Decarboxylation is an essential step in the manufacture of cannabidiol products used widely in the therapeutic sector. CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants that contain other cannabinoids like THC, CBN, CBG as well as flavonoids and terpenes.
The CBD industry primarily focuses on the extraction of cannabidiol, although CBD products include other cannabinoids as well.
What Is Decarboxylation?
Compounds CBD and THC do not occur naturally in cannabis plants. Instead, they are present in their respective acidic forms, CBDA and THCA. Decarboxylation has to be carried out to convert CBDA and THCA to CBD and THC respectively.
Decarboxylation, in general, is defined as the process of removal of the carboxyl group from a molecule. When the process is carried out in cannabis compounds, a carbon atom is removed from the carbon chain leading to the release of carbon dioxide.
In cannabis, decarboxylation can be summarized as the conversion of inactive acidic cannabinoids to their active non-acidic counterparts. It involves heating up of the unprocessed form of cannabidiol to convert CBDA to CBD. The step takes place on the go in intake methods like vaping and smoking, as both involve heating up of the plant matter.
How To Decarboxylate CBD?
Decarboxylation requires heat but take note of the fact that lower temperatures are preferred even though the process will take longer. Performing the step at low temperatures helps preserve the terpenes in the plant matter. The characteristic flavor and aroma of hemp are attributed to its terpenes. In addition, they offer some therapeutic benefits on their own. Full-spectrum CBD is acclaimed for the synergistic effect it produces in the users attributed to the combined effect of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes of hemp.
If you plan to decarboxylate hemp CBD at home, here is a guide that will help you.
- Preheat the oven to 200-300.
- Mill the hemp flower buds and spread them inside a baking tray.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes ensuring that you stir up the contents after every 10-15 minutes.
- When the plant matter turns from green to light brown, take it out of the oven.
The decarboxylated CBD flower can be used to make extractions and edibles of your choice.
Decarboxylation is a crucial step in the manufacture of several CBD products and it requires utmost care to prevent heat damage to the hemp cannabinoids.
