How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter Using Shake

Cannabis-infused butter, often called cannabutter, is a versatile foundation for homemade edibles. While many recipes call for premium flower, making weed butter with shake is an economical alternative that delivers excellent results when done correctly. This guide walks you through the process of transforming cannabis shake into potent, flavorful butter for all your culinary creations.

Understanding Cannabis Shake for Butter Infusion

Shake consists of the smaller pieces of cannabis that break off from larger buds, including small sugar leaves, trichomes, and tiny bud fragments. While sometimes considered less desirable for smoking, shake is perfect for infusions because:

• It's typically more affordable than whole flower
• The increased surface area can improve extraction efficiency
• It often contains sufficient cannabinoids for effective infusions
• It reduces waste by utilizing all parts of the plant

When selecting shake for making marijuana butter, look for material from a trusted source with a fresh, vibrant aroma. Avoid shake that appears discolored or has a musty smell, as this could indicate mold or degradation.

Equipment Needed for Making Cannabis Butter

Before learning how to make weed butter from shake, gather these essential tools:

• Baking sheet and parchment paper (for decarboxylation)
• Medium saucepan or slow cooker
• Thermometer (for temperature monitoring)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Storage containers (preferably glass)
• Grinder (optional, for larger pieces)

For commercial or larger batch operations, specialized cannabis butter filling equipment can streamline the process and ensure consistent dosing across products. These tools are particularly valuable if you're scaling up production beyond home use.

The Decarboxylation Process: Activating Your Shake

Decarboxylation is critical when making THC butter with shake. This process converts the non-psychoactive THCA in cannabis into active THC through careful heating. To properly decarboxylate:

1. Preheat your oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
2. Spread your shake evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. The shake should turn a deeper brown color and become fragrant

This step is essential for potency. As explained in our step-by-step THC butter guide, skipping decarboxylation will result in butter with minimal psychoactive effects.

Butter Infusion Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, and More

Stovetop Method

To make cannabis butter with shake using the stovetop method:

1. Melt 2 cups of butter with 2 cups of water in a saucepan
2. Add 1 ounce (28g) of decarboxylated shake
3. Simmer on low heat (160-180 °F) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally
4. Never allow the mixture to boil, as this can degrade cannabinoids

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker method is popular for making pot butter with shake because it maintains consistent low temperatures:

1. Add butter, water, and decarboxylated shake to your slow cooker
2. Set to low and cook for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
3. Keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent condensation from dripping back in

For more detailed instructions on both methods, check out our comprehensive guide on making potent weed-infused butter.

Straining and Storage Techniques

After infusion, proper straining ensures a clean final product:

1. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth over a bowl
2. Pour the butter mixture through slowly
3. Allow gravity to do most of the work, gently pressing at the end
4. Refrigerate the strained liquid until the butter solidifies on top
5. Remove the solid butter layer from the water beneath

Store your infused butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. For detailed storage recommendations, see our comprehensive guide on cannabis-infused butter.

Dosage Considerations and Potency Testing

When making infused butter with shake, potency can vary based on:

• The THC content of your starting material
• Decarboxylation efficiency
• Infusion time and temperature
• Extraction method

For consistent dosing, consider these approaches:

1. Start with a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) to gauge potency
2. Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more
3. For more precise dosing, commercial testing services can analyze your butter

Remember that edibles produce longer-lasting effects than smoking, so patience is essential when determining your ideal dose.

Troubleshooting Tips for Better Cannabis Butter

If your cannabis butter isn't meeting expectations, consider these solutions:

• Weak potency: Increase decarboxylation time, use more shake, or extend infusion duration
• Bitter taste: Water curing your shake before decarboxylation can remove chlorophyll and improve flavor
• Grainy texture: Ensure proper straining and avoid squeezing the cheesecloth too forcefully
• Mold development: Make sure all equipment is clean and dry before use, and store butter properly

For additional recipes and usage ideas, explore our guide on making and using pot butter which offers creative applications beyond the standard brownie recipe.

With these techniques, you can transform affordable cannabis shake into premium infused butter that serves as the foundation for countless edible creations. The process requires attention to detail, but the results deliver consistent potency and flavor that maximize the value of your cannabis shake.