How to Make Weed Butter

Weed butter—commonly known as cannabutter—is butter that has been infused with cannabis. It’s a foundational ingredient for making marijuana edibles, allowing for precise and long-lasting consumption of THC or CBD through food.

Cannabis edibles have grown increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking or vaping. At the heart of most edible recipes is one essential ingredient: weed butter. Whether you’re baking brownies, cooking pasta, or making toast, cannabutter makes it easy to infuse THC or CBD into your meals.

This guide breaks down exactly how to make weed butter, including decarboxylation, infusion, straining, and storage—plus tips for dosage and usage.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: Always ensure you comply with the cannabis laws in your region or country before making or consuming weed butter.

What Is Weed Butter?

Weed butter (or cannabutter) is simply butter that’s been infused with cannabis compounds, most notably THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, butter is an ideal carrier for infusing the active ingredients found in cannabis.

It’s commonly used in homemade edibles, providing a longer-lasting, body-focused effect compared to smoking.

Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup (7–10 grams) ground cannabis (decarboxylated)
1 cup water (optional, but helps prevent burning and separates impurities)

Tools:

Baking sheet
Saucepan or slow cooker
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Glass jar or airtight container
Grinder
Oven

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis

Why Decarboxylation Is Critical:
Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. Heating converts them into THC and CBD, which the body can absorb.

How to Decarboxylate:

Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
Lightly break apart buds or trim (don’t powder)
Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes
Let cool before use

Step 2: Infuse the Butter

There are multiple methods, but the stovetop is the most accessible and effective for most.

Stovetop Method:

In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of water over low heat.
Add the decarboxylated cannabis and stir gently.
Simmer on low heat (160°F–200°F or 71°C–93°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.

Keep the temperature low. Overheating can destroy THC and alter the flavor.

Step 3: Strain the Butter

Once the mixture is infused:

Place a cheesecloth over a jar or bowl.
Slowly pour the mixture through, allowing it to filter out plant material.
Do not squeeze the cheesecloth (can cause bitterness).
Let the liquid cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.

The butter will solidify, and any water will separate (can be drained off).

Step 4: Store the Cannabutter

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks
Store in the freezer for up to 6 months

Use airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid odors spreading.

Dosage Tips

Getting the dose right is essential—too much THC can lead to an overwhelming experience, especially for beginners.

Quick Estimate:

If you use:

10g of cannabis at 15% THC = 1,500mg total THC
If it all goes into 1 cup of butter (and assuming 80% infusion efficiency), you’ll have ~1,200mg THC

So per tablespoon (~14g butter):
1,200 ÷ 16 = ~75mg THC per tablespoon

Start low: For new users, 5–10mg per serving is a recommended starting point.

How to Use Weed Butter

Weed butter is versatile and can replace regular butter in most recipes:

Brownies, cookies, and cakes
Mashed potatoes or pasta
Spread on toast
Melted over vegetables or steak

Avoid high-heat frying with weed butter—excessive heat can degrade cannabinoids.

How to Reduce Weed Taste

Cannabis has a strong, sometimes bitter taste. To reduce it:

Use flavorful herbs like garlic, rosemary, or thyme
Mix with regular butter in recipes (50/50 blend)
Add sweeteners or spices in baked goods

Common FAQs

Can I use trim, stems, or shake?

Yes. While buds yield the most THC, trim or shake can still be effective for budget cannabutter. Avoid stems or seeds as they don’t contribute much and may affect taste.

Can I make weed butter without decarboxylating?

Technically yes, but the potency will be very low. Decarboxylation is crucial to activate THC and CBD.

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes. Coconut oil has a high fat content and is a popular vegan substitute for infusions.

How long does weed butter take to kick in?

Edibles typically kick in 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion, peaking at 2–4 hours and lasting 6–8 hours or more.

Safety and Responsible Use

Label cannabutter clearly and keep away from children and pets.
Always start with a small dose and wait before consuming more.
Don’t drive or operate machinery after consuming edibles.

Conclusion

Learning how to make weed butter gives you full control over cannabis edibles—allowing you to customize potency, flavor, and ingredients. It’s a foundational skill for any cannabis home cook and opens the door to a wide range of recipes and experiences.

Whether you’re after therapeutic relief or recreational enjoyment, making your own cannabutter is a practical, affordable, and satisfying step into the world of edibles.