The Chemistry of Cannabutter
Cannabis contains hundreds of related compounds referred to as “cannabinoids,” in 1970 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was identified as the only significantly psychoactive compound. In the live plant, cannabinoids are believed to be present in their carboxylated acid forms, which are not psychoactive. The heat present while smoking cannabis decarboxylates the THC, making it biologically active.
A common misconception is that fat must be added for the THC to be orally active, when in fact it is the process of cooking the material which makes it effective. THC is fat soluble, this is why it is usually prepared for cooking in butter or oil, as it remains dissolved in the oil afterwards. The butter or oil should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark environment—heat and light will cause it to lose potency very quickly. Under proper conditions, it can be stored for several months without degradation. Freezing the butter is recommended for long-term storage.