Bud to Butter – Infusing Your Michigan Harvest into Edibles the Right Way

You’ve grown it, trimmed it, and cured it — now it’s time to turn your Michigan-grown cannabis into something delicious. Cannabis-infused butter (or “cannabutter”) is the gold standard for making edibles at home, and when done right, it transforms your harvest into a versatile ingredient that can be baked, spread, and stirred into nearly anything.

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, with special considerations for Michigan’s climate, strain characteristics, and local sourcing.

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Step 1: Selecting the Right Bud

Not all cannabis is created equal when it comes to edibles. For the smoothest flavor and most potent results:

• Use fully cured flower — Avoid using fresh or overly moist buds; in Michigan’s humid fall, improper curing can lead to moldy flavors.

• Consider the strain’s terpene profile — Strains with citrus or dessert-like notes (think Lemon Haze, Wedding Cake) often pair well with sweet baked goods. Earthier strains like Northern Lights work better in savory recipes.

• Decide on potency — Trim, popcorn buds, and even sugar leaves can be used, but whole flower will yield stronger results.

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Step 2: Decarboxylation – Unlocking THC

Cannabis must be heated at a controlled temperature to activate THC before infusion. Skip this step, and your butter will be weak or inactive.

Michigan Homegrower Tip: If you’re decarbing in the winter, your home may already be dry from indoor heating — this can speed up the process slightly, so keep a close eye on your buds.

How to Decarb:

1. Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C).

2. Break buds into small chunks (no need to grind to powder).

3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Cool completely before moving to the infusion step.

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Step 3: Choosing Your Butter

You can use unsalted butter or clarified butter (ghee). Clarified butter has a higher smoke point and longer shelf life, making it great for storage.

Michigan Flavor Boost: Try locally sourced butter from Michigan creameries — the fresher the butter, the richer the final taste.

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Step 4: Infusing Your Harvest

A slow, steady infusion ensures maximum potency and minimal bitterness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup decarbed cannabis (about 7–10 grams flower or 14–20 grams trim)

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup water (helps regulate temperature and prevent scorching)

Method:

1. In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine butter and water.

2. Add decarbed cannabis and stir gently.

3. Simmer on low heat (160–180°F) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Never let it boil.

4. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof container.

5. Chill in the fridge until butter solidifies, then separate from water and store in an airtight jar.

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Step 5: Dosing and Testing

Edibles can hit harder and last longer than smoking — and Michigan winters are not the time to be accidentally couch-locked for 12 hours.

Dosing Tip: Start with ½ teaspoon of your cannabutter in a recipe or on toast, wait at least 90 minutes before consuming more.

For more precision, use an online THC calculator based on your bud’s potency (many Michigan dispensary websites have these tools, even if you grew at home).

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Step 6: Storing Your Cannabutter

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks in an airtight jar.

• Freezer: Up to 6 months without significant loss in potency.

• Store in opaque containers to protect from light degradation.

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Step 7: Recipe Inspiration

Once you have cannabutter, the possibilities are endless:

• Sweet Treats: Brownies, cookies, fudge, banana bread.

• Savory Dishes: Garlic bread, mashed potatoes, pasta sauces.

• Michigan Favorites: Infused cherry pie with Michigan tart cherries, sweet corn cornbread, or even a drizzle over hot cider donuts.

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Turning your Michigan-grown cannabis into butter is more than just a recipe — it’s a way to preserve your hard work, stretch your harvest, and share it (responsibly) with friends. By respecting each step — from decarb to infusion — you’ll create a product that’s not only potent but delicious, versatile, and true to your Michigan homegrow roots.

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From seed to harvest and all the way into your kitchen, we’re here to share tips, tricks, and recipes that turn your homegrown into something truly special. Check out our website for other Michigan specific tips.