Before infusing your flower into oils, butters, honey or tinctures, it’s important to activate naturally occurring compounds found in select herbs through a process known as decarboxylation. This gentle heating process transforms acidic compounds like THCA, CBDA, CBGA into their active forms—THC, CBD, and CBG—activating their full herbal potential and traditional uses.
Most herbs contain their active compounds in an inactive or acidic form. Without decarbing, these compounds remain largely unavailable to the body. Decarboxylation:
Activates beneficial compounds found in many herbs, including those used in legally prescribed applications.
Improves bioavailability for ingestion or topical use
Enhances potency, consistency, and effectiveness in your final infusion
For those working with legally prescribed herbs or researching cannabinoid properties, here's a general activation reference chart. These values are shared for general botanical education only. They may apply to a range of herbs, including those prescribed lawfully.
Cannabinoid (Target Compound) | Temp (°C) | Temp (°F) | Time |
---|---|---|---|
THC (from THCA) | 115 °C | ~240 °F | 30–40 minutes |
CBD (from CBDA) | 115–125 °C | ~240–257 °F | 45–60 minutes |
CBG (from CBGA) | 110 °C | ~230 °F | 60 minutes |
CBN (from CBNA or THC) | 120 °C | ~248 °F | 90–120 minutes |
THCV (from THCVA) | 115 °C | ~240 °F | 30–40 minutes |
CBC (from CBCA) | 120 °C | ~248 °F | 40 minutes |
Balanced Profile | 115 °C | ~240 °F | 45 minutes |
(Gentler Terpene-Friendly) | 100-105 °C | ~212-221 °F | 60–75 minutes |
✅ TIP: Lower temps help preserve delicate terpenes and flavour. Higher temps (within safe limits) ensure thorough activation of herbal compounds.
Avoid grinding your herbs into a fine powder. Instead, break them into popcorn-sized pieces by hand. This encourages even heating, reduces terpene loss, and prevents over-degradation of key compounds during decarb.
Home ovens often fluctuate by 10–30°F (5–15°C) — enough to damage or underactivate important compounds. Even with convection ovens, temperature accuracy can be unreliable for botanical precision, leading to:
Uneven decarboxylation
Degraded compounds and terpene loss
Reduced potency and inconsistent results
For the best results, we highly recommend one of our Decarb & Infusion Units, designed for home herbalists who want professional-grade control:
Accurate temperature settings down to 1°C
One-touch decarb and infusion modes
Preserves key compounds, flavour, and aroma
Compact, odour-reducing, and easy to clean
🛒 Shop Now → Get your Decarb & Infuser today!
Once your herbs are decarbed and activated, they’re ready to be infused into your favourite base for oils, tinctures, or edibles.
🥥 Coconut or MCT Oil – Great for capsules, drops, or cooking
🧈 Butter – Perfect for baking, spreads, and savoury dishes
🍯 Honey – Ideal for teas, dressings, or direct use
🍶 Food-grade Alcohol – Used for concentrated herbal tinctures*
*Note: Always use safe, food-grade ethanol for alcohol infusions, and never heat high-proof alcohol without proper safety and ventilation.
All information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not promote or condone the illegal use of any substance. All products and information are intended for use with legal herbs only, in accordance with Australian laws.
The Hippie House does not provide medical or therapeutic advice, and none of the statements here have been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or any regulatory authority. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
By using our products and content, you accept full responsibility and acknowledge that The Hippie House and its affiliates are not liable for any misuse, damage, health issues, or legal outcomes resulting from the preparation, use, or consumption of any products or information derived from this website.
Use is at your own risk and discretion.
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