Do You Have to Decarb Weed to Make Brownies?
Like any other recipe, it’ll take you a few tries before you master the art of decarboxylation – the process of converting cannabinoids to their active state. But do you have to decarb weed to make brownies, for example, or is it a step you can skip?
Besides activating the psychotropic properties of THC and CBD, decarbing is the key to delectable cannabis treats, from tinctures and gummies to smoothies and brownies.
In the following text, you’ll learn about decarboxylation in detail – how it works and when it produces the best results. Additionally, we’ll go over different decarbing methods that’ll make your baking easier.
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What Is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group, releasing carbon dioxide (CO22). When it comes to cannabis, we can explain it as the process of converting THCA and CBDA into their active forms – THC and CBD.
The reason we activate these cannabinoids is to make them psychoactive and fully enjoy the effects of cannabis on the brain. And while you can freely consume marijuana without decarbing it, don’t expect it to have a drastic effect on your endocannabinoid system, as your body won’t be able to absorb it as effectively.
Decarboxylation completely alters the flavor profile of your weed, making it more bitter with wood and nutty notes. This is also why you’ll most often find cannabis in the form of a delicious treat like brownies or candy.
Decarboxylation vs. raw cannabis
THCA and CBDA stand for cannabidiolic acid and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, respectively. This is what we call raw weed. Through the process of decarboxylation, these acids are turned into cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol.
Raw cannabis is not processed or cured, meaning it hasn’t undergone any changes induced by heat or drying. In this form, the cannabinoids in the trichomes are considered pharmacologically inactive, meaning they don’t possess any therapeutic properties.
However, some medical studies have disputed this claim, noting that THCA may have mild anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antineoplastic effects.
Do you have to decarb weed to make brownies? It’s still not definite whether raw cannabis has healing properties; however, it lacks strong psychoactive effects. Decarboxylation must take place if you want to feel a significant high. So, if you had the idea to pop a batch of brownies with raw cannabis in the oven, we’d definitely recommend decarbing it first.
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Do You Have to Decarb Weed to Make Brownies?
Do you have to decarb kief for brownies? Recreational marijuana users swear by the method of decarbing since processed cannabis gives the best highs. This doesn’t mean you can’t, by any means, add raw cannabis to your brownies. However, expect a mild high at best if you’re a novice.
Weed brownies are an excellent option when you’re craving a sweet treat infused with cannabis. Just prepare your regular brownie recipe, but this time, add the cannabis with the chocolate. You should have delectable brownies in less than half an hour.
Note: Adding raw marijuana to your brownie mix and then popping it in the oven will result in mild decarboxylation, but not enough to take advantage of all the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoids.
It may sound like decarbing is a complicated process when it’s actually really simple. Below, we’ll delve into step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself.
Decarbing Methods and Temperature Control
Never decarbed marijuana before? Here’s what you’ll do, step-by-step:
Cover a sheet pan with tinfoil.
Cut or grind your marijuana and spread it evenly on the sheet pan. Make sure it’s not too fine to avoid burning.
Preheat your oven to 220ºF and add the cannabis.
Let decarboxylation take place at 220ºF within 30-40 minutes. Regularly check your cannabis to make sure it’s not blackening or burning.
Afterward, fuse the cannabis with butter, oil, or another type of fat and add it to your brownie mix. Bake your brownies to perfection and enjoy.
Different ways of decarbing
Your oven is a guaranteed way to get the perfect decarbed marijuana. However, there are several more ways you can do this:
Mason jar decarbing
If you decide to use a glass jar for decarboxylation, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start. This method involves glass and an open flame, which can go sideways quickly if you’re not careful.
You’ll need a mason jar, pot, and water. Grind your marijuana and then put it in the mason jar and seal it tightly. Then, grab a pot, fill it with water halfway through, and put the jar inside.
Next, heat your stovetop at low/medium heat – you want to avoid dropping the jar in boiling water as it may cause it to burst.
Finally, let the mason jar simmer for half an hour, after which you can add your decarboxylated hemp to your favorite recipe.
Sous vide decarbing
This is a rather refined way of decarbing marijuana, perfect for those who seek an intense flavor profile and maximum terpene potency. For this, you’ll need a sous vide machine (immersion circulator), a pot, and a sealable freezer bag. This method will work just as well in the tub.
Fill your pot or tub with warm water and place the sous vide machine inside, setting it to 203ºF. You’ll then place the cannabis in the freezer bag and seal it tightly, submerging it in the water. Let it sit for 90 minutes before taking it out and allowing it to cool for about 20 minutes.
Microwave decarbing
If you want your marijuana decarboxylated as quickly as possible, the key is to use your microwave. The process remains the same – cut or grind your cannabis, put it in a microwave-friendly container, and set your microwave to maximum power for about 10 minutes.
There are some risks associated with this decarbing method. Namely, you run the risk of “frying” your cannabis, which will result in very dry remnants that will be completely unusable. Alternatively, try leaving in your buds for longer at a lower temperature.
Mistakes to Avoid When Decarbing
It’s very easy to cause degradation of the cannabinoids in the trichomes through improper decarboxylation. Thus, heat is the first factor determining the quality of your weed.
Be careful when setting the temperature – anything between 200-245ºF is fine. However, avoid heating your cannabis at 300ºF or above, as you run the risk of losing valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, which will alter the look, taste, and smell of the cannabis.
Time is another factor that can make or break the decarboxylation. Leaving your cannabis on the stove or in the oven for too long can result in burnt weed. You’ll know your weed is decarbed once it turns golden brown.
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Tasty Recipes Infused with Decarbed Cannabis You Simply Must Try
Cannabutter is the perfect ingredient to start with if you want to begin making edibles. Since you can add butter to pretty much anything, it’s the perfect way to sneak in a bit of cannabis in your food. All you have to do is melt some butter, add your decarboxylated marijuana, simmer for a couple of hours, and you’re done.
Cannabis tea is another easy-to-make recipe for a tasty cannabis treat. Whenever you want to drink a cup of tea, prepare it as you normally would, and then add a hint of cannabutter. The butter will melt in your tea and give off a punchy aroma, so make sure to sweeten your tea with honey or sugar.
These are only a couple of ideas to get you started – soon enough, you’ll realize that you can add cannabis to pretty much anything.
Conclusion
Decarboxylation refers to the process of activating the acidic forms of THC and CBD to bring out their healing and mind-altering properties. The result is processed weed ready for consumption that you can infuse in your favorite dishes or drinks.
But do you have to decarb weed to make brownies, or can you consume it raw? While you can choose to do either, we highly recommend decarboxylating your weed to make the most of its taste, smell, and properties.
You can quickly decarb your weed by popping it in the oven or microwave. For those more experienced, the mason jar or sous vide methods present fun opportunities to test their decarbing skills.
Finally, mind the temperature and the amount of time your weed is exposed to heat – these are two factors that ultimately determine its quality.
