Importance of Decarboxylation for Cannabis
Importance of Decarboxylation for Cannabis
Professor DeBacco
Research Article
ALEKSANDROV, M., & JANEVIK IVANOVSKA, E. (2022). THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE DECARBOXYLATION PROCESS IN THE PRODUCTION OF QUALITY FULL-SPECTRUM CANNABIS EXTRACT FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(13-14), 119-128.
eprints.unite.edu.mk/963/
What is Decarboxylation?
All cannabinoids contained within the trichomes of raw cannabis flowers consists of cannabinoids in their acidic form and have an extra carboxyl ring or group (-COOH) attached to their chain.
Decarboxylation (or “decarbing”) is where raw cannabis is heated so that the chemical structure of the acid cannabinoids changes to a neutral (non-acid) form.
Acidic to Neutral Form Conversion
When one states that cannabinoids are in their “acidic form”, they are referring to the chemical structure of the compound itself.
A cannabinoid in its acidic form has a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached and the neutral forms, will have this carboxyl group removed.
Acid = Raw plant material
Neutral = Decarboxylated compound
Chemical Structure Changes
Transforming cannabinoid acids into their neutral forms, need to remove the carboxyl group.
The weak bond holding the carboxyl group can be broken by a combination of heat and time.
Why Does Cannabis need Carboxylation?
This process essentially converts the chemicals into an “active” form by increasing the bodies ability to absorb and bind to the molecules.
Essentially the body can use the “active” form.
Carboxylation happens naturally when the plant material is ignited.
Importance of Decarboxylation: THCA vs THC
While THCA is the non-psychoactive (not decarboxylated form) precursor to THC (the decarboxylated form), it does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Note: THCA binds with other cannabinoids receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Although THCA possesses therapeutic effects, like anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities, it is not in its most beneficial or psychoactive form.
Decarboxylation Requires Heat and Time
The two main catalysts for decarboxylation to occur are heat and time.
Drying and curing cannabis over time will cause partial decarboxylation to occur.
While heat is needed to decarboxylate the acids into the active form of cannabinoids our bodies can use, extreme temperatures can destroy many of the important plant materials that contribute to positive health outcomes, like terpenes.
Use Minimal Temperature to Preserve Terpenes
Cannabis Trim
Trim is what is removed from the final flower after harvest.
Trim includes sugar leaves, bits of cut-off buds, and knocked off trichomes, or kief.
Kief Explained
When trichomes dry and break off of the plant, they become kief.
Kief, because it has oxidized and loses its freshness when separated from the plant buds, usually has a darker color than trichomes, ranging from light gold to brown.
It has a powdery appearance and a texture that is somewhat sticky, though less so than trichomes on a bud.
Kief tends to decarb faster than an intact flower.
Other Factors of Variability…
Variety of Cannabis Used
Each type of cannabis contains different amounts and ratios of different cannabinoids and terpenes which impact the optimum decarboxylation time and temperatures.
This can also be impacted by the physical structure of the flower
Age (Freshness) of Product
There will be noticeable differences in the final product depending on the age (freshness) of the material you start with.
Remember: The decarboxylation process only converts the acidic form to the bioactive neutral form, it does not “create” the CBD or THC molecule.
If the flower consistency is widely variable grinding up the plant material will increase the uniformity of the decarboxylation process.
General Key Points
Need to have in mind that, at higher temperatures, Kief and Hash tend to decarboxylate faster than dried flowers.
High CBD strains tend to decarboxylate a bit slower than those with high THC content
Three Main Decarboxylating Factors for Cannabis
The most important parameters to perform a good decarboxylation process are…
Time (duration)
Temperature
Quality decarboxylation equipment
Suggestions for Decarboxylating Your Cannabis
From the review of published literature data…
Highest concentration of THC (about 15 mg/g) is obtained when the material is decarboxylated at 122°C for 27 minutes.
Converting CBDA to CBD, a higher temperature is required, about 150°C, for about 30 minutes.
