What is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation is the heat-driven chemical reaction that converts non-intoxicating THCA into active THC, "activating" cannabis.

Raw cannabis is rich in acidic cannabinoids like THCA that must be heated to become intoxicating THC, a process called decarboxylation or "decarbing." Smoking and vaping decarboxylate cannabis instantly, while making edibles usually requires baking the flower beforehand. The same reaction applies to converting CBDA into CBD.