Key Takeaways:

• Simple Ingredients, Powerful Results: Weed butter requires just a few ingredients—cannabis, butter, and patience.
• Decarboxylation Is Essential: To activate THC, cannabis must be heated before infusing into butter.
• Proper Storage Preserves Potency: Keep weed butter in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container to maintain quality.

Curious about making your own edibles but not sure where to start? Whether you’re whipping up brownies, cookies, or savory dishes, learning how to make weed butter is the first step to unlocking the full power of infused cooking.

At Gold CBD, we specialize in federally compliant cannabis products and bulk flower sourcing for dispensaries and educated consumers. With years of hands-on cultivation and retail experience, we know what it takes to preserve potency and deliver flavor.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make weed butter step-by-step, from selecting quality flower to decarbing and storing your final product. Let’s turn your kitchen into a canna-chef’s paradise.

What Is Weed Butter?

Weed butter, also known as cannabutter, is butter infused with active cannabis compounds like THC and CBD. It’s one of the most versatile cannabis infusions and can be used in a variety of edible recipes—from baked goods to sauces.

The key benefit of making weed butter is dosage control. By using your own flower and adjusting the strength of your infusion, you can customize potency and create consistent effects for your needs. 

Why Decarboxylation Is Critical

Before infusing cannabis into butter, you must first activate the cannabinoids through a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which is non-psychoactive unless heated. Decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, the compound responsible for the euphoric effects associated with edibles.

This step is especially important because without it, your weed butter won't deliver the potency you expect. Heat transforms THCA into its active form, THC, through a chemical reaction that requires controlled temperatures. Proper decarbing ensures that you’re not wasting flower and helps create a more consistent and effective infusion. Whether you're baking, sautéing, or simmering, the power of your edibles starts with this crucial activation process.. Raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which is non-psychoactive unless heated. Decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, the compound responsible for the euphoric effects associated with edibles.

Skipping this step means your butter will lack potency. The process is simple but crucial to any edible recipe.

What You’ll Need for Weed Butter 

Here’s a list of everything you need to make potent weed butter:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (roughly 7-10 grams) of quality cannabis flower
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water (optional, helps regulate temperature and prevent burning)

Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Oven or toaster oven
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Saucepan or slow cooker
• Glass jar or container for storage
• Grinder (optional, hand-breaking works too)

Step-by-Step Recipe: How To Make Weed Butter

Before you dive into the process, it helps to understand why each step matters. Making weed butter is more than just mixing cannabis with butter—it’s a careful infusion that involves activating cannabinoids, controlling temperature, and straining properly. With the right technique, you can produce a potent, flavorful product that elevates any edible recipe while maintaining consistency across batches. Let’s walk through each step in detail so you can confidently craft your own cannabutter at home.

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break cannabis flower into small pieces and spread evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heat.
4. Remove and allow to cool. Your flower should appear lightly browned and dry.

Step 2: Infuse The Butter

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add water to prevent scorching.
2. Stir in your decarboxylated cannabis.
3. Simmer on low (ideally around 160–180°F) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.

Step 3: Strain And Store

1. Set up cheesecloth over a glass jar or container.
2. Carefully pour your mixture through the cheesecloth to strain out plant material.
3. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

How To Dose Your Weed Butter

One of the most important parts of learning how to make weed butter is understanding dosage. A strong batch of cannabutter can result in overwhelming effects if not properly measured. To avoid going overboard, start by calculating the potency of your starting material.

For example, if your cannabis flower contains 20% THC, one gram (1,000 mg) contains roughly 200 mg of THC. If you use 7 grams in your butter, you’re working with about 1,400 mg of total THC. Divide this by the number of servings (e.g., 28 cookies) to get the estimated dosage per item.

Keep in mind: decarboxylation and infusion don’t yield 100% efficiency. A safe assumption is 70–80% extraction efficiency unless lab-tested.

Cooking With Weed Butter: Tips And Best Practices

Once your weed butter is ready, you can substitute it for regular butter in most recipes. Whether you're making sweet treats like cookies and brownies or savory dishes like pasta and mashed potatoes, the possibilities are endless.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid high-heat cooking that can burn off cannabinoids—bake or sauté at temperatures under 350°F.
• Stir well when adding butter to batters or mixtures to ensure even THC distribution.
• Label infused items clearly to avoid confusion in shared spaces.

Start small, especially with homemade edibles. Wait at least 1–2 hours before consuming more to allow effects to set in.

How to Store And Freeze Weed Butter

To maintain potency, always store weed butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to 3 weeks in the fridge, provided it’s kept away from heat and light. For longer-term storage, freezing is your best bet.

Freeze weed butter in portioned molds, wrapped in parchment paper, or sealed in vacuum bags. This prevents freezer burn and lets you thaw just what you need.

Storage Tips:

• Use glass jars or silicone molds with airtight lids
• Label with strain, dosage, and date for future reference
• Avoid cross-contamination with other foods in shared storage

Is Weed Butter Legal?

