CBD Butter: Easy Step-by-Step Recipe + Usage Guide

Feb 18, 2026

A stick of CBD butter sitting on a wooden table with a cannabis leaf lying on top of it.

Butter already makes food better. Rich. Creamy. Comforting. Now imagine giving it a modern twist.

CBD butter blends classic kitchen comfort with hemp-derived cannabidiol to bring plant-based wellness into your favorite recipes. Instead of taking CBD on its own, you can mix it into meals you already love, from savory pastas to indulgent baked goods.

Making your own CBD butter at home gives you full control over ingredients, serving size, and strength. In this guide, you'll learn what CBD butter is, how it works, how to make it step by step, and how to use it in countless recipes. Let’s get into it.

What Is CBD Butter?

CBD butter is exactly what it sounds like: regular butter infused with hemp-derived cannabidiol. Unlike pre-made CBD edibles like chocolates and gummies, CBD butter gives you total control. You decide how strong it is, how it tastes, and how you use it.

Butter adds richness, depth, and texture to food. When you infuse it with CBD, you create a flexible ingredient that fits into both sweet and savory recipes. Instead of adding CBD to each dish individually, you prepare one batch of infused butter and use it whenever you cook.

CBD butter isn’t as common on store shelves. But don't worry because making homemade CBD butter is surprisingly simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create your own infused butter and use it to your liking, whether you're making dinner or preparing homemade edibles.

Is CBD Butter Legal?

Yes, as long as it comes from the hemp plant. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products are federally legal in the United States, as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) by dry weight. Marijuana contains higher levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and remains federally restricted.

That means CBD butter made with hemp-derived CBD falls within federal guidelines, provided the extract used stays under the legal THC limit. But note that state laws can vary. Some states place additional rules on certain hemp products. Check your local regulations first.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD Butter?

CBD butter is all about making your routine more flexible and more intentional. When you infuse butter with hemp-derived cannabidiol, you create an ingredient that works across dozens of meals without extra effort. Here’s why people love it:

Versatility in the Kitchen. Use it anywhere you’d use traditional butter: toast, pasta, baked goods, steamed vegetables, sauces, and more.
Convenient Daily Use. You prepare it once and cook as usual.
Gradual, Longer-Lasting Experience. Since CBD butter undergoes digestion, the effects tend to build slowly and last longer.
Customizable Strength. You control how much cannabidiol goes into your butter.

• • Easy Integration Into Your Lifestyle. Whether you enjoy slow mornings or relaxed evenings, CBD butter fits naturally into meals you already make.

Types of CBD

The type of CBD you choose can affect flavor, cannabinoid content, and your overall experience in the kitchen. There are three main types you can find in CBD products:

Full-Spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol plus other naturally occurring compounds found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), terpenes, and additional cannabinoids.

Contains up to 0.3% THC
Includes multiple hemp compounds
Often chosen for the “entourage effect” (when plant compounds work together)
May not be ideal for those avoiding THC (may show up on a drug test with consistent use)

Broad-Spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC.

THC-free
Still contains other hemp compounds
Good option for people who prefer to avoid THC
Maintains more plant complexity than isolate

CBD Isolate. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It contains only cannabidiol and no other hemp compounds.

99%+ pure CBD
No THC
Flavorless and odorless
Easy to measure and mix into butter

Each type works for CBD butter; it just depends on your preference. If you want more hemp compounds, go full or broad spectrum. If you want simplicity and precision, isolate may be the move. For more information on how CBD works with your body, check out this article.

Are There Any Side Effects with CBD Butter?

CBD is generally well-tolerated by most people, especially when taken in moderate amounts. Some may notice mild side effects, especially if they consume more than intended. These can include:

Dry Mouth
Slight Drowsiness
Changes in Appetite
Mild Stomach Discomfort

Because CBD butter works like an edible, the effects build gradually. That means it’s easy to take more before the first serving fully kicks in. Give it time before increasing your portion. If you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing specific health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional first.

Can CBD Butter Get You High?

Short answer: No. CBD is non-intoxicating. Unlike THC, it does not create the “high” feeling commonly associated with marijuana. Here’s why CBD butter won’t alter your headspace:

CBD is Non-Intoxicating. CBD interacts with the body differently compared to THC and does not produce psychoactive effects.
Hemp-Derived CBD Contains Only Trace THC. Legal hemp products contain 0.3% THC or less. That small amount is not enough to create intoxicating effects.
It Supports Wellness Without Impairment. Many users like to add CBD to their routine to promote relaxation, help reduce inflammation, potentially bring pain relief, and achieve balance. It's not a cure for anything, but it support everyday comfort and wellness.

Because CBD butter does not produce intoxicating effects, people often use it at different times of day without disrupting their routine. That said, everyone responds differently, so start with a small serving and see how you feel.

How To Make CBD Butter

You can make CBD butter two ways: using cannabis oil (faster and easier) or using cannabis flower (more hands-on, but still simple). If you want convenience and precise strength, go with oil. If you enjoy a more traditional infusion process, flower works too.

