What is decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a chemical process that uses heat or other means to remove carboxyl groups from a chemical compound. In the context of cannabis, decarboxylation refers to the activation of cannabinoids, specifically CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), by converting the acidic forms (CBDA and THCA) into their active forms through heating.
Why is it important?
Raw cannabis primarily contains cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which do not have the same effects as CBD and THC. Only the application of heat triggers what is known as decarboxylation, which converts CBDA into CBD and THCA into THC.
Activating CBD through decarboxylation is crucial to experiencing the full range of therapeutic effects of cannabis. Without this process, smoking or consuming raw cannabis would produce minimal effects.
There are several ways to decarboxylate cannabis. From traditional oven baking to modern methods such as using decarboxylation devices, the choice depends on personal preference and available resources
DIY tips for decarboxylation at home:
1. Oven method:
- Place finely ground CBD flowers on a baking tray.
- Preheat the oven to about 110-120°C.
- Heat CBD flowers for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Allow to cool and then use for extractions or preparation.
2. Sous-vide method:
- Seal CBD in an airtight bag.
- Set a sous vide precision cooker to 95-100°C.
- Immerse the bag for 1-2 hours.
- Remove flowers from the bag and let cool.
3. Mason jar method:
- Preheat your oven to 110ºC.
- Place finely ground CBD flowers in an ovenproof glass.
- Bake your flowers for 1 hour, turning and shaking the jar every 15 minutes. Don't forget to wear oven gloves!
- Let the jar cool and store it in a dark, dry place.
4. Microwave method (not recommended):
- Spread finely ground CBD on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until decarboxylated.
- This method is not optimal because the microwave does not heat evenly.
Regardless of the method, precise temperature control is important to ensure complete decarboxylation without destroying the cannabinoids. After decarboxylation, the cannabis can be used in oils, butters, or other vehicles for preparing edible products. Note that laws regarding the use of cannabis can vary by region, and it is important to be aware of these.
