Should You Smoke Decarbed Weed?

You have found yourself with more decarbed weed than you need for your edibles recipe. Now you’re wondering whether you can smoke decarbed weed. The short answer is yes, you can. In our guide we’ll dive into whether you should and how its effects may differ. 

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What happens if you smoke decarbed weed?

When smoking decarbed weed, you’re consuming cannabinoids that have already been activated. Here is what happens:

Faster activation 

Since you’re consuming cannabinoids that are already activated, they’ll be absorbed faster than when you’re smoking non-decarbed weed, leading to a faster onset of effects.

Different flavor profile 

The decarboxylation process will not only activate the cannabinoids, but it may potentially alter the flavor profile. The presence of heat can modify the terpenes, leading to a different flavor and aroma profile compared to when you’re smoking raw cannabis. 

Intense high

As mentioned above, decarbed cannabis has a faster onset. This can be perceived as a more potent high. However, this will depend on personal tolerance, dosage, and more. 

How to smoke decarbed weed

You can smoke decarbed weed in a joint, bong, or any other smoking device of your choice.

Joint 

You’ll need: 

• About 0.24 to 0.5 grams of weed
• Standard rolling papers
• Rolling tray
• Filter tip 

Once you have all the materials, grind the decarbed cannabis into a suitable consistency for rolling. 

Prepare the rolling paper

Lay the rolling paper on the tray with the adhesive side away from you. Then place the filter tip at one end of your rolling paper. The filter or crutch will prevent Scooby snacks from entering your mouth when smoking. It’ll also save you from burning your fingers.

Load joint

Evenly spread the decarbed weed throughout the rolling paper. However, avoid overstuffing your joint, which can restrict air flow, leading to harsh smoke. 

You can sprinkle less weed near the mouthpiece and more towards the tip to roll a cone joint.

Roll joint 

Use your thumbs and index fingers to pinch the paper into a taco shape. Then, sift the paper back and forth to pack the weed evenly. Work the paper into a cylindrical shape but not too loose or tight.

Tuck the non-adhesive side over the weed and slowly roll it towards the adhesive side. Finally, wet the sticky side and slowly seal the joint. Pass a lighter around the joint to dry it and enjoy. 

Bong 

Gather the following materials: 

• Weed 
• Bong 
• Grinder 
• Lighter 

Prepare the materials 

Using a grinder, break the weed into a medium consistency.

Fill the bong

Next step is to fill the bong with enough water just above the slits on your downstem.

Load the bowl 

Start by throwing the more significant bits at the bottom of the bowl to act as a screen. Then, place the rest on top and gently pack them down. However, it’s crucial to avoid packing too densely as this can affect the airflow, leading to uneven burning. On the other hand, packing too loosely may lead to faster burning, which can be wasteful.

The next step is to light up your bong. Inhale slowly to fill the chamber with smoke. Exhale and enjoy the intense effects of decarbed weed. For this reason, it’s crucial to monitor the dosage to avoid issues such as overconsumption.

Once you’re done, clean your bong and store it properly.

Alternative ways to consume decarbed weed

Although you can smoke decarbed weed, it’s not the recommended consumption method because of the diminished flavor profile, inefficient use of cannabinoids, and hasher smoke. Here are alternative ways you can enjoy your decarbed weed.

Edibles 

You can use decarbed weed when preparing edibles such as cookies, gummies, brownies, and more. However, you should be cautious about dosage. Also, ensure the treat is prepared at an ideal temperature not exceeding  350°F (177°C) to avoid degrading the precious cannabinoids. 

Tinctures 

Tinctures are made by infusing decarbed weed in a carrier oil. It provides a discreet way to enjoy weed, such as oral or sublingual consumption. 

How to decarb weed 

Weed decarbing activates the cannabinoids, making them easier to be absorbed into the bloodstream. To decarb weed, you’ll need:

• Baking sheet 
• Aluminum foil
• Oven 
• Cannabis buds
• Grinder 

Preheat the oven 

Set the oven temperature between 220 and 245 degrees Fahrenheit (104 to 118 degrees Celsius). 

Prepare the weed 

Use a grinder to grind the buds into medium consistency. Avoid grinding too finely as this may lead to loss of trichomes, leading to lower potency. 

Spread evenly 

Next, cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Then, spread the ground cannabis, forming a thin layer. Bake the weed for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, stirring  after every 10 minutes.

If the weed color turns golden brown, let it cool for around 30 minutes. Now, you have completely decarbed weed that you can use in your edibles.

Go for it

While it’s possible to smoke decarbed weed, there are other recommended methods such as in edibles and tinctures. However, expect faster onset of effects, higher potency, and a different flavor profile.