Decarboxylation, or decarbing, is an essential process in making cannabis edibles. Sous-vide decarboxylation is perhaps the least-used method of decarboxylation, but, it does have several benefits, such as flavour retention, that other decarb methods may not.
Cannabis affects everyone in a different way, it is important that you know your own tolerance to cannabis edibles. If you need to explore more about cannabis “flower to oil ratio”, click here.
Cannabis is not psychoactive in its raw form and this process ensures that valuable cannabinoids, such as Delta-9 THC, are properly activated. In addition, the process of decarboxylation also prepares cannabis for bioavailability, a process that allows cannabis to have an effect as an edible substance. Learning how to decarboxylate cannabis will become an essential foundation in any cannabis consumer’s knowledge.
Decarboxylation is a necessary process when making:
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What is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is the scientific process that takes place when cannabis is exposed to heat.
In scientific terms, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids that remove a carbon atom from a chain of atoms present within a plant such as cannabis. When heat is applied to cannabis, it will remove a carboxyl group from the THCA cannabinoid (non-psychoactive) and creates the psychoactive Delta-9 THC. Decarboxylation also occurs when cannabis is smoked or vaporized.
Sous-Vide Decarboxylation – Equipment Needed
Equipment to achieve the sous-vide decarb process is relatively simple to find. Sous-vide immersion circulators are not overly expensive and they last a very long time.
- Sous-vide immersion cooker
- Vacuum-sealer
- Vacuum bag
- Large Pot
In addition, you will also need your cannabis flower, ground coarsely, as well as water to fill the pot with.
Sous-vide decarboxylation is perhaps the least-used method of decarboxylation, but, it does have several benefits, such as flavour retention, that other decarboxlation methods may not.
Sous-Vide Decarboxylation: How to Decarb Using a Sous-Vide
The sous-vide decarboxylation process is somewhat more complicated than a traditional decarb, but, the results are hard to argue with in terms of consistency and taste.
- Grind your cannabis flower coarsely
- Place ground cannabis into a vacuum-seal bag and seal with as little air as possible inside
- Fill the large pot with enough water so that it covers the sous-vide circulator
- Set the sous-vide circulator to 203 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius)
- Ensure the circulator is securely clipped to the side of the pot
- As soon as the water reaches the desired temperature, place the vacuum-sealed bad of ground cannabis into the water
- After 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove the bag from the water and allow to cool before using in any cannabis infusions
As you can see, the sous-vide decarboxylation process is slightly more complex than a traditional decarb.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis: Other Methods of Decarboxylation
Mason Jar Decarboxylation: Learning how to decarboxylate cannabis in a mason jar is a relatively straightforward process. Instead of using just a baking tray and parchment paper, use a mason jar on a baking dish (image below) or resting on a lined baking tray.
Vaporization: After vaporizing dried cannabis, a consumer is left with brown, often brittle, cannabis flower material. Before throwing this material away, take a minute to reflect on the process of decarboxylation. Vaping dried cannabis achieves a very similar result, depending on the temperature of your vaporizer, and this ‘waste’ material can be used to infused butter, oil and more. The maximum temperature you should operate a vaporizer at if you want the use ‘Already Vaped Bud’ in cannabutter or cannabis oil is 440 degrees Fahrenheit (227 degrees Celsius). At higher temperatures, combustion begins to occur and the cannabis flower material is no longer useful for cannabis infusions. Vaped cannabis is often high in a cannabinoid known as CBN, a potent sedative. Using vaporized cannabis in infusions or edibles may have a different effect on the consumer than traditionally decarboxylated cannabis.
Machine Assisted Decarboxylation: The contemporary market for at-home cannabis cooking equipment has seen the release of many machines that can decarboxylate cannabis for you. Many of these machine’s primary function is to make cannabis infusions such as butter or oil, but, some of the newer devices will also decarboxylate cannabis for the consumer.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis: What is a Passive Decarboxylation?
Passive decarboxylation involves infusing butter or oil with cannabis, as well as decarboxylating it at the same time.
This method is ideal for those who want a one-step process, as well as giving a cannabis consumer the ability to (somewhat) pair terpenes and ingredients to create a synergy like no other.
Passive decarboxylation can be achieved through all of the processes outlined above, however, this method is only advised for those who have consumed cannabis edibles before; the flavour of a cannabis infusion made with a passive decarboxylation is much stronger than an infusion that is made with a traditional, mason jar, or, sous-vide decarb.
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I find that when using sous vide and plastic bags, that there is residue left in bag. Wouldn’t using a mason jar work just as well as long as it was held under water? The temp would be the same through out the jar, same temp as the water. After cooling you could just add your oil, adjust temp and proceed with infusion.
Yes I agree! I usually do it this way when I’m using a slow cooker and I’ll just take the decarbed bud out and let it sit for 20mins then start the infusion