Decarboxylation, or ‘decarbing,’ is the process of applying heat to cannabis. More specifically, it involves heating THCA and converting it into THC, the active compound in weed. To keep things short, THCA is non-psychoactive (essentially un-activated), while THC is psychoactive. When you buying cannabis from a dispensary, you are buying THCA (although, many packaging only states the THC%).
I have been making edibles for well over five years now, and over that time, I’ve tried plenty of different methods for decarbing cannabis flower. I’ve compiled my three favorite ways to decarb cannabis flower, depending on the final application you’re planning for (aka your end goal).
Decarbing cannabis flower is an essential step for creating homemade cannabis infusions (e.g., edibles, oil, and topicals) because it “activates” the THC and CBD flower.
What is Decarboxylate and why is it important?
Decarbing cannabis flower at home unlocks many more ways of enjoying weed. When heat is applied to cannabis, it undergoes a chemical reaction where, the THCA molecules are converted to THC molecules. THC is the psychoactive molecule responsible for getting you “high”, while THCA is non-psychoactive (this is the reason why you have to light up a bong or joint to enjoy the medicinal benefits of weed). So in short THCA, transforms to the psychoactive THC when heat is applied.
If you are planning on making homemade cannabis edibles or tinctures, the decarbing process is crucial for creating potent end products.
There are many different ways of decarboxylating cannabis flower, and after making homemade edibles for over +5 years I’ve found my favorite two methods. I have complied two of my favorite methods of decarbing cannabis flower, each works for its own setting.
- Decarbing Cannabis with a Baking Sheet (good for large quantities)
- Decarbing Cannabis with a Mason Jar (smell-proof)
Disclaimer: Heating glass in the oven can carry risks. Standard mason jars are not designed for dry heat and may crack or break under high temperatures. To minimize this risk only use high-quality, heat-resistant glass and inspect for cracks before using. If you’re concerned about glass safety, I highly suggest considering using alternatives such as a oven-safe sealed silicone bag.
Decarboxylate Cannabis Flower w/ a Mason Jar (no smell)
If you cannot have your place smelling like weed, whether it be because of a roommates or neighbor, than this method of decarbing cannabis flower is perfect for you. This was my tried-and-true method of decarbing cannabis flower when I was in college and living with roommates who did not like the smell of weed. So if you need to be discreet with your cannabis smell, follow the steps below for a no-smell technique of decarbing cannabis flower.
*If using glass, only use tempered oven-safe glass as it can withstand the rapid change in temperature without cracking. Trust me, I have had glass break by using cheap glass and it has ruined my entire batch. 🙁
Decarbing Flower w/ a Mason Jar (No Smell)
Supplies
- cannabis flower
- heat-resistant mason jar (or oven-safe glass dish or food-safe silicone container)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 260F and prepare the cannabis bud by breaking it into smaller pieces (but not too fine). Place grounded flower into the glass jar and loosely tighten the lid of the jar. Don’t fully tighten the lid; this prevents pressure buildup.
- When putting the jar into the oven, place the, loosely sealed, jar on its side for even heat distribution. You can also set it on a folded kitchen towel to reduce direct heat stress.
- Bake for at least 40-60 minutes, shaking the jar every 15 minutes to ensure even heat distribution throughout. Keep an eye on the color of your cannabis, you will know it ready when it turns slightly brown and toasted.
- Once finished, remove the jar from the oven and let it cool completely before opening. The cooling process helps retain the terpenes and prevents the sudden release of aroma.
- Your cannabis flower is now activated and ready to use! You can incorporate it directly into recipes, infuse it into oils or butters, or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Decarboxylate Cannabis Flower w/ a Baking Sheet
The baking sheet method, is a simple and straightforward technique for decarbing flower (however beware, it will leave your place smelling dank). This methods of decarbing flower works great for large batches/quantity of flower/buds.
Decarbing Flower w/ a Baking Sheet
Supplies
- cannabis flower
- baking sheet
- parchment paper (or aluminum foil)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and break your cannabis into small, even pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cannabis evenly on the baking sheet.
- Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet on the middle rack.
- Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes, depending on your oven temp. Halfway through the process, gently stir the cannabis flower to ensure even heating. Your cannabis bud will change from green to a light brown, toasted color. This color change is a visual cue that the decarbing process is complete.
- After baking, remove the tray from the oven and allow the cannabis to cool completely. Transfer the decarboxylated cannabis flower to an airtight container for storage, or move straight into the infusion process.
Tips & Tricks
I’ve been decarbing cannabis flower for over 5+ years, and here are some helpful tips to guide you to success.
- Infuse low & slow: Monitor the infusion and temperature throughout the entire heating; do not surpass 250F.
- Preserve potency and freshness: If you’re storing the decarboxylated cannabis flower, keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve potency and slows down the degradation of THC/CBD.
- Use an oven thermometer: If you’re unsure about your oven’s accuracy, I highly reccomend invensting in an oven thermometer. When decarbing cannabis flower, it’s crucial to stay within the temperature range or 230-280°F.
FAQ
Decarbing weed at home is fairly simple and below I’ve answered some common questions on this process!
What Is the Best Way of Decarbing Cannabis Flower at Home?
If you’re looking for an easy way of decarbing cannabis flower in large batches and don’t mind the smell, I recommend the baking sheet method. For a more smell-proof process, I would recommend
How Long Can I Store Decarboxylated Flower?
If you’re not planning to infuse your decarboxylated flower into oil right away, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain its potency. When stored properly, decarbed cannabis can last for months or even longer without losing effectiveness.
What can I do/make with Decarbed Cannabis Flower?
Perfect for all kinds of cooking, baking, and wellness projects. I love using it to make staples like cannabutter, infused olive oil, and alcohol tinctures—they’re the base for so many recipes!
How Much THC Is Lost When Decarbing Cannabis Flower?
You don’t actually lose THC when decarbing cannabis flower, but you do lose some weight. THCA converts to THC when exposed to heat, but during this process, about 13% of the original molecular weight is lost as carbon dioxide (CO2). This means if you started with 100mg of THCA, you’d end up with roughly 87mg of THC after decarboxylation.
Conclusion
Decarbing cannabis flower gives you the power to create homemade edibles and wellness products (e.g., CBD balms and cannabis tinctures) to your desired potency and taste. No more boring THC gummies, you can create edible pizzas, the classic pot brownies, or infused mocktails right at home! I hope this guide has been useful and can guide you in your cannabis journey!
