Last updated: October 2026
To make CBD butter, gently melt 250g of butter, take it off the heat, stir in your CBD oil, then chill it, stirring as it sets. There’s no need to simmer for hours, because CBD oil is already extracted. For about 10mg per tablespoon, use 170mg of CBD: 34 drops (1.7ml) of a 1,000mg 10ml oil.
Below: a step-by-step recipe, a dosing chart, dairy-free and nut butter versions, ways to use it, and how long it keeps.
What is CBD butter?
CBD butter is ordinary butter with CBD oil mixed into it, so you can use it in baking, on toast or in cooking. Because CBD dissolves in fat, butter is an ideal carrier, and taking CBD with fat can increase how much your body absorbs. It’s not the same as cannabutter: made with broad spectrum or isolate CBD oil, it contains no THC and won’t get you high.
How to make CBD butter (10-minute method)
You’ll need
- 250g unsalted butter (a standard block)
- CBD oil: the amount from the dosing chart below
- A small pan, a heatproof jug or bowl, and a lidded container or silicone mould
Method
- Melt gently. Melt the butter over a low heat, or in short bursts in the microwave, until just liquid. Don’t let it bubble or brown.
- Cool slightly. Take it off the heat and leave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the CBD. Measure your CBD oil with the dropper’s ml markings and stir it in thoroughly for a minute.
- Pour and set. Pour into your container or mould. Chill in the fridge, stirring once or twice in the first 20 minutes so the CBD doesn’t settle.
- Label it with the CBD strength and date, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
How strong should CBD butter be?
A 250g block makes about 17 tablespoons or 50 teaspoons. Choose the strength per tablespoon you want, then use this chart.
| Target strength | Total CBD for 250g | 1,000mg 10ml oil | 2,000mg 10ml oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg per tablespoon | 85mg | 0.85ml (about 17 drops) | 0.4ml (about 8 drops) |
| 10mg per tablespoon | 170mg | 1.7ml (about 34 drops) | 0.85ml (about 17 drops) |
| 5mg per teaspoon | 250mg | 2.5ml (about 50 drops) | 1.25ml (about 25 drops) |
Based on about 20 drops per ml; droppers vary, so measure in ml where you can. Remember that a recipe may use several tablespoons per portion, so work out the CBD per serving of the finished dish. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication. See our CBD dosage guide.
Coconut oil, vegan and nut butter versions
- CBD coconut oil: melt 250g coconut oil, stir in the same amount of CBD and set in a jar. Great for dairy-free baking, smoothies and coffee.
- Vegan CBD butter: use a block-style plant butter and the same method.
- CBD nut butter: warm a 340g jar of smooth peanut or almond butter very gently until soft, stir in about 115mg of CBD (roughly 5mg per tablespoon) and return to the jar. Stir before each use.
- CBD ghee: ghee works well for savoury cooking; use the same method.
Why you don’t need the cannabutter method
Many online recipes tell you to simmer butter and water for hours. That method comes from cannabutter, where raw cannabis flower needs long, gentle heating to release and activate its compounds. Ready-made CBD oil has already been extracted and activated, so it only needs mixing into fat. Long simmering just risks overheating the butter and losing some CBD.
Ways to use CBD butter
- Brownies and bakes: swap it for plain butter. See our CBD brownie recipes and CBD cake recipes.
- On toast, crumpets or porridge: the simplest way, and easy to dose.
- Finishing vegetables, pasta or rice: stir it in at the end, off the heat.
- In coffee or hot chocolate: a teaspoon of CBD butter or coconut oil. See CBD coffee.
- Smoothies: use CBD nut butter or coconut oil. See CBD smoothie recipes.
Cooking with CBD butter: heat tips
- Baking is fine. Inside a cake or brownie, temperatures stay well below the oven setting.
- Avoid frying or searing with CBD butter on a high heat; use plain butter to cook and add CBD butter at the end.
- Add to sauces off the heat or just before serving.
More tips in cooking with CBD oil.
How long does CBD butter last?
About as long as normal butter: up to 2 weeks in the fridge in a sealed container, or up to 6 months in the freezer. Freezing it in an ice-cube tray or silicone mould gives you ready-measured portions. Keep it away from light and heat, and label it clearly. See how to store CBD oil.
FAQs
How do you make CBD butter?
Gently melt 250g of butter, take it off the heat, stir in your CBD oil, then chill, stirring as it sets. No long simmering is needed when using CBD oil.
How much CBD oil do I put in butter?
For about 10mg per tablespoon, use 170mg of CBD in a 250g block: 1.7ml of a 1,000mg 10ml oil or 0.85ml of a 2,000mg 10ml oil.
Does heat destroy CBD in butter?
Gentle melting and normal baking are fine. Avoid frying or high direct heat, and add CBD off the heat.
Will CBD butter get me high?
No. Made with broad spectrum or isolate CBD oil, it contains no THC. It isn’t the same as cannabutter.
Can I make vegan CBD butter?
Yes. Use a block-style plant butter or coconut oil with the same method.
How long does CBD butter last?
Up to 2 weeks in the fridge or about 6 months in the freezer. Freeze in a mould for ready-measured portions.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but unsalted gives you more control in sweet recipes. The method is the same.
Sources
- Taylor L et al (2018). Food effect trial of cannabidiol oral solution in healthy subjects. CNS Drugs.
- Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance for businesses.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. CBD isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for under-18s.
