How to Decarb Weed: Everything You Need to Know

Decarbing is heating cannabis to the right temperature in order to activate the compounds within. Though you could eat it raw, consuming raw cannabis won’t actually get you high. 

The effects we know and love from cannabis remain useless until they go through decarboxylation — more commonly known as “decarbing.” Here’s what happens during the decarbing process, why it’s important, and how to decarb weed yourself.

What is Decarboxylation?

Raw cannabis plants contain chemicals like THCa and CBDa. These chemicals are precursors to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system when consumed. 

In order to convert these precursor chemicals into their active form, you’ll need to put your cannabis plants through the decarboxylation process. Without decarbing, cannabis plants won’t produce any physical or mental effects. 

Decarbing happens when cannabis plants are exposed to heat. It can also happen over a much longer period of time through a drying and curing process. However, this approach is typically only used by professionals. 

Additionally, decarbing your weed also helps create the entourage effect, where cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds work together to boost its therapeutic benefits. 

By properly decarbing, you’re not just getting the psychoactive effects; you’re also maximizing the overall experience that cannabis has to offer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THC AND THCA AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR CANNABIS EXPERIENCE

How Does Decarboxylation Work?

When you smoke, vape, or dab your cannabis products, the heat will decarb them naturally in the process. 

However, you’ll need to decarb weed manually using an oven to make edibles. If you don’t decarb your cannabis flower before making edibles, they won’t produce the results you’re looking for.

Before we understand how to decarb marijuana, let’s look at the important factors present in the decarboxylation process. Here’s how decarbing weed works: 

Apply Heat to Activate Your Cannabis

Heat plays a crucial role in decarbing cannabis, turning it from something inactive into something that creates the effects you’re looking for. 

Think of it this way: you can eat raw parsley, but doesn’t it have a stronger effect when cooked? Precursor cannabinoids like THCa and CBDa have a different molecular structure than their active forms. 

Applying heat starts the chemical reaction that turns those non-psychoactive compounds into their active forms: THC and CBD.

Find the Optimal Temperature and Time.

Successful decarbing happens within a specific temperature range. Generally, this process happens at anywhere between 200 and 290℉. 

If the temperature is too low, the cannabinoids won’t convert and your edibles won’t be potent. However, if the temperature is too high, you’ll burn your cannabis (and the valuable cannabinoids along with it). 

The decarbing process can take anywhere from seven minutes to an hour. This depends on a variety of factors, including the temperature you use, the amount of cannabis you’re decarbing, and the freshness of your buds. 

It’s important to note that this process isn’t exact, and it may require some trial and error to find the right decarbing temperature when making edibles. 

It might be tempting to use a high decarb weed temp so the process happens faster. However, this can quickly backfire, as it can cause the terpenes in the cannabis to evaporate. 

When this happens, the terpenes can leave behind overwhelming odors and flavors that interfere with the quality of your edibles.  Know more about what cannabis-derived terpenes are and why they matter. 

Monitor CO2 Release for Effective Decarb.

The final step in the decarbing process is CO2 release. Once heat has been applied to the raw cannabis and its molecular structure changes, it will release CO2. This release is what converts the cannabinoids into their psychoactive forms and turns your weed from a regular old plant into something special.

How to Decarb Weed in the Oven

So, how do you decarb weed DIY-style? One of the most popular (and easiest) methods is in your oven. 

By learning how to decarb weed on your own, you can add your favorite strains of cannabis flower to baked goods, drinks, and other foods. 

Here’s how to decarb cannabis safely and effectively:  

Preparation & Materials 

Before you can decarb your cannabis products, you’ll need to start by gathering your materials.

Start by purchasing your favorite flower from your local dispensary. An eighth is normally enough to make edibles, but you can use more or less depending on the recipe you want to make. You’ll also need a grinder to break up the cPREFannabis into small pieces. 

Then, you’ll need some basic kitchen materials. You’ll need a flat baking sheet with raised edges to bake your weed on. You’ll also need a layer of parchment paper or aluminum foil. 

Finally, you’ll need a spatula to stir and remove the cannabis safely, as well as protective oven mitts. If you’re not going to use your cannabis right away, you’ll also need an airtight container to store it in. 

Set the Temperature

Before you start the decarbing process, you’ll need to determine the decarb temp and time you want to use. 

You’ll need to find the right balance so that your cannabinoids activate without burning off. If you’re decarbing weed for the first time, a temperature of 240℉ for 20 minutes is a good place to start. If your buds are particularly fresh, you might need to bake them for longer, as fresh cannabis typically takes longer to decarb. 

Note: Different cannabinoids decarb at different temperatures. You can adjust your decarbing temperature based on the exact cannabinoid makeup of the strain you’re using. Here are some benchmark times for common cannabinoids: 

Quick Step-by-Step Guide on How to Decarb Weed

1. Preheat your oven to your desired temperature. Assemble your materials while your oven is preheating. 
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil. This will prevent the cannabis from sticking to the baking sheet and helps prevent any messes when cleaning up later. 
3. Use a grinder to break your flower into small chunks. Don’t make the pieces too small or grind the flower into a powder, as this may result in the weed burning. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use kitchen scissors or break the pieces off using your hands. 
4. Lay out the cannabis in a thin, even layer on your baking sheet. This helps the cannabis decarb as evenly as possible. 
5. Put the cannabis in the oven for the designated amount of time — usually 20 to 40 minutes. 
6. Set a timer for halfway through your total bake process. For example, if you’re decarbing for 20 minutes, set the timer for 10 minutes. Pull the cannabis out halfway through and move it around with the spatula to ensure it decarbs evenly. 
7. Keep an eye on your cannabis as it continues to cook. When the cannabis is golden brown, it’s time to remove it. This means you may need to remove the cannabis slightly earlier or later than intended. 
8. Once your cannabis is finished decarbing, remove it from the oven using your oven mitts. Set it on your stove or another heat-safe area to cool. Let the cannabis cool completely, and don’t touch or stir it as it’s cooling. Generally, the cannabis will need to cool for at least 30 minutes.
9. Once the cannabis has cooled down, you can use it to make edibles right away or store it in an airtight container for later. To infuse it into oils or butters, simply simmer your decarbed cannabis with the oil or butter of your choice on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Then strain out the plant material. Now, you have an easy-to-use cannabis infusion ready to be added to baked goods, sauces, savory dishes, or even spread on toast. 
10. Try to use your decarbed cannabis within six months — after that point, it will start to lose potency. The cannabis will be soft and crumbly, so handle it carefully to avoid losing pieces.

Disclaimer: While the video provides a helpful visual reference, it may not follow the exact sequence of steps outlined in this guide. Feel free to watch it for a better visual understanding, but refer to our written guide for the most accurate steps.

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Learning how to decarb weed opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to homemade edibles. You're not limited to the classic weed brownies — you can incorporate decarbed weed into a variety of baked goods, craft cannabis-infused cocktails, and even add it to more savory dishes like burgers and tacos. Embrace the culinary inspiration! 

STIIIZY’s premium flower products make the perfect base for edibles, or you can order edibles online. Want to visit us in-person? Check out our dispensaries near you to see more of what we offer! We also allow for quick pick up and even delivery in certain areas.

By learning how to properly decarb weed, you can unlock the full potential of your cannabis and enhance your overall experience. At STIIIZY, we’re here to help you discover the best techniques for decarbing and elevating your cannabis journey to new heights. Stay STIIIZY!

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