Learning how to make cannabis butter opens the door to easy, consistent homemade edibles. With a small amount of flower, a stick of butter, and some kitchen basics, you can infuse THC or CBD into a fat that bakes into brownies, spreads onto toast, or melts over savory dishes. The secret to success is decarboxylation, a gentle heat step that activates cannabinoids before they ever meet the butter. Once you nail the decarb and infusion, the rest is simple technique and proper straining.
This guide walks you through decarboxylation, stovetop or slow cooker infusion, straining and storage, and safe dosing. You will also find a supplies checklist, a cannabis to butter ratio section with a potency formula you can plug into a calculator, and a special section for using ABV from a Volcano vaporizer. If you enjoy vaporizing and saving your already vaped bud, you can turn that toasted herb into mild, ready-to-use cannabutter with no decarb step needed.
What You Need to Make Cannabis Butter at Home
Before you start, gather everything so the process flows smoothly. You can make cannabutter with a basic saucepan, though a slow cooker or double boiler provides more temperature control. Choose unsalted butter for versatility and predictable flavor, and consider adding lecithin to improve consistency and cannabinoid binding. Finally, plan for a clean strain to keep plant particles out of your finished butter, which improves taste and shelf life.
Use fresh, properly cured cannabis flower for robust potency, or save money by using trim or ABV. If you choose ABV, remember it is already decarbed and typically less potent by weight. Regardless of your source, keep the heat low and steady to protect cannabinoids and terpenes during infusion.
- Unsalted butter, 1 to 2 sticks per batch (113 to 226 g)
- Cannabis flower, trim, or ABV (Already Been Vaped herb), typically 3.5 to 14 g depending on desired potency
- Lecithin powder or liquid (optional, 1 teaspoon per stick of butter)
- Small saucepan, double boiler, or slow cooker
- Oven and baking sheet for decarboxylation
- Parchment paper or foil
- Oven-safe mason jar with lid (optional for smell and terpene retention)
- Thermometer (instant-read or clip-on candy thermometer)
- Fine mesh strainer and cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag
- Silicone spatula and wooden spoon
- Heatproof bowl or measuring cup for straining
- Storage container with lid, or silicone butter mold
- Gloves or tongs for handling hot glass and cloth
Decarboxylation 101: Activate Your Cannabis the Right Way
Heat unlocks potency by converting THCA to THC
Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, acidic forms that are not very psychoactive. A controlled heat process called decarboxylation removes a carboxyl group from these molecules, converting THCA to THC and CBDA to CBD. Vaporizing or smoking does this instantly, but for edibles you must decarb first or your butter will be weak.
Effective decarb requires a careful balance between temperature and time. Go too low and you under-activate cannabinoids. Go too high or too long and you degrade THC into CBN or burn off delicate aromatics. The sweet spot for THC activation in an oven is typically in the 220 to 245 F range for 30 to 45 minutes, with slight adjustments based on your equipment and moisture content.
Oven decarb method most home cooks use
The oven is accessible and produces reliable results with a few simple precautions. Breaking the flower into pea-sized pieces exposes surface area without creating dusty particles that can scorch. Lining the tray helps with cleanup and keeps trichomes from sticking to the metal. If odor is a concern, the mason jar method in the next subsection is a tidy alternative.
- Preheat the oven to 240 F. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature if possible.
- Break dry flower by hand into small, even pieces. Do not grind to powder.
- Spread cannabis on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, gently stirring once halfway. Aim for a light golden color, not dark brown.
- Remove and let cool completely before handling or moving to the infusion step.
Alternative decarb methods: mason jar or sous vide
To contain aroma and retain some terpenes, place your broken-up flower in a clean, dry mason jar with the lid resting on top but not fully tightened. Set the jar on a baking sheet, bake at 240 F for about 40 minutes, and shake gently once at the halfway point. Allow the jar to cool before opening so condensation does not fall back onto the herb.
A sous vide setup offers the most precise temperature control. Seal the flower in a heat-rated bag or a jar and immerse in a 203 to 212 F water bath for 90 to 120 minutes. This low, consistent heat yields an even decarb with minimal aroma escaping into your kitchen.
