Cannabis Processing Time: DIY Cannabutter With Home-Grown Flower
When your buds are dried and curing and the next cycle is getting ready to bloom, it’s a great moment to shift from cultivation to cannabis processing. This week, we’re using part of the harvest to make homemade cannabis butter — also known as cannabutter — using properly decarboxylated flower and a controlled infusion for consistent, reliable edibles.
This method works whether you’re using premium buds, trim, or sugar leaf from your grow. And if you’ve ever searched how to make cannabis butter at home, this guide walks you through the same process professional edible makers rely on — just scaled to the home grower.
For this batch, Christian and Jackie used:
2 ounces of home-grown Blackberry Fire (high-THC).
⚠️ Potency Warning:
This cannabutter is very strong.
Start with ¼ tsp and wait 2 hours before increasing.4 sticks unsalted butter
Herbal decarboxylation & infusion machine (VIVOSUN)
Don’t have an infusion machine? No problem — you can also make cannabutter on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. See Aunt Sandy’s classic homemade cannabutter recipe here.
Step 1: Decarb Your Cannabis
Why Decarboxylation Matters
Raw cannabis contains mostly THCA, which is non-intoxicating.
Decarbing converts THCA → THC so your edibles actually work.
Decarb Settings
Standard decarb range:
240–250°F (115–121°C)
60–90 minutes
For this batch:
1.5 hours at 250°F (automated in the VIVOSUN machine)
Spread ground flower on parchment or use the machine’s stainless container.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
Combine:
2 oz Decarbed cannabis
1 lb unsalted butter
Machine setting:
2 hours at 160°F (71°C) with gentle agitation
Low-temperature infusion preserves cannabinoids and terpenes, producing smooth, potent cannabutter suitable for baking, sauces, or micro-dosing.
Tip: Clarified butter or ghee improves shelf life and flavor separation.
Step 3: Strain
Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh into jars or molds.
Press gently — forcing solids through adds bitterness and “green” taste.
Cleanup tip: 70%+ isopropyl alcohol removes sticky resin easily.
Step 4: Optional Water-Wash for Cleaner Flavor
Water-washing removes chlorophyll and fine plant particles for lighter color and smoother taste.
How to Wash Cannabutter
Melt infused butter
Add equal volume hot water
Stir, then rest 5–10 minutes
Refrigerate overnight
Lift butter, pour away green water
Result: cleaner flavor, less herbal aroma, neutral profile for baking
Step 5: Cool, Store & Label
Storage:
Refrigerator: 2–3 weeks
Freezer: 3–6 months
Always label potency and keep away from children & pets.
Pro move: Freeze in teaspoon or tablespoon cubes for easy dosing.
Cannabutter Potency & Dosage Guide
Simple THC Formula
Grams cannabis × THC % × 1,000 × 0.70 ≈ mg THC in butter
Example:
56g at 20% THC
56 × 0.20 × 1000 × 0.7 ≈ 7,840mg THC total
1 lb butter = 32 tbsp, so:
~245mg THC per tbsp
~5–6mg THC per ¼ tsp
Start Low, Go Slow
Beginner: 2.5–5mg
Standard: 10mg
Experienced: 20mg–50mg (respectfully… don’t rush)
Effects take 45–120 minutes to peak.
Jackie’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies — baked with 1 cup of potent cannabutter from our Blackberry Fire batch. Soft, chewy, and a perfect way to enjoy your infusion responsibly. Start with half a cookie, wait at least two hours, and then decide if you need more. (recipe coming soon)
Cannabutter FAQ
Do I have to decarb first?
Yes. Skipping decarb = weak edibles.
Butter vs coconut oil?
Butter = baking tradition
Coconut oil = higher cannabinoid binding, vegan option
Can I use trim?
Yes — sugar leaf works beautifully and is cost-efficient.
Why water-wash?
Removes chlorophyll → cleaner flavor, better texture
How long do effects take?
45–120 minutes — depends on metabolism and food. And a word of caution — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people, especially newcomers, get impatient and “just take a little more.” Before they know it, they’ve taken too much.
Don’t rush it.
Let the first dose do its work, give it time, and you’ll have a far more enjoyable experience. With edibles, patience is part of the recipe.
Can I reuse the spent cannabis?
Yes — trace potency remains. Add to savory dishes in tiny amounts.
The VIVOSUN Herbal Decarboxylation & Infusion Machine makes life simple — precise temperature control, easy cleanup, and hands-free decarb + infusion.
A dependable tool whether you’re a first-time maker or a seasoned grower upgrading your kitchen setup.
Want the Easy Button?
We recommend the VIVOSUN Herbal Decarboxylation & Infusion Machine for:
Precise temps
Easy cleanup
Hands-free decarb & infusion
Coupon Code: Use ED420 in the whole VIVOSUN shop