Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is a fancy word for a simple process: it's how you activate the compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, so you can feel their effects when you eat or smoke it. 

Here’s why you do it: 

Decarboxylation is a key step in preparing cannabis for cooking or baking. It's like turning on a switch that activates the compounds responsible for the effects you want, like THC (which gets you high) and CBD (which has calming effects). 

When cannabis is fresh, it contains THCA, a compound that doesn't have psychoactive effects. But through decarboxylation, heat transforms THCA into THC, unlocking its full potential. Without this process, the cannabis won't give you the desired effects when used in recipes. 

So, whether you're making infused olive oil, or infused butter, decarboxylation ensures that your cannabis-infused creations deliver the effects you're looking for. It's like setting the stage for a potent and enjoyable culinary experience! 

Here's how you do it: 

Preheat your oven:

Start by preheating your oven to around 220-240°F (105-115°C). This temperature is ideal for decarboxylating cannabis without burning it. 

Prepare your cannabis:

Break up your cannabis buds into smaller pieces. You can use a grinder for this, but if you don't have one, you can just use your hands. 

Spread it out:

Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Then, spread your cannabis out evenly on the sheet. Make sure it's not too crowded, so the heat can reach all of it. 

Bake it:

Once your oven is preheated and your cannabis is spread out, put the baking sheet in the oven. Let it bake for about 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. You'll know it's done when it turns a slightly golden brown color and becomes dry and crumbly. 

Let it cool:

After baking, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let your cannabis cool down. It's important to let it cool completely before you use it. 

That's it! Once your cannabis is cooled, it's ready to use in whatever recipe you like. Whether you're making oils, butter or just want to sprinkle it on some food, decarboxylating your cannabis ensures that you'll get the full effects when you consume it. 

Chef’s tip: Baking cannabis is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the scents we all recognize as weed. To minimize this, you can bake your cannabis in a sealed mason jar. To eliminate the smell completely, I recommend buying a small toaster oven at Goodwill and bake your cannabis outside!