A Complete Guide to Cannabis Butter: A Discreet, Longer-Lasting Way to Enjoy Cannabis

Cannabis butter, also known as cannabutter, is quickly becoming a staple ingredient in kitchens across Canada for those interested in cannabis-infused edibles. This versatile product allows you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the need to smoke or vape. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make cannabis butter, its uses and benefits, and where to buy cannabis butter in Canada, particularly online.

What is Cannabis Butter?

Cannabis butter is a rich, fat-based infusion that blends the natural fats of butter with the active compounds found in cannabis, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The fats in the butter absorb these compounds, enabling you to consume cannabis in a more edible, convenient form. Whether you’re a medical user or simply looking for an alternative to smoking, cannabis butter offers a discreet and long-lasting way to enjoy cannabis.

This infusion provides an excellent solution for making cannabis-infused edibles like cookies, brownies, or even savoury dishes such as sauces and soups. Compared to smoking or vaping, the effects of cannabis butter are typically delayed but much more prolonged, offering users a different experience.

Why Choose Cannabis Butter?

Long-Lasting Effects: Unlike smoking, which provides a quick high, cannabis butter delivers slower, more extended effects, which may be preferable for people seeking relief over a longer period.
Versatile in Recipes: cannabutter can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes, allowing you to customize cannabis consumption in your meals.
Discreet Consumption: If you’re not interested in inhaling cannabis or its smell, using cannabutter in food offers a subtle and private way to ingest cannabis.

How to Make Cannabis Butter

Making cannabis butter is straightforward, requiring only a few basic ingredients and equipment. The steps below will guide you through the simple process of infusing your butter with the active compounds from cannabis.

Step 1: Decarboxylate the Cannabis

Decarboxylation is the key to activating the beneficial compounds in cannabis. While cannabis in its raw form contains THCA (the acidic precursor to THC), decarboxylation converts THCA into THC, the psychoactive compound we’re familiar with.

Why Decarboxylate?

Maximize Potency: Without decarboxylation, the cannabinoids in cannabis will not have their full psychoactive effect.
Unlock Full Benefits: This process ensures that the CBD and THC in the cannabis are activated, allowing you to experience their full range of benefits.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break the cannabis into small pieces, spreading it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Once the cannabis has turned a golden brown and has a dry texture, it’s ready for infusion.

Step 2: Infuse the Butter

Once your cannabis has been decarboxylated, the next step is to infuse it into butter. The fat in butter is ideal for absorbing the THC and CBD from the cannabis, helping you achieve a potent infusion.

What You Need for Infusion:

Butter (unsalted is recommended for a neutral taste)
Decarboxylated cannabis
A saucepan or slow cooker
Water (to help regulate temperature and prevent burning)

Infusion Process:

Melt your butter in a saucepan on low heat.
Add your decarboxylated cannabis to the butter.
Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keeping the heat low is essential—do not let the temperature exceed 200°F (93°C) to avoid damaging the active compounds or burning the butter.
Add a little water to the mixture to keep the temperature steady and avoid burning.

Infusion Tips:

Stir regularly to ensure the cannabis is evenly mixed into the butter.
Be patient! The longer it simmers, the more the cannabis infuses into the butter. This results in a stronger, more potent product.

Step 3: Strain the Butter

Once the butter has fully infused with the cannabis, it’s time to strain out the plant matter and keep just the cannabis butter.

What You Need for Straining:

A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
A heat-resistant container to hold your cannabis butter

Straining Process:

Let the infused butter mixture cool down slightly, but not too much, as the fat may solidify.
Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over the container you plan to store the cannabis butter.
Pour the butter through the strainer, pressing gently on the plant matter to extract all the butter.
Discard or compost the leftover cannabis plant matter.

At this point, your cannabis butter is ready to be used! Transfer it into a jar or container, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Your cannabis butter can stay fresh for about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Freezing: To extend shelf life, you can freeze cannabutter in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Making cannabis butter is a simple and rewarding process that unlocks endless culinary possibilities. From brownies and cookies to savoury sauces and dressings, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis in any meal.

Best Uses for Cannabis Butter

Cannabis butter is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and its uses extend far beyond simple baking. It can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, allowing you to create cannabis-infused meals and treats that suit your individual preferences. Here’s an expanded look at some of the best ways to use cannabis butter:

1. Baking Cannabis-Infused Treats

One of the most popular ways to use cannabis butter is in baking. Because it’s a fat-based infusion, cannabis butter is ideal for recipes where butter is a key ingredient.

