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If you're venturing into the world of making cannabis edibles, understanding the science of decarbing (or decarboxylation) and infusing is key to getting the most out of your product. This guide breaks down the process and explains how you can tailor your techniques to suit your needs, whether you're aiming to highlight THC, CBD or a full spectrum of cannabinoids.
Why Are There So Many Different Decarbing Recommendations?
When you start researching how to decarb cannabis, you might notice a wide variety of suggested temperatures and times. This is because cannabis research is relatively new. For a long time, scientific exploration into cannabis edibles was restricted due to legal barriers. But as legalization spreads, universities and cannabis companies have begun conducting thorough studies leading to new data and insights.
The good news is that while recommendations differ slightly, they generally fall within the same range of temperatures and times. The variations often reflect researchers focusing on specific cannabinoids or experimenting with different techniques to maximize effectiveness.
The Basics of Decarbing: Why It’s Important
Decarboxylation is the process of activating cannabinoids in cannabis by applying heat. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are non-psychoactive. When heated, these compounds convert into THC and CBD, respectively, making them bioavailable and capable of producing their characteristic effects. Without decarbing, the cannabinoids remain in their inactive forms and won’t deliver the desired benefits.
( If you haven't got a decarber and infuser yet the one next to this text is our 5 star unit and produces great results :) )
Our Recommended Decarb Process
For a full-spectrum decarb that activates a wide range of cannabinoids, we’ve found that 95°C (203°F) for 55 minutes works exceptionally well. This temperature strikes a balance between efficiency and preserving the plant's full cannabinoid profile. At this setting, you activate THC and CBD, as well as other beneficial compounds giving you a well-rounded experience in your edibles.
Customizing for Specific Cannabinoids
If you’re interested in targeting a specific cannabinoid, such as THC or CBD, you can adjust your settings accordingly. For example:
THC: Activates more efficiently at slightly higher temperatures than CBD.
CBD: Prefers lower temperatures and longer exposure times.
You can find detailed graphs by googling "decarb temperature chart" and then going to the images, which will show the activation points of various compounds. Our decarb unit has been built with this in mind and offers adjustable temperature and time settings so you can experiment and tailor the process to your needs.
How to Infuse Cannabis: Methods and Tips
Once you’ve decarbed your cannabis, the next step is infusing it into a carrier medium. The three most popular options are butter, oil and alcohol. Each has its own set of benefits and is used for different types of edibles.
Our Recommended Infusion Time
While many infusion devices have default settings that last between 1 and 2 hours, we recommend a 4-hour infusion cycle for the best results. Here’s why: A longer infusion time allows the cannabinoids to fully bond with the fats or alcohol, maximizing the potency of your end product.
Our unit is designed to hold a stable temperature throughout the infusion process as well so there’s no risk of burning or degrading the cannabinoids. Even at a longer infusion time you can rest assured that the potency remains intact.
Optional Step for Enhanced Potency
This step is purely anecdotal, but some users, including ourselves here at The Hippie House have found that allowing the infused product to sit in the fridge overnight before straining can slightly boost its potency. While there is no scientific evidence to back this up, it seems to work by giving the cannabinoids additional time to bind with the fats or alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Decarbing and infusing cannabis is both an art and a science. While the basics remain the same, there’s room for customization based on your desired outcome. Whether you’re after the psychoactive effects of THC or the therapeutic benefits of CBD, having control over the decarb and infusion process lets you create edibles tailored to your preferences.
By following these guidelines and experimenting as needed, you can elevate your homemade cannabis creations to a professional level. Happy infusing, and enjoy your journey into the flavorful world of cannabis edibles!
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