What is decarboxylation and why does cannabis need it?

Decarboxylation uses heat to convert some THCA naturally present in cannabis flower into THC. Before making infused food, the heated flower can be combined with coconut oil, butter, or another ingredient. This step does not establish the THC content of a finished serving.

What does decarboxylation mean?

The cannabinoids that are contained within the trichomes or raw cannabis flowers contain a carboxyl group (-COOH), which is released as carbon dioxide during decarboxylation. For example, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is synthesized in prevalence within the trichome heads of freshly harvested cannabis flowers. In most regulated markets, cannabis distributed in dispensaries contains labels detailing the product's cannabinoid contents. THCA, in many cases, prevails as the highest cannabinoid present in items that have not been decarboxylated (cannabis flowers and concentrates).

Laboratory studies have explored THCA, but anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects have not been established as clinical benefits in people. THCA is not intoxicating – it must first be converted into THC using decarboxylation, before any psychoactive effects could be felt.

How does decarboxylation work?

There are two things needed to make decarboxylating work – time and heat. Some of the decarbing happens when you hang your cannabis plants and flowers to dry after harvesting them. The rest happens when you smoke or vaporize it as the extremely high heat used instantly decarboxylates the cannabinoids, allowing them to be absorbed through inhalation.

Our lungs can easily absorb the cannabinoids through vaping, but eating edibles requires these cannabinoids present in what we consume in order for our bodies to absorb them throughout digestion. Heating cannabinoids at lower temps for longer periods of time allows us to decarb the cannabinoids while preserving the integrity of the material we use so that we may infuse it into what we want to consume.

What temperature do you decarb cannabis at?

Decarboxylation happens over a range of temperatures and times, not at one exact threshold. Higher heat can accelerate conversion, but excessive heat or prolonged heating can also reduce cannabinoid recovery. An oven setting around 240°F (116°C) for approximately 40 minutes is a practical starting point for flower, not a scientifically established optimum for every batch. Conversion varies with equipment and material.

Other forms of Cannabinoid degradation can be caused by changing the temp and time. For example, cannabinol (CBN) is formed through the degradation and oxidation of THC, a process that can occur alongside decarboxylation. CBN is generally less intoxicating than THC, but claims that it reliably produces sedation are not established by strong human evidence.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis in Your Kitchen.

Decarbing the cannabis is so easy to do – all you need is an oven safe dish or cookie sheet, cannabis flower (buds), a grinder or food processor (or your hands if you're old school) to break the dried flower into small, loose pieces without pulverizing it. Doesn't have to be perfect. Place ground cannabis flower on a cookie sheet or glass dish and bake at 240°F for 40 minutes. Visible smoke is a warning sign of scorching or overheating, not proof that decarboxylation is complete. Stop heating if smoke appears and check your oven conditions.