To Decarb or Not to Decarb: That is the Question
There is an ongoing debate about whether to decarb cannabis or use it in its raw form. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of decarboxylation, explore its benefits, and discuss the advantages of using raw flower instead.
CANNABINOIDS
11/19/20236 min read
How many times have you seen a recipe that emphasizes to make sure you do not skip the decarbing step? Or read comments from people that if you don't decarb your cannabis first you will just end up with a useless pile of garbage and wasted plant material? That is completely false. You do not need to decarb cannabis.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in the cannabis plant. They interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes. There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified, with the most well-known being delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the intoxicating compound in cannabis that produces the "high" sensation, while CBD is non-intoxicating and is renowned for its potential therapeutic benefits. Other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), also have unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits. What many people don't realize is that a cannabis plant does not start out with THC, CBD, CBG, or other cannabinoids. The raw plant instead contains THCA, CBDA, CBGA, and other "acidic compounds". These raw cannabinoids do not have any intoxicating effects, yet have many, many health benefits.
CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, is a precursor to many other cannabinoids found in cannabis, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the mother cannabinoid. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, CBGA is first converted into THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors of THC and CBD found in raw cannabis. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the acidic form of THC and CBDA, or cannabidiolic acid, is the acidic form of CBD. The conversion of CBGA into THCA or CBDA depends on the presence of specific enzymes. Under certain conditions, CBGA is transformed into THCA through the action of the enzyme THCA synthase. Alternatively, CBGA can be converted into CBDA with the help of the enzyme CBDA synthase. These enzymatic reactions play a crucial role in determining the cannabinoid profile of a cannabis plant. With CBGA converted to THCA and CBDA, the question then becomes, do you leave the cannabinoids in their acidic form, or take them a step further?
What is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat, light, or time. The process of heating cannabis flower or concentrates to activate the cannabinoids within is often referred to as "decarbing". Decarboxylation is necessary to activate the various compounds and unlock their full potential by removing a carboxyl group from the cannabinoid acids, transforming THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, respectively.
This process occurs naturally when cannabis is smoked or vapourized, as the heat from the flame or heating element activates the cannabinoids. However, if you are using cannabis for other purposes such as making ingestible or topical products, you need to make the decision of whether or not to decarb your cannabis material beforehand, depending on your desired effects.
There is a common myth in the cannabis community that decarboxylation is an absolute must when consuming cannabis. However, this belief is not entirely accurate. While decarbing can indeed enhance the potency of cannabis edibles or tinctures, it is not always necessary. Some individuals may prefer the effects of non-decarboxylated cannabis, such as the potential therapeutic benefits of raw cannabinoids like THCA or CBDA. Therefore, it is important to understand that while decarbing can be beneficial in certain situations, it is not an absolute requirement for enjoying or benefiting from cannabis.
There is some debate over both consistency of effects and therapeutic potential. One group believes that decarboxylation ensures that the effects of cannabis remain consistent. By activating the cannabinoids, the body can absorb them more effectively, leading to a more predictable experience, and maximizing the therapeutic potential of cannabis with the conversion of the acidic cannabinoids into their active forms of THC and CBD.
Yet other studies have shown that the body more readily absorbs the acidic versions of the cannabinoids than their non-acidic counterparts (CBDA may be over 10 times more bioavailable than CBD), and the acidic versions may be more potent (CBDA is said to be up to 1000 times more effective at reducing nausea than CBD is!). Some studies suggest that acidic cannabinoids may have unique therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
More research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic value of acid cannabinoids and how they compare to non-acidic cannabinoids. Therefore, it is not clear if acid cannabinoids are just as therapeutic as their non-acidic counterparts or more so, but if what you are looking for is the health benefits of cannabis, you may be doing yourself a disservice by decarbing your cannabis first.
Fun Fact: Unlike what is sometimes portrayed on TV or in the movies, you could actually eat a whole bag of raw flower and not get high, since it is only when heated (i.e. decarbed) that THCA converts to THC, changing the chemistry of the plant and activating the intoxicating properties of some cannabinoids such as THC.
