Have you ever wondered why you can eat a cannabis edible, but you are unable to eat cannabis flower and get the medical relief you desire? Have you also noticed that on your lab test results, the THCA content is significantly higher compared to THC?
THCA is the precursor to THC, the cannabinoid generally responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis (the "high"). While THCA has a number of medical benefits itself, THCA is not intoxicating and must be converted to THC before effects can be felt.
The process of converting THCA to THC is called decarboxylation. Decarboxylation simply occurs with heat and time; drying and curing cannabis over time will cause a partial decarboxylation (this is why you may see a small THC content on your lab tests), and smoking and vaporizing flower will instantaneously decarb the THCA, making THC instantly available for absorption.
With regards to edibles, decarboxylation will require heating the THCA at approximately 220 degrees Fahrenheit. After around 30-45 minutes the carboxylation will begin, and full decarboxylation will require more time to occur.
Many patients also choose to heat the THCA at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period of time in an attempt to preserve terpenes. Note: the integrity of both cannabinoids and terpenes are compromised at temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat and time can also cause other forms of cannabinoid degradation; for example, as THC oxidizes and degrades, it will convert into CBN, a cannabinoid much more sedative and with less of a psychoactive experience.
Learn more about terpenes, the compounds responsible for giving each strain its own "personality"!
If you are an Ohioan suffering from one of these 21 medical conditions you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both THC and CBD products.
Click here to learn more about what Ohio Marijuana Card's state-certified medical marijuana doctors can do for you, or give us a call at (866-457-5559) and our friendly support team can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment.
With a precision decarboxylator like the ardent you can simply "eat" the bud or sprinkle it over food.