Wonder what would happen if you eat hemp flower or marijuana bud? Probably not what you think. The THC and CBD in cannabis emerge only after it is heated. Raw, unheated cannabis contains mostly CBDA and THCA. They are in an “acid form” and not available as THC or CBD to the body. (You won’t get high or get some of the benefits of CBD.) Scientists are discovering that the cannabinoids THCA and CBDA do have some benefits of their own. CBDA is a COX-2 inhibitor, suggesting that it might be helpful for arthritis and pain.
Decarboxylation can a stinky process. You may want to use a shallow pan covered with foil, or a decarb box – a silicon box that seals in the smell. (An oven thermometer is included for calibrating your oven.)
- Preheat oven. Wait until oven is fully preheated before proceeding.
- Break up flowers and buds into smaller pieces with your hands. There is no need to grind first.
- Place the material in a pan or the decarb box.
- Bake on the center rack
- When time is up, remove the material from oven. Let cool completely, or chill in freezer 10-15 minutes.
The Magical Butter people recommend the following temperatures:
| Target | Temperature | Minutes |
| THC | 250°F/121°C | 30-45 |
| CBD | 280°F/140°C | 60-90 |
| CBN | 320°F/160°C | 90-120 |
Once you have decarbed you will notice that the material smells different. It is now activated and you can bake it into brownies, extract it into tincture, infuse it into butter or coconut oil. CBD and THC are absorbed slowly, so be sure not to make the rookie mistake of “trying just a little more” when you don’t feel something right away. You may have to wait as long as an hour or two for the effects to kick in. The effects may last longer too.
CBG hemp flower requires different temperatures. Read more here.
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