Cannabutter serves as a versatile base for a variety of edibles, from baked goods to savory dishes. By crafting it yourself, you gain control over the ingredients, potency, and overall quality of your edibles.
🔬 Step 1: Decarboxylation – Activating THC
Raw cannabis contains THCA, a non-psychoactive compound. Decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects.
How to Decarb:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Prepare Cannabis: Coarsely grind your cannabis and spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
This process activates the THC, making it ready for infusion into butter.
🧈 Step 2: Infusing Butter with Cannabis
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water (to prevent scorching)
- 7–10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis
Instructions:
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, combine butter and water. Heat over low heat until the butter melts.
- Add Cannabis: Stir in the decarboxylated cannabis.
- Simmer: Maintain a low heat (160–180°F or 70–80°C) and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture does not boil.
- Strain: After simmering, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container to remove plant material.
- Cool: Allow the cannabutter to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until solid.
This method ensures a well-infused butter suitable for various recipes.
📏 Dosing and Potency
Determining the potency of your cannabutter is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Standard Dose: A typical edible dose is around 10 mg of THC.
- Potency Calculation: If your cannabis contains 15% THC, 1 gram has 150 mg of THC. Using 7 grams would yield approximately 1,050 mg of THC in the entire batch.
- Per Serving: Divide the total THC by the number of servings to determine the dose per serving. For example, if you make 20 cookies, each would contain about 52.5 mg of THC.
Always start with a small amount and wait at least 2 hours to gauge the effects before consuming more.
⚖️ Legal Considerations in New York
In New York State, adults 21 and over can legally possess and use cannabis. However, there are regulations to be aware of:
- Possession Limits: Up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis.
- Home Cultivation: Permitted for personal use, with specific limits on the number of plants.
- Consumption: Allowed in private residences and certain public spaces where smoking tobacco is permitted.
For detailed information, refer to the Office of Cannabis Management.
🍽️ Using Cannabutter in Recipes
Cannabutter can replace regular butter in most recipes. Popular uses include:
- Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, and cakes.
- Savory Dishes: Mashed potatoes, pasta sauces, and sautéed vegetables.
- Spreads: On toast or as a topping for popcorn.
Remember to calculate the dosage per serving to ensure a consistent and safe experience.
🛒 Sourcing Quality Cannabis
For the best results, use high-quality, lab-tested cannabis. Ensure that the product is free from contaminants and accurately labeled for THC content.
Use fresh, high-quality flower like the options available at The Plant Dispensary’s Cannabis Flower menu to get the best results.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life. Label the container clearly to prevent accidental consumption.
🚨 Safety Precautions
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Store cannabutter securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Avoid Driving: Do not operate vehicles or heavy machinery after consuming cannabis-infused products.
- Be Mindful of Dosage: Start with a low dose and wait to feel the effects before consuming more.
Creating your own cannabutter allows for customization and control over your cannabis consumption. By following this guide, you can enjoy homemade edibles safely and legally.
