Decarboxylated Cannabis (Decarb)
The essential first step. Activate THC with gentle heat before you infuse anything.
About this recipe
Decarboxylation is the step that makes cannabis work in food. Raw flower contains THCA, which does not get you high. Gentle, even heat turns THCA into THC, and every butter, oil and tincture on this site starts from decarboxylated flower.
Break the flower into small pieces, spread it on a lined tray and bake at 110 °C for 35 to 45 minutes, until it is lightly golden and dry. Hotter is not faster: above about 130 °C you start to lose THC and aroma. Let it cool completely before you infuse it.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty: easy
Ingredients
- 7 g Cannabis flower
Method
- Break the flower into small, even pieces (do not powder).
- Spread on a parchment-lined tray.
- Bake at 110C (230F) for 35–45 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Cool completely. It is now ready to infuse into butter, oil, or alcohol.
Questions
Do I need to decarb before making cannabutter?
Yes. Butter on the stove does not stay hot enough for long enough to convert all the THCA, so decarb first for a predictable dose.
Will my kitchen smell?
Yes, quite strongly. An oven bag or a covered dish keeps most of the smell in.
Can I decarb CBD flower too?
Yes. CBDA turns into CBD in the same way and at the same temperature.