Common decarb mistakes to avoid
Grinding too fine reduces quality and complicates straining
Powdered cannabis exposes more surface area than needed, which raises the risk of scorching in the oven and introducing bitter, chlorophyll-heavy particles into your butter. It also makes straining more difficult and more likely to push plant solids through the cloth. Keep the break-up gentle and stop at pea-sized pieces.
Baking too hot or too long can degrade THC and flavor
Ovens can run hot, and a 15 F difference over 40 minutes adds up. If you overbake, THC slowly converts to CBN, which feels less uplifting. Monitor with a thermometer, and remember that once it smells very toasty and looks dark brown, you have probably gone too far. Err on the side of slightly under rather than over.
Decarbing wet or improperly cured material delays activation
Moisture must escape before decarb progresses efficiently. Wet herb can steam in the oven, lowering the effective temperature at the trichome head and stretching your timeline. If your cannabis is fresh or feels damp, dry it first at 200 F for 10 to 15 minutes, then proceed with the decarb window.
Skipping decarb with raw flower leads to weak butter
Unless you use ABV, you must decarb raw flower to activate cannabinoids. Infusing raw, non-decarbed weed directly into butter yields a product with a fraction of the potency you expect. Always decarb flower or trim first, then infuse. ABV is the exception because vaporization has already activated it.
How to Make Cannabis Butter Step by Step
Low, slow infusion keeps cannabinoids and flavor intact
Once the cannabis is decarbed, you are ready to infuse fat. Butter is classic and bakes beautifully, but you can use ghee or coconut oil if you want more clarity or a higher smoke point. The goal is to hold a gentle range between 160 and 190 F for a couple of hours, enough to dissolve cannabinoids into the fat without scorching milk solids or volatilizing aromatics. A double boiler or slow cooker helps you stay in range, though a careful stovetop simmer works as well.
Consider adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the pot with your butter to reduce the chance of scorching. The water will separate out later, taking bitter compounds with it and often yielding a cleaner flavor. Lecithin can also be added at this stage to improve consistency and binding, especially for baked goods that rise.
Stovetop or slow cooker infusion steps
Set aside at least 2 hours for a relaxed infusion, which is enough time to extract cannabinoids efficiently into the butter. While some recipes suggest longer, extraction curves flatten after a couple of hours, and going longer can introduce more chlorophyll and plant waxes. Keep your thermometer handy and resist the urge to crank the heat if things look still. A quiet, tiny simmer is your friend here.
- Add butter to your pot or slow cooker and melt on low heat. Optionally add a small splash of water and your lecithin.
- Stir in decarbed cannabis. Keep the mixture between 160 and 190 F, stirring occasionally.
- Infuse for 2 to 3 hours. Do not allow a rolling boil. If using a slow cooker, set it to low.
- Taste a tiny dab on a spoon at the 2 hour mark for flavor, not for potency. Stop when flavor is pleasantly herbal, not bitter.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes before straining. Slight cooling reduces the chance of splashes and helps fats carry suspended cannabinoids.
Strain, cool, and store for long-lasting potency
Place a cheesecloth-lined fine mesh strainer over a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Pour the warm infusion through the cloth and allow gravity to do most of the work. If you press the solids hard, you can push plant particles into the butter, which increases bitterness. A gentle squeeze at the end is fine if you accept a stronger flavor.
Discard or compost the spent herb. If you added water, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The butter will solidify into a firm cap on top, leaving any water and sediment underneath. Lift the butter off, pat the underside dry with a paper towel, and transfer to a labeled container or butter mold. Store your cannabutter sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for 2 to 6 months.
Optional upgrades: lecithin and water bath control
Lecithin is an emulsifier that can help cannabinoids distribute more evenly in batter and dough, which may translate into more consistent servings. A teaspoon per stick of butter is plenty. For temperature control, consider placing your infusion pot into a larger pan of gently simmering water to mimic a double boiler. This water bath buffers heat spikes and makes it easier to hold a stable temperature without constant attention.
Cannabis to Butter Ratio and Potency Calculator
The right ratio depends on how strong you want your butter and how potent your starting material is. A common starting point is 7 grams of decarbed flower per 1 cup of butter, but that can be too strong or too mild depending on the flower’s THC percentage. A better approach is to estimate potential milligrams of THC, account for extraction efficiency, and divide by the number of servings you plan to make. You can build a simple calculator to do this automatically.
