The key to activating cannabinoids

If you consume cannabis in the form of infusions, homemade oils or infused foods, it’s essential to understand decarboxylation. This chemical process activates the cannabinoids naturally present in the plant, such as CBD and THC, so that they can interact effectively with your body. But how exactly does it work, and how can you achieve perfect decarboxylation? Follow the guide!

1. What is decarboxylation and why is it essential?

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that transforms cannabinoids from their acid form into their active form.

• Before decarboxylation :
  • Cannabis contains THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), which are not psychoactive.
• After decarboxylation :
  • THCA becomes THC, with its well-known effects.
  • CBDA becomes CBD, which provides relaxation and well-being.

Without this process, consuming raw cannabis flowers will have very little effect.

2. How to decarboxylate cannabis?

a. The oven method: simple and effective

This is the most widely used technique and is accessible to everyone.
Equipment required:
✔️ Cannabis flowers or hash
✔️ A baking tray
✔️ Parchment paper
✔️ A kiln

Steps :

1. Preheat your oven to 110-120°C. A higher temperature could burn the terpenes responsible for cannabis’ aromas and benefits.
2. Lightly crumble your flowers or hash. No need to grind them into powder, just into small pieces.
3. Arrange the pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out for even heating.
4. Leave to heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
5. Allow to cool before use.

After this process, your cannabis is ready to be incorporated into recipes, infusions or homemade oils!

b. Water bath decarboxylation: for extracts and oils

If you wish to prepare an infused oil directly:

• Gently heat your cannabis in oil (olive, coconut, butter) at 90-100°C for 1-2 hours.
• Filter and use your oil in recipes or for sublingual intake.

3. At what temperatures should you heat your cannabis?

• THC: 110-120°C (30-40 minutes)
• CBD: 130-140°C (40-50 minutes)
• CBG: 125°C (35-45 minutes)
• Terpenes: highly volatile, avoid high temperatures

Too low a temperature won’t convert cannabinoids sufficiently, and too high a temperature will degrade them. Balance is therefore essential.

4. What to do after decarboxylation?

Your cannabis is now activated and can be used in :

• Infusions: Add to hot milk for better cannabinoid absorption.
• Culinary recipes: brownies, space cakes, infused oils… the possibilities are endless!
• Homemade tinctures and oils: An alternative way to consume cannabis without combustion.

Conclusion: A must for efficient consumption

Decarboxylation is a key step in activating the active ingredients in cannabis. Whether for a CBD infusion or a culinary recipe, this process ensures that you get the best out of your plant. So, get cooking!