If you enjoy cannabis flower (or the cannabis plant in general), you probably know that cannabis decarboxylation is a crucial step in preparing your weed for consumption.
Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the psychoactive THC and cannabinoids present in the plant. It's a chemical reaction that removes carboxylic acids from plant matter as they release carbon dioxide.
The decarboxylation process has one critical downside: it can degrade the terpenes in your cannabis plants. Terpenes are volatile and sensitive to heat, so they can easily evaporate or oxidize during the process, leaving you with a less potent or enjoyable end products (e.g. cannabis oil or edibles).
Unless you properly decarboxylate cannabis, you won't get its full effects and benefits, whether you smoke cannabis or prefer vaporizing cannabis in a dry herb vape.
Oven Decarbing
If you need to decarb cannabis flower, the oven is arguably the most common and convenient way to do it at home. You’ll also need a baking sheet, some parchment paper, and a grinder. Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C). This is the optimal temperature for decarbing weed without losing terpenes, according to a study by Dr. Markus Roggen from Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures. You can use an oven thermometer to ensure you're in the right temperature range.
- Grind your cannabis buds coarsely using a grinder. Don’t grind it too finely; this will increase the surface area and expose more terpenes to heat and air.
- Spread your ground weed evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd the sheet or layer the weed too thickly, as this will affect the heat distribution and decarboxylation efficiency.
- Bake your weed for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the moisture content and density of your cannabis. It should also have a golden brown color, indicating that the cannabinoid acids have converted into their active forms.
- Remove your weed from the oven and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. You can use your decarbed weed to make cannabis-infused oils, edibles, tinctures, or capsules.
The Sous Vide Method
The sous vide method is a more advanced and precise way to decarb weed without losing terpenes. Sous vide is a French term that means “under vacuum”, and it refers to a cooking technique that involves sealing food in a plastic bag and immersing it in a water bath at a controlled temperature.
This method allows for optimal heat transfer and preservation of flavor and texture.
- Set your sous vide device to 203°F (95°C). This is slightly lower than the oven temperature but will still achieve full decarboxylation without losing terpenes.
- Seal your ground weed in a vacuum bag using a vacuum sealer or in a ziplock bag using the water displacement method (submerge the bag partially in water until most of the air is pushed out, then seal it).
- Submerge your cannabis material in the water bath and clip it to the side of the pot. Make sure the weed is fully immersed and not floating on the surface, as this will affect the heat distribution and decarboxylation efficiency.
- Cook your weed for 90 minutes, using a timer to keep track of the time. You can check the color and texture of your weed periodically to see if it’s done.
- Remove your weed from the water bath and let it cool completely before storing it.
Mason Jar Decarbing
Mason jar decarbing is a simple and effective way of decarbing weed without losing terpenes. It involves placing your weed in a mason jar and heating it in a pot of water on the stove.
This method creates a sealed environment that traps the terpenes inside the jar, while allowing for sufficient heat transfer to activate the cannabinoids.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil on the stove. When submerged, the water level should be high enough to cover most of the mason jar.
- Fill your mason jar with your ground weed, leaving some space at the top for air expansion. Don’t pack it too tightly, as this will affect the heat transfer and the decarboxylation efficiency.
- Screw the lid on loosely, allowing some air to escape during heating. Don’t tighten it too much, as this will create too much pressure inside the jar and potentially cause it to crack or explode.
- Place your mason jar in the pot of boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Ensure the jar is fully submerged to optimize heat distribution and decarboxylation efficiency.
- Simmer your weed for 60 minutes, using a timer to keep track of the time.
- Remove your mason jar from the pot of water and let it cool completely before storing your weed.
Decarboxylation Temperature Chart
| Temperature (°F) | Temperature (°C) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220°F | 104°C | 30-45 min | Preserves most terpenes, ideal for flavorful edibles |
| 240°F | 115°C | 30-40 min | Standard for balanced potency and flavor |
| 250°F | 121°C | 25-30 min | Slightly faster, may lose some terpenes |
| 280°F | 138°C | 20 min | Fast decarb, potential terpene loss |
The temperature and duration of heating significantly impact the retention of terpenes, which are responsible for the plant's flavor and aroma. Lower temperatures (220°F/104°C) are preferred for preserving terpenes, while slightly higher temperatures (240°F/115°C) offer a balance between potency and flavor. Higher temperatures (250°F/121°C and 280°F/138°C) expedite the process but may result in terpene loss. Adjusting the temperature and time allows you to customize the decarboxylation process to suit your needs.
What Can Decarboxylated Cannabis Be Used For?
Decarboxylated cannabis is much more effective than consuming raw cannabis. Once decarboxylated, cured cannabis becomes highly versatile for various applications. You can use decarboxylated weed to prepare a range of cannabis products, including edibles and cannabis oil, to experience the full psychoactive effects. Consuming cannabis in this form ensures that the cannabinoids and terpenes are fully activated, enhancing both the therapeutic benefits and the flavor profile of the final product.
Decarboxylated cannabis can be infused into butter or oil to create delicious and potent edibles like brownies, cookies, and gummies. It's also ideal for making tinctures and topicals, offering a versatile approach to cannabis consumption. Tinctures can be taken sublingually for fast-acting relief, while topicals can be applied directly to the skin to target localized pain and inflammation. The activated cannabinoids and terpenes in decarboxylated cannabis make it a valuable ingredient for a wide range of therapeutic and recreational products.
Tips for Decarbing Without Losing Terpenes
Regardless of which method you choose to decarb your weed without losing terpenes, there are some general tips and best practices to optimize your results.
To close out this beginner's guide, let's review three of the most important ones below.
Use fresh and high-quality weed, regardless of the cannabis strains you use
The fresher and higher quality your weed is, the more terpenes and cannabinoids it will have. Avoid using old or moldy weed, as it can affect its flavor, aroma, and potency even when using high-terp strains.
Store your decarbed weed properly
After decarbing your weed, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. This will prevent further loss of terpenes and cannabinoids due to exposure to light, air, or heat.
Add some terpene-rich ingredients or extracts to your final product
If you want to enhance the flavor and aroma of your decarbed weed, you can add some terpene-rich ingredients or extracts such as citrus fruits, herbs, or spices.