Use the formula below to estimate potency. It is an approximation because lab-grade testing is the only exact method, but it gets you in the right ballpark. You will also find a worked example that you can adapt to your own inputs. Once dialed in, keep notes so you can reproduce results across batches.
- THC mg in starting material = Weight of cannabis in grams × THC percent × 10. Example: 7 g × 20 percent × 10 = 1400 mg THC.
- Estimated extraction efficiency = 60 to 80 percent for home infusions. Multiply the THC mg by your efficiency. Example at 70 percent: 1400 × 0.7 = 980 mg in the butter.
- Potency per tablespoon or per serving = THC mg in butter ÷ number of tablespoons or servings. 1 cup of butter has 16 tablespoons, so 980 ÷ 16 ≈ 61 mg per tablespoon.
Cannabis → Butter Potency Calculator
For milder butter, cut the starting grams or increase the butter volume. For stronger butter, do the reverse. If you are new to edibles, aim for 5 to 10 mg THC per serving and test a small amount on a day when you can relax, as effects can take 60 to 120 minutes to peak.
Using ABV from a Volcano Vaporizer for Easy, No-Decarb Cannabutter
ABV is already activated and budget friendly
ABV stands for Already Been Vaped. When you use a vaporizer like a Storz & Bickel Volcano, the heat converts THCA to THC during the session. That means ABV is already decarbed and ready to infuse. While it is less potent than fresh flower, it is essentially a free resource if you already vape, and its mellow, toasty flavor suits many savory applications and robust baked goods.
Because ABV has variable color and potency, it helps to sort it. Light tan ABV still contains more active THC, while deep brown ABV is more spent and sedating. Keep separate jars by color so you can blend to taste and strength. With ABV, you can skip the decarb section entirely and move straight to infusion.
Flavor tips and water-curing ABV
Some people find ABV bitter. A simple water cure reduces harsh notes before infusion. This optional step swaps out water-soluble compounds without removing cannabinoids, which prefer fat. If you do not mind the toasted profile, you can infuse directly and save time.
Water curing ABV for smoother butter
Place ABV in a mason jar, cover with cool water, and stir. The water will darken quickly as tannins and soluble compounds leach out. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and repeat with fresh water once or twice daily for 2 to 3 days. Keep the jar in the refrigerator during this process to prevent any off smells.
Dry ABV thoroughly before infusion
Spread the wet ABV on a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry at 200 F for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring once. You want it bone dry so it does not steam in the butter and dilute the infusion. When it feels crisp to the touch, you are ready to infuse just like you would with decarbed flower.
Adjust ratios to account for lower potency
ABV often lands in the 5 to 10 percent effective THC range depending on how hot and long you vape. Use the same potency formula, but lower the THC percent and extraction efficiency assumptions. If your usual flower ratio is 7 g per cup of butter, you might use 14 g of ABV for a similar effect, then test and adjust for your next batch.
Best Boons Volcano bags elevate your ABV routine
Evenly toasted ABV starts with consistent vapor sessions. Best Boons replacement bags for Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizers are made from thick, heat-resistant, FDA-approved nylon tubing that stands up to frequent use. They are quieter and more durable than stock balloons and arrive with pre-sealed ends for a leak-free setup. Because they are customizable in length, you can tailor bag size to your preference and reduce waste from frequent bag swaps.
Clean, reliable airflow helps you draw evenly across each bowl, which supports a uniform ABV color and potency for better infusion results. Proudly manufactured in the USA, Best Boons bags give Volcano owners a smooth, consistent experience that pays dividends when you turn your ABV into cannabutter.
Dosing, Storage, and Cooking With Cannabutter
Start low and go slow to find your sweet spot
Edible effects take time to build and can last longer than inhaled cannabis, so patience is your best tool. If you are new, start with a 5 mg to 10 mg portion and wait a full 2 hours before taking more. Keep notes on the dose, timing, and how you felt, and adjust in 2.5 to 5 mg increments in future sessions. Remember that eating edibles on an empty stomach can make the onset faster and more intense.