To decarboxylate Kief or Hash in an oven, bake it for 10 minutes at 300°F (149°C).
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1l4M8...
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Importance of Decarboxylation for Cannabis" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1d...
Пікірлер: 146
Wow this was full of gold nuggets everywhere. A lot of KZreadrs have been saying 120 degrees Celsius for 40-45 mins! I'll definitely be going for 27 mins next time 👌. Thank you 🙏
@DeBaccoUniversity
Ай бұрын
You are welcome, be sure to share the information (and channel) with others! Thanks for your subscription!
Much obliged for the informative lecture, professor...
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks glad you liked it and took the time to comment.
This is excellent information! I have been decarbing at 230F for 25-30 minutes. I will try 50 minutes next time.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Hope the content helps you improve your process.
@PurebloodStalker
5 ай бұрын
Ming burned at 45 don’t 🤦🏼
@thetruth5791
5 ай бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversityhow long should a decarb my afgan gold seal to get as much thc as possible
An absolute Goldmine of Information,I really enjoyed this one,Thankyou DeBacco University!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Always nice to know quality and appreciated content is provided.
Professor DeBacco, thank you so much for this valuable information! I have been vaporizing weed for the past 8 years using the Storz & Bickel's Volcano vaporizer. I always set it to 390°F to vaporize the weed, and after filling 5 balloons, I discard the vaporized hemp. Now I'm realizing that I've been throwing decarboxylated cannabis in the trash. Thus, I think I can use vaporized weed to make edibles or for another extraction.
@DeBaccoUniversity
5 ай бұрын
Knowing the science can help you maximize your yields.
I am here bec u are a hero to me. Please do not stop making great content prof
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Your comment is appreciated, nice to know there are supportive students.
I am just loving your channel. Thank you thank you thank you for taking the time to do this.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
knowledge is freedom, always usefull to listen and read you vidéos
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing!
Great video thanks very much, there have been a few things I've been unsure of preparing for my second attempt at this and you answered everything as the first time was a complete and utter failure, thanks very much!
@DeBaccoUniversity
7 ай бұрын
Best of luck!
Very helpful. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share this with me.
@DeBaccoUniversity
5 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
another awesome share/vid=manythxs
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome!
Great Video and Information I have been using my Instant Pot to Decarboxylation my Cannabis for awhile now. I grind up my buds put it in a mason jar and cook it for 40 minutes in the Instant Pot.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Hope this provided some science for you.
*_Hey thank you for your videos, I have really learned a lot from you sharing with all of us._*
@DeBaccoUniversity
11 ай бұрын
Glad to hear it and thanks for the subscription!
Thanks Professor. Have a good weekend
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You as well.
This is a top notch video 🎉 I’ll reference it soon. ❤
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Passing on the content to others is appreciated!
Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪👋. That was really interesting and definitely great to learn about👍
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Always happy to educate no matter where you are in the world;-)
Thanks, I have wondered about this topic.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Glad to provide continued education for you and others.
Very good information, thanks!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it hope it helps.
thanks professor!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome!
Very handy information, thanks! I don't see why folks would decarb bud, to be honest. I understand that it would be needed if the bud was used for edibles, but for making edibles I think making oil first is a better way to go. At least, that's what I do. I do a quick ice cold wash with isopropyl alcohol and then cook it off. After cooking it down outside, I decarb it in the cook pot on a hotplate. I have the infra-red temp gun handy. I try to maintain the temp at around 250F. You can tell when it's high THC oil because there are more bubbles. As you point out in the video, it's not an instantaneous process. I'm swirling, checking temp constantly, making sure not to scorch it. Even as oil, it takes at least 20 minutes for the bubbles to lessen and subside. If the decarboxylation is not complete, the oil will finish decarbing over time in the vial, and make a bubbly mess. I use the oil to make gummies, but it can be used for brownies, etc... too. I like the idea of having less weed taste and more control over dosage than when making weed butter. At least I perceive it to be that way. I just thought I'd add my .02 for those that make oil :)
@thebandplayedon..6145
Жыл бұрын
I don't make oil, but that was an interesting read regardless, thanks .
