Magical Butter

[AussieTHC]

Each person reacts differently to edibles - and this is apart from individual differences in tolerance, so YMMV. But as a point of reference, here is EXACTLY how I ran my most recent batch, including measurements, brands, and strains:

• 1 oz of whole buds (Blue Dream). I DO NOT pre-decarb in the oven.
• Coconut oil (Sprouts organic - virgin unrefined) to "min" line (about 16 oz, so one full 14oz jar plus a little more from a second jar) at liquid temperature.
• Attach lid/motor, Plug in MB2e, select 220 degrees and press 1 hour to start.

(cycle finishes, machine stops and beeps, I unplug it.)

• open machine and add 2 tablespoons Now Sunflower Liquid Lecithin
• Close, plug in, select 160 degrees and press 2 hours to start.

When cycle finishes, I allow it to sit for about 1/2 hour to cool to more comfortable handling temperature and allow solids to settle, then decant and strain. DONE!

Additional notes:

• Referring to the latest version of the official Magical Butter instructions, this happens to be the high end of the recommended botanical-to-oil ratio ("¼ - ½ ounce/7-14 g botanicals per cup/240 ml"). I use whole buds - no pre-grinding nor even finger crumbling, again as recommended in the instructions ("For best results, DO NOT PRE-GRIND BOTANICALS.").
• I DO NOT oven-decarb. My first cycle (1 hr at 220) decarboxylates the weed.
• Despite not pre-grinding, the machine quite thoroughly pulverizes the weed - all that is left is a sludge that conveniently settles to the bottom. This is great, because it allows about 95% of the finished oil to be simply decanted (pouring through the strainer just in case) with no muss, no fuss.
• Once I've poured off all the oil that can be cleanly decanted, I then take a rubber spatula and squeegee out the remaining sludge into the filter bag, where I'm able to squeeze out another couple ounces of oil from it.
• I save the remaining paste, tho I'm not sure what I can do with it (condiment? add to peanut butter? I'm open to ideas here!).

As for the effects, and remembering my opening paragraph, these are my personal observations based on my own physiology and level of tolerance (or lack thereof, depending on your point of view).

Here is how this batch, prepared exactly as described, affects me in various dosages. I don't use capsules, but rather add it to whatever. Usually in a cup of coffee in the AM or cup of cocoa or tea (with milk) in the evening.

• 1/4 teaspoon - I think I feel something.
• 1/2 teaspoon - Pleasant baseline buzz. I like this for everyday medication, as it can easily be supplemented if/as needed by vaping.
• 1 teaspoon - I'm pretty high, but still enjoying it. More might make me uncomfortably high.

Hi MrNaturalAZ,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the information you have provided.

Can you advise if the material you are using is fully dried and cured or if you ever use fresh cannabis directly cut from the plant?

I ask this because I am interested to know if using your 220 x 1 hour then 160 x 2 hours would work for freshly cut buds?

I will do some experiments over the next year but would be interested to hear your and others thoughts.

On a side note, I have been cooking myself for some time and typically use Paleos technique. I was going to buy the Magical butter machine but after reading about it here and realising it more or less is based on time and temperature I have just purchased one of these
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/multi-function-cooker-15-litre/

Its got better temperature and time controls and is much better priced. No grinder but I already have a grinder so no need for that, its just a fancy extra that will likely stop working over time. I'll create a new thread about this machine later this month when I run my first cook with it.

Anyways, I'd love to hear your feedback about cooking with fresh cannabis buds straight off the plant??

Regards, AussieTHC

 

[CarolKing]

I'm sure you would need your cannabis well cured beforehand. I'm not an expert but I know that much.

You can use fresh cannabis in smoothys but there would be no medicinal value. It would be healthy for you.

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

Hi MrNaturalAZ,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the information you have provided.

Can you advise if the material you are using is fully dried and cured or if you ever use fresh cannabis directly cut from the plant?

I use dried & cured bud only. I don't have access to "raw" plant material. I've asked my local dispensary about availability of leaves/shake but they don't offer it for sale.

While it might be nice if I could do it more economically using leaves and scraps, the dispensary runs $200/oz flower specials frequently enough, and using quality buds means I end up with a quality product with reasonably predictable potency and minimum effort and guesswork. There's something to be said for convenience and predictability, no?

