Canna-butter and oil

This butter recipe is perfect for when you have larger quantities to work with, such as leaf waste or grit.

CBD and THC are lipophilic (fat-soluble) substances, meaning they can bind well to fats and oils instead of water.

But it doesn’t necessarily have to be animal fat, vegetable fats work just fine too! As long as they contain enough fatty acids . So as long as there is fat in it, CBD and THC can bind to it and it is better absorbed by your body. The ratios remain the same, regardless of your choice. Some alternatives are;

  • coconut oil (odorless version if you don't want a coconut taste)
  • Cocoa butter (for a neutral taste and firm texture)
  • Olive oil (extra virgin), sunflower or avocado oil (remains liquid)

Why does CBD bind to fat?

  • THC and CBD are hydrophobic (water-repellent) and therefore do not dissolve in water.
  • Fat molecules have a structure that absorbs and retains these cannabinoids.
  • When heated, the cannabinoids bind to the fat molecules, allowing the body to absorb them better.

So CBD and THC bind to fats during heating, but there is an optimal temperature at which this happens most effectively.

Temperature for binding to fats:

  • 60-90°C : Ideal temperature to allow CBD/THC to slowly bind to fat without loss.
  • 90-100°C : May still work, but heating above 100°C for longer periods may reduce quality.
  • Above 110-120°C : Risk of cannabinoid degradation, especially with prolonged heating.


The bain-marie method we use for the recipe keeps the temperature around 85-90°C , which is perfect for infusion.

  • Supplies

    • Pan (for the water bath)
    • 500 ml water
    • Heatproof bowl (for the bain-marie method)
    • Sieve or cheesecloth (to filter the oil/butter)
    • Spoon, spatula or whisk
    • Dark bottle or sealable container (for storage)
    • 250 grams of butter. Unsalted, preferably clarified butter (also called 'ghee')

    .

    - Optional: add a teaspoon of sunflower lecithin. Sunflower lecithin helps with better absorption of CBD and THC in your body because it is an emulsifier . This means that it mixes fats and water better , so that the cannabinoids are absorbed more efficiently by your body.

    .

    It's best to prepare this recipe with organic ingredients or produce from your local farmer or entrepreneur for the most flavorful experience.

  • Cannabis dosage:

    Dosage per 250 grams of butter or oil:

    - Newbie 5 - 7 gr
    - Regular 10 - 15 gr
    - Experienced 20 - 30 gr
    - Astronaut +40 gr

    .

    • Always start with a low dose if you are unsure, you can always take more but not less.
    • Wait 1.5-2 hours after taking before taking more. Edibles have a slow onset!
    • Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure your dose.
    • CBD-rich cannabis (without THC) can be used in higher doses without psychoactive effects.

    .

    Preparation time: 10-20 min. Cooking time: 2-4 hours.
    Want a stronger effect? ​​Let the mixture heat up a bit longer.

    .

    Dosage: One teaspoon is a good start.
    It is better to start with a small amount and wait before taking more.

    .

    Have fun and enjoy responsibly!

Preparation of the butter

  • Step 1

    1. Fill a pan with 500 ml of water and bring to the boil.
    2. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pan (make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the boiling water, you are using the steam).
    3. Add the butter to the bowl and let it melt slowly.

  • Step 2

    1. Add the decarboxylated weed or finely ground hash to the melted butter.
    2. Stir the butter every 15-20 minutes and let the water simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours .
    3. Optionally, add a teaspoon of sunflower lecithin for a consistent distribution of the active ingredients throughout the butter.

  • Step 3

    1. Place a sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the mixture through it to remove any plant matter. (You can store the plant matter in the fridge to add to your tea or other dishes as herb butter.)
    2. Squeeze gently, it may be hot , to extract the last of the butter, but avoid pressing too hard (this will give a bitter taste).
    3. Pour the liquid CBD butter or oil into a container and let it cool.

Serving tip: fluffy pancakes with blueberries, maple syrup and a knob of Canna butter

Step 4

Store the solidified butter in the refrigerator (up to 2 weeks) or freeze for longer shelf life. If you used oil, once the mixture has cooled, it is best to store it in a dark colored glass bottle away from direct sunlight.

Be sure to clearly mark it as “special” butter or oil so you don't make a mistake.

Best way to bake with canna-butter:

  • Keep oven at 160°C-170°C to preserve active ingredients.
  • Bake slowly instead of briefly and hot.
  • Let the cake cool before eating , so that no extra heat is released from within.

You can use this canna-butter in tea, on bread or in other dishes. Good luck and enjoy responsibly!

The information and recipes on this page are for informational and educational purposes only. Use at your own risk.
If you notice that cannabis use is affecting your mental health, such as anxiety, depression or psychotic symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help.
In the Netherlands you can go to your GP, addiction care institutions such as Jellinek ( www.jellinek.nl ) and Novadic-Kentron ( www.novadic-kentron.nl ).
You can also ask for anonymous advice via the Drugs Info Line (0900-1995) and many coffee shops now offer the option of talking to someone if you have difficulty quitting smoking cannabis.

You are not alone, and there is always help available.