Cannabutter is the base for many hemp recipes – from baked goods to savory dishes. We'll show you step-by-step how to make cannabis butter at home, what to look out for during preparation, and how to achieve the best results.
What is cannabutter and what is it used for?
Cannabutter combines the fat-soluble ingredients of the hemp plant with butter. The result is a versatile ingredient that can be used in the kitchen just like conventional butter – but with the characteristic profile of hemp.
The basis for hemp recipes
Cannabutter can be used to make brownies, cookies, and cakes. But savory dishes also benefit from this ingredient. You can use it to refine sauces, drizzle over vegetables, or incorporate into pasta. The possibilities are as varied as with regular butter – with an herbal extra.
Why butter as a carrier?
Cannabinoids and terpenes are fat-soluble. Butter, with its high fat content, offers the ideal base to absorb and bind these plant compounds. At the same time, butter is easy to dose, portion, and process in recipes. Alternatively, coconut oil or ghee also work – depending on preference and intended use.
Ingredients and utensils for your cannabutter
The preparation is straightforward. You only need a few ingredients and kitchen utensils that you probably already have at home.
What you need
For preparation, you will need: 250 g unsalted butter, 7–10 g dried hemp flowers, 250 ml water, a medium-sized pot, a fine sieve or cheesecloth, a baking sheet with parchment paper, and an airtight container for storage. Optionally, a thermometer helps to precisely control the temperature.
Choosing the right hemp flowers
Choose high-quality, dried hemp flowers with transparent origins. Pay attention to the cannabinoid profile: CBD-rich varieties are suitable for relaxing applications, while low-THC varieties (under 0.2% THC) are legal in Germany. The quality of the flowers significantly influences the aroma and effect of your butter. We recommend flowers with a pronounced terpene profile – they bring character and depth to your recipes.
Quantities and dosage
As a guideline: 7–10 g of hemp flowers for 250 g of butter. This results in a medium intensity. For a milder result, reduce the amount of flowers to 5–7 g; for a stronger version, you can use up to 14 g. It's important to keep the dosage in mind when cooking and baking – less is often more, especially the first time.
Step-by-step guide: Making cannabutter
The preparation involves three main steps. Each one is crucial for the final result.
Decarboxylation – the most important step
Before the hemp flowers go into the butter, they must be decarboxylated. This activates the cannabinoids through heat. Preheat the oven to 110–120 °C. Roughly chop the flowers with your hands or scissors – not too finely, otherwise straining later will be difficult. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30–40 minutes. The scent will intensify, and the color will become slightly darker. Then let the flowers cool.
Combining butter and hemp
Put butter and water in a pot and heat both over low to medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the decarboxylated flowers. Maintain the temperature constantly between 70 and 85 °C – no higher, otherwise terpenes can evaporate and cannabinoids can degrade. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally. The water prevents the butter from burning and getting too hot.
Straining and storing
After the cooking time, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a heat-resistant container. Carefully press the plant residue to extract as much butter as possible – but not too hard, otherwise bitter substances will get in. Place the container in the refrigerator. After a few hours, the butter will separate from the water and form a solid layer on top. Lift off the butter, discard the water, and store the cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for perfect cannabutter
With a few tricks, you can get even more out of your homemade cannabutter.
Avoiding common mistakes
Too high temperatures are the most common mistake. Both during decarboxylation and simmering, patience pays off. Avoid heating the butter too much – this destroys valuable ingredients and can make the aroma bitter. Another point: Do not skip decarboxylation. Without this step, the cannabinoids remain inactive and the butter will not unleash its full effect.
Shelf life and storage
Cannabutter lasts about 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions – this way it stays fresh for several months. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to avoid loss of aroma. Label the portions with the date and dosage so you can keep track later.
Dosage when cooking and baking
Start slowly. Begin with small amounts in your recipes and observe how your body reacts. The effect is delayed when consumed – often only after 30–90 minutes. Distribute the cannabutter evenly in the dough or dish so that each portion is similarly dosed. And remember: nothing can be reduced afterwards. It's better to start cautiously and adjust next time.