ANJA Presents: How to Make Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)

Baking to get baked is a classic stoner pastime. If you’re looking for a way to consume cannabis without smoking, look no further than making your own edibles. Today, ANJA Presents: How to Make Cannabis Butter.

Ingredients:

• 1/4oz cannabis

• 1lb unsalted butter

• 1 cup water

• Cheesecloth

• Fine mesh strainer

• Nonstick Pyrex baking dish

• Mason Jar

Caveats:

Before you start baking up a storm, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you don't end up with a batch of sadly underwhelming treats. You should know that dosage is often unpredictable when it comes to homemade edibles- buy from a dispensary if you require accurately dosed edibles. 

Additionally,  cannabutter does have the potential to stink up your kitchen a bit; Cannabis has a distinct and pungent aroma, and the smell may be more pronounced when it is cooked in butter or oil. The smell may also be more noticeable if you are using a large amount of cannabis in your recipe. Using a slow cooker may reduce some of the smell, and candles generally help as well. 

When you’re creating your cannabutter, it’s important to keep in mind the following:

• The potency of the cannabis: The strength of the edible will depend on the potency of the cannabis used. The amount of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for its effects) can vary significantly from strain to strain, so it's important to know the THC content of the cannabis you are using. Feel free to ask an ANJA team member if you are unsure about your product selection!

• The method of decarboxylation: Decarboxylation is a crucial step in making sure your edibles pack a punch. Follow the recipe closely and don't skimp on the decarbing time – you don't want to end up with a batch of duds. Details on proper decarboxylation to follow below. 

• The ratio of cannabis to butter or oil: The ratio of cannabis to butter or oil is also important. A higher ratio will result in stronger edibles, while a lower ratio will give you a weaker effect. Just remember, with great power (or in this case, THC) comes great responsibility. Dose wisely, especially if you're a cannabis newbie or have a lower tolerance.

• The cooking time and temperature: Cooking time and temperature are also key factors in the strength of your edibles. Don't overdo it or let the temperature get too high, or you'll risk reducing the potency of your treats. And, as always, use a nonstick pan or baking dish to prevent any unfortunate burning incidents.

• The individual's metabolism: The metabolism of the person consuming the edible can also affect its strength. Some people may metabolize edibles more quickly than others, leading to a weaker effect. Start with a small dose and wait at least an hour before deciding to have more – trust us, it's better to err on the side of caution.

Steps:

1. Decarboxylate the cannabis: This may sound intimidating, but it's just a fancy way of saying "activating the THC." To do this, you'll need to grind about 1/4oz of cannabis using a hand grinder (just don't grind it too fine). Spread the ground cannabis in a nonstick Pyrex baking dish and pop it in the oven at 220 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. Just like you would for food, make sure that the cannabis is evenly spread so that it is decarboxylated evenly.  Your cannabis should come out as a light/medium brown.

1. Melt the butter: Melt 1lb of unsalted butter on the stovetop over low heat, and add 1 cup of water to help prevent the butter from burning. (If you prefer to use a slow cooker, see step 4 for guidance).

1. Add in the weed: Once the butter starts to melt, carefully add in the decarboxylated cannabis. It's important to keep the temperature around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, as too high of heat can deactivate the cannabis (and nobody wants that).

1. Heat the mixture: Now it's time to let the magic happen. Slowly cook the butter and cannabis mixture for 2-3 hours over the stovetop, adding a little water if it starts to get too hot. Alternatively, you may use a slow cooker: Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook the mixture, the more potent the butter will be.

1. Strain and Refrigerate: Now it's time to strain out all those pesky plant bits. Line a fine mesh strainer with a cheesecloth and strain the butter and cannabis mixture into a bowl. Once it's been completely strained, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. The butter will solidify on top, while the water and plant matter will settle to the bottom. 

1. Strain again: Carefully cut away the butter and transfer it to a cold plate, patting it dry with some paper towels. Don't forget to toss the water and plant material – its done its job and it's time for it to retire.

1. Enjoy: Finally, it's time to test the potency of your homemade edible cannabis butter. Take a teaspoon and give it a taste (just don't go too crazy – you don't want to be couch-locked before the brownies are even in the oven). Once you know how strong the butter is, you can decide how much to add to your batch of brownies. 

And that's it – you're now a cannabis infusion master! Enjoy your delicious and potent edibles, and remember to consume them responsibly.

What Now? What do I do with Cannabutter?

Listing all of the uses for cannabutter would take more time than either of us would like to spend, but here are a few suggestions for using your homemade cannabutter:

1. Butter Substitute: Use it in place of regular butter in any baking recipe, such as cookies, brownies, cakes, and more. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly and pay attention to dosage to ensure you get the desired strength (we don't want any accidental couch lock).

1. Extra flavor: Cannabis butter can also add some serious flavor to your savory dishes. Use it in place of regular butter when cooking grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, or scrambled eggs. Just be sure to use low heat to prevent the butter from burning.

1. Spreads: You can also use cannabis butter as a spread on toast, crackers, or bread. Just slather it on and enjoy the delicious and potent flavors. Or, if you're feeling extra fancy, use it as a dipping sauce for veggies, bread, or other snacks. The possibilities are endless!

So go ahead and get creative with your cannabis butter – just remember to dose responsibly and have fun!

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