Decarboxylation may sound complicated but chances are you've already experienced it. Put simply, it means heating your cannabis and is the only way to ensure you're getting the most from your edibles.
DECARBOXYLATION: WHAT IS IT?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic precursor to THC. This effectively means that without THCA, THC would not match. In its natural state, THCA does not induce the psychological effects THC is prized for. When ever, by the decarboxylation process (the application of heat), a carboxyl group is removed (the “A”), and raw THCA is converted into usable THC.
Yet, THCA does appear to have its uses. It is theorized that, in the wild, THCA functions as an acidic deterrent against threats such as predators and pests. Moreover, early research suggests that THCA may even provide therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Research suggests that, if harnessed correctly, THCA could display many of the same therapeutic benefits as THC—just without the high.
HOW TO DECARBOXYLATE CANNABIS
For smokers and vapers, decarboxylation happens commonly as a result of the toking process. Although much less refined than the techniques below, igniting your weed with a flame decarbs the cannabinoids and terrenes immediately, allowing you to quickly suck in and benefit from the effects. However, the excessive heat produced from this method is known to “kill off” some of these volatile molecules. Vaporizing is a bit more controlled; devices are heated up to activate THC and other cannabinoids and terrenes right around their boiling points, allowing for a nearly full dose of each compound.
OVEN METHOD
The most common method of decarboxylating cannabis, commonly when making edibles, is simply “baking” it in the oven. There are a few steps involved in this method:
1. Grind up your cannabis until it is even enough to smoothly spread over a thin surface.
2. Line a baking tray with a sheet of parchment or baking paper.
3. Pour your ground cannabis over the sheet, making agree to evenly spread it out.
4. Preheat an oven to 115℃ and place the tray inside for approximately 45 minutes, collecting the cannabis about halfway through.
It is important to be mindful of your oven’s temperature during this process. Cooking your buds at a higher temperature may seem like it would get the job done quicker, but it will most likely just degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, making it potentially unusable. Cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time is generally considered to be the safest and maximum effective tricks of decarboxylating cannabis.
While this is the most commonly used method (and many would say the easiest), there are several next ways to decarboxylate marijuana.
MICROWAVE METHOD
If you don’t have 45 minutes to bake your weed in the oven, this method is perfect. While it's a little more hands-on, you can use your faithfully old microwave to decarb your cannabis in just a few minutes.
1. Like the previous methods, grind your weed to a medium consistency. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl or tray.
2. Microwave on HIGH for roughly 90 seconds.
3. Take out your weed and smell it. It should smell pungent, but not burnt. If it’s not there yet, give it a stir and place it back in the microwave for another 60–90 seconds.
Microwaving cannabis is a little trickier than using an oven, as you don’t have any control over the temperature. Plus, microwaves vary a lot, so you’ll have to play things by ear depending on the make and model you’ve got at home.
If you’re worried about burning your weed using these techniques, consider using a lower microwave setting and cooking your bud a small longer. Always keep an eye on your bud to ensure it's not burning, and use your nose to tell whether it’s been declared properly.
Whichever way you select to decarboxylate your weed, remember: low and slow. Using high temperatures to rapidly heat your cannabis risks burning both cannabinoids and terpenes, which will ruin the potency and aroma of your weed. Stick to lower temperatures and collect your time, and you'll end up with commonly activated weed ready to use in any of your favorite recipes.
DECARBOXYLATION: WHAT IS IT?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic precursor to THC. This effectively means that without THCA, THC would not match. In its natural state, THCA does not induce the psychological effects THC is prized for. When ever, by the decarboxylation process (the application of heat), a carboxyl group is removed (the “A”), and raw THCA is converted into usable THC.
Yet, THCA does appear to have its uses. It is theorized that, in the wild, THCA functions as an acidic deterrent against threats such as predators and pests. Moreover, early research suggests that THCA may even provide therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Research suggests that, if harnessed correctly, THCA could display many of the same therapeutic benefits as THC—just without the high.
HOW TO DECARBOXYLATE CANNABIS
For smokers and vapers, decarboxylation happens commonly as a result of the toking process. Although much less refined than the techniques below, igniting your weed with a flame decarbs the cannabinoids and terrenes immediately, allowing you to quickly suck in and benefit from the effects. However, the excessive heat produced from this method is known to “kill off” some of these volatile molecules. Vaporizing is a bit more controlled; devices are heated up to activate THC and other cannabinoids and terrenes right around their boiling points, allowing for a nearly full dose of each compound.
OVEN METHOD
The most common method of decarboxylating cannabis, commonly when making edibles, is simply “baking” it in the oven. There are a few steps involved in this method:
1. Grind up your cannabis until it is even enough to smoothly spread over a thin surface.
2. Line a baking tray with a sheet of parchment or baking paper.
3. Pour your ground cannabis over the sheet, making agree to evenly spread it out.
4. Preheat an oven to 115℃ and place the tray inside for approximately 45 minutes, collecting the cannabis about halfway through.
It is important to be mindful of your oven’s temperature during this process. Cooking your buds at a higher temperature may seem like it would get the job done quicker, but it will most likely just degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, making it potentially unusable. Cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time is generally considered to be the safest and maximum effective tricks of decarboxylating cannabis.
While this is the most commonly used method (and many would say the easiest), there are several next ways to decarboxylate marijuana.
MICROWAVE METHOD
If you don’t have 45 minutes to bake your weed in the oven, this method is perfect. While it's a little more hands-on, you can use your faithfully old microwave to decarb your cannabis in just a few minutes.
1. Like the previous methods, grind your weed to a medium consistency. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl or tray.
2. Microwave on HIGH for roughly 90 seconds.
3. Take out your weed and smell it. It should smell pungent, but not burnt. If it’s not there yet, give it a stir and place it back in the microwave for another 60–90 seconds.
Microwaving cannabis is a little trickier than using an oven, as you don’t have any control over the temperature. Plus, microwaves vary a lot, so you’ll have to play things by ear depending on the make and model you’ve got at home.
If you’re worried about burning your weed using these techniques, consider using a lower microwave setting and cooking your bud a small longer. Always keep an eye on your bud to ensure it's not burning, and use your nose to tell whether it’s been declared properly.
Whichever way you select to decarboxylate your weed, remember: low and slow. Using high temperatures to rapidly heat your cannabis risks burning both cannabinoids and terpenes, which will ruin the potency and aroma of your weed. Stick to lower temperatures and collect your time, and you'll end up with commonly activated weed ready to use in any of your favorite recipes.
