Decarboxylation is the process of activating cannabinoids like THC, CBD and many more in the cannabis flower.
Cannabinoids are found in the trichomes of the flower which are the resinous glands that coat the flower and leaves of the cannabis plant. They are very frosty in appearance, if you look closely.
Raw cannabinoids have an extra carboxyl ring around them that needs to be removed by the application of heat. Once removed, you can enjoy the ultimate benefits of those cannabinoids. The process of applying heat and removing the carboxyl group is called decarboxylation.
A THC strain that has gone through decarboxylation is very noticeable as you will experience psychoactive effects. Without this process a THC strain is non-intoxicating, he same goes for CBD. You can only get the maximum therapeutic benefits from a CBD strain if it has gone through decarboxylation.
How to decarboxylate
There are a few ways that you can decarboxylate, our preferred method is through oven decarboxylation.
Oven Decarboxylation
This is the most common way to decarboxylate your cannabis, it is simple and takes minimal equipment. This method is baking your cannabis at a low temperature in a well-ventilated area.
Put your cannabis in an oven-proof dish that has a cover.
Put in an oven (toaster oven works well) at 220 Degrees Fahrenheit
For THC Strains bake for 60 minutes
For CBD Strains bake for 90 minutes
For 1:1 Strains THC: CBD bake for 75 minutes
Allow cooling before removing the cover as you do not want your freshly activated cannabinoids to escape. Once it is cool remove the cover and there you go you are ready for your next step whether it be capsules, infusions, etc.…
Sous Vide Method
This method is the trickiest as it requires special equipment like an immersion circulator and vacuum seal bags. Many people prefer this method as it makes the process odorless and reserves the terpenes within the flower.
Put warm tap water in a pot or large tub container about halfway and put in your immersion circulator to allow the temperature to reach 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Put your cannabis in a vacuum seal bag and remove any air.
Put your bag of cannabis in the water bath for 90 minutes.
Allow cooling for about 15 minutes before removing it from the bag.
Mason Jar Method
This method is very similar to the sous vide method, but you do not require any special equipment. The downside to this method and why it is not recommended is it is hard to control and maintain a consistent temperature in the water. It does decrease the odor of cannabis using this method.
Fill a pot up with water about halfway and put it on the stove on med-low heat.
Put your cannabis in a mason jar and put it in the water bath for 90 minutes.
Remove and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
Vaped Product
Your already dried flower vaped product, known as “ABV” is fully decarbed you can take this product straight from your vape and use it.
How to decarboxylate concentrates
Decarboxylating cannabis is done through the oven method as you need to watch it closely.
Put your concentrate in a silicone container, a dab container works perfectly, using silicone will allow you to pick up all the product easily without waste.
Place in an oven at 220 degrees Fahrenheit.After a few minutes you will see your concentrate start to bubble this is what you want to see once it stops bubbling your concentrate has been decarbed, this takes up to 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and your concentrate is ready to use.
What to do with your decarboxylated cannabis
Dry Herb Capsules
Once your cannabis is decarboxylated you can grind up into a fine powder then pack it in gelatin capsules. Dry herb capsules are a great option for anyone looking for an effective and discreet method plus they are quick and easy to make as no infusion is needed, also they are a healthier option as you are not adding to any sugary treats its just natural cannabis. Good tip to remember is to always take cannabis dry herb capsule on a full stomach with a high fat content to allow proper absorption in your body.
Edibles
Making edibles is a popular method with your decarbed cannabis, after the decarboxylation process you need to choose an oil to infuse some popular and effective oils are coconut, butter, MCT, sunflower, olive & grapeseed. Once your infusion is complete then you can add to all your favorite recipes some popular options are candy, chocolate, and baked goods.
Topicals
Make your own topicals with decarbed cannabis, many options available like pain creams, moisturizers, lip balms, bath bombs, beard oil, lube, and massage oil. Topicals are very popular as the cannabinoids absorb through your skin cells and you a will not experience any psychoactive effects.
Oils & Tinctures
A simple infusion with decarboxylated cannabis into an oil or solvent will have expensive oils and tinctures at your fingertips. They are easy to dose with and can be added to food drinks easily, but the taste of the oils can be unpleasant to some.
The most important step when medicating with cannabis is to start low and go slow until you find a comfortable therapeutic dosage for yourself, always keep in mind everyone is different and can respond to cannabis very differently.
Using a concentrate in edibles is highly recommended over an infused oil as it mixes very nicely in your ingredients and you also end up with an edible that does not have an extreme cannabis flavor.
Join Kerri*LIVE* in “Cooking with Kerr” where she will demonstrate Decarboxylation on May 10th, 2021 @ 7:00pm ATL. You can register by e-mail to kerri.charters@canadahouse.ca
Enjoy the ultimate benefits of your cannabis flower!