Cheap Canna: DIY Cannabutter vs Store-Bought Edibles
It might be the end of the month, or you may have allocated your monthly finances toward something else. But now, the situation is that you cannot afford AAAA premium cannabis at the moment, and you want high-quality weed. So, what’s the alternative?
But with 9% of Canadians growing weed at home, it begs the question, what is cheaper? Making cannabutter at home and infusing it in food or simply purchasing weed online.
This quick comparison will help you make this decision by comparing pros and cons of each, helping you decide which option best suits your lifestyle, budget, and cannabis preferences.
1. Cost Effectiveness
When it comes to cheap canna, price is often the deciding factor. Let’s break down the costs of making cannabutter at home versus purchasing it from a dispensary.
- DIY Cannabutter: Making your own cannabutter is usually more cost-effective; however, only if you are producing it in bulk. The price of cannabis flower can range widely depending on the strain and quality, but budget-friendly options are available at most dispensaries. Once you have your cannabis, the other ingredients — butter and water — are relatively inexpensive. Depending on how much you make, a single batch can last for several cooking sessions, offering great value for your investment.
- Example Cost Breakdown:
- Cannabis: $100 for 14 grams (rough estimate, depending on the strain)
- Butter: $5 for a pound
- Total: $105 (which could yield enough cannabutter for multiple batches of edibles)
- Example Cost Breakdown:
- Store-Bought: On the other hand, store-bought cannabutter tends to come at a higher price point due to the convenience of a ready-to-use product. With that said, most of these edibles are made by professionals with the right proportions, ensuring a guaranteed effect, which cannot be said for the home-made product. Depending on where you shop, a bag of 150mg THC infused gummies willl cost between $6 to $14.
- Example Cost Breakdown:
- Weed gummies: $6-$14 for a small bag of 150mg THC
- Example Cost Breakdown:
2. Quality Control and Customization
- DIY Cannabutter: One of the biggest advantages of making your own cannabutter is the control you have over its quality. You get to choose the exact strain, potency, and even the type of butter (vegan or regular) that suits your dietary preferences. If you prefer organic or locally sourced ingredients, you can ensure those are part of your recipe.
Additionally, when making cannabutter at home, you can experiment with the dosage and strength to find the perfect potency for your needs. Whether you want a stronger batch or a mild one, DIY gives you full control over the end product. - Store-Bought: While convenient, store-bought products might not offer the same level of customization. Most pre-made products are labeled with their THC and CBD content, but if you’re looking for a specific strain or effect, your options may be limited. The quality and consistency of the product depend entirely on the manufacturer, so it’s important to purchase from reputable dispensaries to ensure you’re getting a safe and reliable product.
3. Time and Effort
- DIY Cannabutter: While making a cannabutter at home is customizable, it does require time and effort. The process involves decarboxylating your cannabis (heating it to activate the THC), simmering it in butter, and straining it to remove plant material. Depending on the recipe, it can take several hours from start to finish.
For some, the DIY process is enjoyable — it’s a creative way to interact with cannabis and perfect the art of edible-making. However, for those with busy schedules or limited kitchen experience, the time and effort might be a deal-breaker. - Store-Bought: On the flip side, store-bought edibles requires zero effort. It’s a convenient, ready-to-use option that saves time and hassle. You can simply pick up the product, measure out your desired amount, and start cooking right away.
4. Consistency and Potency
- DIY Cannabutter: Achieving consistent potency in homemade cannabutter can be tricky, especially for beginners. The strength of the final product depends on how long you cook it, how well you strain it, and the potency of the cannabis you use. Without precise measurements, it’s easy to end up with uneven results, meaning your edibles might vary in strength from one batch to the next. Worse, it can even ruin your entire stash.
- Store-Bought: Ready-to-use products, on the other hand, are manufactured to have a consistent potency, which is clearly labeled on the package. This makes it easier to dose your edibles accurately and ensures the effects are predictable. For beginners or those who prefer consistent results, store-bought edibles might offer more peace of mind.
Wrapping It Up
Both DIY cannabutter and store-bought weed edibles have their merits, but which one is right for you depends on your priorities. If you value cheap canna, peace of mind, and hassle-free experience, store-bought edibles are the way to go.
On the other hand, if you enjoy the hands-on approach, consider making your own cannabutter.
In the end, it’s all about balancing cost, quality, and convenience to suit your cannabis lifestyle. Whether you decide to DIY or buy from a dispensary, both options can provide a delicious and effective way to enjoy cannabis on a budget.