In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps How to decarb cannabis and how to activate the psychoactive compounds in cannabis so that you can fully enjoy its effects. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, mastering the art of decarboxylation is essential for unlocking the full potential of your cannabis experience. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as we demystify the process and provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to become a decarboxylation pro.

How to Explain Decarboxylation?

What is decarboxylation? Decarboxylation is a process that makes the chemicals in cannabis active so you feel high.

The cannabis plant has a compound called THCA, which won’t make you high. It needs to change into THC for you to feel high. This change usually happens with heat, like from a flame, vape pen, dab rig torch, or oven for edibles.

THCA in the plant has an extra part in its chemical structure called a carboxyl ring. Heat removes this part, or “decarboxylates” the compound, which is why it’s called decarboxylation.

What Is the Mechanism Behind Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation happens through a combination of heat and time. When smoking or vaporizing weed at high temperatures, compounds undergo rapid decarboxylation, becoming readily absorbable by the body. Additionally, some decarboxylation occurs during the drying and curing of homegrown cannabis after harvest. Oxygen can expedite this process, so storing weed in an airtight container helps preserve its freshness and potency by slowing down decarboxylation.

Why Decarboxylation Is Crucial for Edibles

Decarboxylation is essential for all cannabis products to induce the desired psychoactive effects. Unlike smoking or vaping, where heat is directly applied, edibles require decarboxylation to activate the cannabinoids present in the cannabis. In the process of making edibles, cannabis buds are typically heated in an oven to decarboxylate them before being infused into a medium like butter or oil. This infusion, carrying activated THC, is then utilized in various edible recipes such as brownies, cookies, and gummies. Heating the buds in an oven before infusion is necessary to ensure the THC becomes active and can be effectively integrated into the infusion and subsequently into the final edible product.

What Temperature Initiates Decarboxylation in Cannabis? 

How to decarboxylate cannabis? Typically, decarboxylation happens within the range of 200-245ºF. When preparing edibles, it’s recommended to heat the buds at 220ºF for 30-40 minutes. This approach, unlike smoking or vaping, safeguards cannabinoids and terpenes by employing a lower temperature over an extended period, preventing the loss of volatile terpenes that might lead to unpleasant tastes and scents. Going beyond 300ºF during oven heating poses the risk of deteriorating valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in an infused product that fails to deliver the desired psychoactive effects.

The temperature chart demonstrates the speed of conversion from THCA to THC and CBDA to CBD across different temperature levels, based on findings from a study carried out in 2016.

What Are the Outcomes of Excessive Decarboxylation?

Applying prolonged or excessively high heat to decarboxylation weed can lead to the depletion of cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing its effectiveness.

Is It Better to Grind Cannabis Before or After Decarboxylation?

It’s recommended to grind the cannabis before decarboxylation to increase its surface area and ensure consistency, making the decarboxylation process more even across the batch.

How to Remove Carboxyl Groups from Cannabis Using an Oven

When you decarboxylate cannabis in an oven, it’s crucial to understand that the oven’s temperature dial provides more of an average temperature rather than an exact one. Ovens can fluctuate by up to 20 degrees, so it’s essential to monitor the cannabis closely. If it starts to brown too quickly or emits a burnt smell, adjusting the oven temperature is necessary. For regular cannabis cooking, investing in an oven thermometer is advisable.

To begin, gather the necessary materials: a baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil, an oven, and the cannabis itself. Preheat the oven to 220ºF, placing the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even heating. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spread the cannabis evenly, either lightly broken up or ground, to prevent burning. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring at least once during the process.

After baking, allow the cannabis to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. It should have a lightly toasted, golden-brown appearance. Once cooled, the decarboxylated cannabis can be incorporated into butter, oil, or another base for infusion, or stored for later use in a suitable container.

As for using a microwave for decarboxylation, it’s not recommended due to the inability to control the temperature effectively. Decarbing cannabis requires a low and slow process, best achieved through the dry heat of an oven. Alternatively, a small toaster oven with adjustable temperature settings can also be used.