What will happen if you eat a bag of fresh cannabis? You will not get high, and this is a reason why decarboxylation is very important to get the most out of your marijuana. If you’re happy to make pot-infused brownies or cannabis oil, you cannot experience the full benefits of the product you consume unless decarboxylated.
Decarboxylation is a vital step for marijuana users, specifically those who use medical cannabis, who rely on the active ingredients of the herb as it changes the cannabinoids to help it in interacting with the body. Just be careful if you’re one who gets easily addicted to keep things in balance to avoid withdrawals and cravings.
Check out this article about why decarboxylation of cannabis is so vital:
About Decarboxylation?
Ever heard the term, but you have always been wondering what is decarboxylation? Decarboxylation is the method of heating marijuana to unlock the plant’s properties.
Cannabinoid acids are inactive compounds that have an additional carboxyl ring added to their molecular strand present in the trichomes of fresh cannabis flowers. Once warmed or decarboxylated, the chemical composition of these cannabis acids changes as a carboxyl group, turning the molecules in an active state that communicates directly with our body. Once the cannabinoids in cannabis shed their carboxyl group (-COOH), they are emitted as CO2, with the resulting hydrogen atom kept.
When cannabinoids are stimulated, they can connect quickly and precisely with the central nervous system and body-wide terminals of the endocannabinoid system, along with the psychoactive effects of THC. Without decarboxylation, THC is available as THCA as its non-intoxicating acid form. Over 100 cannabinoids are present in marijuana, and for them to communicate with the nervous system, cannabinoids need to undergo decarboxylation’s chemical process.
Why Decarb Your Cannabis Before Consuming?
It’s obvious to see how this is so necessary to decarb the weed before you eat it. Decarboxylation at home offers you significant advantages:
- Stop purchasing more expensive generic pharmacy products to make your own, just as you like: joints baked goods, essential oils, and more!
- Boost the strength of your organic material: quit wasting the material you purchase so you can consume less in the longer term.
- You have the most reliable, most potent dosage to suit your needs.
How Do I Decarb My Weed?
How to Decarboxylate Marijuana Decarboxylation naturally occurs in smokers and vapers due to the toking process. While less advanced than the techniques below, heating cannabis decarbs cannabinoids and terpenes helps you draw in and feel the results immediately.
However, the intense heat generated by this process is likely to “destroy” some unstable molecules. Vaporization is more regulated; appliances are warmed to enable THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes just around the boiling point, providing an almost maximum dosage for each compound.
Microwave Process
When you do not have 45 minutes to cook your marijuana in the oven, this process is excellent. Although this is more hands-on, after a few minutes, you can use an old reliable microwave to decarboxylate your cannabis. Here is how:
- Grind the cannabis to a moderate consistency and put it in a microwaveable bowl.
- Microwave it on high for about 90 seconds.
- Get your marijuana out, smell it, and make sure it is pungent, but not charred. If it is not there yet, mix it and put it back in the microwave for the next 60–90 seconds.
Microwaving weed is more challenging than using an oven since you can’t regulate the heat. Besides, microwaves vary a lot, so you need to manage things based on the specific model you have at home.
If you are concerned about burning your marijuana through this process, try to use a low microwave setting and cook the cannabis a little longer. Just check your weed and make sure it doesn’t burn and then use your nose to tell you if it’s appropriately decarbed.
No matter how you want to decarboxylate the cannabis, keep in mind: low and steady. Using higher temperatures to quickly warm the marijuana risks burning the cannabinoids and terpenes, that will mess up the effectiveness and scent of your cannabis. Stick to low heats and bide your time, and then you will wind up with potent pot ready to be used for all of your best recipes.
Although these are the most widely used and the most straightforward method, there are other techniques to decarboxylate cannabis.
There is no restriction on the various recipes and concoctions you can think up with to combine with marijuana. However, it all begins with decarboxylation. Experience the enticing scent of cannabis as it heats from your oven and is ready to offer a lot of entrancing enjoyment to everyday treats!
