Decarbing weed – what is decarboxylation and why do we do it?

Decarboxylation

I was sat talking to my friend the other day, and we got onto the subject of edibles and how he makes them, and I thought it would make a good blog for the site.

Decarbing, or decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis flowers to turn the THCA in cannabis into THC, the psychoactive compound which gives you the high.

When people smoke a joint or a bowl, it’s the heat from the lighter/burning plant which causes this reaction. However, before you can make edibles, you’ll need to decarb your weed in the oven.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why decarbing is necessary, how to do it, and some tips for getting the most out of your decarbed weed.

Why Decarb Weed?

Cannabis contains a range of compounds, including THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. When the plant is in its raw form, these cannabinoids are present as acidic precursors, such as THCA and CBDA. These precursors are not psychoactive and won’t get you high.

To activate the psychoactive effects of cannabis, you need to convert THCA into THC through decarboxylation. Decarbing also converts other cannabinoids, like CBDA, into their active forms. Without decarbing, the cannabinoids in your cannabis won’t have the desired effects when consumed. This means that your edibles, tinctures, and topicals won’t provide the desired effects.

How to Decarb Weed

The decarboxylation process involves heating cannabis at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 115°C (240°F).
2. Break up your cannabis into small pieces, about the size of a grain of rice.
3. Spread the cannabis out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes. The exact time will depend on the freshness and moisture content of your cannabis. To check if it’s done, look for a light golden brown color and a slightly toasted aroma.
5. Let the cannabis cool before using it in your edibles or topicals.

Tips for Decarbing Weed

To get the most out of your decarbed weed, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use fresh, high-quality cannabis: The quality of your cannabis will affect the potency of your decarbed weed. Use fresh, high-quality buds for the best results.
2. Grind your cannabis finely: Breaking up your cannabis into small pieces will help it heat evenly and decarb more efficiently. Use a grinder to achieve a fine grind.
3. Monitor the temperature and time: Be sure to monitor the temperature and time to avoid over-decarboxylating your cannabis. Overcooking your cannabis can degrade the cannabinoids, resulting in a less potent product.
4. Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oven and the temperature of the cannabis itself. This will help you ensure that the decarboxylation process is happening at the right temperature.
5. Use a decarboxylation device: If you’re making edibles regularly, consider investing in a decarboxylation device. These devices can make the decarboxylation process more efficient and consistent.

What to do after decarbing

Once you have decarbed your weed, you are ready to make some edibles. Infused butter is a good place to start. Click >Here< for a recipe to use to make your own cannabis infused butter.

Conclusion

Decarboxylation is a crucial step in preparing cannabis for use in edibles, topicals, and tinctures. By heating your cannabis, you can activate the THC and other cannabinoids, making them available for use by the body. To decarb your weed, simply bake it in the oven at 115°C (240°F) for 30-40 minutes, being careful not to overcook. With properly decarbed cannabis, you can create potent, effective products that provide the desired effects. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure that your decarbed weed is of the highest quality and potency.