Decarboxylation, not just for edibles?

[Mrblu]

I am wondering if decarboxylation is applicable for other ways in consuming cannabis. Decarb is NECESSARY to make quality edibles, plenty of guides about that. I understand that when heat is applied, smoking for instance, decarb happens almost immediately. What would be the result of decarbing before butane extraction? Would it make any difference, be it positive or negative. Not just butane, can decarb impact any thing other than when making fine edibles.

[Tersky]

I dont know for sure but i think that there are differing opinions on this. From what i understand with smokables you dont need to do a decarb as the act of smoking will convert THCA to THC. Thats why you dont need to decarb weed that you smoke. The info that i have found about decarbing stuff like shatter and BHO is that it is done after extraction. That said i dont think it's necessary, as when you smoke it it decarbs naturally. There seems to be evidence that it does raise the concentrate THC level by a little but i dont understand why it would be any different when you smoke it as the same process is happening, just a dab at a time. The main reason to not decarb is that decarbing can destroy terps and effect taste and if done incorrectly can actually degrade THC levels. My opinion is dont do it unless it is necessary for edibles.

All this said and im not an expert so i'd love to hear others opinions on this as well!

[dphipps1020]

Tersky I believe you're right there. Mrblu The only reason to decarb your weed/trim is if you're not heating it up when you ingest it, no matter how dabs, bowls, joints etc. All of those you are heating up the THCa therefore activating the THC while using. Edibles for example aren't really being heated up enough to decarb when making them so you have to do it first for the best results.

[Spidermite]

I only make edibles and grow. My brother in law makes all the other products. Legal grows of course. But we just got our BHO equipment.

[Tersky]

I kinda wish there was just the bho thing and the miniature behind it so i could make some reference joke like "IT"S GODZILLA!!!" or "What is that, a school for ants behind it?"....Sry, just had morning bong hit!

[Eliot Pryor]

Very cool !! How big is that ?

[Spidermite]

I've been so busy finishing up harvest that I havent even see it yet. Hopefully I'll be done by Monday so I can play chemist too.

[Gingerbeard]

I always go with decarbed shatter for edibles. Easy to dose.

[Woodsman67]

THCA naturally decarbs somewhat over time. So taking herb that isnt so great and putting it up in jars and letting it sit for longer times can increase felt effects. There is that, whether you consider time an actual decarb process is another thing.

[YYCannabis]

My prescription herb comes with 2 numbers for THC on the label: “Actual” and “Potential”

The “actual” number represents the weight/gram of physical turps/crystals on the surface of the plant matter.
The “potential” number represents the weight/gram amount of THC + THCa in the plant matter.

Most of the time the difference between the two can be upwards of four to six times the “actual” measurement. For example: Actual = 3% and Potential = 18% (or higher)

If you don’t burn it, decarb it.

[OlderNOTwiser]

Follow up question if I may? I decarbed a bunch over the Thanksgiving break. Due to underage grandkids about I couldn't get my baking done. Or rather I made some firecrackers but nothing else yet. Do I store the remaining quantity the same as I'd keep long term bud? With or without moisture packs?

[Weed Pharma]

I store decarbed weed (I make capsules) the same way as I do for long term storage-
I do put a boveda pack in- but doubt it is really doing anything.

There are some on this forum who decarb all weed, to be smoked or not.

[Mrblu]

Sounding like decarb is meant for edibles. while I could decarb anything it would serve little to no purpose of the end product will be smoked. Thank you all for your input

[YYCannabis]

I have heard people say that decarbing before smoking can make weed taste stale. Makes sense it would be a flatter taste if you’ve decarbed away the terpenes.

has anybody had the same experience?

[Rwise]

Yes, I am reducing temps and extending time to save the terps,,,IDK if it works yet as I have not tried to smoke any,,,, the brownies were nice!

[Farmall]

If I remember correctly, there is a video on the Ardent Nova site where Shanel says the decarbed weed needs less to get high? Maybe I’ve gotta go watch that one again...