DECARBOXYLATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The acidic form of cannabinoids found in the raw cannabis plant is what makes it so potent. It is the chemical structure of the substance itself that is referred to as “acidic form” when someone says that cannabinoids are in their “acidic form.” A carboxyl group (-COOH) is connected to a cannabinoid when it is in its acidic form. While THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, it does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which means it has no psychoactive effects. As a result, it interacts with other cannabinoids receptors found in the body’s endocannabinoid system. When tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not decarboxylated, the result is tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA). Although THCA has therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, it is not in its most helpful or psychoactive form at the time of consumption.
MOTIVATING TECHNIQUES FOR DECARBOXYLATION OF MARIJUANA
When decarboxylating marijuana, there are two basic ways that are used: drying (time) and heat. Drying or letting the marijuana to age can cause part of the THCA to react and generate THC, but this often results in a product with a low THC content. Decarboxylation of marijuana with heat, on the other hand, is far more efficient and results in a higher-quality product. The heat aids in the conversion of THCA to THC by acting as a catalyst (something that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction) during the process. According to an article on Leafly, when employing intense heat, cannabinoids can be absorbed instantly through the inhalation of the smoke produced.
Please keep in mind that identical procedures apply to additional cannabinoid chemicals found in marijuana, such as CBD.
TEMPERATURES AT WHICH CANNABINOIDS ARE DECARBOXYLATED
Depending on the cannabinoids, each one decarboxylates at a somewhat different temperature. Using lower temperatures and exercising caution when decarboxylating your marijuana is recommended, as this will help to guarantee that some components are not damaged and that your marijuana is not contaminated. It is important to note that the temperature and time of cannabis decarboxylation vary, with each cannabinoid having a preferred temperature. With this knowledge, the cannabis production process may be adjusted to generate the final product that is wanted. THC, for example, has a boiling point of 315 degrees Fahrenheit. Companies, on the other hand, may not want to focus solely on THC in order to differentiate their product from the competition. Companies can optimize their product and achieve desired results by experimenting with small amounts of organic material, such as increasing the amount of a specific terpene in a particular product.
WHY IS DECARBOXYLATE USED?
Consumers are more likely to like edibles than non-edibles. Smoking is the conventional approach, but it has its drawbacks among recreational and medical users, for example, the smell, and consumers run the danger of lungs damage as a result of smoking. The process of developing quality standards for edibles begins with determining the most effective method of handling the active compounds found in cannabis. There are a plethora of methods for cannabis decarboxylation that can be done at home. Several parts of commercial machinery are still being developed that are special to the cannabis sector, with some of the more dependable devices already being employed in chemical labs and tobacco manufacturing.
DECARBOXYLATION FOR COMMERCIAL USE
Commercial decarboxylation machines are still in their early stages of development. Commercial ovens are built for industrial/consumable products, according to HerbCeo, and are also engineered with culinary professionals in mind, according to the company. Precision temperature control is required while processing cannabis to ensure adequate decarboxylation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Ovens designed for culinary or non-consumable purposes frequently sacrifice precision in favor of speed and accessibility. Precision Quincy Industrial Ovens, Shel Lab Ovens, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Precision Ovens are three brands that manufacture precision ovens.
The scalability, customisation, dependability, and end-user support that they provide distinguish them from the competition in this field, making them the ideal starting points for cannabis start-ups and commercial use.
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CONSUMER: ARDENT NOVA
Nova
A wonderful little machine, the Ardent Nova allows consumers to decarb cannabis without the use of any chemicals or odors. The chamber has a capacity of 12 fluid ounces, which is equivalent to approximately 1 ounce of marijuana. The chamber heats the plant material and then allows it to cool in a regulated manner, something that would be impossible to achieve with a regular home oven or microwave. This procedure can take anywhere from 75 to 90 minutes. As soon as the indicator turns green, you can open the device, and the cannabis is ready for consumption. The Nova allows the consumer to heat the THC without causing it to be consumed by fire. It can be somewhat expensive, with prices ranging from $210 to $305 depending on the options selected. Consumers may learn how to infuse coconut oil, olive oil, and even caramel into their recipes. In addition to receiving positive feedback for her device, Shanel Lindsay, the designer of the Nova, is attempting to break into the commercial product development market.