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Decarboxylation: How to Decarb Cannabis

A step by step guide on how to decarb cannabis. Decarboxylation is the process that activates cannabinoids from within the trichomes of cannabis buds. This chemical reaction removes carboxyl groups and releases carbon dioxide from the flower.

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Equipment

  • Rimmed baking tray

  • Baking paper

  • Grinder/grater

  • Crockpot, double boiler or saucepan

  • Cheesecloth or strainer

Ingredients

  • 14 grams of crushed cannabis

  • Half a cup of coconut oil

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Note: For oil, the standard starting amount is 3.5 grams of cannabis to half a cup (just under 120ml) of coconut oil, depending on the THC content of your flower.

 

How to Edibles also has a helpful dosage calculator you can use to factor in the amount of cannabis at your disposal, the strength of your cannabis, and the number of portions you want to make.

 

Also keep in mind that coconut oil, olive oil and butter all carry cannabinoids differently which will affect your end result.

 

Coconut oil is most renowned for carrying the most cannabinoids due to a relatively high level of saturated fat (90%); cannabis is fat-soluble so it needs high levels of fat to ensure an effective infusion.

 

You can add lecithin to the oil to improve the effectiveness of the canna oil (bioavailability).

 

Most people recommend 1 cup of cannabis to 1 cup of oil but we recommend starting with about 5-7 grams of 16%+ THC cannabis to 1 cup of oil, especially for beginners with low tolerance.

 

However, a concentrated product can be more efficient and you can use less!

 

Overall, the amount to use is up to you and what you feel most comfortable with.

Steps

Decarbonisation

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1. Break up your cannabis flower or 'buds' into smaller pieces. Not too small though- you don't want to break up the trichomes (the tiny plant hair) too much.

 

2. Layer the pieces onto a rimmed baking tray lined with baking paper. Place the baking tray into the centre of a preheated oven set to 240°F-248°F (115°C-120°C) for 30-40 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes.

 

3. Allow the cannabis to cool to room temperature. It should appear darker in colour- usually light brown/yellow, and not as green as fresh cannabis.

 

Infusion

 

4. Once cooled, coarsely grind the cannabis and store it in an airtight container to be used at your convenience.

 

5. Combine the cannabis and coconut oil using one of the following methods: 

 

  • In a crockpot on low heat for about 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

  • In a double boiler on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

  • In a saucepan for 3 hours, stirring regularly. This method is the fastest but most susceptible to scorching. You can add a small amount of water to the oil to prevent scorching. The temperature of the oil should never exceed 245°F (118°C).

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6. Strain your canna oil through a cheesecloth/strainer or strainer to get rid of the plant material.

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