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Different ways to decarb.
@yodad4776
Жыл бұрын
I use a heat gun it's the safest fastest easiest way to evap the alcahol ..u can put it in a vice so it's secure and it's not so hot that it will burn the THC off as it's warm air (on low setting )
@albertcyrus620
11 ай бұрын
😊 3:57 3:58 😊😊😊
@pursaveer9027
11 ай бұрын
@@albertcyrus620 To clarify: I don't see why folks would decarb bud that will be smoked, since smoking decarbs it. Smoking decarbs live rosin, and smoking decarbs oil and shatter. I do see why folks would decarb THC that will be eaten. I've never eaten bud.
Good info, thank you. I need to raise temp by 25 degrees F I use a covered dutch oven in the oven. I think it helps keep the temp from fluctuating when the oven door is opened. I put a thermometer in the dutch oven pan with the cannabis. Have never tried the microwave.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Precision temperature control is important.
Just great information
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Please share it with others.
Great information thank you
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Another one!!! 👍👌🙏
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the positive response.
Thanks big D 👌
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome K P.
Wow... Nice.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Ай бұрын
Thanks!
Very interesting
@DeBaccoUniversity
2 ай бұрын
Glad to help.
THC 4 life. Thanks for all the info!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome and thanks for the subscription!
"Tea" explained 🙂 2 thumbs up!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome!
Your content is a very helpful and informative resource. I get weary of all the low tech but well meaning goombahs out there, and its refreshing to watch content from someone who truly knows their stuff, and the underlying science of how and why things work the way they do. Thank you. 😊 Ok, time for a practical newbie question. Can the usual 14 day process of drying and curing cannabis be sped up with the use of say a good food dehydrator ? If so, do you have any suggestions on time and temp, and what are the drawbacks, if any ? I ask because my first grow is ready for harvest, and i was wondering if it was possible to avoid the 14 day wait if my goal is to use it for making cannabutter instead of smoking it. Thanks in advance if you opt to take a swing at answering.
@DeBaccoUniversity
15 күн бұрын
Thanks for the comment and to answer your question.... Good things comes to those who wait.
@RovingPunster
15 күн бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity You're always welcome. As for the answer im gonna guess its something in the general direction of how flavors and aromas (and cannabinoids) mature over time (in this case very rapid for 14dys then slower thereafter, like homemade beer), and that if you infuse early on in that process, you sorta capture and memorialize those immature states.
I usually do really small amounts and I've learned to use high temperatures in a double boiler so I can tightly watch the bubbles in oil rather than baking it and infusing secondarily, then sealing and letting come to a higher temp to infuse before letting it cool to room temp without opening so any boiled terps are reabsorbed in the oil
@anonomix1426
7 ай бұрын
I will note that despite my higher temperatures I've had more terpy tasting oil that is usually dramatically more strain specific than most other home infusions I've tasted, not every time obviously but especially as I've honed the visual indicators
@DeBaccoUniversity
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing.
I have been baking with pot since 1990 and never used to decarb and still got off, now I do decarb but really don't feel it's that much of a difference other than losing about 7 grams of moisture on 2 ozs. Enjoy your tutorials.
@ImaKhunt007
Жыл бұрын
I understand what you mean. I've tried decarbing and putting weed straight in heated butter and haven't found much difference.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I'd rework the "Avoid High Temperatures" slide for better readability / flow but otherwise this was a really thorough but concise presentation on the topic. Thank you.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your suggestion.
Thank you!!! Now ik how to make Missouri’s farm bill dispensary stuff smokable lol
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Hope it helps.
Connecticut is "coming on" this year for home grown. Could you please do a video about the specific climate in the three river valleys in the state. For example. Does the daily morning fog during the growing season in the valleys affect cannabis production?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Plenty of outdoor grow related videos on the channel so do a search. Early morning fog can help increase powdery mildew.
