Cannabis butter is an infused fat made by heating decarboxylated cannabis with butter so cannabinoids bind to the fat. It serves as a kitchen-friendly base for baked goods, sauces, and warm drinks. Because potency varies from batch to batch, this guide covers what it is, how it is made, and how to handle it carefully.
What Is Cannabis Butter?
Cannabis butter — often called cannabutter — is butter that has been gently simmered with decarboxylated cannabis flower, then strained. Butterfat dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes far better than water, which is why lipids are the traditional carrier. The finished product is a solid, spreadable fat you can swap for plain butter in most recipes.
Key Features
- Fat-based infusion: butterfat carries cannabinoids and terpenes efficiently.
- Works with hemp or cannabis flower, so the profile depends on your starting material.
- Simple equipment: a saucepan, thermometer, strainer, and jar cover most home methods.
- Versatile in the kitchen: cookies, brownies, sauces, sautéed vegetables, or coffee.
- Freezer-friendly: pre-measured portions keep for months when stored cold.
- Mild earthy, herbal flavor that fades in strongly seasoned recipes.
Materials and Specs
Classic recipes use one part decarboxylated flower to roughly four to eight parts butter by weight, plus water for the simmer. Clarified butter or ghee gives a longer shelf life and resists scorching, while unsalted butter is the common home choice. Heat matters: keep the mixture at a gentle simmer, around 160–200°F, to protect delicate compounds. Decarboxylation is the step that converts acidic cannabinoids into their active forms, and skipping it leaves most of the material inactive.
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How Do You Store Cannabis Butter?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze small pre-measured portions for up to six months. Label each container with the date and the amount of flower used.
Does Cannabis Butter Get You High?
It depends on the starting material. Full-spectrum cannabis flower carries THC, which is intoxicating; hemp-derived or CBD-focused infusions generally are not. Label your batch clearly and start with a very small serving.
Shipping and Returns
Orders ship in discreet, plain packaging and usually leave the warehouse within a few business days. If something arrives damaged, or the item is not what you expected, contact support for a replacement or refund within the standard return window. Keep your receipt and original packaging until you have confirmed everything looks right.