What happens if you skip decarboxylation?

If you skip decarbing, the THCA in your cannabis will not convert to THC. THCA is not psychoactive, so your edibles will have little to no intoxicating effect. You might still get some minor effects from partial decarboxylation during cooking, but it will be inconsistent and weak.

What is the best temperature for decarboxylation?

The most common recommendation is 110 to 120 degrees Celsius (230 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 to 40 minutes. Lower temperatures preserve more terpenes, while higher temperatures speed up the process but risk degrading some compounds.

Can you decarb cannabis in a microwave?

It is not recommended. Microwaves heat unevenly, making it nearly impossible to control the temperature. You will likely end up with some cannabis that is overheated and some that is underprocessed. An oven or a sealed jar in boiling water gives much better results.

Does decarboxylation smell?

Yes. Heating cannabis in an oven will produce a noticeable smell. Using a sealed mason jar in the oven or a sous vide method reduces the odour significantly. A sealed oven bag is another option for minimizing smell.

Edibles

Decarboxylation Explained: The Science Behind Activating THC

Raw cannabis will not get you high. Decarboxylation is the heat process that converts THCA into active THC. Here is how it works and how to do it at home.

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Open oven with cannabis on a baking sheet showing the decarboxylation process

If you have ever tried to eat raw cannabis and wondered why nothing happened, the answer is decarboxylation, or rather, the lack of it. Raw cannabis contains THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor. Heat converts it into THC, the compound that produces the effects people associate with cannabis. Without this step, your edibles will not work.

The Science in Simple Terms

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the natural form of THC found in the living cannabis plant. It has a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms) attached to its molecular structure. This extra group prevents THCA from binding effectively to the CB1 receptors in your brain.

When you apply heat, that carboxyl group breaks off as CO2 and water vapour. What remains is THC, which fits neatly into your CB1 receptors and produces psychoactive effects. This chemical reaction is called decarboxylation.

When you smoke or vape cannabis, decarboxylation happens instantly from the flame or heating element. For edibles, you need to do it as a separate step before cooking.

How to Decarb at Home

Oven Method (Most Common)

Preheat your oven to 110 C (230 F).
Break your cannabis into small, even pieces (do not grind it to powder).
Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring gently halfway through.
The cannabis should look slightly toasted and golden, not brown or burnt.

Let it cool completely before handling. It is now ready to infuse into butter, oil, or any recipe.

Mason Jar Method (Less Smell)

Golden hourglass with cannabis gummy representing edible onset time

Edibles

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