@makegrowlabrepeat
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity I was just hoping for some CT specific content after finding out your channel is hosted here. Anyway, I really appreciate your videos, I have learned so much for them and can't wait for July 1st when I can put what I have learned to work
Thank you Prof. From a non-chemist you make it soo understandable for us. Can I just ask would one of these new air fryer gadgets work? Orr must it be baked traditionally?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Glad to know the content is presented in an easy to understand format for all. Stick with the tried and true methods.
@pjarma8536
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity 💙🙏
@pjarma8536
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity the only reason I asked is once we realised the air fryer was basically a mini fan oven we kinda reclaimed the space the large oven was taking. What are those scientific ovens called?
@hectorelizalde2075
Жыл бұрын
@@pjarma8536 based on the lecture I’d stick to the oven instead of trying the air frier. As mentioned in the video the two main catalysts for decarb are heat and time. The oven uses still (not moving) air to cook the product, meanwhile the air frier circulates fast hot air. With still air you’d get a lower heat flux than if your hot air is circulating. The less temp uncertainty you have the better the end product
@pjarma8536
Жыл бұрын
@@hectorelizalde2075 it works if you wrap it in foil.
Brilliant video.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
I've got a jar of homegrown I just found from a crop I harvested back in fall of 2020...it's been closed and in a dark closet. Do you think it has naturally decarboxylated? Thanks
@DeBaccoUniversity
7 ай бұрын
If not heat was added this is unlikely.
I have a question regarding time. Will the decarb process happen naturally if you store the buds for a long period of time?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Temperature is also a factor.
much love for the info
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the positive comment.
Hi very useful video. I have a question - I have been baking the hemp in the oven to decarboxylate CBDA to CBD at 130 oC. The HPLC data is showing that the CBDA content is decreasing, however the CBD is remaining the same (CBD peak area does not increase with the corresponding decrease in CBDA peak). Does this mean that the temperature too high and by-products are being formed?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
That sounds like what might be happening in your situation, also watch the length of time you are using.
So how would you approach decarboxylating a cultivar with a 1:1 ratio? Great video. Thank you.
@DeBaccoUniversity
11 ай бұрын
136C for 28.5min. as a starting point as this is halfway between the peak THC and CBD data.
What about cbdv ? ... it has to be decarbed or does the v vanish after decarb ?
@DeBaccoUniversity
2 ай бұрын
This can help provide some more information about CBDV... www.crescolabs.com/cannabinoids/cbdv/
Not sure about best time and temperature for cannabis that has both CBD and THC?
@DeBaccoUniversity
6 ай бұрын
Specific extraction for each or take the middle ground as a starting point.
I am new to all this and I appreciate the technical content, but I am confused about one thing. I think someone also made a similar comment. If decarboxylation is required to convert the the neutral form, isn't that process accomplished by the act of smoking? The process detailed here would seem to be a prep for further processing, e.g. hashish or edibles.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
The act of smoking is the a form of decarboxylation.
@koalanectar9382
5 ай бұрын
Decarbing is achieved rapidly due to the temperature of the lighter. It's worth noting though, that the temperature of a flame is easily hot enough to convert all your THC into CBN, so why do you still get high? Because *some* of it, during that brief moment when the flame is applied, is heated and inhaled. The reality is that *most* psychoactive compounds in cannabis are lost regardless of preparation and ingestion method. The goal is to get enough into your brain in a short enough time to notice an effect. Tolerance obviously mediates all of this.
Are you able to do a chemical breakdown of the difference between butane cannibis oil and isopropyl alcohol cannibis oil..they are very very different as a consumer
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Comparing COA's is also important from the consumer end.
@yodad4776
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity I find the butane oil stronger but u get 1/4 the amount ..the butane is also nicer when made with fully pure gas only tho ...but butane is still not as pure as iso
Does the 'material' i' need to be dried beforehand?
