In its raw form, THC-A flower is non-intoxicating. However, that is not the case when decarboxylation of the flower takes place. Upon decarboxylation, the effect changes because the THC-A contained in the flower changes to THC, the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis. So, what exactly is decarboxylation?
What Is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation, often referred to as "decarbing" is a crucial chemical reaction that involves the removal of a carboxyl group (COOH) from a molecule. This process is especially important in cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis.
Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A) are present in the raw cannabis plant in their acidic forms. This acidic form is not psychoactive. However, when these compounds undergo decarboxylation — typically through the application of heat — they convert into their active forms, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).1
Decarboxylation of THC-A Flower
The process of decarboxylation is necessary for activating the psychoactive effects associated with cannabinoids in the plant, including THC. The THC-A in the THC-A flower is not psychoactive in its raw form. When cannabis flowers are smoked, vaped, or cooked, the carboxyl group is removed from THC-A to produce the psychoactive THC.2
The same goes for other cannabinoid acids. These activated forms bind to the endocannabinoid system to provide the high or therapeutic effects many people experience from the consumption of cannabis.
How Does Decarboxylation Work?
Decarboxylation is a process in which buds containing cannabis plants are heated to enhance the activity of cannabinoids.
1. Heat Application
The flowers of raw or cured cannabis contain non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THC-A for example. While these compounds may have therapeutic effects, they do not cause a ‘high’ or euphoric state. To get the ‘high’, heat is used to remove the carboxyl group from the molecules and turn the acid into active THC.
2. Temperature and Time
Optimal decarboxylation requires specific temperatures and durations. Typically, lower temperatures necessitate longer times, while higher temperatures make the process faster.3
3. CO2 Release
As the carboxyl group detaches, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released as a byproduct. After this, the flower has a higher amount of active THC making it more potent and suitable for homemade cannabinoid infusions, edibles, tinctures, or topicals.
How to Consume Decarboxylated THC-A Flower
There are different ways of using THC-A flower that has been decarboxylated. For optimal experience. You may choose any one of the following ways:
- Gummies: Gummies are an effective way to consume decarboxylated THC-A, offering a discreet, tasty, and precise dosage method. Gummies ensure consistent potency and it is popular among users seeking controlled cannabis consumption.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are a type of cannabis extract derived from alcohol. They are best suited to be mixed with food or beverages as well as administered sublingually.
- Topicals: Topicals are another means of consuming decarboxylated THC-A. Topicals can be infused into the skin to provide localized relief.
- Syrups: Syrups are a convenient way to consume decarboxylated THC-A. They offer precise dosing and can be mixed into drinks or taken directly.
Is It Necessary to Decarboxylate Edibles?
Decarboxylation is essential for edibles because it activates the cannabinoids in raw cannabis. When activated, they get their psychoactive and potentially therapeutic effects. Without decarbing, the cannabinoids in raw cannabis primarily exist in their acidic forms, such as THC-A, which are not psychoactive and have different effects.
By decarboxylating cannabis before adding it to edibles, you ensure that the cannabinoids can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Achieving this activation is typically by slowly heating the cannabis to avoid burning off any cannabinoids or terpenes.
Without decarboxylation, consuming cannabis-infused edibles would not result in the desired psychoactive effects. This is true because the cannabinoids would remain in their inactive acidic forms. Therefore, decarbing THC-A flower is a crucial step in making potent and effective edibles.
Different Ways to Decarb THC-A Flower
There are several effective and safe ways to decarboxylate THC-A flowers. However, rather than doing it yourself, you can just purchase decarboxylated THC-A flowers online. Still, to try decarboxylation, here are some methods::
1. Oven
Due to its ease of use, the oven method is widely used as a means of decarboxylation of THC-A. To do this, you can set a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, distribute the cannabis evenly, and bake for 40 minutes, stirring from time to time. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). This technique works well and does not need a lot of equipment.
2. Stovetop
This method, which works best for creating cannabis tea, is simmering decarboxylated cannabis in water at 210°F (99°C) in a sealed tea bag. You are going to have a strong cup of cannabis tea in a few minutes, which you can further flavor with honey and lemon juice.
3. Crockpot
To create oil infused with cannabis, use a slow cooker. In the crockpot, mix dried cannabis with carrier oil. Cook for about an hour on high and three hours on low. Canna oil made with this method is ideal for a variety of dishes.
4. Microwave
For a quick method, place THC-A flower in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 90 seconds, then check and stir. Repeat until the cannabis turns golden brown. This method is less precise but useful for quick decarboxylation.
5. Double-boiler or sous vide
For a more discreet option, the sous-vide method minimizes odor. Set your sous vide cooker to 230°F (110°C), place the cannabis in a vacuum-sealed bag, and immerse it in water. This method ensures precise temperature control and even decarboxylation.
Conclusion
One easy but important step in making a variety of THC-A products is through the decarboxylation process. This process activates the THC in the THC-A flower. To consume decarboxylated THC-A flower, either homemade or the one you buy online, ensure that you start with a small dose. Compared to raw or cured cannabis, decarboxylated THC-A flower can have stronger, longer-lasting effects and you must use it responsibly.
References
- Wang M, Wang YH, Avula B, et al. Decarboxylation Study of Acidic Cannabinoids: A Novel Approach Using Ultra-High-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography/Photodiode Array-Mass Spectrometry. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016;1(1):262-271.
- Huestis MA. Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007;4(8):1770-1804.
- Filer CN. Acidic Cannabinoid Decarboxylation. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2022;7(3):262-273.
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