Cannabutter made from hemp-derived flower is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. However, legal status may vary by state—especially for THCA-rich products or high-potency strains.

Gold CBD follows federal guidelines and recommends buyers check their state laws before making or consuming infused products. For a deeper dive into compliance, we suggest reading cannabis attorney Rod Kight’s work on cannabinoid legality and infused products.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Weed Butter

Even seasoned cannabis chefs make missteps when infusing butter. One of the most common mistakes is overheating—temperatures over 200°F can degrade THC and ruin your butter’s potency. Another is under-decarbing or skipping decarboxylation entirely, which leads to weak or non-psychoactive results.

Improper straining is another pitfall; squeezing your cheesecloth too hard can allow unwanted plant matter into your final product. Finally, don’t forget to label and portion your butter appropriately. Mistaking infused butter for regular can lead to unexpected highs and wasted product.

Alternatives To Weed Butter

While butter is a classic base for cannabis edibles, it’s not your only option. Coconut oil is a popular alternative because it has a high fat content and long shelf life. It’s also suitable for vegan consumers and can be used in everything from baking to bulletproof coffee.

Olive oil and ghee are also excellent carriers for cannabinoids and offer distinct flavor profiles that pair well with savory dishes. These alternatives follow the same decarboxylation and infusion processes as traditional weed butter. Choosing the right base depends on your dietary needs and culinary goals.

Pairing Strains With Recipes

Not all cannabis strains are created equal, especially when it comes to flavor and aroma. Earthy strains like Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple pair well with chocolatey baked goods, while citrusy sativas like Super Lemon Haze shine in fruity or tangy recipes. Understanding your strain’s terpene profile can help you match its flavor to your favorite dish.

Beyond taste, terpene and cannabinoid profiles influence how the final edible feels. Some strains may induce a more relaxing body high, while others offer energizing effects. Consider your desired outcome when choosing the right flower for your weed butter.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make weed butter gives you full control over your cannabis experience—from potency to flavor to cost. With just a few simple steps, you can create a versatile, long-lasting infusion that powers everything from baked goods to gourmet meals. By choosing premium flower, decarbing properly, and storing your cannabutter correctly, you’ll get better results every time.

At Gold CBD, we’re committed to helping you explore the full potential of federally compliant cannabis. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or stocking up for a dispensary, our bulk flower selection makes it easy to get started. Ready to elevate your edibles? Your next batch of butter starts with us. in the freezer for several months. Wrap it in parchment paper and place in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Label the container with date, dosage, and strain to track potency over time.

Ready to make the most out of your edibles? Stock up on premium, federally compliant flower from Gold CBD to guarantee high-quality infusions every time.

Read also:

• Cherry Pie Badder
• Badder Dabs
• London Pound Cake Badder

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Weed Butter

How long should you simmer weed butter?

You should simmer your weed butter for at least 2 to 3 hours on low heat. This allows the cannabinoids to bind effectively with the fats in the butter without burning them off. Stir occasionally and avoid letting the mixture boil.

How potent is weed butter?

The potency of your weed butter depends on the strain you use, the amount of flower, and the efficiency of your infusion process. Typically, it ranges from 10 to 30 mg of THC per serving, but this can vary widely. Calculating your dose before cooking is the best way to ensure safe and consistent effects.

Can you make weed butter without decarboxylation?

Technically, yes—but the results will be much weaker. Decarboxylation is the key step that converts THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive). Skipping it means your butter may lack the strength needed for effective edibles.

How much weed do I need for one cup of butter?

Most recipes use between 7 to 10 grams of cannabis flower per cup of butter. However, you can adjust this depending on how strong you want your final product to be. Beginners may want to start with a smaller amount and test the results.

How do I mask the weed taste in cannabutter?

You can reduce the strong herbal flavor of weed butter by adding other ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus zest to your recipes. Some users also infuse butter with garlic or herbs for savory dishes. Using clarified butter can also help mellow the taste.

What’s the best butter to use?

Unsalted butter is ideal because it allows for better flavor control in your recipes. Some chefs prefer clarified butter or ghee for a cleaner infusion and longer shelf life. Choose high-quality butter for the best results.

Can I use trim or shake instead of flower?

Yes, trim or shake can be used to make weed butter, though it may be less potent than flower. It’s a cost-effective option for bulk infusions. Just be sure it’s properly dried, decarbed, and free of contaminants.

How do I know when my butter is done?

Finished cannabutter will take on a deep green or golden hue and have a distinct herbal aroma. If you’ve simmered it gently for 2–3 hours and the plant material looks spent, it’s likely ready. Overcooking can result in bitterness and cannabinoid loss.

Can you make weed butter in a crockpot?

Yes! A crockpot is one of the easiest ways to make weed butter. Set it to low and infuse your cannabis and butter for 2–4 hours, checking and stirring occasionally. It’s a great hands-off method for consistent results.

How do I store weed butter long-term?

Weed butter can be stored in the freezer for several months. Wrap it in parchment paper and place in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Label the container with date, dosage, and strain to track potency over time.