How to Decarb Weed: Step-by-Step Guide to Decarboxylation

What Is Decarboxylation?

In scientific terms, decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from a molecule. A carboxyl group in molecular form is identified as COOH, or a carbon atom that is double-bonded to an oxygen and an -OH group. 

Decarboxylation occurs naturally at a very slow rate, but it can be expedited when a certain level of heat is applied for an amount of time that allows for the molecules to break down and be released as carbon dioxide (CO2). 

With their carboxyl groups still attached, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) cannot effectively bind to our endocannabinoid receptors. This is why you won’t experience any euphoric effects if you ingest weed in raw form. These cannabinoid molecules must undergo decarboxylation to be bioavailable to our endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

Decarbing cannabis transforms the THCA into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both of which are capable of binding to the body’s ECS. That is why it is so important to decarb your weed before making edibles, and why heat needs to be applied for it to be medically effective. 

How to Decarb Weed?

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Preheat the oven to anywhere between 220-240 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is the ideal decarb temp to activate the cannabinoids without burning off any precious weed compounds such as terpenes. 

Step 2: Bake

Deciding how long to decarb weed can be tricky. When baking in the oven, shoot for around 30 minutes but monitor your cannabis closely to prevent burning.

Step 3: Stir Occasionally

To promote even and thorough heating, stir your decarbing weed a few times throughout the baking process. 

Step 4: Check For Desired Color and Aroma

As the decarbing process comes to a close, the color of the flower should turn to a toasty golden brown with a dry consistency. After decarboxylation, properly dried and cured cannabis should have a stronger smell compared to its raw form. Depending on the specific terpenes in the strain you are using, your decarbed weed will smell earthier, gassier, sweeter, or more citrusy. 

Step 5: Allow To Cool 

Once the decarboxylation process is complete, allow the weed to cool before handling it or using it in recipes. This helps prevent the loss of volatile compounds and ensures that the cannabinoids are fully activated.

Step 6: Store Properly

The best way to maintain freshness and extend the shelf life of your decarbed weed is to properly store it. Select an airtight container like a mason jar and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place. If stored correctly, it is recommended that you use it within 3 months to avoid any degradation of the cannabinoids and other compounds. Some patients prefer to decarb large batches at once, so there is plenty on hand for medicating. 

Why is Decarboxylation Necessary for Edibles?

Decarboxylation is necessary for edibles because it activates the cannabinoids present in raw cannabis. Activating the cannabinoids is the only way for cannabis to have psychoactive and therapeutic effects when consumed in a weed edible. 

When cannabis is ingested in its raw form without decarbing first, the cannabinoids primarily exist as their acidic forms, like THCA and CBDA. These forms are not psychoactive and offer different effects. The acidic cannabinoids need to be converted into their active forms, THC and CBD, to produce the desired effects that cannabis is known for. 

By decarbing cannabis before incorporating it into edibles, you ensure that the cannabinoids are capable of interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This activation is typically achieved by heating the cannabis slowly so as not to burn off any of the terpenes or cannabinoids in the process. 

Without decarboxylation, consuming cannabis-infused edibles would not result in the desired psychoactive or therapeutic effects. Instead, the cannabinoids would remain in their inactive acidic forms, providing little to no benefit to the consumer. Therefore, learning how to decarb cannabis is a crucial step in making potent and effective edibles. 

READ: How to Make Cannabutter: 5 Simple Steps

Decarboxylation Temperature Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method of decarboxylation?

The best method of decarboxylation depends on the user’s preference. If you are looking to get the benefits of cannabis quickly and easily, combusting or vaporizing weed in a pipe, bong, or vaporizer does decarb the cannabis. However, if you’re looking to add it to a recipe when making cannabutter, you can bake it on low heat in the oven for easy decarboxylation. 

What is the best time and temperature to Decarb weed?

The ideal temperature range to decarb cannabis typically falls between 220°F and 240°F. This range allows the cannabinoids to activate properly while minimizing the risk of degrading other compounds, such as terpenes. 

How do you know when decarboxylation is complete?

You will know decarboxylation is complete when your weed is a light golden brown. The weed should also have a crumbly, dry texture. Decarbed weed smells stronger than raw cannabis.

How long to decarb weed at 225?

Decarb weed for between 30 and 60 minutes at 225. Continuously check on your weed during the decarboxylation process to ensure it doesn’t burn. You will know your weed is fully decarbed when it’s golden brown and crumbly.

Does Heating Up Weed Make It Stronger?

Heating up weed does not make the weed itself stronger. However, heating weed to the point of decarboxylation makes the weed’s cannabinoids bioavailable to your body. Weed needs to undergo decarboxylation before being used in edibles; otherwise, the cannabinoids won’t be able to bind to your endocannabinoid system, and you won’t experience any of their effects.

Should Weed Be Ground Before or After Decarbing?

Weed should be ground before decarbing because it creates more surface area, and it also ensures that the weed is consistently sized. Some people opt to break their weed into small bits with their hands before decarbing in an attempt to preserve trichomes, and then crumble it after.

How Long Does It Take to Decarb Weed? 

It typically takes 30-40 minutes to decarb weed. Regularly check on your decarbing weed to avoid overheating or burning it.

Can You Decarb Weed in a Microwave?

You can not decarb weed in a microwave. Decarbing requires a low, consistent temperature for an extended period of time, and it’s important to take the weed out at exactly the right time. None of this is possible in a microwave, and the weed would burn.