Why decarboxylation of Cannabis is so important

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction which is triggered when a Cannabis flower is consumed, vaporized or taken in other ways.

A Chemical process is triggered during which a group of carboxylic acid is removed by the formation of the plant, rendering it performing.

A very important process, during decarboxylation CBDA is transformed into CBD and that is the moment in which it is possible to appreciate the characteristics of cannabinoids.  

The decarboxylation process can be partially activated by conditions occurring in nature, temperature, excessively long conservation of the product or by incorrect drying methods.

Why decarboxylate?

When cannabis is vaporized a decarboxylation process is activated, without this process the cannabinoids would not be activated, this explains why it is very important to decarboxylate in the right manner.  

How to prepare a decoction?

The Ministry Of Health in a un circular of February 22, 2017, gives precise indications on the preparation of a decoction.

In fact, in the document one can read that “the preparation of a decoction of FM2 Cannabis: in a vessel introduce amounts of FM2 cannabis and cold water according to the following ratio: 100 ml of cold water, each 100 mg of FM2 cannabis used. It is recommended to not use quantities inferior to 100 ml".

"Bring it to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, while keeping it covered. It is recommended to not exceed 30 minutes of decoction and to stir regularly. Allow the decoction to cool down for about 15 minutes before filtering. Stir before filtering with a sieve and press the remaining product with a spoon in order to recuperate more liquid and enrich the final solution. Consume the freshly prepared decoction: when not consumed at the moment of preparation, it is possible to store in a closed container in the refrigerator for maximum 24 hours".

Vaporizing, which are the benefits?

Decarboxylation also occurs when we vaporize cannabis, some prefer the decoction and others intend to vaporize it, to best appreciate the cannabinoids.

In this process the cannabinoids evaporate, there is no combustion, the vapour does not contain for example, tar, carbon monoxide or other toxins present in smoke.

Consuming cannabis ‘by smoking it’, the majority of the cannabinoids are being destroyed by the combustion process, on the contrary, with vaporization, almost all cannabinoids are found back in the vapour.

According to a study published in 2010, those who passed from classic smoking to the use of vaporizers, after a month improved the health state of their lungs as much as to those who stops smoking  completely! It could seem obvious, but the inhalation technique is very important, as it allows us to obtain the maximum from the devices we use.

The general rule is that the aspiration should be long and slow, without frenzy, a long inspiration assures us a lot of vapour! However, always verify the Vaporizer you are using, some require specifications, like, for example, aspiring for a minimum number of seconds.  

Beware, if you are dealing with a new vaporizer, one of the actions to take certainly is “burn-off”, which is overheating the device before using it!

Any newly purchased vaporizer could contain in its heater small residual traces of production substances, like for example residual lubricants.

Thus, you turn it on, bring it to the maximum temperature and keep it like this for about fifteen minutes, after which you will be ready to consume your cannabis.