Decarb your cannabis with these 4 methods

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or totally new to cooking with cannabis, there’s only one crucial concept to get your head around – decarboxylation. While it may be daunting for newcomers, the ability to decarb (or “decarb”) your cannabis is the magic behind this culinary consumption method.

If you’ve ever tried eating whole cannabis buds only to discover the disappointing lack of a “high”, you’ve already stumbled upon the importance of decarbing!

The cannabinoids contained in the trichomes of a cannabis plant cannot be metabolized into the bloodstream until they undergo decarbonization, where THC and CBD (and various other cannabinoids) are chemically converted into an edible state. However, once your cannabis is primed, you’re well on your way to making delicious infused meals.

So how do you go about decarboxylating your cannabis? There are different methods to decarb your cannabis, but they all involve the same premise: heat and time. Try four different decarboxylation methods to cook with cannabis with confidence.

Video and decarboxylation methods courtesy of The Wellness Soldier.

Magic Butter Decarb Box

The Magical Butter Decarb Box method is an all-in-one setup that lets you decarb with confidence. It will keep you from questioning your temperature accuracy. To start, simply tear up your cannabis into popcorn-sized buds and place them in the included heat-regulating silicone box.

Stick the thermometer probe into the hole on top of the silicone box to ensure your buds are baking at the right temperature. Pop this in your oven for 45-60 minutes at 240°F and voila, your cannabis is decarbed.

NOTE: Be sure to keep an eye on the thermometer as ovens fluctuate in temperature. The inside of the Butter Decarb Box can be more or less than 240°F. Adjust the oven temperature (+/- 10°F) after about 10 minutes of decarburization if your thermometer doesn’t show.

Mason jar method to decarb your cannabis

Because decarbing involves baking your cannabis in the oven, it can be a harsh process. For the scent-weary, the Mason Jar Method is for you. Using 4-ounce mason jars (so as not to get too full), pour your popcorn-sized buds straight into the jar, making sure to leave some empty space in the top quarter of your jar.

Seal tightly and place directly in your oven at 240°F for 45-60 minutes. Once your buds have turned a nice brown color, remove your jar from the oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature. As soon as you hear the lid pop, you’re on your way to making a delicious cannabis-infused meal.

Sheet pan method

The Sheet Pan Method is an incredibly accessible method for beginners to experts using just two common kitchen tools: an oven pan and aluminum foil. Place your crushed cannabis nuggets in your pan, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and place in your oven.

Similar to the other methods, the baking temperature and time follow the industry standard of 240°F for 45-60 minutes. The simplicity and consistency of the sheet pan method allows you to gain confidence in decarburization without requiring a heavy investment.

Sous vide method

If you already have a passion for the culinary arts, there’s a good chance you’ve used or heard of a sous vide machine. However, instead of a perfectly cooked fillet, you can actually use your favorite kitchen utensil to prepare your cannabis for cooking. Start by placing your cannabis in a heat-resistant vacuum bag, preheating your sous vide setup to 195°F and soaking your sealed bag of cannabis for one to one and a half hours.

Since this method vacuum seals the cannabis and decarbs it at a lower temperature, it actually protects the terpene levels of your buds and keeps odor down, making it a desirable investment for those looking to up their cannabis cooking game.

These are four popular decarboxylation methods to get you into the realm of cannabis cooking. Do you have another method you would like to share? Let us know which methods work best for you in the comments. Click here for more recipes.

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