Cannabis 101 – What is Decarboxylation?

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What is decarboxylation?

Ever wonder why you don’t get high if you eat a fresh nug?

The simple answer is the cannabinoids weren’t activated. If you’ve ever eaten a cannabis edible before, chances are high your herb went through a process called decarboxylation. It’s necessary to unlock the many of the famous effects associated with cannabis. Without decarbing your weed, the traditional intoxication levels wouldn’t exist and neither would some of the benefits.

What’s decarboxylation?  

Before delta-9 THC and cannabidiol can begin modulating the endocannabinoid system, the decarboxylation process needs to happen. THC and CBD begin their life as THCA and CBDA in the cannabis plant. Only when exposed to heat do they become fully realized and turn into the better known delta-9 THC and CBD.

By adding heat to the carboxylic acid forms (THCA and CBDA),  you are left with the neutral forms of the cannabinoid which is THC and CBD. Decarbing cannabis is done when people add flame to dried herb,  cooking with it, or using a machine to decarboxylate the cannabis for you. When heat is applied to the cannabis for a period of time the molecules break down

Why is it important for edibles ? 

When making edibles, it’s important to decarboxylate your cannabis correctly. If done incorrectly the cannabinoids won’t be fully activated and the product won’t be as potent as you’d expect – or worse. You could burn off valuable cannabinoids and be left with an unusable stash.

There are a few different ways you can successfully get the most out of your cannabis when you’re preparing it for a canna-recipe. One of the easiest ways is also a classic and done in the oven.

1. Heat the over between 220ºF and 250ºF
2. Grind up your cannabis(not too fine) and spread it evenly on parchment paper on top of a baking sheet. This will ensure that the cannabis is cooked evenly
3. Allow the cannabis to decarboxylate in your oven for around 30 – 40 minutes – make sure to monitor it as to not let it burn during the process!
4. Remove and let cool

Once it’s been activated, you can infuse it into the oil or butter of your choice and add it to your favorite Hello High meal!

Decarboxylating your cannabis in the oven can be a potentially risky and costly mistake if done incorrectly even for seasoned pros who are familiar with the smell and the temperature control aspect of the process.  The odor often becomes a deterrent and learning when your cannabis has been fully activated without burning it is also another issue many people have.

Simplifying the Process with the Ultra Infuser 

If watching the clock to decarboxylate your cannabis doesn’t interest you, there are more convenient options like using the Hello High all in one Ultra Infuser.

The Hello High Ultra Infuser helps take the preparation and pressure off decarboxylating your cannabis and infusing your product – all you need is the touch of a button to begin the process.

One click allows you to begin to decarb your cannabis in one odorless and effortless process. Our infuser gives users the ability to decarb up to ½ oz of any herb and directly infuse butter, oil, tincture, and honey reducing the mess and potential to destroy your herb. It is the perfect option for anyone who wants to create high quality edibles at home.

Whether decarboxylation is happening in an infuser or the oven, it’s a necessary process to activate cannabis and bring your edibles to life.  Check out the Hello High YouTube channel here to utilize your newly infused cannabutter, oil, or honey and elevate your canna cooking experience to new heights!