Decarboxylaxtion for Beginners
Decarboxylation is a process that activates the psychoactive compounds in cannabis. These compounds are present in the cannabis plant in their acidic form such as THCA and CBDA. Decarboxylation is necessary for these compounds to produce the desired effects. Please note: some forms of cannabis extracts and alternative cannabinoids such as distillates are already in their active forms and do not require decarboxylation. Please do some research on your starting material to determine if this will be necessary. This information can be found on the certificate of analysis. Please see our guide to understanding COAs for more information.
Decarboxylation can be achieved through heating the cannabis flower or concentrate to a specific temperature for a certain period of time. The heat from smoking or vaporizing cannabis activates the compounds, but when preparing edibles, it’s important to decarboxylate the material to activate it before beginning.
It is important to note that decarboxylation will reduce the weight of the cannabis flower or concentrate by about 20%. This is because the decarboxylation process releases water and carbon dioxide, resulting in a loss of weight.
Flower Decarboxylation
Grind the cannabis or hemp flower to a moderate level. Preheat the oven to 220°F. Spread the ground flower evenly on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Seal the tray with tin foil to help reduce the smell and preserve terpenes in the final product. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, stir or agitate the pan 1-2 times. Remove from the oven and let it cool naturally. Store in a mason jar or use in a recipe or infusion immediately. Decarboxylating too long can cause the cannabinoids to degrade.
Concentrate Decarboxylation
Some forms of concentrate need to be decarboxylated before being implemented in an edible recipe. Preheat the oven to 210°F. Add the concentrate to a small pyrex beaker or oven safe and cover it firmly with tinfoil. Each concentrate will decarboxylate slightly differently, however they all follow the same general format. During the decarboxylation process THCa crystals will melt into THC oil and produce CO2 gas which will be visible as bubbles. When the gas production begins to diminish the decarboxylation is complete. This typically requires around 30 minutes.
More Information on Concentrates and Decarboxylation
This article covers the basics of decarboxylation, however there are many nuances depending on the type of concentrate you are starting with. In some cases you can negatively impact your final product by incorrectly decarbing. For more information on the wide world of concentrates and to learn more about decarbing different types check out Extactwise. The website features much more in depth information about the varying types of concentrates available on the market today.
Devices Made for Decarboxylation
While decarboxylation can be preformed relatively easily in the kitchen with simple supplies, there are a number of pre-built devices which offer a number of advantages over more traditional methods. These devices are typically more finely calibrated than kitchen appliances and are designed to achieve maximum conversion of cannabinoids with minimal loss. In addition, many of these devices also cut down on the smell substantially, which can be an issue for some living situations.
Ardent FX
The Ardent FX is an all in one decarboxylation machine and oil infuser. The Ardent FX is capable of decarboxylating both flower and concentrates. The sealed off design helps preserve terpenes in the final product and can cut down on smell. The latest version boasts a number of new features including Bluetooth connectivity to monitor your decarboxylation in real time. If you make edibles from raw bud frequently, you should certainly consider this device.
Levo II
The LEVO II is a versatile kitchen appliance that simplifies the process of making cannabis infused oils, butters, dressings, and more. Its patented infusion process ensures that only the desirable flavors and aromas are infused, while unwanted tastes and scents are kept out. The infuser is easy to use and features a mess-free dispenser that makes pouring infused liquids a breeze. With its premium food-safe materials and customizable controls, the LEVO II is the perfect tool for creating natural and delicious herbal infusions right at home.
