How to Make and Use Pot Butter: A Complete Guide

Cannabis-infused butter, commonly known as pot butter or cannabutter, serves as a versatile foundation for creating homemade edibles. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making pot butter from start to finish, covering everything from decarboxylation to storage and usage tips.

What is Pot Butter: Understanding the Basics

Pot butter is simply butter that has been infused with activated cannabis. The fat in butter effectively binds with the cannabinoids in marijuana, creating a potent cooking ingredient that can be used in virtually any recipe that calls for regular butter. The primary psychoactive compound, THC, along with other cannabinoids like CBD, becomes infused in the fat molecules, making it bioavailable when consumed.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
• 7-14 grams of ground cannabis (flower, trim, or shake)
• 1 cup of water

Equipment:

• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Grinder
• Medium saucepan or slow cooker
• Thermometer
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Storage container

The Critical Decarboxylation Process

Before making pot butter, you must decarboxylate your cannabis. This process converts THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive) through heat exposure. Skipping this step will result in less potent butter.

To decarboxylate:

1. Preheat your oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
2. Break up cannabis buds into small pieces
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through
5. The cannabis should turn light to medium brown and be dry but not burnt

How to Make Pot Butter: Step-by-Step Guide

Classic Stovetop Method:

1. Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter to a saucepan
2. Heat on low until butter melts, then add decarboxylated cannabis
3. Maintain low heat (ideally between 160-180 °F) and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally
4. The mixture should never reach a full boil
5. Strain through cheesecloth into a container, squeezing out all butter
6. Refrigerate until the butter solidifies and separates from water
7. Remove the solid butter layer and discard the water beneath

For more detailed instructions on various infusion methods, check out this comprehensive guide to cannabis-infused butter.

Alternative Methods for Making Cannabis Butter

Slow Cooker Method:

Using a slow cooker allows for more precise temperature control and requires less monitoring. Simply combine decarboxylated cannabis, butter, and water in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.

Using Trimmings or Shake:

You can make cannabis butter using shake or trimmings instead of flower. Since these contain less THC, you'll typically need to use more material—about 1.5-2 times the amount of flower.

Storage and Shelf Life of Cannabis Butter

Proper storage is essential for maintaining potency and preventing spoilage:

• Refrigerated: Cannabis butter typically lasts 2-3 weeks in an airtight container
• Frozen: Can you freeze pot butter? Absolutely! When properly stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container, pot butter can last up to 6 months
• For detailed storage guidance, see this guide on cooking times and shelf life

Understanding Dosage and Potency

Determining the potency of homemade pot butter can be challenging. Several factors affect strength:

• Cannabis potency (THC percentage)
• Quantity used
• Infusion time and temperature
• Decarboxylation efficiency

For beginners, it's recommended to start with a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. You can find more information about proper dosing in this article on cannabis quantities for butter infusion.

Cooking with Pot Butter: Recipe Ideas and Tips

Cannabis butter can be used in virtually any recipe that calls for butter. Popular options include:

• Baked goods: brownies, cookies, cakes
• Savory dishes: pasta, mashed potatoes, sauces
• Spreads: on toast, pancakes, or waffles

When cooking with pot butter, keep temperatures below 340 °F (171 °C) to preserve THC. For recipe inspiration and techniques, explore this guide for making perfect pot brownies.

Safety Considerations and Best Practices

Safety is paramount when making and storing cannabis edibles. Always label your pot butter clearly and store it securely away from children and pets. According to safety regulations for potentially harmful substances, cannabis edibles should be stored in child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental consumption.

Additional safety tips include:

• Never substitute pot butter for regular butter when serving guests without their knowledge
• Keep accurate records of potency and production date
• Store separately from regular butter to avoid confusion
• Consider using a color-coded storage system

Remember that edibles produce different, often stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking cannabis. The onset is typically delayed (30 minutes to 2 hours), but effects can last 6-8 hours or more.

With proper technique, quality ingredients, and attention to safety, making pot butter at home can be a rewarding way to explore cannabis consumption beyond smoking. Whether you're looking to create therapeutic edibles or recreational treats, mastering the art of cannabis infusion opens up a world of culinary possibilities.