Good news: Cheef Botanicals is a reputable source of high-quality, hemp-derived CBD oil and CBD flower that are guaranteed Farm Bill-compliant. We offer clean formulas and clear lab results so you can make your homemade CBD butter with confidence. Check out our products today.

A person adding ground flower to butter.

Ingredients & Tools

Choose one CBD source:

CBD oil (around 160 mg for moderate potency or 320 mg for stronger butter)
OR
7 grams of CBD hemp flower (recommended for one stick of butter; adjust depending on the flower's strength)

You'll also need:

1 stick of unsalted butter
1 cup of water
Baking pan (if using flower)
Medium saucepan, pot, or skillet
Mesh strainer
Cheesecloth
Funnel
Containers (glass jar or heatproof bowl with airtight lids)

Easy Recipe & Process

Using CBD Oil

This method is simple because the CBD is already extracted.

Melt the Butter. Place butter in a saucepan over low heat (around 170°F). Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Add CBD Oil. Once melted, stir in your measured CBD oil, making sure it's evenly distributed.
Simmer Gently. Let the mixture simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
You can add a small amount of water to prevent scorching.
Cool & Store. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until solid. This can take several hours. If water separates, simply drain it off once hardened.

Using CBD Flower

This method takes longer because you must activate the hemp first.

Grind the Flower. Break up the hemp flower to increase surface area.
Decarboxylate. Preheat oven to 220–240°F. CBD will begin to evaporate at temperatures higher than 320°F, so be careful. Spread the ground flower on a baking sheet and bake for 30–45 minutes. This process activates the natural compounds in hemp so they can properly infuse into butter.
Melt Butter. Melt butter on low heat (around 170°F).
Combine & Simmer. Add the decarbed flower to the melted butter. Simmer on very low heat for 3–4 hours. Stir every 30 minutes. Add small amounts of water if needed to prevent burning.
Strain. Remove from heat. Strain through cheesecloth into a container. Squeeze out the remaining butter from the plant material.
Cool & Store. Refrigerate in an airtight container until solid. This can take several hours. Once hardened, drain off any excess water.

Completion & Storage

And just like that, your CBD butter is ready to use! Store the finished product in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months, or freeze it for up to six months if you want it to last longer.

Pro tip: CBD butter can have a light, earthy flavor depending on the type of extract used. If you prefer a milder taste, try blending half CBD butter and half regular butter in your recipes. This helps balance flavor while still giving you the benefits of your infusion. Mixing can also help stretch your batch further.

How Do You Use CBD Butter?

Once your CBD butter is ready, you can use it just like regular butter. The difference? It now carries all the goodness of hemp-derived CBD. Here are some easy and creative ways to use it:

Breakfast Boost

Start your day with a measured serving. This makes it easier to control your portion.

Spread it on toast or bagels
Melt it over pancakes or waffles
Stir a small tablespoon into oatmeal
Add to scrambled eggs before serving

Savory Dishes

CBD binds well with fat. It works naturally in buttery sauces and hearty dishes.

Toss into pasta for a rich finish
Melt over steak or roasted vegetables
Stir into mashed potatoes
Add to warm rice or grain bowls

Baking & Treats

If you enjoy food styling or hosting, infused bakes can be a fun way to elevate your kitchen creativity. Just label them clearly and store them safely.

Swap it for traditional butter in cookies or brownies
Use half CBD butter and half regular butter for a balanced flavor
Add to homemade sauces or glazes

Fun & Simple Ideas

Just a few other exciting ways to use CBD butter:

Drizzle over popcorn for movie night
Melt into soup after cooking
Brush onto warm dinner rolls

Portion Reminder: Because CBD butter is an edible, effects build gradually. Start small—even half a tablespoon—and give it time before having more. Some people wait up to two hours to fully feel the effects of infused foods. Measure carefully so you know exactly how much CBD goes into each serving.

CBD Butter Alternatives

CBD blends well with oils because it’s fat-soluble, so alternatives like coconut oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil work just as well in most recipes. Coconut oil is especially popular for baking, while olive oil fits better in savory dishes. Neutral oils like vegetable ones won’t change the flavor of your dish.

If you prefer something outside the kitchen, CBD oil can also work for topicals. It blends well with ingredients like cocoa butter or shea butter to create a moisturizing CBD body butter. Many people use these types of blends for dry or sensitive skin, gently massaging them on as part of a self-care routine. Just remember that topical CBD works differently from edible forms.

Final Thoughts - CBD Butter

CBD butter is one of the easiest ways to bring hemp-derived CBD into your everyday routine. It’s flexible, customizable, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you prefer baking sweet treats or cooking savory meals, CBD butter gives you full control over strength and serving size.

If you're ready to try making your own CBD butter, start with premium CBD oil or high-quality CBD flower from Cheef Botanicals. Our hemp-derived products are carefully crafted, third-party tested, and designed to fit easily into recipes like this. Explore our collection and create your own infusion with confidence.

Additional Resources: Shop for CBD Gummies