I was going to buy the Magical butter machine but after reading about it here and realising it more or less is based on time and temperature I have just purchased one of these
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/multi-function-cooker-15-litre/

Looks like a nice machine. The latest crop of multi-cooking kitchen appliances have a lot to offer in terms of automation and I'm sure would be a welcome addition to any canna-chef's arsenal - and useful for ordinary food too I'll be looking forward to reading your experiences with it.

 

[AussieTHC]

I'm sure you would need your cannabis well cured beforehand. I'm not an expert but I know that much.

You can use fresh cannabis in smoothys but there would be no medicinal value. It would be healthy for you.

I don't see why it wouldn't work fresh, but I am yet to try it. Logic tells me the THC -A is still there in the same quantity, it simply has not begun the decarb process?

It might just mean it requires a longer decarb but I don't know?

Normally I use cannabis bud that has only been cut and dried for 2-3 weeks, its top shelf and covered in trichomes. That's said, its sufficiently dried to the point of being no longer 'fresh' plant material so to speak.

I will run experiments later this year with fresh cut buds but I am hoping someone here has experience with fresh material?

 

[AussieTHC]

I use dried & cured bud only. I don't have access to "raw" plant material. I've asked my local dispensary about availability of leaves/shake but they don't offer it for sale.

While it might be nice if I could do it more economically using leaves and scraps, the dispensary runs $200/oz flower specials frequently enough, and using quality buds means I end up with a quality product with reasonably predictable potency and minimum effort and guesswork. There's something to be said for convenience and predictability, no?

Looks like a nice machine. The latest crop of multi-cooking kitchen appliances have a lot to offer in terms of automation and I'm sure would be a welcome addition to any canna-chef's arsenal - and useful for ordinary food too I'll be looking forward to reading your experiences with it.

Thanks for clarifying, much appreciated.

I'll be sure to create a new thread and let you know how the machine functions.

Once again, just to let you know the information you have provided about your cooking techniques has been most useful for me.

Cheers, AussieTHC

 

[ChippyMalone]

I made my second batch of coconut oil. This time using 90 grams cannabis in almost 4 cups oil.

After filtering the oil, I took the remaining plant matter and put it in a pot of hot water (cup of tea hot, not boiling) and stirred vigorously. Then I placed it in the refrigerator to solidify the reclaimed oil that floats to the surface.

I was impressed to reclaim 60 grams of oil, which is almost 1/3 cup.

This also tells me that there can be at least 2/3 gram of oil "lost" per gram of cannabis if you just squeeze and strain.

Pat it dry very well before refrigerating.

Enjoy the "free" oil!

 

[killick]

What an awesoem idea @ChippyMalone! I made a batch of MCT oil yesterday and all the sludge is in a ziploc bag. I was planning on using sludge to replace part of the coconut oil. It might be a mess, but then it'll be ice cream topping mess...

 

[BuzzDanklin]

Does anyone know how long a batch of coconut oil will last if its stored in the fridge? I found some in the back of my fridge from a fairly weak batch (It has been there 3 months), so I am not too worried if I have to throw it out. If I cant still use it, does anyone have any recipes that are liberal on the oil, this this stuff isn't that potent.

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

Does anyone know how long a batch of coconut oil will last if its stored in the fridge?

Coconut oil is quite durable. Should last for a good long time. Easily at least six months (personal experience) and probably much longer under refrigeration. Heck, it'll probably last that long even at room temperature.

 

[stressed]

I don't see why it wouldn't work fresh, but I am yet to try it. Logic tells me the THC -A is still there in the same quantity, it simply has not begun the decarb process?

It might just mean it requires a longer decarb but I don't know?

Normally I use cannabis bud that has only been cut and dried for 2-3 weeks, its top shelf and covered in trichomes. That's said, its sufficiently dried to the point of being no longer 'fresh' plant material so to speak.

I will run experiments later this year with fresh cut buds but I am hoping someone here has experience with fresh material?

i ran my first 2 batches with pot that had been drying/curing for 3 weeks. i decarb in the oven and everything is fine.

 

[AussieTHC]

i ran my first 2 batches with pot that had been drying/curing for 3 weeks. i decarb in the oven and everything is fine.

Nice one, thanks for the feedback.

I've never used the oven but it seems popular and effective.

I'm contemplating purchasing a thermos jar with a wide mouth and putting my cooked cannabis into it for 12-24hrs immediately after I remove it from cooking as they apparently keep liquid hot for about 7 hours. Should be a simple extraction method with the coconut oil after the decarb?

