Decarbing Cannabis
Preparing cannabis flower for edibles and other infusions.
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Grinder (scissors will also work)
- Mason jar (for storage)
Materials
Beginners
- 3.5 grams ground cannabis — lighter potency, great for testing
Intermediate tolerance
- 7 grams ground cannabis — balanced, moderate strength (a common sweet spot)
High tolerance
- 28 grams ground cannabis — stronger infusions for experienced users
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220-240 degrees. If your oven runs hot or has uneven temperature controls, aim for the lower end.
- Lightly grind or break apart your bud. You want plenty of surface area, but don’t grind it into powder. Smaller pieces heat more evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cannabis in a thin, even layer. Avoid piling it up.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir or mix gently halfway through to help everything decarb evenly.
- Your decarbed flower should look dry and lightly toasted, usually a golden brown or deeper green-brown color. Let it cool for up to 90 minutes before using it in butter or oil, tinctures with high proof alcohol, or other cannabis infused recipes.
Notes
If you’re new to making cannabis edibles or tinctures, starting with 3.5 grams of cannabis flower is a solid place to begin. It gives you enough material to work with while still being easy to manage.
Pro tip: when in doubt, always start lower than you think.
Even if your math looks right, begin with a small dose when testing your first bake. Cannabis edibles and tinctures hit differently than smoking. Effects take longer to onset and can feel stronger once metabolized through the liver.