Popular Cannabis Butter Baking Recipes:

Cannabis Brownies: A classic favourite easily made with cannabutter, offering a chewy, rich texture with a potent punch.
Cannabis Cookies: Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, simply swap out regular butter for cannabis-infused butter.
Cannabis Cakes & Cupcakes: Cannabis butter makes light, fluffy cakes and cupcakes. Its infusion allows the flavours to meld together seamlessly.
Other Sweet Treats: You can add cannabutter to pie crusts, muffins, or even puddings for an edible cannabis boost.

Benefits of Baking with Cannabis Butter:

Evenly distribute the cannabis throughout your dish.
Control potency based on the amount you use in the recipe.

2. Cooking with Cannabis Butter

Cannabis butter isn’t limited to sweet treats—it can also be used in savoury dishes! Substitute regular butter with cannabis butter to create mouthwatering cannabis-infused meals.

Savoury Cannabis Butter Recipe Ideas:

Pasta Dishes: Stir cannabis butter into hot pasta dishes or risotto to infuse your meal with a flavorful, cannabis-infused base.
Sauces and Gravies: For an enhanced experience, add cannabutter to sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or even savoury gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favourite vegetables in cannabutter before roasting them for a unique twist on a classic side dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes can take on a whole new dimension when you mix in a bit of cannabutter.

Cooking with Cannabis Butter Tips:

Use it in moderation, as the effects can be stronger than smoking or vaping.
Keep an eye on your recipes. To avoid burning the cannabis butter, maintain a low cooking temperature (do not exceed 200°F or 93°C).

3. Smoothie Add-Ins

For a quick and convenient way to incorporate cannabis into your daily routine, try adding a small amount of cannabis butter to your morning smoothie.

Why Add Cannabis Butter to Smoothies?:

Convenient: It’s an effortless way to infuse cannabis into your diet without needing to prepare an elaborate recipe.
Nutritional Boost: The natural fat in the butter may also help your smoothie absorb other nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
Customized Dosage: You control how much cannabutter to use, meaning you can easily adjust to your preferred potency.

4. Other Creative Uses for Cannabis Butter

Cannabis butter is a flexible ingredient that can be adapted for all kinds of culinary creations.

Other Ideas to Try:

Popcorn: Drizzle melted cannabutter over your popcorn for a perfect snack.
Toast or Bagels: Spreadcannabutter on toast, bagels, or muffins as a quick breakfast or snack.
Grilled Cheese: Add cannabutter to your grilled cheese for a gourmet touch that infuses the bread with rich cannabis flavour.

Benefits of Cannabis Butter

Cannabis butter offers numerous advantages over other forms of cannabis consumption, especially for those who prefer a more controlled and discreet method. Let’s dive into the main reasons why cannabutter stands out.

1. Discreet Consumption

For those who want to consume cannabis without drawing attention or creating a noticeable scent, cannabutter is a discreet solution. When used in cooking or baking, you can consume cannabis without anyone knowing.

No Smoke or Smell: Smoking cannabis often results in a distinctive smell that can linger in your clothing or your environment. With cannabutter, there is no odour, and consumption is completely private.
Perfect for Social Gatherings: Because it blends seamlessly into foods, cannabutter makes it easy to share cannabis edibles at social gatherings without any outward signs of cannabis use.

2. Long-Lasting Effects

One of the primary benefits of using cannabutter is the longer-lasting effects compared to other methods, such as smoking or vaping.

Slow Onset, Longer Duration: While smoking cannabis provides an immediate effect, eating cannabis-infused products, including cannabis butter, takes longer to set in but lasts much longer. This makes it ideal for those seeking sustained relief from symptoms or individuals who want a longer experience.
Ideal for Medical Users: If you are using cannabis for medical reasons (e.g., chronic pain and sleep issues), the long-lasting effects of cannabutter provide continued relief throughout the day or night.

3. Customization and Control

One of the key reasons to use cannabis butter is the level of control it offers over your dosage. When making your own cannabutter, you get to decide how potent your butter is, which can be especially important for beginners.

Adjust the Strength: By choosing the amount of cannabis you infuse into the butter, you can easily adjust the strength. This ensures that your cannabutter matches your specific tolerance level.
Custom Dosing: Depending on the recipe you’re using, you can control how much butter you incorporate, giving you total control over the final cannabis dose.
Perfect for Beginners: Since you control the dosage, cannabutter is an ideal choice for beginners or anyone looking to try cannabis at a moderate and measured level.

Whether you’re looking for a discreet way to consume cannabis, seeking long-lasting effects, or wanting customized doses, cannabutter is a fantastic option. With its versatility in both sweet and savoury dishes, and its ability to create potent, tailor-made edibles, cannabis butter gives you an easy and enjoyable method of experiencing cannabis.