I love experimenting........

 

[Greydog]

Each person reacts differently to edibles - and this is apart from individual differences in tolerance, so YMMV. But as a point of reference, here is EXACTLY how I ran my most recent batch, including measurements, brands, and strains:

• 1 oz of whole buds (Blue Dream). I DO NOT pre-decarb in the oven.
• Coconut oil (Sprouts organic - virgin unrefined) to "min" line (about 16 oz, so one full 14oz jar plus a little more from a second jar) at liquid temperature.
• Attach lid/motor, Plug in MB2e, select 220 degrees and press 1 hour to start.

(cycle finishes, machine stops and beeps, I unplug it.)

• open machine and add 2 tablespoons Now Sunflower Liquid Lecithin
• Close, plug in, select 160 degrees and press 2 hours to start.

When cycle finishes, I allow it to sit for about 1/2 hour to cool to more comfortable handling temperature and allow solids to settle, then decant and strain. DONE!

Additional notes:

• Referring to the latest version of the official Magical Butter instructions, this happens to be the high end of the recommended botanical-to-oil ratio ("¼ - ½ ounce/7-14 g botanicals per cup/240 ml"). I use whole buds - no pre-grinding nor even finger crumbling, again as recommended in the instructions ("For best results, DO NOT PRE-GRIND BOTANICALS.").
• I DO NOT oven-decarb. My first cycle (1 hr at 220) decarboxylates the weed.
• Despite not pre-grinding, the machine quite thoroughly pulverizes the weed - all that is left is a sludge that conveniently settles to the bottom. This is great, because it allows about 95% of the finished oil to be simply decanted (pouring through the strainer just in case) with no muss, no fuss.
• Once I've poured off all the oil that can be cleanly decanted, I then take a rubber spatula and squeegee out the remaining sludge into the filter bag, where I'm able to squeeze out another couple ounces of oil from it.
• I save the remaining paste, tho I'm not sure what I can do with it (condiment? add to peanut butter? I'm open to ideas here!).

As for the effects, and remembering my opening paragraph, these are my personal observations based on my own physiology and level of tolerance (or lack thereof, depending on your point of view).

Here is how this batch, prepared exactly as described, affects me in various dosages. I don't use capsules, but rather add it to whatever. Usually in a cup of coffee in the AM or cup of cocoa or tea (with milk) in the evening.

• 1/4 teaspoon - I think I feel something.
• 1/2 teaspoon - Pleasant baseline buzz. I like this for everyday medication, as it can easily be supplemented if/as needed by vaping.
• 1 teaspoon - I'm pretty high, but still enjoying it. More might make me uncomfortably high.

Thanks for the great information! I'll be making a batch using your guidelines next week and had a question.

If I decarb for 2 hours @ 220F in the MB2e, then cook it for 2 hours longer @ 160F would that affect the effects? Would it make it more potent?

I've read that the length of decarb affects the psychoactive effects of the THC. So if I do a longer decarb in oil with that extra hour at 220F would I be making my oil more sedative than psycoactive? I realize that it will depend on whether you are using a Sativa or Indica, but would the longer decarb time turn an interesting looking hybrid I was thinking of using into too much of a snooze-fest?

Have you ever tried it at 2 hours and did you notice any difference in potency or effects?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks once again for the detailed info.

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

If I decarb for 2 hours @ 220F in the MB2e, then cook it for 2 hours longer @ 160F would that affect the effects? Would it make it more potent?
(...)
Have you ever tried it at 2 hours and did you notice any difference in potency or effects?

I've not tried 2-hour decarb myself. Hopefully someone who has done more experimenting along those lines will chime in. It is my understanding that if you continue past the time needed to convert as much THCA as possible into THC, you then begin converting THC to CBN. Assuming you are seeking maximum THC effects, the result would indeed be loss of potency.

There's a lot of anecdotal information out there, along with some controlled scientific experimentation. The fact remains there are many variables (including our own perception of potency at any given time) so unless you have lots of time and money to spend on weed and lab analysis, you just have to go with something and see how it works. Once you have that experience, the next time change ONLY ONE VARIABLE (in this case the time) and decide if find the result to be better or worse. Rinse and repeat as needed.

