Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and release carbon dioxide. The process converts inactive cannabinoid components in cannabis into active components, which unlock the medicinal and psychoactive effects of the plant.
The decarboxylation process is important for getting the most out of the CBD/ THC in the Ganja. After the process activates it, the activated components are available for use by your body.
Naturally, the Cannabis plant produces CBD-A and THC-A, the decarboxylation process is needed to turn the inactive THC-A into the psychoactive THC and the same goes for its CBD counterpart. In order to activate the CBD and to experience all of its benefits, it needs to be heated through vaporization, cooking, or smoking so that decarboxylation occurs.
Smoking and vaporizing can instantly decarboxylate cannabinoids as a result of the extremely high temperatures involved, and this makes them readily available for absorption through inhalation. However, people with respiratory conditions, children, or the elderly who are attempting to use cannabis for its medicinal purposes may not want to inhale the smoke, so extracting numerous cannabinoids and terpenes is the best alternative.
The cannabis plant in its natural form contains photochemicals (primarily referring to cannabiond) resins that remain in an acid (2-COOH) form. In order to experience cannabis broad range of medicinal and therapeutic effects, we must activate or decarboxylate (‘decarb’) the phytochemical resins (aka heat the resin for it to become orally active). This removes the carboxyl group (attached to the phenolic ring[E]) and allows the chemical compounds to pass the blood brain barrier, which does not typically occur in their polar form. ‘Decarbing’ can be accomplished in a number of ways.