The Benefits of Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation plays a crucial role in unlocking some of the therapeutic and all of the intoxicating potential of cannabis. By converting THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, respectively, decarboxylation enhances the bioavailability and effectiveness of these cannabinoids. It allows the body to absorb and utilize the cannabinoids more efficiently, leading to a more pronounced and consistent experience.
Decarboxylation offers several benefits that make it a common method for consuming cannabis:
1. Increased Potency
Decarboxylation significantly increases the potency of cannabis by converting the non-intoxicating THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD. This process ensures that you are getting the full range of effects associated with these cannabinoids.
2. Versatility in Consumption
Decarboxylated cannabis can be used in various consumption methods, such as smoking, vaporizing, cooking, or making edibles. This versatility allows users to explore different ways of incorporating cannabis into their lifestyle.
3. Euphoric Effects
The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis is THC, and the only way to activate THC is to decarbing. While more commonly associated with recreational users, there are times when there can be benefits to "getting high", such as aiding in relaxation, being a distraction from pain, assisting with sleep, and getting the munchies, which can be beneficial for individuals needing to keep or put weight on, such as individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
The Benefits of Using Raw Flower
While decarboxylation offers numerous advantages, using raw flower without decarbing also has its own unique benefits:
1. Non-Intoxicating
Raw cannabis flower contains THCA and CBDA, which do not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC (and CBD to a lesser extent). This makes it an ideal option for those who want to experience the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis without feeling high. For most medical users, they are looking for something to help them function - they simply want relief from whatever symptoms are ailing them, without constantly feeling drugged.
2. Preserves Other Cannabinoids
Decarboxylation converts THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, respectively, but it also leads to the loss of other beneficial cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). Using raw flower allows you to retain these compounds, which may offer additional therapeutic benefits.
3. Nutritional Value
Raw cannabis is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming it in its natural form allows you to benefit from these nutritional components, which can support overall health and well-being.
4. Unique Flavor Profile
Raw cannabis has a distinctive flavor profile that can add complexity to culinary creations. Some people enjoy the earthy, herbal taste of raw flower and appreciate the unique terpene profile it offers.
Conclusion
Decarboxylation is a vital process that unlocks the full potential of cannabis by converting THCA and CBDA into THC and CBD, respectively. This transformation enhances the potency, versatility, and therapeutic potential of cannabis. However, using raw flower without decarbing also has its own set of benefits, including non-intoxicating effects, preservation of other cannabinoids, nutritional value, and unique flavors. Ultimately, the choice between decarboxylation and using raw flower depends on personal preference and the desired effects. Whether you prefer the intensified effects of decarboxylated cannabis or the natural, unaltered qualities of raw flower, both options offer their own unique advantages for cannabis enthusiasts.
So, the next time a recipe calls for decarbing your cannabis first, feel free to skip that step, as raw cannabis can be used in any recipe that calls for decarbed cannabis. Or, if you are looking for a little bit of that relaxing, intoxicating feeling, but also want the health benefits, consider mixing the two - decarb some of the cannabis and leave some of it raw. Ultimately, due to what is known as the 'entourage effect' in cannabis, it is ideal to use a combination of both acidic and non-acidic cannabinoids in your healthcare management, rather than consistently favouring one form over the other. This will allow you to benefit the most from cannabis. In short, think of music. A violin or piano sound lovely on their own, but put them together with many other instruments in a symphony, and the music becomes powerful. It is the same with cannabis. THC or CBD or THCA or CBDA on their own offer many benefits, but combine them, and WOW!
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Disclaimer: The thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this blog site are solely those of the author. They are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical and mental health guidance. Before following the advice given, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare team to ensure no possible adverse affects or interactions with other treatments you may be using. Should you make the choice to use cannabis products, you do so at your own risk and assume all responsibility of a health or legal nature. The author does not encourage use of cannabis is those under 25 years of age, individuals in area where they do not have access to legal cannabis, or in individuals with pre-existing conditions that could be negatively impacted as the result of cannabis use.