look for official product labelling: Licensed retailers must include all required product information, such as dosage and ingredient details.
- Check for customer reviews: Reading feedback from previous buyers can help you gauge the quality and reliability of a dispensary.
- Choose reputable online platforms: Websites that are well-known and have established positive reputations will likely provide high-quality products.
By shopping through a licensed seller, you ensure your cannabis butter is not only effective but also safe to use.
Popular Online Dispensaries in Canada
- Buzzed Extracts: This dispensary is known for a range of infused products. It offers high-quality options and a simple online ordering process.
- Matrix Extracts: This online dispensary offers a wide selection of cannabis-infused butters and other products. It stands out for its excellent customer service and trusted product sourcing.
Many of these trusted online dispensaries serve different provinces across Canada, giving you access to products no matter where you’re located.
How to Buy Cannabis Butter Online in Canada
To make the process of purchasing cannabis butter seamless, here’s a simple guide to follow when buying from online dispensaries in Canada:
- Browse the Dispensary Website: Browse the product listings to find other desired products. Many websites allow filtering by category for easy navigation.
- Check Product Details: Review the information provided about the product, including cannabinoid content (such as THC and CBD), ingredient list, and usage instructions.
- Add to Cart: Once you’ve chosen your product, add it to your shopping cart. Some dispensaries offer discounts or deals on larger orders, so be sure to check for any promotions.
- Complete Your Purchase: Provide shipping and payment information to proceed to checkout. Online dispensaries typically offer secure payment methods.
- Wait for Delivery: After placing your order, most retailers will send a tracking number so you can follow the progress of your delivery. Depending on your location, you will arrive at your doorstep, often within a few days.
Ensure Quality and Legality
When buying cannabis butter, ensure that the product comes from licensed Canadian dispensaries. Each licensed dispensary complies with strict Canadian cannabis laws to guarantee that your cannabis butter is legal and of high quality. By purchasing from reputable sources, you’re ensuring your health, safety, and satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis butter is a simple, effective, and versatile way to enjoy the benefits of Cannabis in various forms, whether through baking, cooking, or skincare.
- Making your own cannabis butter allows for control over dosage and strength while offering long-lasting effects.
- Many options are available for those looking to buy cannabis online in Canada, ensuring easy access for consumers across the country, from Toronto to Vancouver.
If you’re interested in buying online cannabis in Canada or want more tips on cannabis-infused recipes and products, be sure to explore trusted online dispensaries that cater to your needs!