How to Make Cannabutter: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Learn how to make cannabutter at home with our step-by-step guide. Decarboxylation, dosing calculator, straining techniques, storage tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is Cannabutter?
Key Takeaway
Cannabutter is the most popular way to make edibles at home because it is versatile (brownies, cookies, pasta, toast, anything with butter), relatively simple to make, and allows you to control your dosage. Once you have cannabutter, you can substitute it for regular butter in virtually any recipe.
For a broader look at cooking with cannabis, see our cooking with cannabis guide. For complete decarboxylation science, read our decarboxylation guide.
Order Online for Pickup
Browse our full menu and order ahead for fast, convenient pickup at The Library.
Browse MenuWhat You Need
Ingredients
- 7-14g cannabis flower (depending on desired potency)
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water (prevents scorching)
Equipment
- Baking sheet + parchment paper (for decarbing)
- Oven thermometer (accuracy matters)
- Medium saucepan or slow cooker
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Kitchen thermometer
- Airtight storage container
- Grinder (coarse, not fine)
Step 1: Decarboxylation (The Critical Step)
Raw cannabis contains THCA, which is not psychoactive. Heating converts THCA to THC. This process is called decarboxylation. When you smoke or vape, the heat does this instantly. When cooking, you need to do it separately before infusing.
Decarboxylation Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
Use an oven thermometer. Many ovens are inaccurate by 10-25 degrees.
2. Break up cannabis coarsely
Do not grind to powder. Break into pea-sized pieces. Too fine creates plant material that passes through straining.
3. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet
Single layer, evenly distributed. Do not pile up.
4. Bake for 40 minutes
Check at 30 minutes. Cannabis should turn from green to golden-brown. It will smell strongly.
5. Cool completely
Let it cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. It will be crumbly when properly decarbed.
Temperature Warning
Step 2: The Infusion
Stovetop Method
1. Melt butter with water in saucepan on LOW heat
The water prevents the butter from scorching. It separates out later.
2. Add decarbed cannabis once butter is fully melted
Stir to combine. All plant material should be submerged.
3. Maintain temperature at 160-180°F (70-82°C)
Use a thermometer. If it starts to boil or bubble vigorously, it is too hot. Turn down.
4. Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally
Stir every 20-30 minutes. Do not let it boil. Low and slow is the key.
5. Remove from heat
Let it cool slightly (5-10 minutes) before straining.
Step 3: Straining
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth (doubled over) and place over a container. Pour the butter mixture through slowly. Let gravity do the work. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth. Squeezing forces through chlorophyll and plant material that makes the butter taste bitter and adds no extra THC.
Refrigerate the strained liquid for at least 4 hours or overnight. The butter will solidify on top and the water will separate to the bottom. Lift the butter disc off the water, pat dry with a paper towel, and discard the water.
Visit The Library
Stop by West Orange's premier dispensary. Our expert budtenders are ready to help you find exactly what you need.
Get DirectionsCalculating Dosage
Dosage Calculator
Formula: (grams of flower x THC% x 1000) x 0.88 x 0.5 = estimated total mg THC
7g flower at 20% THC
(7 × 0.20 × 1000) × 0.88 × 0.5 = ~616mg total
If you make 24 cookies: ~25mg per cookie
3.5g flower at 20% THC
(3.5 × 0.20 × 1000) × 0.88 × 0.5 = ~308mg total
If you make 24 cookies: ~13mg per cookie
7g flower at 15% THC
(7 × 0.15 × 1000) × 0.88 × 0.5 = ~462mg total
If you make 24 cookies: ~19mg per cookie
Dosing Safety
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerator
2-3 weeks
Airtight container. Keep away from strong-smelling foods.
Freezer
6+ months
Wrap in parchment paper, then foil, then freezer bag. Portion before freezing.
Room temperature
1-2 days
Not recommended for storage. Butter goes rancid quickly at room temp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping decarboxylation
Always decarb first. Raw cannabis will not make effective edibles.