Where to Buy Cannabis Butter in Canada

For those who don’t have the time or resources to make their own cannabutter at home, there are plenty of convenient options for purchasing pre-made cannabutter. With the growing legal cannabis market in Canada, it’s easier than ever to find high-quality, ready-made cannabis butter from trusted dispensaries and online sources. Here are some practical ways to buy cannabis butter:

Buy Online Cannabis in Canada

The easiest and most convenient way to buy cannabis butter in Canada is through online dispensaries and cannabis retailers. Online shopping allows you to browse and compare products from the comfort of your home.

Benefits of Buying Cannabis Butter Online:

Discreet Delivery: Whether you’re in a larger city or a rural area, online cannabis dispensaries offer safe and discreet delivery options across Canada.
Wide Selection: Many online stores carry a variety of cannabutter options from different brands and potencies, ensuring you can find the right product to suit your needs.
Reputable Sources: With cannabis legalization in Canada, you can confidently shop with reputable, licensed online dispensaries that adhere to safety and quality regulations.
Competitive Pricing: Purchasing Cannabutter online allows you to shop for the best prices and special promotions.

Online Cannabis in Canada – Convenience at Your Fingertips

When it comes to convenience, buying cannabis butter online in Canada is hard to beat. Most cannabis retailers offer user-friendly websites that allow you to explore product descriptions, pricing, and other helpful details to make a confident purchase.

Advantages of Online Shopping for Cannabis Butter:

Detailed Product Descriptions: Many online retailers provide thorough information on each product, including the type of cannabis used, THC and CBD levels, and the potency of the butter.
Customer Reviews: Real customer reviews can give you a good idea of the product’s quality and effects, helping you make a well-informed purchase.
Educational Resources: Many cannabis stores offer blogs, guides, and tips on how to use cannabutter and integrate it into your daily routine, making it easier to understand what you’re buying and how it works.

By opting for online cannabis shopping, you also save time. You can place an order for cannabis butter while relaxing on your couch and have it shipped to your door—typically within a few business days.

Tips for Using Cannabis Butter Safely

While using cannabis butter can be a convenient and delicious way to consume cannabis, it’s important to consume it safely, especially if you’re new to edibles. The effects of cannabutter can be stronger and last longer than other methods of consumption. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you’re using it responsibly:

1. Start Slow

When using cannabis butter, it’s essential to start with small doses—especially if you’re new to cannabis. Edibles, including cannabutter, can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping.

Patience Is Key: The effects of cannabutter can take up to an hour or more to be felt. Avoid the temptation to take another dose too quickly, as it could lead to overconsumption.
Begin with a Small Serving: Start with a teaspoon or less if you’re unsure of the potency. This will allow you to gauge your reaction before increasing the dose.

2. Know Your Limits

Understanding your tolerance level is crucial to avoid overconsumption. Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, and cannabis butter‘s delayed effect makes it even more important to know what works for you.

Start Low and Go Slow: Especially for beginners, try different potencies available through online dispensaries and experiment with smaller amounts. This can help you find a dose that works best without overwhelming effects.
Track Your Intake: Keep a record of how much cannabutter you use and how it affects you to avoid unintentional overconsumption.

3. Storage of Cannabis Butter

Proper storage of your cannabis butter ensures that it remains fresh and potent for longer periods of time. Storing it incorrectly can lead to a loss of potency and flavour.

Airtight Container: Place your cannabutter in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and humidity, which could degrade its quality.
Refrigerate for Freshness: Storing your cannabutter in the fridge helps to maintain its potency and texture. It can generally be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your cannabutter in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality and prevent the degradation of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

If you prefer the ease and convenience of purchasing cannabis butter rather than making it yourself, you’re in luck. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, finding quality cannabis butter online is easier than ever. Plus, by following safety tips like starting slow, knowing your limits, and storing your cannabutter properly, you can fully enjoy the benefits of this versatile, potent ingredient in a safe and enjoyable manner. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis user or a newcomer looking for a discreet, long-lasting experience, cannabutter is the perfect option for you.

Conclusion: Why Choose Cannabis Butter?

Cannabis butter is a convenient and versatile way to incorporate cannabis into your daily routine. Whether you’re interested in baking, cooking, or adding it to your favourite drinks, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, by buying cannabis online in Canada, you can access a variety of cannabutter products delivered straight to your door.

Remember to enjoy responsibly by starting with a small dose and knowing your limits. Whether for recreational or medical use, offers a simple, tasty, and effective way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis in the comfort of your own home.