Introduction

Making canna butter is often associated with using cannabis buds, but cannabis leaves, especially fan and sugar leaves from your harvested plant, can also produce a mild yet effective butter. Leaves contain less THC and CBD compared to buds, but they still possess enough cannabinoids to infuse into butter, making them a valuable resource. This in-depth guide will cover each step of the process, including how to clean the leaves without losing potency, decarboxylation, and the differences between using gas and electric stoves.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz of cannabis leaves (fan and sugar leaves)

• 1 cup (8 oz) of unsalted butter

• 1 cup of water

Equipment:

• Large saucepan or pot

• Wooden spoon

• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

• Bowl or container for straining and storing butter

• Airtight container (jar) for storage

• Baking sheet (for decarboxylation)

• Large bowl for washing leaves

• Clean kitchen towels or paper towels

Step 1: Understanding Cannabis Leaves

After harvesting cannabis plants, there are two types of leaves you can use for canna butter:

• Fan Leaves: Large, broad leaves with minimal cannabinoid content. These are primarily for flavor and small amounts of cannabinoids.

• Sugar Leaves: Smaller leaves coated with trichomes (the tiny, crystal-like structures that contain cannabinoids). These contribute more potency to the canna butter.

While canna butter made from leaves is milder than bud-based butter, it is still an effective way to create low-dose edibles.

Step 2: How to Properly Wash Cannabis Leaves Without Losing THC

Why Washing is Important

Washing removes dirt, dust, and any pesticide residues from the leaves. However, cannabinoids like THC are not water-soluble, meaning washing in cold water won’t remove them, but improper washing can lead to over-soaking, damaging trichomes (which contain THC) or introducing too much moisture into the leaves, affecting decarboxylation.

How to Properly Wash Cannabis Leaves:

1. Prepare Cold Water:

• Fill a large bowl with cold water. Cold water ensures that the cannabinoids and terpenes remain intact, as hot water could degrade these compounds.

2. Gently Submerge the Leaves:

• Take a small batch of leaves and gently place them in the cold water. Swirl them softly using your hand. This motion helps to dislodge dirt and any other residues without damaging the trichomes.

3. Inspect for Cleanliness:

• After about 30 seconds of swirling, check if the leaves are visibly clean. If necessary, repeat the swirling process once more, but do not soak for more than 1 minute, as prolonged soaking can saturate the leaves and damage delicate trichomes.

4. Remove and Drain Quickly:

• Remove the leaves from the water immediately and shake off excess water. Letting them sit in the water can cause them to absorb too much moisture.

5. Dry the Leaves Completely:

• Spread the leaves out on a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels. Gently pat them dry, ensuring you don’t crush or break the leaves. Allow them to air-dry fully. This step is crucial—if the leaves remain damp, they will not decarboxylate correctly, and instead, they may steam in the oven, reducing their potency.

Important Tip: Do not rub the leaves too hard when washing or drying them, as this can strip away the trichomes that contain most of the THC and CBD. A gentle touch is key to preserving the potency of your cannabis leaves.

Step 3: Decarboxylation – Activating Cannabinoids

Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to convert the inactive cannabinoids (THCA and CBDA) into their psychoactive and therapeutic forms (THC and CBD). Without decarboxylation, the cannabinoids in your canna butter won’t produce the desired effects.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis Leaves:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). This temperature is ideal for slow activation of cannabinoids without burning the leaves.

2. Spread the Leaves on a Baking Sheet:

• Lay the washed and dried cannabis leaves evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not stacked on top of each other to ensure even heat distribution.

3. Bake for 30-40 Minutes:

• Place the leaves in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. Every 15 minutes, stir the leaves to expose all sides to heat. You’ll know the leaves are done when they turn slightly brown or golden and become crispy.

4. Allow to Cool:

• After decarboxylation, remove the leaves from the oven and let them cool down completely before adding them to the butter mixture.

Step 4: Infusing the Butter – Gas vs. Electric Stoves

Gas Stoves:

Gas stoves provide a direct heat source, making it easier to control the flame and maintain a consistent low temperature—ideal for infusing butter. Gas stoves offer faster response times when adjusting the heat and allow for better temperature control.

1. Melt Butter with Water:

• In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of water (the water helps regulate the temperature and prevents the butter from burning).

• Heat on low flame until the butter is fully melted.

2. Add Decarboxylated Leaves:

• Add your decarboxylated cannabis leaves to the melted butter. Stir gently to mix them in.

3. Simmer Gently for 2-3 Hours:

• Keep the flame very low and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The low, consistent heat will allow the cannabinoids to bind to the fats in the butter without burning the mixture.

Electric Stoves:

Electric stoves tend to heat more slowly and cool down more slowly, making it harder to control the temperature precisely. Since electric stoves retain heat longer, they can overheat the mixture if not carefully monitored, risking cannabinoid degradation.

1. Melt Butter with Water:

• As with the gas stove method, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of water in a saucepan, and heat on the lowest setting.

2. Add Decarboxylated Leaves:

• Once the butter is melted, add your cannabis leaves and mix them in gently.

3. Monitor Closely:

• Electric stoves don’t cool down as quickly as gas stoves. Keep a close eye on the mixture, ensuring it stays at a low simmer for 2-3 hours. If the butter starts to bubble too much, lift the pan off the heat for a moment to lower the temperature.

Comparison:

• Gas Stoves: Provide better temperature control and quicker adjustments, reducing the risk of overheating your canna butter.

• Electric Stoves: Require more attention due to slower response times. Monitor carefully to avoid overheating, which can degrade cannabinoids and reduce potency.

Step 5: Straining the Canna Butter

After simmering, it’s time to strain the plant matter from the butter to create a smooth, infused product.

1. Prepare Cheesecloth Over a Bowl:

• Place a cheesecloth (or fine mesh strainer) over a bowl or container. Slowly pour the butter mixture through the cloth to separate the cannabis leaves from the liquid butter.

2. Squeeze Out Extra Butter:

• Once the liquid has passed through the cheesecloth, gently squeeze it to extract any remaining butter. Be careful not to tear the cheesecloth, as this can allow plant material to pass through.

3. Let the Butter Cool:

• Allow the strained butter to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, the butter will solidify, and any water will separate and sink to the bottom.

Step 6: Storing the Canna Butter

Once the butter has cooled, separate any excess water that has settled at the bottom and transfer the solidified butter to an airtight jar or container.

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

• Freezer: You can freeze the butter for longer storage, up to 6 months.

Final Tips on Potency and Use

Since cannabis leaves contain fewer cannabinoids than buds, your canna butter will be milder. Start with small doses to gauge potency, and keep in mind that this butter is excellent for low-dose edibles.

• Dosage: Start with a small amount, such as ¼ teaspoon, when trying your canna butter for the first time. Wait 1-2 hours before consuming more to gauge its effects.

Conclusion

Making canna butter from cannabis leaves is a great way to make the most of your harvest. Proper washing, decarboxylation, and careful heat control are key to preserving the cannabinoids during the process. Whether you use a gas or electric stove, maintaining a low, steady temperature during infusion will help you create a potent and smooth canna butter.