Using ABV (Already Been Vaped) cannabis to make cannabutter is a smart and sustainable way to get the most out of your herbs. Instead of tossing those leftover buds, we can transform them into a potent and versatile ingredient that adds a unique twist to our favorite recipes. This method not only saves money but also reduces waste, making it a win-win for any cannabis enthusiast.
Ingredients
To craft cannabutter with ABV, we carefully select each ingredient to maximize flavor and potency. Below are the essentials and optional additions to elevate our infusion experience.
ABV (Already Been Vaped) Cannabis Material
- 1 cup of finely ground ABV cannabis — the backbone of our infusion.
- Ensure the ABV material is dry and crumbly to ensure even simmering and extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of high-quality Unsalted Butter — this will absorb the cannabis compounds without adding extra flavors.
- Unsalted butter allows better control over the final savory taste.
Water
- 1 cup of water — used to regulate temperature and prevent the butter from burning during the slow simmer process.
- Water creates a protective barrier which helps us maintain a low and slow infusion environment.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
We can customize our ABV cannabutter with these optional ingredients to complement the base flavors:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Adds warmth and spice |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances sweetness and aroma |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig | Adds an herbal earthy note |
| Sea salt | Pinch | Balances flavors |
These enhancers are entirely optional but bring depth to our infusion when desired.
By precisely controlling our ingredients, we ensure every batch of cannabutter with ABV offers consistent potency and rich taste.
Equipment Needed
To make our Cannabutter Recipe With ABV efficiently and safely, we need specific equipment that ensures precise control over temperature and easy handling throughout the process. Here is a detailed list of the essential tools:
- Double Boiler or Slow Cooker
We recommend using a double boiler or a slow cooker to maintain a consistent, gentle heat. This prevents burning the butter or degrading cannabinoids in the ABV cannabis.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
Straining is crucial to separate the plant material from the butter. A fine mesh strainer works well, but using cheesecloth will give us a cleaner, sediment-free cannabutter.
- Glass or Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
Use a bowl suitable for mixing and catching the strained butter. Glass or stainless steel will not react with the butter or cannabis.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
For accuracy, measure 1 cup of ABV cannabis, 1 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of water precisely. Accurate measurement ensures consistent potency.
- Stirring Spoon or Spatula
A wooden or heat-resistant silicone spoon helps us stir the mixture gently without scratching cookware.
- Storage Container
An airtight container for storing the finished cannabutter in the refrigerator or freezer.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Double Boiler/Slow Cooker | Gentle, consistent heat control | Prevents burning and cannabinoid loss |
| Fine Mesh Strainer/Cheesecloth | Strains plant material from butter | Use cheesecloth for clearer butter |
| Mixing Bowl | Holds butter after straining | Glass or stainless steel preferred |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Measures ingredients accurately | 1 cup for cannabis, butter, water |
| Stirring Spoon/Spatula | Mixes the infusion gently | Heat-resistant preferred |
| Airtight Storage Container | Stores cannabutter | Keeps butter fresh and potent |
By gathering these tools before starting, we ensure a smooth infusion process and a potent batch of homemade Cannabutter with ABV every time.
Prep Work
Before we begin infusing our butter with ABV cannabis, it’s essential to prepare the material properly to ensure maximum potency and flavor. This groundwork sets up a smooth infusion process and an effective extraction of cannabinoids.
Decarboxylating ABV (If Necessary)
Although ABV has already been partially decarboxylated during vaping, a gentle second decarboxylation can activate remaining cannabinoids for better potency.
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Spread the finely ground ABV evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at this low temperature.
- Stir the ABV gently every 10 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Remove once it has a dry, toasted aroma indicating full activation.
“Proper decarboxylation converts THCA and CBDA into psychoactive THC and CBD compounds necessary for effective cannabutter.”
Grinding the ABV
Grinding increases the surface area allowing for a more efficient infusion when combined with butter.
- Use a herb grinder or clean coffee grinder dedicated to herbs.
- Grind the decarboxylated ABV to a medium-fine consistency—not too powdery to avoid clogging strainers.
