To make THC butter, also known as cannabutter, you need to infuse cannabis into butter through a slow heating process. This allows the fat in the butter to absorb the THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC butter is the foundational ingredient in most cannabis edibles, including brownies, cookies, and sauces.
What You Need to Make THC Butter
To make THC butter, gather the following ingredients and tools:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
- 1 cup (roughly 7–10 grams) of decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup of water (to prevent scorching)
- Medium saucepan or slow cooker
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass storage container with lid
What Is Decarboxylation?
Before making THC butter, decarboxylate your cannabis. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its THC. Raw cannabis contains THCA, a non-psychoactive compound. When heated, THCA converts to THC, making it capable of producing a high.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C)
- Break cannabis into small pieces and spread on a baking sheet
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even exposure
- Let the cannabis cool before using
How to Make THC Butter (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a saucepan or slow cooker, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over low heat until the butter melts. The water helps regulate temperature and prevents the butter from burning.
Step 2: Add Decarboxylated Cannabis
Once the butter has melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the pot. Keep the heat low, maintaining a temperature between 160°F to 200°F (70°C to 93°C). Do not boil. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Keep the heat low and steady. Avoid boiling to preserve THC potency. The longer you simmer, the more THC is infused into the butter.
Step 4: Strain the Butter
After 2–3 hours, remove the saucepan from heat. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a glass container and slowly pour the mixture through it. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth, as this can introduce excess plant matter into your THC butter.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the strained THC butter cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate until solid. Once the butter hardens, any remaining water will separate to the bottom. Carefully remove the solid THC butter and discard the water.
Store THC butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life.
How Potent Is THC Butter?
The potency of THC butter depends on:
- THC percentage of the cannabis used
- Amount of cannabis infused per cup of butter
- Duration and temperature of simmering
Example: If you use 7 grams of cannabis with 15% THC, your batch contains approximately 1,050 mg of THC (7,000 mg × 0.15). Divide this total by the number of servings to estimate dosage. Always test a small portion first before consuming larger amounts.
How to Use THC Butter in Recipes
THC butter can replace regular butter in most recipes. Use it in:
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta sauces
- Toast or spreads
Avoid using high heat (above 300°F or 150°C) when baking with THC butter, as excessive heat can degrade THC potency. For inspiration, check out these cannabis-infused summer recipes.
Can You Make THC Butter Without Smell?
Making THC butter does produce a strong cannabis smell. To reduce the odor:
- Use a slow cooker with a sealed lid
- Add a ventilation fan or open windows
- Simmer in a well-ventilated kitchen
Alternatively, you can use sous vide or specialized cannabis infusion devices that reduce aroma significantly.
Can You Make THC Butter With Trim or Stems?
Yes, you can use cannabis trim, shake, or stems to make THC butter. These parts contain lower THC levels than buds but can still produce a mildly potent cannabutter. Use more material to compensate for the lower concentration.
Final Answer: How to Make THC Butter
To make THC butter, first decarboxylate your cannabis by baking it at 240°F for 30–40 minutes. Then simmer it with butter and water over low heat for 2–3 hours. Strain the mixture and refrigerate until solid. THC butter can stay fresh for several weeks when stored properly. If you’re unsure whether to use your cannabutter in recipes or try other consumption methods, read about the differences between smoking vs. edibles to find what’s best for you. Always label your THC butter clearly and keep it away from children and pets.
