Quick answer: To decarb THCA flower, break it into small pieces, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 240°F for 30 to 40 minutes. The flower should turn light golden brown, not dark. Then use it to make cannabutter, oil or tinctures. Smoking and vaping decarb THCA on their own, so you only need this step for edibles.
Decarb time and temperature chart
| Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 220°F (105°C) | 45 to 60 minutes | Gentlest. Keeps the most terpenes. |
| 240°F (115°C) | 30 to 40 minutes | The best all-around choice. |
| 250°F (120°C) | 25 to 30 minutes | Faster. Watch it closely. |
| Sous vide, 203°F (95°C) | 90 minutes | Low smell, great flavor. |
Ovens run hot or cold, so an oven thermometer is the best tool you can buy for this.
What is decarboxylation?
Raw cannabis is full of THCA, the acid form of THC. THCA isn’t intoxicating until heat breaks off its carboxyl group, which turns it into delta-9 THC. That reaction is decarboxylation, or decarbing. Smoking and vaping do it instantly. Edibles don’t, because cooking temperatures inside butter or batter aren’t high or long enough on their own. That’s why you decarb first.
How to decarb weed in the oven
- Preheat your oven to 240°F. Put an oven thermometer on the middle rack and adjust until it reads right.
- Break up the flower by hand into pea-size pieces. Remove stems. A grinder works but can knock off trichomes, so hand-breaking is best. Shake is already broken up, which makes THCA shake a popular choice for edibles.
- Spread it out in a single, even layer on parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Gently stir once halfway through.
- Check the color. It should look light golden brown and feel dry and crumbly.
- Cool it for 15 minutes, then store it in an airtight jar or use it right away.
How to decarb weed on the stove
No oven? A stovetop water bath works well and keeps the smell down.
- Put the broken-up flower in a heat-safe, oven-safe bag or a sealed mason jar.
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, just under a boil.
- Place the bag or jar in the water (put a folded towel at the bottom of the pot if you use a jar). Keep it fully covered.
- Simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, topping up the water as it evaporates.
- Remove, let it cool, and open it once it is room temperature.
Water can’t go above 212°F at sea level, so it’s hard to overcook. It just takes longer.
How to decarb with sous vide
- Set an immersion circulator to 203°F (95°C).
- Vacuum-seal the flower in a cook-safe bag.
- Submerge for 90 minutes.
- Let the bag cool before opening.
This is the most precise method and keeps the most flavor.
What about the microwave?
We don’t recommend it. Microwaves heat unevenly, so some bits burn while others barely change. The oven, stovetop or sous vide will give you a much better result.
Common decarb mistakes
- Too hot: above about 300°F, THC and terpenes start to burn off.
- Too long: overcooked flower turns dark brown and loses strength as THC breaks down into CBN.
- Uneven layer: piles cook unevenly. Keep it thin.
- Skipping the thermometer: many ovens are off by 20°F or more.
How to cut down the smell
- Use a turkey or oven bag on the baking sheet.
- Use a lidded oven-safe dish or a sealed mason jar.
- Choose the stovetop or sous vide method.
- Run the kitchen fan and open a window.
What to do with decarbed flower
- Cannabutter or cannabis oil: the base for most edibles. See how to make cannabutter with THCA flower.
- Tinctures: soak decarbed flower in high-proof alcohol or MCT oil. See our THCA tincture guide.
- Capsules: mix finely ground decarbed flower with coconut oil and fill empty capsules.
Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Start with a small amount and wait before having more.
Best flower for decarbing
You don’t need top-shelf buds for edibles, since the look of the flower doesn’t matter once it’s baked. Shake gives you the most THCA for your money. See what is shake weed? and browse our THCA shake.
Decarb FAQ
What temperature should I decarb weed at?
240°F for 30 to 40 minutes is the best all-around setting.
How do I know when decarbed flower is done?
It turns light golden brown, smells toasty, and crumbles easily.
Can you decarb THCA without heat?
Not in any practical way. THCA converts slowly over months at room temperature, but heat is the only reliable method.
Do I need to decarb flower for smoking or vaping?
No. The heat from smoking or vaping decarbs it for you.
Can I smoke decarbed flower?
You can, but it tastes flat and burns harsh, because many terpenes are already gone. Save it for cooking.