- Avoid over-grinding as extremely fine particles will pass through your strainer and create a gritty texture in your butter.
| Step | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Decarboxylation | Activate leftover cannabinoids | 240°F for 30-40 mins |
| Grinding | Increase surface area for better infusion | Medium-fine consistency |
Following these steps in our prep work ensures that our cannabutter recipe with ABV delivers consistent strength and smooth flavor with every batch.
Making Cannabutter
Creating cannabutter with ABV is a straightforward process that unlocks the potential of leftover cannabis while delivering a potent infusion. Let’s dive into the key steps to achieve a rich and effective cannabutter.
Infusing ABV into Butter
First, we combine our prepared ABV cannabis with butter and water. The butter acts as a fat-base that binds with cannabinoids while the water prevents burning and sticking, ensuring a smooth infusion. Here’s how we do it precisely:
-
Ingredients to combine:
- 1 cup finely ground, decarbed ABV cannabis
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- Place the water and butter in your double boiler or slow cooker. Heat on low until the butter fully melts.
- Once melted, slowly add the ground ABV to the butter and stir gently to distribute evenly. This initiates the cannabinoid infusion process.
Tip: Use unsalted butter to maintain recipe flexibility and control over flavor profiles.
Simmering Process
Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial to ensure a full cannabinoid extraction without degrading delicate compounds like THC or terpenes.
| Step | Detail | Temperature/Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heat setting | Low to medium low to avoid scorching | 160–180°F (71–82°C) |
| Simmer duration | Stir occasionally throughout | 2 to 3 hours |
| Avoid boiling | Prevent water/butter separation and loss | Do not exceed 200°F (93°C) |
We let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 15-20 minutes. This slow heat extraction pulls cannabinoids and flavors into the butter without burning. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cover with a lid.
Straining the Mixture
After simmering, it is vital to separate the infused butter from the leftover plant material for a cleaner, smoother product.
- Prepare a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or glass container.
- Carefully pour the hot butter-ABV mixture through the strainer.
- Gently press or squeeze the ABV plant material to extract as much infused butter as possible without forcing through debris.
- Discard the residue responsibly.
Once strained, refrigerate the mixture. As the butter cools, it will solidify on top while water settles below.
- Separate the solid butter using a knife or spoon and transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
This straining phase ensures our ABV cannabutter is free of grit and ideal for cooking or baking.
By following these precise steps, we guarantee a balanced potency and a smooth flavorful butter that elevates any recipe with the benefits of already been vaped cannabis.
Storing Your Cannabutter
Proper storage of our Cannabutter with ABV is essential to preserve its potency, flavor, and freshness. By following the right techniques, we ensure our infused butter stays at its best for future culinary creations.
Storage Tips
- Store cannabutter in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air which can degrade cannabinoids and alter flavor.
- Use glass jars or silicone molds with lids for easy portioning and protection.
- Keep the cannabutter refrigerated if planning to use within 2 weeks to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- For longer storage, freeze the cannabutter. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container helps avoid freezer burn.
- Always label the container with the date made and potency notes if available to track freshness.
- Avoid storing cannabutter near strong odors as it can absorb unwanted flavors.
Shelf Life
Understanding the shelf life of our ABV cannabutter helps us plan usage effectively. The table below summarizes typical duration under different storage conditions:
| Storage Method | Temperature | Approximate Shelf Life | Preservation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 35°F to 40°F | Up to 2 weeks | Airtight container; avoid frequent temperature changes |
| Freezer | 0°F or below | Up to 6 months | Double-wrap in plastic and store in freezer-safe container |
| Room Temperature | 60°F to 70°F | 1 to 2 days (not recommended) | Only if airtight, cool, dark place; risk of spoilage |
“For best results, we recommend using refrigerated storage for short-term use and freezing for extended preservation.“
By following these precise storage guidelines, our Cannabutter with ABV will retain maximum potency and flavor ready for any recipe.
Using Your Cannabutter
Once we have prepared our rich and potent cannabutter with ABV, it’s time to put it to good use in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this versatile infusion can enhance a wide range of recipes and offers us an easy way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis.
