Decarboxylation. You’ve probably heard the term multiple times, and still not be sure as to what it means.
After all, it is a scary-looking word, and a difficult one to pronounce as well: decarboxylation.
So what is decarboxylation? What does it mean? Why is it so important? And how do you decarboxylate your weed?
These are all great questions, the answers to which all cannabis lovers should know. But don’t worry if you don’t, because this is exactly what we’re here to tell you about today.
So let’s begin.
What is decarboxylation?
Put simply, decarboxylation refers to the process of heating cannabis buds to activate the cannabinoid compounds within. These include both, the psychoactive THC, and the medicinal CBD compounds, and it is the decarboxylating, or decarbing process that allows you to experience the plant’s unique and intoxicating effects.
So now you also know why raw, untreated weed doesn’t get you high or provide any other benefits.
You see, heating up cannabis buds in a vaporizer, bowl, or joint removes the extra carboxyl link that prevents THC and CBD from interacting with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. But once that link is gone, THC and CBD get activated, and can easily react with your body and provide you with your desired effects.
But if decarboxylation is something that happens on its own when you light that joint, why is it so important? Let’s take a look.
Why you should de-carb your weed?
When it comes to cannabis, perhaps the most important process you could ever know about is the decarboxylation process. Without it, we would have never invented the edibles, tinctures, and concentrates that we all love so much.
Sure, your raw unprocessed weed may contain a lot of cannabinoids, however, without decarboxylation, cannabinoids like THC and CBD will always remain in their inactive and acidic state (THCA and CBDA). They will not get you high, nor provide you with the medicinal relief that you have been looking for. In fact, in this raw state, cannabis buds are no different than any other leafy green you might eat for dinner tonight.
Hence, decarboxylation is extremely important. It converts the inactive THCA and CBDA into their active forms, THC, and CBD, which can then provide your body with the psychoactive and medicinal effects you’ve been looking for.
How to decarb your weed?
Sure, when you light your joint, blunt, or bong, the cannabis does get decarbed naturally, and you start feeling the effects that we all love so much. However, true decarboxylation is quite different.
You see, when you smoke weed, it gets heated at a very high temperature, and as a result, a lot of the cannabinoids and terpenes get destroyed in the process. Only a small fraction enters your lungs and is able to reach your bloodstream.
Instead, the proper way to decarb your weed is in the oven, where you can manage the temperature and the time as well.
Here’s how you can decarb your weed in 4 easy steps
1. Gather the ingredients
To decarb your weed, you’ll need:
- ½ oz of cannabis
- A regular baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- An oven
2. Prepare everything
Lay out the aluminum foil on the baking tray, and after grinding your flower, spread it out evenly on the tray.
3. The decarboxylation
Preheat your oven to 240 F, and then place the tray inside the oven. If you’re working with ½ oz of cannabis, you should bake it for around 40 minutes. Be sure to stir the weed every 10 minutes or so. Bake till your weed turns a golden-brown color.
4. The end product
Your decarbed weed is ready. Let it sit at room temperature for a while so that it can cool. Now, you can create your own cannabis edibles and concentrates.
