Can You Stop Cannabutter and Restart the Next Morning? Here’s What You Need to Know

Edibles are increasingly becoming a favorite way to enjoy cannabis, and cannabutter plays a starring role in most edible recipes. Whether you’re making brownies, cookies, or savory dishes, cannabutter provides a versatile base to infuse your creations with THC or CBD.

But here’s a question that’s popping up more and more among cannabis cooking enthusiasts — can you stop making cannabutter mid-process and restart it later, say the next morning? This guide dives deep into the topic, providing you with all the answers you need.

Spoiler alert—you can safely pause the cannabutter-making process, but it requires following some specific steps to maintain potency and freshness.

What is Cannabutter?

Cannabutter is butter infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD, making it a popular base for cannabis-infused recipes. The process typically involves decarboxylating cannabis (a heating step that activates the cannabinoids), combining it with butter, and heating the mixture to extract the active compounds.

But why does preparation matter? Improper techniques can lead to uneven potency or a less-than-pleasant flavor, making it essential to follow the right steps at every stage of the process.

Can You Stop Cannabutter and Restart the Next Morning?

Yes, you can pause making cannabutter and restart the process the next day. However, precautions are essential to ensure that the mixture remains safe and retains its potency.

Detailed Explanation

The key step in making cannabutter is decarboxylation, which “activates” the cannabinoids and ensures they bind effectively to the butterfat. Once this step is complete, it’s possible to pause the process at later stages, especially during the infusion phase. But keep these factors in mind:

• Storage Conditions: Make sure the mixture is kept in a cool, airtight container if not finishing the process immediately.
• Temperature Control: Proper refrigeration is crucial to prevent spoilage or rancidity.
• Reheating: Restarting the process requires slowly bringing the mixture back to the right temperature to avoid burning the butter or degrading cannabinoids.

Scenarios Where Pausing Cannabutter Works Best

Short-Term Pauses

If you need to pause the process for just a few hours (e.g., stepping out for errands), simply cover the mixture and store it in the fridge. You can reheat and resume infusion later that same day without any issues.

Overnight Pauses

If you need to continue the process the next morning, there’s still no harm in doing so. Properly stored cannabutter ingredients can easily last overnight without affecting potency.

Longer Pauses

Longer than one day? Be cautious. Extended time between steps might increase the risk of bacterial growth or butter separation, even when refrigerated. For best results, aim to resume the process within 24 hours.

How to Safely Pause and Restart the Cannabutter Process

Steps for Pausing

1. Stop at an Appropriate Point

The best time to pause is after you’ve combined the butter and cannabis but before straining. At this stage, nothing critical happens that can’t wait.

2. Store Properly

• Transfer the mixture to an airtight, heat-safe container.
• Refrigerate it immediately to slow down any bacterial or chemical changes.
• Avoid exposure to air and moisture, which can compromise quality.

Steps for Restarting

1. Bring Back to Temperature

• Slowly reheat the mixture on low heat. Avoid high heat, as this could degrade the butter and cannabinoids.
• Stir gently to ensure even consistency.

2. Continue Cooking

Resume the infusion process at the same low temperature as before, ensuring the THC or CBD continues to bind to the butterfat.

3. Complete the Process

Strain the mixture using cheesecloth, allow it to cool, and your cannabutter is ready to use!

Pros and Cons of Pausing Cannabutter

Pros

• Flexibility: Pausing lets you accommodate a busy schedule without compromising the recipe.
• Time Management: You can break down the process into more manageable chunks.

Cons

• Risk of Spoilage: Improper storage may lead to mold, rancidity, or bacterial growth.
• Potency Fluctuations: Missteps during reheating could reduce overall THC or CBD potency.

Common Cannabutter Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to Store Properly: Leaving the mixture exposed to air or at room temperature can compromise its quality.
• Overheating During Reheating: High heat can burn the butter or degrade cannabinoids, making the final product less potent.
• Skipping Decarboxylation: This step is essential for activating the cannabinoids in the cannabis.

Pro Tips for Making High-Quality Cannabutter

• Decarb Correctly: Decarboxylate your cannabis in the oven at around 240°F (115°C) for 30–40 minutes before starting the infusion process.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, unsalted butter and fresh cannabis for better flavor and potency.
• Use the Right Temperature: Keep the heat low (around 160–200°F or 70–95°C) while infusing to avoid burning the butter.
• Strain the Mixture Carefully: Use a cheesecloth or fine strainer to catch all plant material for smooth, clean cannabutter.

Trust the Process—Cannabutter That’s Worth the Wait

Pausing the cannabutter-making process can seem intimidating, but with proper precautions, you can safely restart and achieve the same results. The key is preparation—store your mixture properly, reheat it gently, and keep your focus on quality throughout the process.

If you’re ready to master cannabutter, try these steps in your next recipe. Have questions or tips to share? Drop them in the comments—we love learning from our community of cannabis enthusiasts!

FAQs