Temperature too high
Never boil the butter. Keep at 160-180°F. Use a thermometer.
Grinding too fine
Coarse grind only. Fine powder passes through straining and tastes terrible.
Squeezing the cheesecloth
Let gravity drain. Squeezing pushes through bitter plant compounds.
Not calculating dose
Always estimate THC per serving. Homemade edibles are potent.
Not labeling
Label with date, strain, estimated mg per tablespoon. Keep away from children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weed do I need for cannabutter?
A common starting ratio is 1 ounce (28g) of cannabis flower per 1 pound (4 sticks) of butter for potent cannabutter, or 1/4 ounce (7g) per 1 stick of butter for moderate strength. For beginners, start with less cannabis per stick of butter to make lower-potency butter that is more forgiving in dosing. Remember that the THC percentage of your flower determines the final potency, not just the weight.
What is decarboxylation and why is it necessary?
Decarboxylation (decarbing) is the process of heating cannabis to convert THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive). Raw cannabis flower contains mostly THCA, which will not get you high if eaten without heating. Decarbing at 240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes activates the THC before you infuse it into butter. Skipping this step is the number one mistake people make when making cannabutter.
How long should I simmer cannabutter?
Simmer cannabutter on low heat (160-180°F / 70-82°C) for 2-3 hours. Some people go up to 4 hours, but longer is not necessarily better. The key is maintaining low temperature. If the butter starts bubbling vigorously or the temperature exceeds 200°F, you are too hot and risk degrading THC and terpenes. Use a thermometer and stir occasionally.
How do I calculate the THC in my cannabutter?
Use this formula: (grams of flower × THC percentage × 1000) × 0.88 × efficiency factor = total mg THC. The 0.88 accounts for decarboxylation conversion, and efficiency is typically 40-60% for stovetop methods. Example: 7g of 20% THC flower = (7 × 0.20 × 1000) × 0.88 × 0.5 = about 616mg THC in the entire batch. Divide by the number of servings to get mg per serving.
How long does cannabutter last?
Cannabutter lasts 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator and 6 months or more in the freezer. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in parchment paper then foil. Label with the date and estimated potency. Keep away from light and heat. If it smells off or develops mold, discard it. Frozen cannabutter can be portioned into measured amounts for convenient use in recipes.
Get Quality Flower for Cannabutter
The quality of your cannabutter depends on the quality of your flower. Our budtenders can recommend strains with the right THC levels and terpene profiles for cooking.
5 Washington Street West Orange, NJ 07052
(862) 786-0886 Cooking Strain Advice
Order Online via Dutchie Browse Flower
Cannabis products are for adults 21 and older only. Homemade edibles can be difficult to dose precisely. Always start with a small amount and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. Keep all cannabis products, including cannabutter, away from children and pets. Label all cannabis-infused products clearly. The Library is a licensed NJ cannabis dispensary (License RE000228).
Corey Dishman
Cannabis Educator & Content Specialist
The Library of New Jersey
Corey is a cannabis education specialist at The Library with 5+ years of experience helping customers navigate the New Jersey cannabis market. He creates engaging, accurate content about cannabis products, regulations, and wellness.
Related Articles
Indica vs Sativa: Your Complete Guide
First Time at a Dispensary? Complete NJ Guide
Cannabis Edibles Dosing Guide for Beginners
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?
How to Store Cannabis Properly
Shop Cannabis Products
Premium buds
EdiblesGummies & treats
VapesPens & carts
Pre-RollsReady to smoke
ConcentratesWax & shatter
CBDWellness products
Find a Dispensary Near You
Disclaimer: Cannabis products are for adults 21 and older only. Cannabis should be consumed responsibly. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of cannabis. The effects of cannabis vary by individual. Start with a low dose and wait before consuming more. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Library operates under NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228. For questions about NJ cannabis regulations, visit the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission.