If you’ve ever made edibles that just didn’t hit right—either too weak, too strong, or just plain weird-tasting—chances are, the issue started with your infusion.
Enter cannabis butter (aka cannabutter): the foundation of any good edible. When done correctly, cannabis butter extracts the THC, CBD, and terpenes from your flower, creating a potent, flavorful, and evenly infused base for brownies, cookies, or even a simple piece of toast.
The key? Decarboxylation, slow infusion, and proper straining. Follow this optimized cannabutter recipe to make the most of your plant material—and to ensure every bite of your edibles delivers the experience you’re looking for.
Why You Need to Decarb First
Raw cannabis won’t get you high—it needs heat to activate its psychoactive properties. This process, called decarboxylation, converts THCA into THC, unlocking its full potency before infusion.
Without this step, your butter will be weak, and nobody wants a wasted batch.
The Best Cannabis Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cold water
- 1/8 oz (3.5 grams) cannabis flower, stems, or shake
Step 1: Decarboxylation (Activating the THC)
1. Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break apart cannabis into small chunks (avoid grinding into powder). Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. It should turn light golden brown and smell slightly toasty.
4. Let cool, then break it down into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Infusing the Butter
5. In a medium saucepan or double boiler, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over low heat. Add 1 cup cold water to prevent burning.
6. Stir in decarbed cannabis, ensuring all plant material is saturated.
7. Simmer on low heat (160-180°F) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
8. After infusion, strain the butter through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof container. Gently press to extract remaining butter, then discard the plant material.
Step 3: Separating & Storing
9. Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the butter solidifies on top.
10. Once solid, use a spoon or spatula to separate the butter from the water and transfer it to a storage container.
11. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
How to Use Your Cannabis Butter
Now that you’ve got perfectly infused butter, the fun begins. Swap it in any recipe that calls for butter—but remember to dose carefully. Try it in:
✔ Brownies
✔ Cookies
✔ Pasta & savory dishes
✔ Tea & coffee
✔ On toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Ready to bake? Start with our foolproof cannabis brownie recipe for a classic, rich, and perfectly dosed treat.
👉 Check out the ultimate cannabis brownie recipe here!
Final Tips for the Best Cannabutter
✅ Use a thermometer – Keep the infusion between 160-180°F to preserve potency.
✅ For stronger butter – Increase to 1/4 oz (7 grams) per cup of butter, but dose carefully.
✅ For a smoother taste – Clarify the butter first to remove milk solids or add a splash of vanilla to baked goods.
A little goes a long way, so start slow, enjoy the process, and happy baking!