The Decarboxylation Process: Converting THCA to THC
Ever wondered how the raw cannabis plant turns into the stuff you smoke, vape or bake into edibles? It’s all down to a cool chemical process called decarboxylation. This is the process that activates the compounds in cannabis that give you the psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits you’re after. In this post we’ll break down what decarboxylation is, how it works and why it’s necessary for THCA to THC.
What is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from a molecule. In the case of cannabis it’s the process that turns non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into their active forms like psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the compound that gives you the “high” from cannabis and many of its medicinal benefits.
When cannabis is raw it contains very little THC. Instead it’s mostly THCA which doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. To get those effects THCA needs to be converted into THC through decarboxylation.
How it Works
Decarboxylation happens when cannabis is exposed to heat or light over time. Temperature control is key in the decarboxylation process to get the best THCA to THC conversion. This exposure causes the THCA molecules to lose a carboxyl group (a carbon atom attached to two oxygen atoms) and turn into THC. It happens in two main scenarios: when you smoke or vape and when you cook or bake into edibles.
Smoking or Vaping
When you smoke or vape cannabis the heat decarboxylates the THCA into THC instantly and you inhale it. This is why smoking or vaping cannabis produces rapid effects and you get the psychoactive and medicinal benefits almost immediately.
Cooking or Baking
Decarboxylation is also important when making cannabis infused edibles. Before you add cannabis to food it needs to be decarboxylated so the THCA is converted into THC. Decarboxylation is also important before making cannabis infused oils as it allows the cannabinoids to bind with fats so they’re bioavailable for consumption. This process involves heating the cannabis at a low temperature in the oven before you mix it with oils or butter which can then be used in various recipes.
Decarboxylation 101
Understanding the science of decarboxylation can help explain the process. At its core decarboxylation is a thermal process. When cannabis is heated the bonds in the THCA molecules break and CO2 is released and THC is formed.
Using a decarboxylation temperature chart can give you specific temperatures and times for activating different cannabinoids to get the best results.
The key factors that influence decarboxylation are:
- Temperature: Decarboxylation happens between 220°F (104°C) and 250°F (121°C). If the temperature is too low the process will be incomplete and some THCA will remain unconverted. If the temperature is too high you’ll degrade the THC or burn the cannabis and lose potency.
- Time: The length of time cannabis is heated also affects decarboxylation. Generally cannabis needs to be heated for 30-40 minutes to fully decarboxylate. But it’s a delicate balance, heat for too long and you’ll degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes and reduce the overall quality and effectiveness of the product.
- Moisture: The moisture content of the cannabis can affect decarboxylation. If the cannabis is too moist it will take longer for the THCA to convert into THC. Properly drying and curing the cannabis before decarboxylation will help the process go smoothly.
Why Decarboxylation Matters
Decarboxylation is important for anyone who wants to get the most psychoactive and therapeutic benefits from cannabis. The even distribution and quality of the cannabis material during decarboxylation is key to extracting the active cannabinoids and the overall quality of the final product. Here’s why this process is so important:
Unlocking Psychoactivity
Without decarboxylation consuming raw cannabis wouldn’t produce the psychoactive effects many users are looking for. Properly preparing the cannabis buds is critical to get the desired psychoactive effects. THCA is not psychoactive meaning it won’t get you high. It’s only after decarboxylation that THC becomes active and you can get the euphoric and mind altering effects that cannabis is known for.
