{"id":766,"date":"2020-04-09T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=30248"},"modified":"2020-04-09T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T08:00:00","slug":"decarboxylation-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2020\/04\/09\/decarboxylation-marijuana\/","title":{"rendered":"Decarboxylation: What is It, What Does It Mean for Your Marijuana, How Do You Do It at Home?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What happens if you eat a bag of fresh or cured marijuana? If you are looking for the intoxicating euphoria that usually accompanies marijuana use, then you will likely be disappointed with the results. The fact that eating fresh marijuana is not intoxicating provides one clue as to why decarboxylation is so important for getting the most out of your marijuana.<\/h4>\n

Decarboxylation is a key part of the marijuana consumption process. Whether you\u2019re interested in making marijuana-infused edibles<\/a> or cannabis tinctures<\/a>, you won\u2019t be able to experience the full effects of the marijuana you consume unless you decarboxylate it first.<\/p>\n

Decarboxylation is a crucial process for cannabis consumers, particularly those using marijuana for medical purposes and rely on the plant\u2019s active compounds. Decarboxylation is the name given to the process that alters the cannabinoids in cannabis so that it will better interact with the body. Below, the cannabis experts at Medical Marijuana, Inc. explain why cannabis decarboxylation is so important and the steps needed to complete the process.<\/p>\n

What is Decarboxylation?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the compounds within the plant.<\/p>\n

Cannabinoid acids, which are found in the trichomes<\/a> of raw marijuana flowers, are inactive cannabinoids that have an extra carboxyl ring attached to their molecular chain. When heated, or decarboxylated<\/b>, the molecular structure of these cannabinoid acids shift. During the process, a carboxyl group is released as CO2, with the remaining hydrogen atom retained. This acts to convert the previously inactive compound into an active form that interacts with the body in a completely different way.<\/p>\n

Once the cannabinoids are activated, they can freely and directly interact with the endocannabinoid system\u2019s receptors located in the brain and throughout the body. This interaction between the activated cannabinoids and the ECS receptors brings about the intoxicating effects of THC. Without being decarboxylated, THC is present as THCA, which is a non-intoxicating acidic version of the cannabinoid. Therefore, marijuana that has not been decarboxylated will not have any intoxicating effects.<\/p>\n

There are more than 100 cannabinoids so far discovered in cannabis. For them to interact with the body in the manner that cannabis consumers typically rely on and expect (such as THC\u2019s telltale euphoria), cannabinoids have to undergo decarboxylation\u2019s chemical reaction.<\/p>\n

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Why is Decarboxylation Important?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Decarboxylation is a necessary process for consuming marijuana in both edibles<\/a> and tinctures because it activates the plant material\u2019s variety of cannabinoids. More specifically, decarboxylation activates any and all tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) found in the cannabis plant.<\/p>\n

Fresh, unheated marijuana flowers contain cannabinoid acids, but unless the flowers are heated up, the compounds remain in an inactive form.<\/p>\n

There are some benefits to consuming raw cannabis and unheated cannabinoid acids, as it contains vitamins and nutrients. Juicing of cannabis leaves and consuming raw cannabis buds are popular among those looking to take advantage of the presence of cannabinoid acids. However, doing so will not cause any psychoactive effects.<\/p>\n

Decarboxylation converts tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid acid, into THC, the compound most commonly associated with marijuana that causes a euphoric feeling. The process also works to convert cannabidiolic acid (CBDA<\/a>) into CBD<\/a>, giving users access to the much sought-after cannabinoid.<\/p>\n

THC and CBD act as partial agonists or agonists of the endocannabinoid system\u2019s cannabinoid receptors, specifically the receptors known as CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoid system<\/a> is a regulatory network responsible for regulating many of the body\u2019s functions.<\/p>\n

This interaction between the activated cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors alters the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, yielding a host of effects. THC\u2019s psychotropic effects, for example, come about because it activates brain CB1 receptors.<\/p>\n

This is why decarboxylation is a crucial step for medical marijuana patients who rely on the effects of these active compounds.<\/p>\n

What Causes Decarboxylation?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Decarboxylation of marijuana occurs when at least one of the following two things happen. Partial decarboxylation occurs when the flower naturally dries and ages during the curing process. Decarboxylation can also occur when the marijuana plant material is exposed to heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Partial Decarboxylation Through Curing<\/h3>\n

If you were to leave your marijuana material out in the open, gradually the cannabinoid acids would convert into their active forms. However, be careful because if you leave marijuana material out in the open for too long, it will eventually degrade. Drying and curing marijuana flower<\/a> over time also can trigger partial decarboxylation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Force Decarboxylation Through Heating<\/h3>\n

You can also force decarboxylation by heating your cannabis. Marijuana plant material needs to be exposed to a temperature of at least 220 degrees F for about 30 minutes in order to ensure full decarboxylation. This will allow the cannabinoids found in marijuana to decarb without vaporizing them.<\/p>\n

If you want to make edibles, the internal heat of your marijuana-infused baked goods likely won\u2019t reach this temperature. That is why many advise you decarboxylate the marijuana flower before adding it to cooked foods or making cannabutter.
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Instantaneous Decarboxylation at High Temperatures<\/h3>\n

Exposure to high temperatures instantaneously decarboxylates cannabinoids. Therefore, smoking, dabbing<\/a>, or vaporizing marijuana<\/a> instantly makes the THC and CBD active in the smoke or vapor, allowing the cannabinoids to quickly go to work once they\u2019re absorbed through inhalation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How Do You Decarboxylate Your Marijuana?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you grow your own marijuana or have purchased some marijuana flower from your local dispensary<\/a>, you can easily decarboxylate from the comfort of your own home. All you need to get started is a baking sheet and an oven. Below we lay out exactly what you\u2019ll need and the steps to take to decarboxylate your marijuana. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Do I Need for Decarboxylation?<\/h3>\n

The decarboxylation process does not require a slew of complicated instruments or supplies. In fact, most marijuana users have all of the ingredients and supplies they need for decarboxylation already available in their home. Below is a complete list of everything you need to decarboxylate your marijuana:<\/p>\n