@DeBaccoUniversity
11 ай бұрын
Typically it will be dry to start with.
So wwhat is the optimal temp for baking my cookies ?
@DeBaccoUniversity
27 күн бұрын
According to Food Network... "Cookie temperatures fluctuate, with some recipes as low as 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and a few as high as 425 degrees Fahrenheit, but most recipes land on 375 or 350 to evenly bake the entirety of the cookie."
This subject has been confusing me a lot lately.. People are now selling what is labeled as "THCA" all over the US claiming that it is less than .3% THC and therefore legal due to Farm Bill. This leads me to several questions. Isn't all high THC cannabis actually high THCA cannabis? Won't the THCA decarb into THC to some extent? Because of natural decarb, how can you guarantee .3%? What is the point of THC being illegal at this point? One really cool thing about the .3% THC limit has been the accidental regulation of D9 edibles dosing in illegal states haha. You can sell edibles that are .3% D9 THC or less, so the legal (d9) edibles are dosed very appropriately for the general public.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Language used in the regulations is key. "Total THC vs Delta 9" video should be helpful... kzread.info/dash/bejne/haGe1sGAds64naw.html
If you were given weed that was grown unscrupulously with PGRs or the weed wasn't flushed properly before being harvested etc, will the marijuana be safe to use in edibles? Will decarboxylation or simmering the bud in butter and water to use into budder be safe for consumption? Thanks
@DeBaccoUniversity
10 ай бұрын
This would be determined more by the extraction process and not only the decarb process.
@captainbonez
10 ай бұрын
@DeBaccoUniversity Thanks very much for your reply, I appreciate it. As for the decarb process, it'd either be decarbed in a glass jar in an oven for about an hour at around 110C, or if not that it gets decarbed in the budder making process which would be ground up, simmering in water for 2 hours with a block of butter, and then strained and separated in the fridge overnight. Thanks for your time👍🏻
Would hot tea de carb some shatter and just eat it?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Ай бұрын
That would have to be some very hot tea.
🙏
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks.
So there's really no way to get an accurate test result from a dry flower. Because it's not Decarded, so it makes me wonder how they're putting these percentages on these packages. Because there only testing the THCA correct unless they activate a flower then test it.
@DeBaccoUniversity
7 ай бұрын
Find out the methods the testing lab is using.
Is there oxalate in weed?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Ай бұрын
In short yes, bonnieandchive.com/frequently_asked.htm
a new intro would be nice but thanks for the informations for free!
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
nice to know you have watched more than one DeBacco University video;-)
@Maedness.
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity absolutely! its free trust able knowledge !
Is it Greg Debacco ?
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Prof. DeBacco
@Chronicseedsinc
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity Professor G. Debacco?
thanks ,i cure in the microwave
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Time and temperature are key.
Only 15 mg of THC per gram of material? That doesn't seem correct.
@DeBaccoUniversity
7 ай бұрын
Depends what starting material you have, if there are a lot of regular leaves this will have an impact.
@thetruth5791
5 ай бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversitybut a got only hash soft gold seal how long should a decarb that
Hello . Please make a review onwhat plants would complement cannabis with nutrients without use of any fertilizers ? Thank you
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Compost can help, but no companion plant to the point that no fertilizers would be needed to achieve maximum yield.
How is this heating process any different from putting weed straight into heated butter??? I've tried both ways and don't really find much different. I'm genuinely interested because I want to transition from smoking to only edibles and want to get the best out of my buds.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Temperature and duration are the important part to help maximize the conversion.
@ImaKhunt007
Жыл бұрын
@@DeBaccoUniversity I've tried different time lengths and heats, according to your charts and others but find very little difference in effect duration. I do smoke while I am on edibles but no more than a couple of joints usually, would that be a contributing factor?
Респект хорошая новость.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Спасибо.
@DeBaccoUniversity
Жыл бұрын
Thanks.