Are you bored with smoking or vaping cannabis flower? Would you like to try a new and delicious way of having cannabis? You have arrived at the right place! Making cannabis edibles at home is way easier than you think, and this mason jar method that is shared in the blog ahead helps keep things clean, simple, and completely under your control.
Whether you are trying edibles for the first time or just want to skip the store-bought options, this no-heat guide to making cannabutter walks you through all the steps. From prepping your cannabis flower to mastering the dosing, you will learn how to make your own cannabutter in a safe, smooth, and mess-free way.
And, the best part is that you don’t need a fancy setup! Grab your mason jar and some salted butter (or coconut oil if you prefer plant-based), and let’s get started!
What Is Cannabutter?
Cannabis butter, or cannabutter, is butter infused with decarboxylated cannabis. This means the active compounds have been heat-activated so they can blend with fat. Once it is ready, you can use it in nearly any recipe involving butter, from breakfast to dinner.
Many people across the country are turning to cannabis edibles not just for the effect, but for the freedom to create their own edibles with trusted ingredients. And because you control every step of the cooking process, it’s easier to dose responsibly and not overdo it.
How Much Cannabis Should I Use for Cannabutter?
Well, now that you are into making your own cannabutter, the next obvious question would be: how much cannabis should I use?
So, a solid starting point would be taking 7–10 grams of ground cannabis for one cup of butter. If you are just starting out or want to keep your first batch light, you can go with 3.5 — 5 grams of cannabis flower.
The most important thing in this cooking process is consistency, so make sure your cannabis evenly mixes through the fat for balanced potency. Also, consider your butter-to-weed ratio based on THC strength. If your cannabis flower is more potent than average, you can reduce the quantity of cannabis further.
How Is Cannabutter Used to Make Edibles?
Well, now that you are into making your own cannabutter, the next obvious question would be: how much cannabis should I use?
So, a solid starting point would be taking 7–10 grams of ground cannabis for one cup of butter. If you are just starting out or want to keep your first batch light, you can go with 3.5–5 grams of cannabis flower.
The most important thing in this cooking process is consistency, so make sure your cannabis evenly mixes through the fat for balanced potency. Also, consider your butter-to-weed ratio based on THC strength. If your cannabis flower is more potent than average, you can reduce the quantity of cannabis further.
How to Properly Dose Mason Jar Cannabutter
This is one of the most crucial aspects. Getting the dose right separates a relaxing edible from one that hits too hard.
So, first, figure out the potency of your cannabis flower by asking the dispensary or checking the label. Then, you may use this rough guide:
- Multiply THC% by 1,000 to get mg per gram
- Multiply by the grams used in your batch
- Divide by servings to estimate mg per piece
If you are still unsure, test a small spoonful first, wait for 60 to 90 minutes, and then adjust accordingly. Always label your batch and store it in an airtight container.
How to Make Potent Cannabutter
Here are the key steps to make cannabutter at home just using the butter of your choice, a mason jar, a cannabis strain, and a little patience:
Materials
- 1 cup salted butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil
- 7–10 grams of ground cannabis
- 1 clean mason jar with lid
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cheesecloth
- Tongs or oven mitts
- Saucepan or instant pot (for simmering)
- A bowl
- Spoon for stirring occasionally
Step 1: Prep Weed
Grind your cannabis flower gently, not too fine. You need a coarse grind so it doesn’t slip off the cheesecloth later during the entire process.
Step 2: Decarboxylate
Place your ground cannabis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake it at 240°F for about 40 to 45 minutes. This activates the THC and CBD so they can blend with the butter. Let it cool before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Melt Butter
Melt your salted butter, coconut oil, or vegan butter slowly in a saucepan over low heat until it is liquified. You don’t want it bubbling during this cooking process.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Place the mason jar on a small cloth in a pan or Instant Pot filled with water. Add the melted butter and decarboxylated cannabis to the jar. Seal the lid properly and then mix gently to help cannabis evenly distribute.
Step 5: Simmer
Heat the water on a low flame. Let the mason jar simmer in the water bath for 2 to 3 hours using your Instant Pot or regular pot. Maintain a consistent temperature and water level, adding more as needed.
Give the jar a little shake every 30 to 45 minutes, as stirring occasionally ensures even infusion throughout the entire process.
Step 6: Filter Butter
After simmering, remove the jar carefully using oven mitts. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour the butter through a cheesecloth into a bowl to strain out the plant matter.
Step 7: Gently Squeeze Cheesecloth
To get every drop, lightly press the cheesecloth, but not too hard. You don’t want extra bitterness from over-squeezing during this cooking process!
Step 8: Enjoy
Transfer the filtered butter to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will solidify in a few hours and be ready to use in any dish that requires butter. That’s it; you just made your own cannabutter with a mason jar!
Guide to Other Ways to Make Cannabutter
If you don’t have a mason jar and are looking for a different setup, below are two great alternatives:
Sous Vide Method
If you have a sous vide circulator, this method offers precision and total odor control. Seal your ground cannabis and melted coconut oil in a bag, submerge it in a water bath at 185°F, and cook for about 4 hours. The temperature control makes this a favorite for chefs in the cannabis industry.
Slow Cooker Method
This is a classic for a reason. Combine your ingredients in a crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Just be sure to check the water level regularly and keep it on a stable heat setting. Stirring every hour or so helps with even infusion.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Edibles
Below are the key tips to help you make the best homemade edibles and give you a phenomenal experience:
Buy legal, lab-tested products
Buy high-quality, lab-tested cannabis flower to ensure you know exactly what you are infusing and how potent it is. Inyo Las Vegas offers products you can trust for consistency and safety in your own edibles.
Look Beyond the THC Content
Apart from THC, terpenes, CBD levels, and how the strain makes you feel are also crucial when making cannabutter for your own edibles.
Test A Small Spoonful First
This is important to help you understand how strong your batch is before you bake a whole tray of pot brownies on a baking sheet!
Conclusion
Making cannabutter using a mason jar is a fulfilling experience. All you need is a mason jar, the right ingredients, and a bit of patience to make the perfect weed butter that will delight you later with different recipes.
FAQs
Can a Mason Jar Method Be Done With Cold Water Bath?
No. A cold bath won’t activate the cannabinoids or bind them to fat. You need consistent low heat to make the cooking process effective when you place the mason jar in the water bath.
How Long Does Mason Jar Cannabutter Keep?
If you store the mason jar cannabutter in a fridge using an airtight container, it can last up to 3 weeks. For better longevity, store it in the freezer.
Is Decarboxylation Required?
Yes, without decarbing, your cannabis flower won’t become psychoactive. Decarboxylated cannabis is essential to making your weed butter effective for pot brownies and other cannabis edibles.
Can I Reuse the Mason Jar After Making Cannabutter?
Yes, you can reuse the mason jar after making cannabutter after washing it thoroughly. The mason jar method is sustainable since you can place the mason jar in your dishwasher.
What’s the Ideal Butter Type for Mason Jar Cannabutter?
It really depends on your diet. Salted butter adds great flavor, while coconut oil offers a longer shelf life. Vegan butter works well too for plant-based diets when you make cannabutter using the mason jar method.
