How To Decarb Weed: Step-By-Step Guide To Decarboxylate Cannabis

Decarboxylation (or simply called decarb) is a necessary process when preparing weed into edibles.

It involves heating fresh cannabis at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time. This process “activates” the cannabinoids, making them produce the psychoactive or therapeutic effects that can be felt when the weed is eaten in an edible.

There are several methods to decarboxylate cannabis, though not all of them are recommended. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step method that works best.

How To Decarb Weed: Key Takeaways

Decarbing weed is needed when making edibles, tinctures, oils, or any consumable cannabis products to ensure they have the desired effects.
You can use an oven, sous vide, or decarboxylation machine, with the oven being the most recommended choice.
The ideal temperature for preserving THC and terpenes when decarbing weed is 200 and 290 °F (104 and 118 °C), and it typically takes 25–40 minutes.
Be prepared for a strong smell and possibly some smoke—good ventilation will help.
The fresher and higher quality your weed is, the more terpenes and cannabinoids it will have after the process. You can grow high-quality weed using premium feminised seeds from the Aussie Hemp Seeds seed bank.

In raw cannabis, cannabinoids are in their acidic forms, like THCA and CBDA, which aren’t psychoactive.

When you apply heat by smoking, vaping, or baking (among a few other methods), a chemical reaction removes a carboxyl group (COOH) from the molecule. A carboxyl group is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen and an OH group.

Removing the COOH releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and transforms the acidic cannabinoids into their active forms, such as THC and CBD.

Many people wonder if this process is necessary at all. Let’s briefly discuss that before proceeding with the step-by-step guide.

Why Do You Have To Decarb Weed?

Not everyone would want to smoke their weed just like that, but What’s weed if they don’t produce their psychoactive and therapeutic effects?

Without decarbing, edibles won’t provide the desired effects, as the cannabinoids stay inactive.

Beyond that, consuming cannabis in various forms can potentially help with pain, anxiety, and other medical issues. The chemical conversion of weed cannabinoids makes this possible.

Best Methods for Cannabis Decarboxylation

We begin with the most recommended method: the oven. Pay attention to the tools required for each method so you can decide which to use.

1. Using the Oven

Alt: Oven preheated to 240°F before decarbing cannabis

The advantage of using the oven for decarbing weed is that it allows you to easily control the temperature and run the process for the perfect amount of time.

Tools needed:

Marijuana buds (3.5 grams or one eighth)
An Oven
Grinder or scissors
Baking sheet
Oven mitts
Spatula or spoon
Airtight container

2. Using a Decarb machine

Alt: Ardent FX Decarb Machine being processed to decarb cannabis

These modern devices take the guesswork out of making cannabis edibles. They let you know the exact temperature and time your herbs are decarbed, which helps ensure consistent potency and better taste.

Tools needed:

Decarb machine (Nova, Ongrok, Ardent FX and Ecru are popular brands)
Bowl

Here’s the process of using this machine for properly decarbed weed:

Step 1: Prepare the cannabis

Break your buds into small, popcorn-sized pieces. You don’t need to grind the cannabis before using a decarb machine.

Step 2: Load the machine

Place the pieces into the decarb machine’s chamber. Choose the setting based on the type of cannabinoid you want to activate.

Step 3: Start the process

Select the setting and start the machine. The machine will automatically heat the cannabis and perform precision heating cycles based on feedback from its sensors, converting cannabinoids into their active forms.

Typically, the whole process takes 1 to 2 hours, including warm-up and cool-down time.

Step 4: Finish and cool

After the cycle is complete and the machine cools down, you will be alerted that the decarboxylation process is finished.

With a precision decarb machine, you can simply set it and walk away; there’s no need to monitor it closely. Just press the button to start and return when it’s done.

3. Using Microwave

If you don’t have enough time and a microwave is the next available thing, then you can use this method.

It’s not the best because weed can get burnt quickly if you’re not careful. So we recommend starting with a small test batch to get the timing right.

What you need:

Microwave
Cannabis buds
Glass dish

Step 1: Prepare cannabis

Grind or break up your cannabis into small pieces by hand.

Step 2: Arrange in dish

Spread the cannabis evenly in a microwave-safe glass dish.

Step 3: Initiate heating

Microwave the buds on medium power for about 90 seconds.

Step 4: Stir and heat again

Stir the cannabis and microwave for an additional 60 seconds.

