Many people wonder whether weed can be microwaved, especially for the decarboxylation process. The short answer is yes, weed can be microwaved. Even though microwaving weed is possible using the two main methods there, is it something that is recommended? Should you microwave your weed? Will, it Decarb the weed, or will it burn it?
There are so many questions about this DIY concept that people ask that we had to come up with this ultimate guide on microwaving weed. In this guide, you will learn about the different facets of microwaving weed.
We will help you unlock the science behind it, and how to microwave weed in the right manner. So, read on!
Microwaving Weed: What You Need to Know
Microwaving weed is a concept that has achieved cult status now. Famous among people who want to make edibles at home without buying THC oil, microwaving weed might have certain benefits after all.
But, if someone doing it is untrained, then that can lead to a loss in the THC and flavor profile of the weed. So, it should only be done after following the manual to the T or by someone experienced.
Before, discussing the process of microwaving weed, you need to know what is decarboxylation and what it means.
What is Decarboxylation?
In simple terms, decarboxylation means removing the carboxyl group from the weed. So, weed’s main psychoactive component is THC. What happens in decarboxylation is that the carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to the THC is removed.
But What Does This Change?
In weed, THC is not available readily. It is available as THCA. THCA is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. If you have THCA you will not get high because our body does not process it the same way as THC is processed.
This is the reason you won’t get high if you eat weed directly, or cook it. Through the process of decarboxylation, the THCA loses the carboxyl group to become THC. Now, THC is the component we are looking for when talking about getting high with weed.
Can Decarboxylation Be Achieved by Drying the Weed?
Yes, with time some amount of decarboxylation will occur. This method is known as partial decarboxylation of weed and results in the weed being able to be smoked. If this is not done, and weed is smoked straight from the plant, then you won’t get high.
This process is sometimes also referred to as curing. It is simple to achieve. The weed is left undisturbed for usually a week in the fresh air. The humidity of the air is maintained at around 50%. In a month the weed is sufficiently described for it to be smoked.
The rest of the decarboxylation is achieved by the heat which comes from vaporizing or smoking the weed. It results in complete decarboxylation, and what you inhale is pure THC.
How to Microwave Weed?
Okay, now you know enough of the science behind microwaving weed. Now, let’s jump right into the methodology of how to microwave your weed.
For microwaving weed you will need the following equipment/ingredients:
- Weed (Of Course!)
- Baking paper
- Baking tray
- Microwave
- Grinder
Once you have all the things in place, it is show time. Follow the steps given below to microwave your weed the right way.
Step 1: Preheat the microwave/oven
Preheating is an important and basic step of any baking technique. To microwave your weed, you will need to preheat your microwave (or Oven we will use the terms interchangeably) to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Crush your weed
Using the grinder or crusher that you have, crush the weed that you have bought. Make sure it does not contain any stray material or seeds. Any such material may catch fire in the process and end up destroying the batch.
Step 3: Spread & lay
On your baking tray, put the baking sheet and spread the crushed weed on the paper evenly. Once you have achieved an even spread of weed, you can place the tray into the preheated microwave.
(CAUTION: Please make sure that you achieve an even spread with the weed as it is important for even toasting of the weed)
Step 4: Bake it!
Now the step you have been waiting for for a long now. Finally! Now you can bake it at 220 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about half an hour. In between, you can take it out to spread it again so that you get an even cook.
When it is done, it should be brittle and should have lost some of its classic green colours. It should have a slightly brownish tinge and it should smell toasted.
And there you have it, your microwave, Decarbed weed is absolutely ready!
How to Use Decarboxylated Weed?
There are a plethora of ways in which you could use your decarboxylated weed. The most classic example is to use it in edibles. Weed edibles are a fun way of consuming weed.
They are available really in the market, or if you’re feeling especially fancy you can make them at home. The process is simple. For example for making weed brownies, you just need to add the Decarbed weed to the brownie mix.
By doing this you will make your weed brownies. The same goes for all the other dishes too. It is more about knowing how to incorporate weed into the food. Usually, it is done by incorporating the weed into the oil/butter that is being used.
This is because THC is fat-soluble and not water-soluble. Therefore, it dissolves in butter/ghee/oil. And these elements are used in almost all dishes, therefore making weed incorporation into food easier.
