How to Make Cannabis Butter: Safe Infusion Guide

Discover the precise method for creating potent, consistent cannabis-infused butter with this scientifically informed guide. You'll learn proper decarboxylation temperatures, optimal infusion ratios, and critical safety considerations to ensure effective results while minimizing risks. Always verify your local cannabis regulations before proceeding.

Making cannabis-infused butter requires understanding both culinary science and cannabis chemistry. This guide delivers professional-grade techniques used by experienced edible makers, focusing on precision, safety, and consistency. Whether you're creating edibles for personal use or therapeutic purposes, proper infusion technique determines both effectiveness and safety.

Essential Preparation Before Starting

Before handling cannabis, confirm that recreational or medicinal use is legal in your jurisdiction. Laws vary significantly between countries, states, and even municipalities. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains updated information on federal versus state regulations. Never proceed without verifying your local legal status.

Decarboxylation Timeline	Temperature	THC Activation	Terpene Preservation
20 minutes	220°F (104°C)	Partial activation	Excellent preservation
30-40 minutes	240°F (115°C)	Optimal activation	Good preservation
15 minutes	260°F (126°C)	Complete activation	Significant degradation

This decarboxylation timeline represents verified temperature-duration relationships based on research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research. Proper decarboxylation converts non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC, which is essential for effective edibles. Skipping this step results in significantly weaker potency.

Equipment and Ingredients Checklist

• 1 ounce (28g) dried cannabis flower, finely ground
• 1 pound (454g) unsalted butter or coconut oil alternative
• Distilled water (1-2 cups)
• Oven thermometer (oven dials are often inaccurate)
• Pyrex baking dish or mason jars
• Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
• Double boiler or slow cooker

Step-by-Step Infusion Process

1. Proper Decarboxylation Technique

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and verify with an independent thermometer. Spread ground cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the material turns light to medium brown and emits a nutty aroma. Stir gently every 10 minutes for even heating. This precise temperature maintains terpene profiles while fully activating cannabinoids.

2. Water-Infusion Method for Cleaner Results

Combine decarboxylated cannabis, 1 pound butter, and 2 cups distilled water in a double boiler. Maintain temperature between 160-180°F (71-82°C) for 2-3 hours. The water prevents scorching and helps separate plant material from lipids. Stir occasionally but avoid vigorous mixing which can emulsify chlorophyll.

According to FDA food safety guidelines, maintaining temperatures below 200°F prevents degradation of beneficial compounds while ensuring food safety. Higher temperatures accelerate THC degradation into less desirable CBN.

3. Straining and Storage Protocol

After infusion, cool slightly then strain through cheesecloth into containers. Squeeze gently but avoid forcing plant material through. Refrigerate overnight to allow butter and water layers to separate completely. Remove the solidified butter layer, discarding the water layer which contains water-soluble impurities.

Infusion Method	Potency Consistency	Flavor Profile	Time Required
Stovetop (double boiler)	High consistency	Clean, buttery	3-4 hours
Slow cooker	Moderate consistency	Slightly grassy	4-6 hours
Oven (mason jars)	Excellent consistency	Very clean	2-3 hours

Dosage Guidance and Safety Considerations

Accurate dosing remains the most critical safety factor. Start with 5-10mg THC per serving if you're new to edibles. The Centers for Disease Control recommends waiting at least 6 hours before consuming additional doses, as edible effects can take 2-4 hours to manifest fully.

Calculate your dosage: If using 1 ounce of 15% THC flower (4200mg THC total) with 16 servings, each serving contains approximately 262mg THC. Dilute further with additional butter if needed for lower doses. Always label infused products clearly and store out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bitter taste: Overheating during infusion extracts chlorophyll. Maintain temperatures below 180°F and use the water infusion method.
• Weak effects: Insufficient decarboxylation or improper temperature control. Verify oven temperature with independent thermometer.
• Short shelf life: Water content causes spoilage. Ensure complete separation of water layer before storage.

How long does cannabis butter last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored cannabis butter lasts 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Always label with date and potency.

Can I use lecithin to improve potency absorption?

Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of sunflower lecithin during infusion improves cannabinoid absorption by creating more stable emulsions. Research shows lecithin can increase bioavailability by up to 20% according to studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Why use water during the infusion process?

Water prevents scorching, reduces chlorophyll extraction (which causes bitterness), and helps separate plant material from lipids during cooling. The water layer captures water-soluble impurities while cannabinoids bind to the fat layer.

What's the difference between using butter versus coconut oil?

Butter provides traditional baking properties but contains water that must separate. Coconut oil offers higher fat content (better cannabinoid binding), longer shelf life, and dairy-free option. Both work effectively, but coconut oil typically yields slightly higher potency due to its medium-chain triglycerides.