Perhaps you've heard the term decarboxylation? Or does the word seem barbaric to you? Don't panic, I'll explain why this chemical process is so important for your CBD resin resin. The decarboxylation of CBD resin will no longer hold any secrets for you!
To remember
- Decarboxylation is fundamental to transforming inactive CBDA into active CBD.
- It's thanks to this chemical process that you can take advantage of cannabidiol's potential effects.
- To decarboxylate CBD resin effectively, the ideal temperature and time must be respected, depending on the method chosen (oven, microwave...).
What is decarboxylation?
You're a CBD consumer and you've never heard that word? Don't worry, it happens all the time. The Mama is here to explain it all to you.
This is a chemical process that activates hemp's cannabinoids.. More precisely, the cannabinoids naturally present in the plant are actually in acid form (although this is not usually specified). Biologically, these are inactive molecules, which won't interact effectively with our endocannabinoid system.
We use the term CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) instead of CBD, although for simplicity's sake we often say CBD instead of CBDA, when referring to the cannabidiol naturally present in the cannabis plant. But technically, it's CBDA.
Decarboxylation involves applying heat to the molecule and removing a carboxyl group (COOH) from CBDA molecules, which then evolve into active CBD. CBDA is heated to a certain temperature, for a set period of time. The heat releases the carboxyl group in the form of carbon dioxide.
What are the benefits of decarboxylating CBD resin?
What's the point of decarboxylation? Why bother? The aim of this chemical process is to transform CBDA into CBD, in other words, from an inactive to an active molecule.
Decarboxylation is necessary if you want to consume CBD in ways other than vaporization or combustion (not recommended), if you know how to make a CBD flower infusionflower infusion, or in cooking, or to use CBD extraction...
Decarboxylation is important for CBD's effects. Thanks to this step, the CBD molecule can interact more effectively with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, optimizing CBD's properties.
To put it another way, you' ll feel more of the potential effects of CBD resin if it's been decarboxylated. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, soothing and anxiolytic potential of CBD is yours for the taking!
Namely, decarboxylation increases the bioavailability of CBD. So you need less CBD product to get the same high.
What's more, you can incorporate CBD resin that has been decarboxylated into various CBD consumption methods: vaporization, various preparations (oils, balms...).
How do you decarboxylate CBD resin?
There are several ways to achieve decarboxylation. I'll show you the steps to follow, and you'll see how simple it is.
Oven decarboxylation
This is the most common method, that of the traditional oven. Start by preheating your oven to between 110°C and 120°C. Be careful, too high a temperature could degrade the terpenes and cannabinoids.
Carefully place the resin on a sheet of parchment paper, or in an ovenproof dish. When the oven has reached the right temperature, heat the resin forabout 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it: its color may darken slightly, but it should not burn. Allow the resin to cool before use.
Microwave decarboxylation
This is a fast and practical method for small quantities. But care must be taken to avoid overheating or even burning the resin.
Place your resin in a microwave-safe dish or glass or ceramic jar. With a lid if possible to preserve the volatile terpenes. Heat your microwave on medium power (around 500 watts) to heat up gradually.
Proceed step by step: heat the resin in 10-15 second intervals, remembering to stir between each heating time. In total, decarboxylation takes 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the quantity and consistency of the product. This requires more attention.
Pay attention to texture and aroma. As with the traditional oven, the resin should not burn, but darken slightly. Allow to cool before using.
Decarboxylation in a water bath
There's another alternative: water bathing, a gentle yet effective method of activating CBD while protecting terpenes and cannabinoids.
Fill a saucepan or casserole with water and bring to a (gentle) boil. Reduce the heat to keep the water simmering (90-100°C). Then slip a hermetically sealed glass jar (containing the CBD° resin) into the water. It should be immersed halfway up.
The jar should remain in hot water for 1-2 hours. This gently heats the resin. Check that the jar lid is slightly loose. And don't forget to stir halfway through to ensure homogeneity.
Of course, after decarboxylation, be careful when removing the jar from the water, and let it cool.