Storage tips to preserve freshness and potency
How you store cannabutter influences both taste and strength. Exposure to light, oxygen, heat, and moisture can degrade cannabinoids and invite spoilage. Clean containers, cool temperatures, and minimal headspace go a long way. If you make large batches, freeze most of it and keep a small portion in the refrigerator for weekly use.
- Refrigerate sealed cannabutter for up to 3 weeks. Use a labeled, airtight container to track date and strain.
- Freeze for 2 to 6 months. Portion into silicone molds or wrap sticks so you can thaw only what you need.
- Keep away from light and air. Store in opaque containers and press parchment over the surface to limit oxygen exposure.
- Prevent odor transfer. Seal tightly and keep away from odor-absorbing foods like buttercream or cheese.
Cooking pointers so your edibles stay potent
Cannabinoids are relatively heat stable in fat, but long exposure to high oven temperatures can reduce potency and flavor. When baking, target recipes at or below 350 F and avoid extended bake times if possible. Stir cannabutter into sauces at the end of cooking, off the heat, to preserve aromatics. For even dosing, whisk cannabutter thoroughly into batters and doughs, or melt and drizzle it into a mixing stream so it distributes evenly.
Troubleshooting: Weak Butter, Green Taste, or Separation
Identify the issue and fix it in your next batch
Every kitchen and strain behaves a little differently, so even careful cooks encounter hiccups. If your butter feels weak, tastes too herbal, or separates in the fridge, the fix usually involves minor adjustments to time, temperature, or the ratio you used. Keep a simple lab notebook for each batch that lists flower weight, THC percent, decarb time and temp, infusion time, and how you strained. Small tweaks compound into big improvements.
My butter is too weak
Revisit your potency math and check your flower’s THC percent. If you guessed high, your real dose may be lower than expected. Next time, either increase grams of cannabis, reduce the butter volume, or extend infusion time by 30 to 45 minutes while keeping temperature controlled. For immediate use, consider blending this batch with a stronger one to land at your target potency.
My butter tastes bitter or grassy
This often stems from over-extraction or pressing the plant material hard during straining. Reduce infusion time slightly and avoid vigorous squeezing. Try the water addition trick and separate after chilling, which can trap some bitter compounds. For ABV, a brief water cure reduces harsh notes without sacrificing cannabinoids.
The butter separated or has water pooled underneath
Separation is normal if you add water to protect the butter during infusion. After refrigeration, lift off the solid butter and pour off the water. If the butter itself looks split in a sauce or recipe, gently warm and whisk to re-emulsify. Adding a small pinch of lecithin in the next batch can improve stability in baked goods.
Too strong effects or an uncomfortable high
You likely overshot your target dose. Mark this batch clearly and portion it more conservatively, or dilute by melting it with an equal amount of plain butter. For future batches, lower the starting grams, lower your extraction efficiency assumption in the calculator, or increase the butter volume. Always test a small amount on a day when you are free of obligations, and avoid mixing with alcohol.
Legal, Safety, and Quality Notes
Be mindful of local laws and household safety
Only make and consume cannabis butter where it is legal and you are of legal age. Always store cannabutter away from children and pets, clearly labeled, and preferably in child-resistant containers. If you share baked goods, disclose that they contain cannabis and label portions with estimated milligrams per serving so guests can make informed choices.
Quality in, quality out. Start with clean, properly cured flower or well-managed ABV. If you use a Volcano, consistent vaporization sessions produce more even ABV, which translates into more predictable edibles. Keep tools clean and strain carefully for a smoother flavor and longer shelf life.
Where Best Boons Fits In: Better Volcano Sessions, Better ABV, Better Butter
If you love turning Volcano ABV into cannabutter, your sessions and bags matter. Best Boons makes premium replacement bags for Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizers from thick, heat-resistant, FDA-approved nylon tubing. They are quieter during filling and sturdier in daily use, with pre-sealed ends for a simple, leak-free setup. Because they are customizable, you choose the bag length that matches your session style, which can help maintain consistent airflow and even ABV across bowls.
Proudly manufactured in the USA, Best Boons bags are built for durability and smooth performance. Pair steady, reliable vapor output with the techniques in this guide, and you will get evenly spent ABV that infuses predictably into butter. Visit BestBoons.com to upgrade your Volcano with quieter, longer-lasting bags and make every batch of ABV cannabutter easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