For what it's worth, here is an overview of my mental process when dealing with such things. I start by doing a ton of research. That's followed by as much or as little experimentation as I need to satisfy myself that I've been sufficiently thorough. Once I settle upon what works for me, I tend to stick with it. Tho I've done a lot of research to arrive at my conclusions, once I'm finally satisfied with my results, I tend to forget much of the minutia and its sources, preserving only the "distilled" wisdom I've drawn from the experience.

With this particular process, for example, while I've retained the basic theory of decarboxylation, including the inverse relationship of time+temperature (within a limited range), as well as the details (exact time and temperature) for my chosen process, I can only generalize when approaching "what if" situations.

 

[Greydog]

Thanks very much. One hour it is!

 

[Greydog]

I've not tried 2-hour decarb myself. Hopefully someone who has done more experimenting along those lines will chime in. It is my understanding that if you continue past the time needed to convert as much THCA as possible into THC, you then begin converting THC to CBN. Assuming you are seeking maximum THC effects, the result would indeed be loss of potency.

There's a lot of anecdotal information out there, along with some controlled scientific experimentation. The fact remains there are many variables (including our own perception of potency at any given time) so unless you have lots of time and money to spend on weed and lab analysis, you just have to go with something and see how it works. Once you have that experience, the next time change ONLY ONE VARIABLE (in this case the time) and decide if find the result to be better or worse. Rinse and repeat as needed.

For what it's worth, here is an overview of my mental process when dealing with such things. I start by doing a ton of research. That's followed by as much or as little experimentation as I need to satisfy myself that I've been sufficiently thorough. Once I settle upon what works for me, I tend to stick with it. Tho I've done a lot of research to arrive at my conclusions, once I'm finally satisfied with my results, I tend to forget much of the minutia and its sources, preserving only the "distilled" wisdom I've drawn from the experience.

With this particular process, for example, while I've retained the basic theory of decarboxylation, including the inverse relationship of time+temperature (within a limited range), as well as the details (exact time and temperature) for my chosen process, I can only generalize when approaching "what if" situations.

If I might pick your brain for a moment longer, would it be of benifit to go for 4 hours at 160F instead of 2?

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

If I might pick your brain for a moment longer, would it be of benifit to go for 4 hours at 160F instead of 2?

I don't know if it would be of any benefit (potentially, it might result in more of the good stuff being infused into the oil), but it shouldn't cause any harm (too low of temp for decarb to occur at any significant rate, so no risk of over-decarbing). If you've got the time, go for it.

 

[CarolKing]

Sorry if this has already been asked. What is the difference between the Magical BM2 vs Magical BM2e?

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

Sorry if this has already been asked. What is the difference between the Magical BM2 vs Magical BM2e?

You mean MB2 vs MB2e?

The original MB2 automatically ran a decarb cycle (of unspecified temp and duration) prior to commencing the chosen time/temp combination. The MB2e doesn't prepend a decarb cycle, but recommends oven decarb in the instructions. It also adds a 220-degree temp setting, which enables one to do in-unit decarb by running a 220-degree cycle for an hour (while they don't actually discuss that option in the manual, it has worked well for me).

 

[CarolKing]

I used @MrNaturalAZ 's technique. I decarbed at 220 degrees for an hour. The only thing different was I let it continue to process on 160 degrees for a total of 4 hours. I let it sit for 30 minutes afterward to cool and settle. I poured the oil out without straining and left the sludge in the bottom. I did save the sludge for cooking or for an oil bath like mom suggested.

I started out with 30 grams of top grade cannabis mix. I also added 9 grams of ABV that had only ran once through my Solo. I used 16 ounces of oil and have about 14 ounces of oil at the end. Nothing was thrown away.

I tried out a half a tablespoon and didn't feel anything so I took another tablespoon 2 hours later, I didn't notice much. Maybe very mild, I slept well.

Last night I tried 1 tablespoon and I think that's the dosage for me. I felt very tired and I slept like a rock. I thought I was going to have a bit of a cannabis hangover. After a shower I felt ready for my day. I encourage folks not to strain, if you can avoid it.
It's been in the refrigerator for a couple days.

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

I used @MrNaturalAZ 's technique. ... I did save the sludge for cooking or for an oil bath like mom suggested.

Last night I tried 1 tablespoon and I think that's the dosage for me. I felt very tired and I slept like a rock. I thought I was going to have a bit of a cannabis hangover. After a shower I felt ready for my day. I encourage folks not to strain, if you can avoid it.
It's been in the refrigerator for a couple days.

