Why Do You Need to Decarboxylate Weed for Edibles?

The more I get into growing weed, the more I want to learn. Lately, I have been researching a process referred to as decarboxylating because I want to start making edibles like cannabutter and gummies. To my surprise, I was extremely happy to find out that the decarb process is straight forward and easy to do when you have clear instructions and the right equipment like a decarboxylator.

You should absolutely decarb weed for edibles if you want to get the best ‘high’ possible. Otherwise, you may end up with a very mild ‘high’ or perhaps no ‘high’ at all! This would defeat the purpose, after all, so take the time and go through the process. Decarboxylation or ‘decarbing’ uses heat to increase the THC and CBD levels, making the cannabis more potent.

Now that you know decarboxylating weed for edibles is recommended, let us explore this topic further and in more detail below. We will discuss what decarboxylation is as well as how, why, and when it is done. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to decarb at home using a only few simple items and your oven. We will even include a review of a decarbing machine you can purchase online.

So, if you are ready to learn more about this process, then please continue reading…

What is Decarboxylation and Why Do It?

Decarboxylation is basically removing a chemical known as carboxyl (which is a found naturally in most organic substances) from a cannabis plant for the purpose of making edibles. People do it to activate the THC in the plant so you can get more of a ‘high.’

The potency of cannabis is greatly enhanced by heat. Decarboxylation uses an applied heat source (such as an oven) to boost the THC and CBD levels for maximum results. You can also purchase machines as well. For more information, please see below under What is the Best Decarboxylator You Can Buy?

Is Decarboxylation Necessary for Edibles?

Decarboxylation or ‘decarbing’ is necessary for making cannabis edibles. This is due to marijuana’s inability to provide a natural ‘high’ without it being sufficiently heated. If you plan to bake your edibles (like brownies or cookies, for example), then you likely will not need to decarb the weed first.

Do You Grind Weed Before or After Decarb?

I would say about 90% of people likely decarb their weed before grinding up the buds. Some people, however, prefer to grind afterwards when the herb is less sticky. My recommendation is try both ways so you can determine which method works best for you.

How to Easily Decarb Marijuana?

One of the easiest ways to decarb marijuana is in an oven. To do so, you will need the following:

• Pyrex baking tray
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Cannabis

Then, follow these five simple steps:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (or 105 degrees Celsius) and move your oven rack to the middle position.
2. Rip off a piece of aluminum foil to match the size of your baking tray, crumple it slightly, and lay it across the tray.
3. Break apart the cannabis until each piece is about the size of a grain of rice and spread it across the aluminum foil on the tray.
4. Place another piece of foil on top of the cannabis and place it in the oven – bake for 45 minutes.
5. Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool down on the counter for 30 minutes.

Once your cannabis is cool enough to handle, put it in a container with a lid (such as a mason jar) and store it at room temperature in the cupboard or pantry. Use it for any edibles you plan to make in the future. Once decarbed, it has a fairly long shelf life – anywhere from 6 months to 2 years – provided it is stored properly.

How to Decarb Marijuana Using a Mason Jar?

There are some benefits to decarbing cannabis using a mason jar in the oven as opposed to simply spreading marijuana on a baking sheet. For example, this method helps minimize the smell or strong odors created when weed is heated. As well, the terpenes (which are responsible for the aroma and flavour of marijuana) that evaporate from the heat will stick to the glass of the jar allowing you to preserve them for future use.

The mason jar decarbing process requires only a few simple items including the jar itself with a lid; a baking tray; a tea towel; some cannabis buds; and a pair or oven gloves. The simple five-step procedure includes the following:

1. Preheat your oven between 220 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit (or 105 to 110 degrees Celsius) and move the oven rack to the middle position.
2. Break the cannabis buds into pieces the size of a grain of rice and put them in the mason jar – secure the lid tightly.
3. Dampen the tea towel slightly, lay it over the baking tray and place the jar on the towel.
4. Put the baking tray in the oven. Remove the jar from the oven every 15 minutes and shake it gently to disperse the cannabis evenly. Do this 3 times allowing the marijuana to bake for 60 minutes (do not forget to use your oven gloves)!
5. After 60 minutes of bake time, take the jar out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before storing and/or using the weed for cooking.

Do You Need to Decarb Old Weed?

While you likely do not need to decarb old weed, taking just ten or fifteen minutes to do so will not harm the buds. It takes a long time for buds to decarb naturally so doing this should not ruin the weed in any way.

Decarb Weed Covered or Uncovered?

It is best to decarb weed in an oven on a tray covered with aluminum foil. You can decarb without a covering as well just so long as the buds are receiving an adequate amount of heat. The covering is mainly to prevent the greens from burning, which usually happens around 20 minutes into the process so even if you do not cover it for the first, you should be still okay.

What Temperature Does CDB Decarb at?

There is a dispute the marijuana world regarding the exact temperature at which CDB will decarb. Most people agree it somewhere around 225 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures in an oven vary, setting it to somewhere between 220 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick. Just be sure not to set it too high or you run the risk of burning the buds!

What is the Best Decarboxylator You Can Buy?

One of the best units you can buy online through Amazon is the Levo II – Herbal Oil and Butter Infusion Machine – Botanical Decarboxylator, Herb Dryer, and Oil Infuser. It is a premium kitchen appliance that is easy to use and clean. It helps unlock the full potency of your botanicals without the need for solvents, additives, or emulsifiers. Check it out today!

Conclusion

To conclude, you should absolutely decarb marijuana for edibles. This will make it more potent by significantly increasing the THC and CBD levels. For the best ‘high’ possible, decarbing cannabis is necessary. If you do not, then your edibles will provide only a mild high, if any at all! Since this would defeat the purpose, taking the time to do this simple procedure is recommended.

Hopefully, this article has been of help to you. Thanks for reading and good luck with your edible cannabis creations!

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Can You Make Edibles Without Decarbing?

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