How to Decarb CBD Hemp
by Bay Mountain AG
How to Decarb CBD Hemp
By Debbie L.
Bay Mountain AG
The first and most important step for anyone planning a DIY hemp project is Decarboxylation or Decarb for short.
The decarbing process activates the CBD compounds in hemp. It is most important step for unlocking the full benefits of the plant.
In very simple terms, the cannabinoids in raw hemp flowers contain an extra molecule. (The CBD is actually CBDa) For hemp to have its full effect, the molecule needs to be changed to CBD, by burning off the ‘a’. You do this by heating it slowly in a low oven.
Here’s how:
- Break the hemp flower apart and sprinkle the pieces on a cookie sheet. (Do not grind into very small bits, you want to keep the oil intact.)
- Preheat oven to 240 degrees. Check temperature with an oven thermometer. Temperature is important. Many ovens run hot, especially toaster ovens, and overcooking the flower can dry out the medicinal oils. On the other extreme, you want the oven temperature to be correct, because if it is not hot enough, the ‘a’ will not be burned off, and you will not get the CBD benefits.
- Place the cookie sheet with hemp buds in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Take out of oven, stir the flower, and bake for another 20 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, take the cookie sheet out of the oven. Congrats! You have just decarbed your hemp buds and activated your CBD! You are ready for your DIY CBD projects! You can store the hemp in a tin or glass container in a cool dark place until ready to use.
PS: There is no need to decarb your hemp flower if you are infusing it in oil with a crock pot. The low and slow crock pot cooking temperatures will activate the CBD while it infuses into the oil.