With the popularity of CBD products increasing each passing day, all 50 states have made it legal to sell CBD products. Due to such widespread use, it is good to know a little about the cannabis oil concentrate and extraction process. CBD concentrate forms a part of all CBD-related products, right from edible like gummy bears, to topical creams for pain relief.

Decarboxylation is an essential step that cannabis extraction companies need to use to extract high-quality concentrate. Here is an insight into the process and how it is carried out.

What Is Decarboxylation?

As the name suggests, decarboxylation is the process of heating hemp or marijuana, over time, to change its molecular structure. By heating, the carbon atom is removed from the molecular structure, as carbon dioxide, of the plant material.

The two main catalysts for this reaction to be successful are heat and time. Low heat, over time, allows the decarboxylation to occur without compromising the integrity of the plant material.

Why Decarboxylation?

The decarboxylation process allows easy absorption of the CBD into the system. This process helps unlock all its benefits. Usually, smoking or vaporizing would accelerate the chemical process, and allows quick absorption into the lungs and tissue.

That said, not all cannabis users prefer smoking or vaporizing. Decarboxylation enables the chemical reaction to occur in other forms of CBD, such as edibles, creams, oils, and even dog treats.

How Is It Done?

Hemp or any other cannabis plant requires heating to release the CBD and THC within them. The process is not simple enough to be carried out in the kitchen. It requires patience and a slow heating process so that the chemicals are released to be effective in items like edibles and creams, without evaporating them.

Once this process is complete, the CBD concentrate is extracted from the plant and added to different products in varying concentrations.

What Is the Temperature Required For Decarboxylation?

The chemical breakdown begins after the plant has been exposed, for 30-45 minutes, to heat levels of 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The time depends on the size of the batch being processed. Also, the heat needs monitoring as the cannabinoids and terpenoids lose their integrity if the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can You Try It At Home?

Although we advise against it, there is still the option of cooking with the hemp plant to activate the Decarboxylation process and release the CBD and THC in it. An online search will provide you with several recipes that call for the process to take place while it is being cooked in your kitchen. However, life is much simpler if you buy the products from a dispensary.

At What State Is Decarboxylation Done In Extraction?

As you know by now, CBD products contain the all-essential cannabinoid-rich oil, extracted from hemp plants. Hemp is harvested and then sent for extraction of CBD. The decarboxylation process can be done either before or after the extraction of CBD concentrate. Usually, cannabis extraction companies prefer it be done before extraction as it removes moisture and speeds the extraction process.

So, now you know why smoking was the preferred way of ingesting hemp before other products were available or legal.