Cannabis-infused butter has long been a staple in the world of edibles, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the effects of THC and other cannabinoids in a delicious and versatile way. Two of the most popular types of infused butter are canna butter and hash butter. While they may seem similar, these two infusions have distinct differences in potency, effects, and how they are made.
What is Canna Butter?
Canna butter, short for cannabis butter, is made by infusing regular butter with decarboxylated cannabis flower. It’s widely used in cooking and baking to create potent edibles such as cookies, brownies, and even savory dishes.
How is Canna Butter Made?
Making cannabutter involves a simple process:
- Decarboxylation – The cannabis flower is heated at around 220°F (104°C) for 30-45 minutes to activate THC and other cannabinoids.
- Infusion – The decarboxylated cannabis is simmered with butter and water over low heat for 2-3 hours.
- Straining – The mixture is strained to remove plant material, leaving behind a golden, THC-rich butter.
- Cooling & storage – Once cooled, the butter can be used immediately or stored in the fridge.
Potency and Effects of Canna Butter
Canna butter’s potency depends on the strain of cannabis used, its THC content, and the infusion method. Since the entire flower is used, it contains not just THC but also other cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to the entourage effect.
Pros:
- Easy to make at home.
- Versatile – can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Full-spectrum effects from the flower’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Can be made with different strains for different effects.
Cons:
- Less potent than hash butter.
- Contains plant material that may affect taste and texture.
- Requires a longer infusion time.
What is Hash Butter?
Hash butter is similar to canna butter but is infused with hash (concentrated cannabis resin) instead of the whole flower. Hash contains a much higher percentage of THC, making hash butter significantly more potent.
How is Hash Butter Made?
The process is similar to canna butter but slightly more refined:
- Heating the hash – The hash must be gently heated to activate its cannabinoids.
- Melting the butter – The butter is melted over low heat.
- Infusing the hash – The activated hash is stirred into the melted butter until fully dissolved.
- Cooling & storage – The butter is cooled and stored for later use.
Potency and Effects of Hash Butter
Hash butter is much more potent than cannabutter because hash itself is a concentrated form of cannabis. This means that a smaller amount delivers a stronger effect, making it a preferred option for experienced users.
Pros:
- Higher potency than cannabutter.
- Requires less product for a stronger effect.
- Smoother taste without plant material.
- Faster infusion process.
Cons:
- Can be too strong for beginners.
- More expensive since hash is a concentrated product.
- Harder to dose accurately.
Canna Butter vs. Hash Butter
Potency
Canna butter has a moderate potency level, as it is made from whole cannabis flowers. This provides a well-rounded high, making it suitable for beginners or those looking for a balanced experience. On the other hand, hash butter is significantly more potent because it is made using concentrated hash, delivering stronger effects even in small amounts.
Ingredients
Canna butter is made from cannabis flower and butter, whereas hash butter is made using hash and butter. The difference in ingredients impacts the overall potency, texture, and taste of the final product.
Infusion Time
The infusion process for canna butter takes 2-3 hours, as the cannabinoids need time to extract from the plant material. Hash butter, however, infuses much faster, typically in 30-60 minutes, since hash is already concentrated and dissolves more efficiently into butter.
Taste
Canna butter has an earthy taste with plant material, which may affect the flavor of edibles. In contrast, hash butter has a smoother taste without plant matter, making it a preferred option for those who want a cleaner, less herbal flavor in their recipes.
Best For
Canna butter is best suited for beginners and casual users who want a milder effect and a full-spectrum experience. Hash butter, due to its high potency, is ideal for experienced users and those with a higher tolerance who need stronger effects in smaller doses.
Cost
Canna butter is more affordable, as it only requires cannabis flower, which is generally less expensive than hash. Hash butter tends to be more expensive since hash is a concentrated product that requires more cannabis to produce.
Versatility
Both canna butter and hash butter are versatile in their usage. Canna butter can be used in all types of edibles, while hash butter is best suited for strong edibles and microdosing, given its potency.
Which One Packs the Strongest Punch?
When it comes to sheer potency, hash butter wins by a significant margin. Since hash is a concentrated form of cannabis, the resulting butter carries a much higher THC percentage than traditional cannabutter. This means that even a small amount of hash butter can produce strong effects, making it ideal for those with a high tolerance or those looking for a more powerful edible experience.
However, canna butter still has its advantages. It provides a more balanced, full-spectrum effect and is easier to dose, making it more beginner-friendly. It’s also cheaper to make, as it only requires cannabis flower rather than hash.
How to Choose Between Canna Butter and Hash Butter
Choose Canna Butter If
- You’re new to edibles and want a moderate experience.
- You prefer a full-spectrum effect with all cannabinoids and terpenes.
- You want a more affordable option.
- You’re making edibles for casual consumption.
Choose Hash Butter If
- You have a high tolerance and need stronger effects.
- You prefer a cleaner taste without plant material.
- You want to make high-potency edibles with smaller servings.
- You’re looking for a quicker infusion process.
How to Dose Edibles with Canna Butter and Hash Butter
Edibles can be tricky to dose, especially when using different types of infused butter. Here’s a general guideline:
- Canna butter – Start with 5-10mg of THC per serving for beginners. More experienced users can go up to 25-50mg.
- Hash butter – Due to its higher potency, start with 2-5mg per serving. Advanced users may take 10-30mg, but caution is advised.
Always wait at least 60-90 minutes before taking another dose to allow the full effects to set in.
If you’re looking for high-quality cannabis flower or hash to make the perfect infused butter, Flybuds is the best place to buy. They offer a wide selection of top-grade cannabis products, including premium flower for cannabutter and high-potency hash for hash butter. They ensure lab-tested, fresh, and authentic products, so you know you’re getting the best ingredients for your homemade edibles.