Step 5: Check doneness

The buds should turn golden brown but not be burnt.

The downside of using a microwave for decarbing weed is that decarboxylation requires a low and slow process.

QUICK TIP:

If you’re not experienced with setting and timing a microwave, it’s best to use an oven. Microwaves do not provide consistent heating and can lead to uneven decarboxylation and loss of cannabinoids.

4. What About Using Mason Jars to Decarb Weed?

Alt: Cannabis in a mason jar placed before a cooking pot

Decarbing cannabis in a mason jar creates a sealed environment that helps trap terpenes while allowing heat to activate cannabinoids.

However, we wouldn’t recommend this method due to safety concerns. You must watch closely and listen for cracking or popping sounds, as the jar can break under heat.

How does it work? People who use this method typically fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. The mason jar, partially filled with ground cannabis (leaving some space at the top for air expansion), is placed in the water.

The lid is screwed on loosely to let air escape during heating. The jar is then left in the simmering water for about 60 minutes.

SHOULD YOU USE MASON JAR FOR DECARBING WEED?

While it’s possible to decarb this way, there are several risks:

Sealing the jar tightly could cause it to explode in the oven or in the pot.
The jar stays hot for a long time after heating, potentially over-toasting the cannabis.
Handling the jar can be tricky; dropping it could shatter the glass, contaminating your weed with shards.

If you’re making edibles, glass contamination will ruin your product entirely.

There’s no clear advantage to using a mason jar for decarbing.

It is more dangerous and complicated than other methods. For a safer and easier process, it’s better to stick with traditional methods like using an oven.

How Long to Decarb Weed and at What Temperature?

The best temperature range for decarbing weed is between 200 and 290 °F (104 and 118 °C), with a heating time of 25–40 minutes. This allows the cannabinoids to activate without destroying too many terpenes, which give cannabis its smell and taste.

Don’t let the temperature go up to 149°C (300°F). At such a level, the cannabis can degrade, leading to a sour taste and smell.

Different decarbing methods may require specific temperatures and times.

For oven decarbing, studies have provided clear guidelines on the ideal times and temperatures for activating THCA and CBDA. We’ve simplified it in the table below:

Cannabinoid	Temperature (ºF)	Temperature (ºC)	Time (in minutes)
THCA/THC	230ºF	110ºC	30
	265ºF	130ºC	9
CBDA/CBD	230ºF	110ºC	45
	265ºF	130ºC	20

How to Tell if Your Weed is Properly Decarbed

To know when your cannabis is fully decarbed, use a timer as soon as you place it in your oven or decarboxylation machine.

A decarbed weed will usually turn golden brown and look a bit oily. But this isn’t always a reliable indicator because cannabis comes in a variety of colours depending on the strain, so that the final colour may differ too.

If you stick to the lower end of the safe temperature range (220–260°F), you can be confident that your cannabis will be potent and effective.

But for visual confirmation, if the weed starts looking too dark, especially at higher temperatures, it’s a good idea to take it out sooner to avoid overcooking.

How to Preserve Terpenes While Decarbing Weed

It’s easy—follow the right method and temperature, and you won’t lose essential terpenes.

Make sure the weed is fresh before decarbing. Inspect the buds carefully before putting them in the oven to avoid using mouldy buds.

Once your weed is decarbed, let it cool completely. Then store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

This helps protect the terpenes and cannabinoids from being damaged by light, air, or heat.

Final Thoughts: Do You Even Have a High-quality Weed?

The fresher and higher quality your weed is, the more terpenes and cannabinoids it will have.

If you’re growing cannabis at home, obtaining high-quality buds to decarb starts by growing a highly potent weed strain.

At Aussie Hemp Seeds, we offer a wide selection of fast-growing autoflower seeds. Browse our collection and find the perfect seeds for your needs today.

FAQs

Can you boil weed to decarb it?

For weed to be properly decarbed, it needs to be heated in air for a while. Boiling will NOT work. Boiling weed will waste it.

Can I Decarb fresh weed?

Yes, you can decarb fresh weed. It’s essential if you’re using the weed to make tinctures or edibles. Just be sure that the fresh weed is dry and cured before decarbing.

What if I forgot to decarb weed?

It really depends on what you want to use the weed for. If you are making DIY cannabis edibles and you forgot to decarb the weed, be prepared to have a less potent product since the THC or CBD hasn’t been activated.