I'm glad that worked out well and especially that you were able to determine the dosage without too much trial-and-error..

As for the straining, it's amazing how well simply letting it settle for a bit and pouring off the oil works, isn't it?

I've got some sludge saved up from my last batch. It's pretty dry, as I already strained and squeezed an extra few ounces of oil out of it, but I'm going to try this method to see how much more oil I can reclaim from it, as I don't have much interest in using the sludge (other than not to waste the medicine trapped therein).

After filtering the oil, I took the remaining plant matter and put it in a pot of hot water (cup of tea hot, not boiling) and stirred vigorously. Then I placed it in the refrigerator to solidify the reclaimed oil that floats to the surface.

I'll report back later today or tomorrow once the oil has separated out and solidified.

 

[Greydog]

Well, I finally got around to making a batch of oil using the MrNaturalAZ method.

I used 30g of very potent God Kush and I did the initial decarb for 75 minutes instead of 60 (I did a 1 hour cycle @ 220F and when it completed I started another, but unplugged it after 15 minutes).

And I did as Carol King did, I increased the cooking time after the initial in-machine decarb from 2 to 4 hours.

I also added the prerequisite 2 tablespoons of lecithin at the beginning of the 4 hour cycle.

--------------------------

The results:

I initially started with a half teaspoon, then ramped it up from there. I have found that it takes 2 tablespoons to get me to about a 5. But as MrNaturalAZ pointed out, if I may quote and/or paraphrase, "your mileage may vary". It all depends on tolerance levels. Perhaps mine is stronger than MrNaturaAZ's? That is a definite possibility.

It takes at least 2 hours for the full onset, but I sometimes start to feel a little something after 90 minutes, and then it lasts at least 6-8 hours. And if I vape a bowl on the Solo as well, I definitely get to where I'm going, then.

But I'm wondering next time about a decarb @ 220F for perhaps 90 minutes (maybe even 2 hours), then maybe an 8 hour cycle at 160F... or 180F?

Anyway, this first batch gives me something that works as well as giving me an appreciable and predictable result, which is what I wanted. I just need to ramp up the potency a bit. Any input from anyone else trying this method would be greatly appreciated!

Also, a thank you to MrNaturalAZ, as well as Carol King, for aiding me in my quest to finding my Happy Place.

 

[outletboy]

I think I'm sold on this method to decarb since I have everything I need to do it already. I can quit dicking around, and go with his water immersion method to decarb. Food-Saver, who'd have thunk it? The 100% smell-free way to decarb

Very nice !, I might buy one of those anova devices when ever i get some extra spending money.
I still find it interesting how in test results the moister in the material always goes up after decarb? How could this be?

 

[ItsMedicine]

Hey you guys, just running my first batch right now
I decarbed myself in oven enclosed @ 240 for 35 minutes
I also had a digital thermometer to maintain optimal temps throughout
Using Soy Lecithin also

My very important question is this

When the machine first started, and still doing it now
there was a very noticeable vapor/steam that was coming out
of the machine, I am desperately wanting to know if that is normal
Kinda makes me afraid the machine is slightly off.....
When it grinds it does the vapor even more with the smell lingering
a bit also. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated . Thanks

 

[momofthegoons]

When the machine first started, and still doing it now
there was a very noticeable vapor/steam that was coming out
of the machine, I am desperately wanting to know if that is normal
Kinda makes me afraid the machine is slightly off.....
When it grinds it does the vapor even more with the smell lingering
a bit also.

It could be that your lid isn't fitting tight enough. A small amount of 'steam' can escape, as well as some liquid if it is filled too much. There can also be a bit of smell. But it shouldn't be so much that the liquid level goes down. It that is happening, you might want to contact Magic Butter about a replacement.

 

[ItsMedicine]

thanks for answering, I called and they said its normal
That it is the steam escaping, but hey check this out
Im kinda bummed, i know you dont get as much back as you put in
but I put in 4 sticks of butter, and got back 350 ml of liquid butter
which is exactly 1.5 cups, what I expected... but heres the thing
how much more of that I am going to lose as well once the butter
solidifies and the "water" or whatever is discarded....

I was barely at 350 line which is 3 sticks/1.5 cups
this automatically means im not going to even get 3 sticks right