If you’re new to cooking with cannabis, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to decarboxylate it.
Have you ever seen a movie in which a character swallows an entire stack of raw marijuana to escape being caught with it? Isn’t it reasonable to expect the person to be gasping for oxygen and their eyes to explode out of their heads?
The aftermath would not be what you expect if the movie were true to life. The following is a spoiler: the person will only get a smidgeon of a high. If you don’t trust us, stick around, and we’ll explain why.
The Solution
Decarboxylation is the process that provides the solution. When you eat cannabis, you must go through this procedure to experience psychoactive effects.
THC levels in raw cannabis flowers are minimal. They have THCA instead. THCA molecules have an extra carboxyl group than THC molecules. You won’t get high as long as that carboxyl group is present. Decarboxylation removes the excess carboxyl group, making your marijuana experience more enjoyable.
THC vs THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Marijuana dispensaries provide weed items in legal cannabis markets. Labelling standards for marijuana products sold in dispensaries are very specific. Manufacturers must disclose their products’ cannabinoid content.
THCA is abundant in some marijuana products. These goods include a lot of cannabinoids that haven’t been decarboxylated yet.
THCA is not a psychotropic substance. To obtain this, it must undergo a decarboxylation process in which it is converted to THC.
Although these products will not make you high, THCA is known to have several health benefits when eaten. Neurological and anti-inflammatory properties are two of the advantages.
Smoking
Time and heat are required for decarboxylation to occur. Cannabis will partially decarboxylate as it dries. As a result, most cannabis flowers contain a tiny amount of THC and THCA when analyzed.
Vaporizing and smoking decarboxylate cannabis as soon as they come into touch with high temperatures. Decarboxylation occurs in this situation while cannabis is being consumed.
Edibles
While smoking or vaping, cannabinoids are easily decarboxylated. However, edibles must be decarboxylated before consumption. That way, when you digest the edibles, you can get high.
Cannabinoids are cooked in oil at low temperatures overtime to make edibles. The cannabinoids will be decarboxylated in this situation. The oil can then be used in edibles or other cannabis products.
Instructions
In the oven, cannabis users can decarboxylate flowers, trim, leaves, and stems—Preheat the oven to a temperature of 245°F to 250°F. Cover the raw cannabis with two layers of tin foil within an ovenproof dish. Heat for 20-40 minutes, or until the cannabis is brittle and dry.
Some people believe that a slow cooker may be used to decarboxylate cannabis. While this is true, full decarboxylation will not occur while making cannabutter. Decarboxylate your cannabis in the oven before adding oil to make the greatest cannabutter.
Conclusion
There’s never been a better moment to get started in the cannabis industry and learn how to cook like a pro using cannabis! As initiatives to legalize marijuana grow over the world, job opportunities are exploding. Enrol at Cannabis Training University to learn more about cooking with cannabis.