Suggested Recipes
Our cannabutter with ABV works beautifully in recipes where butter is a key ingredient. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate it:
- Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, muffins, and cakes all benefit from the earthy flavor and gentle potency of ABV cannabutter. Simply replace regular butter with your cannabutter using a 1:1 ratio.
- Savory Dishes: Add a tablespoon to sauté vegetables, toss into pasta sauces, or melt over steamed potatoes for a subtle cannabis infusion.
- Breakfast Favorites: Use the cannabutter to spread on toast, stir into scrambled eggs, or blend into pancake batter.
- Infused Sauces and Dressings: Melt cannabutter into creamy sauces or vinaigrettes to elevate your salads and entrees.
Tip: Always start with smaller amounts to gauge potency and flavor. The ABV infusion can lend a slightly toasted, nutty flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Dosage Guidelines
Since ABV cannabis potency varies, dosing requires attentiveness. Here’s a straightforward guideline to help us consume safely and enjoy the effects.
| Serving Size | Approximate ABV Content | Suggested Starting Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon cannabutter | 1 to 5 mg THC* | Start with ¼ to ½ tsp |
| 1 tablespoon cannabutter | 3 to 15 mg THC* | Start with 1 tsp |
*THC amounts vary based on ABV quality and infusion efficiency.
Key Points for Safe Dosing:
- Start low and go slow. Begin with a small amount and wait at least 1 to 2 hours to assess effects before consuming more.
- Be mindful of individual tolerance and experience with cannabis edibles.
- Keep notes on your potency and personal response for future reference.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how this ABV cannabutter affects you.
By integrating thoughtful dosing with our delicious recipes, we can unlock the full potential of our homemade cannabutter with ABV safely and enjoyably.
Conclusion
Using ABV to make cannabutter is a smart way to get the most out of your cannabis while reducing waste. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, we can create a potent and flavorful butter that elevates any recipe.
By following proper preparation and storage methods, our cannabutter stays fresh and effective for future use. Whether you’re new to cooking with cannabis or an experienced enthusiast, this approach offers a sustainable and enjoyable way to enhance your culinary adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABV cannabis and why use it for making cannabutter?
ABV stands for Already Been Vaped cannabis. It’s leftover material after vaping that still contains cannabinoids. Using ABV for cannabutter is smart and sustainable—it saves money, reduces waste, and creates a potent ingredient for recipes.
What ingredients are needed to make cannabutter with ABV?
You need 1 cup of finely ground ABV cannabis, 1 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of water. Optional flavor enhancers include ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, fresh rosemary, and sea salt for customizing taste.
What equipment do I need to make ABV cannabutter?
You’ll need a double boiler or slow cooker for gentle heat, a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, a mixing bowl (glass or stainless steel), measuring cups and spoons, a stirring spoon or spatula, and an airtight container for storage.
Do I need to decarboxylate ABV before making cannabutter?
ABV is partially decarboxylated from vaping, but a gentle second decarboxylation improves potency. Bake ABV at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to activate remaining cannabinoids.
How should the ABV be ground for cannabutter?
Grind ABV to a medium-fine consistency to increase surface area for infusion. Avoid over-grinding to prevent a gritty texture in the finished cannabutter.
What is the process for making cannabutter with ABV?
Combine prepared ABV with butter and water in a double boiler or slow cooker. Simmer at low temperatures to avoid cannabinoid degradation, then strain the mixture. Refrigerate until solid for easy use and storage.
How should ABV cannabutter be stored?
Store cannabutter in an airtight container, preferably glass jars or silicone molds. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. Label containers with date and potency notes, and keep away from strong odors.
How can I use ABV cannabutter in recipes?
ABV cannabutter is versatile—use it in baked goods like cookies and brownies, savory dishes, breakfast meals, and infused sauces or dressings. Start with small amounts to gauge potency and flavor.
What dosage guidelines should I follow when using ABV cannabutter?
Start low and go slow. Dosage depends on ABV potency and personal tolerance. Track your response carefully, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until effects are known, and adjust dosage gradually.