Cannaoil vs Cannabutter: What You Need To Know

When it comes to creating cannabis edibles, a critical decision lies between making cannaoil or cannabutter. Each option requires a unique process and offers distinct benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences will help you decide which method is best suited to your needs, preferences, and the type of edibles you plan to make.

What’s Better: Cannabutter or Cannaoil?

The choice between cannabutter and cannaoil often comes down to personal preference and the type of edibles you want to create. Cannabis butter, made through a stovetop infusion process using unsalted butter to control salt levels, is a popular choice for baked goods like brownies and cookies due to its rich flavor and the way it binds with cannabis compounds.

It is also versatile, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes, and can be prepared using alternative techniques like a slow cooker. On the other hand, cannaoil offers versatility and is excellent for recipes requiring oil instead of butter, such as stir-fries or salad dressings. Moreover, cannaoil, especially when made with oils like olive, coconut, or avocado, can provide additional health benefits due to their high monounsaturated fat content.

Cannaoil vs Cannabutter: Understanding the Basics

Though both cannabutter and cannaoil are derived from cannabis flower, they differ significantly in their preparation and uses. Cannabutter typically requires heating cannabis with butter to create a fat-rich infusion. This process is relatively straightforward, making it a favorite for those new to cannabis cooking.

Conversely, cannabis cooking oil is made by infusing decarbed cannabis into various oils like coconut, olive, or avocado oil. The process might take a bit longer but results in a highly versatile product that can be used in many dishes, from savory to sweet. When preparing oil and decarbed cannabis, it is crucial to use low heat to preserve the quality of the cannabis oil. This ensures the effects of THC are maintained, providing both potency and flavor in your culinary creations.

Making Cannabutter: A Classic Choice

Cannabutter is made by simmering butter and decarbed cannabis together, usually in a slow cooker or on low heat in a saucepan. The butter’s fat content helps extract the cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant material, resulting in a potent and flavorful product. The infused butter can then be used in various baked goods or cooking recipes where a rich, buttery flavor is desired. Compared to cannabutter, cannabis infused oil offers greater versatility and health benefits, making it a popular choice for cooking and therapeutic uses.

Making Cannabis Infused Oil: A Versatile Infusion

Making cannaoil involves a similar process but substitutes butter with oil, which could be coconut oil, olive oil, or another type of cooking oil. Cannabis infused oils are highly versatile and offer numerous health benefits. For example, coconut oil is praised for its saturated fat content, making it a stable choice for cannabis infusion.

Olive oil, a popular base for cannabis-infused oils, offers a high monounsaturated fat content, providing additional health benefits and is suitable for vegan diets. Other cooking oils, such as avocado oil and grapeseed oil, can also be used for infusing cannabis, each bringing unique flavors and health benefits. The infusion process for cannaoil can take about an hour, and the resulting oil can be used in a wide range of recipes, from salad dressings to frying.

The LEVO II Oil Infuser simplifies the process of making both cannabutter and cannaoil by decarboxylatingand infusing the cannabis in a single device. This machine is an excellent choice for those looking to make homemade edibles with minimal effort.

The Pros and Cons of Cannabutter

Pros:

• Flavor: Cannabutter retains a rich, creamy flavor, making it perfect for baked goods.
• Ease of Use: Butter’s fat content binds well with cannabis, allowing for straightforward infusion.

Cons:

• Fat Content: Butter has a high fat and dairy content, which might not be suitable for those watching their fat intake or following a dairy-free diet.
• Shelf Life: Cannabutter’s shelf life is shorter than that of cannaoil, lasting up to six months if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The Pros and Cons of Cannaoil

Pros:

• Versatility: Cannaoil can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet.
• Health Benefits: Oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil offer health benefits due to their fat composition.
• Longer Shelf Life: Cannaoil has a longer shelf life compared to cannabutter, especially if stored properly in a cool, dark place.

Cons:

• Complexity: The process of making cannaoil can be more time-consuming, requiring decarbed cannabis and careful temperature control to avoid burning the oil.

What Other Oils Can You Use?

Olive oil and butter aren’t your only options for making cannaoil and homemade edibles. Here are a few alternatives:

Avocado Oil: Rich in antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids, it’s a heart-healthy choice with a high smoke point, suitable for various dishes.

Walnut Oil: Its nutty flavor is perfect for salads and pestos. It may also help lower LDL cholesterol.

Coconut Oil: Easy to find and great for heart health, coconut oil is a popular option due to its high saturated fat content, which binds well with cannabinoids.

Rapeseed Oil: With a high smoke point and low saturated fat content, rapeseed oil is a versatile, non-GMO option for cannabis infusions.

Vegetable Oil: A versatile option for both savory and sweet applications, vegetable oil has a neutral flavor that makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes.

Almost any oil can be infused with cannabis—just choose one that suits your taste and cooking needs. Additionally, plain cooking oil can be used to dilute cannabis-infused oil to adjust potency, ensuring a safe consumption experience.

Cannabis Oil in Homemade Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis oil, or cannaoil, is a potent option for those looking to make homemade edibles. It offers flexibility in recipes and can be tailored to fit dietary preferences. Whether you’re making salad dressings, stir-fries, or baked goods, cannaoil is an excellent choice that allows you to infuse your meals with the benefits of cannabis without altering the flavor profile drastically.

What’s the Verdict: Cannabutter or Cannaoil?

Ultimately, the decision between cannabutter and cannaoil hinges on your culinary goals and preferences. If you’re looking for a rich, buttery flavor in your baked goods, cannabutter is the way to go. It’s easy to make, especially with a device like the LEVO II, which handles decarboxylation and infusion with precision.

However, if you prefer a more versatile infusion medium that offers health benefits and a longer shelf life, cannaoil is a better choice. Oils like coconut, olive, and avocado not only enhance the potency of your edibles but also provide additional nutritional value.

Elevate Your Edible-Making Skills

Whether you choose cannabutter or cannaoil, both options offer unique advantages for cooking with cannabis. To truly master the art of making cannabis-infused edibles, consider taking an Elevated Edibles Masterclass. This one-hour course provides in-depth guidance on creating perfect infusions and making the most of your high-quality cannabis flower. Explore the nuances of cannabis infusions and discover which method best suits your taste and lifestyle.

By experimenting with both cannabutter and cannaoil, you’ll gain a better understanding of how each one enhances your homemade edibles, allowing you to make informed decisions that suit your culinary preferences and dietary needs.