Finally! A Science base Decarboxylation of Cannabis!

[Corgy]

I'm referring to the curve of temperature to percentage of decarboxylation over time. In other words, a chart of time/temp to achieve full decarboxylation.

My understanding is that "full" conversion is not possible, but there is a maximum possible

Ahh, you mean something like this

http://cannabischris.com/2012/10/decarboxylation-of-cannabis/

and then this

https://cornerstonecollective.com/getting-familiar-with-thca/

As seen, the issue is not so simple as “increasing temperature increases THCA to THC conversion”. After a certain point, THC observed begins to disappear. This is because at certain temperatures, some of the THC molecules begin to oxidize to form cannabinol (CBN), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. However, due to the nature of the chemical reactions taking place, THC begins oxidizing to CBN before all of the THCA contained in a sample can be converted to THC. The two reactions are occurring simultaneously. This is important to note for two reasons:

• It is therefore impossible to successfully convert to THC, all THCA from a given sample. In this research group’s experiment, the highest conversion rate was revealed to be around 70%. Although some cannabis dispensaries add THC and THCA amounts together as the total amount of THC listed within a sample, this is simultaneously accurate and misleading. Consumers armed with knowledge of the behavior of THCA as a precursor will be able to more easily estimate the effect of the THCA contained within a given sample.
• This explains why creating cannabis edibles can be so sensitive; although heat is needed for decarboxylation, heat over 150 degrees Celsius (~300 degrees Fahrenheit) will begin to also degrade the THC. To attain the maximum potency of medicine with the least residual THCA or CBN, bakers must aim for temperatures around 140-160 Celsius.

But I guess this is what you're really after.........

https://thehempchronicle.com/topic/decarboxylation-tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid/

 

[pop22]

Good post! And I should have said, to achieve best results. I'm going to invest in a new pizza stone and a digital oven thermometer. I'm curious to see how well we can do with just simple things.

There is also a company making a "decarb machine" that looks interesting if there testing results are true.

My understanding is that "full" conversion is not possible, but there is a maximum possible

Ahh, you mean something like this

http://cannabischris.com/2012/10/decarboxylation-of-cannabis/

and then this

https://cornerstonecollective.com/getting-familiar-with-thca/

As seen, the issue is not so simple as “increasing temperature increases THCA to THC conversion”. After a certain point, THC observed begins to disappear. This is because at certain temperatures, some of the THC molecules begin to oxidize to form cannabinol (CBN), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. However, due to the nature of the chemical reactions taking place, THC begins oxidizing to CBN before all of the THCA contained in a sample can be converted to THC. The two reactions are occurring simultaneously. This is important to note for two reasons:

• It is therefore impossible to successfully convert to THC, all THCA from a given sample. In this research group’s experiment, the highest conversion rate was revealed to be around 70%. Although some cannabis dispensaries add THC and THCA amounts together as the total amount of THC listed within a sample, this is simultaneously accurate and misleading. Consumers armed with knowledge of the behavior of THCA as a precursor will be able to more easily estimate the effect of the THCA contained within a given sample.
• This explains why creating cannabis edibles can be so sensitive; although heat is needed for decarboxylation, heat over 150 degrees Celsius (~300 degrees Fahrenheit) will begin to also degrade the THC. To attain the maximum potency of medicine with the least residual THCA or CBN, bakers must aim for temperatures around 140-160 Celsius.

But I guess this is what you're really after.........

https://thehempchronicle.com/topic/decarboxylation-tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid/

 

[pop22]

Nova Decarb

http://www.ardentcannabis.com/

 

[Eyes on Fire]

Nice PDF man,thanks!

 

[KonopCh]

My understanding is that "full" conversion is not possible, but there is a maximum possible

Ahh, you mean something like this

This graph is for "marihuana extract" and not for trim or flowers.

 

[Corgy]

This graph is for "marihuana extract" and not for trim or flowers.

Yes, that's right....does that somehow change the decarboxylation process, i.e. the chemical reaction parameters?

 

[KonopCh]

Yes, that's right....does that somehow change the decarboxylation process, i.e. the chemical reaction parameters?

We know already that different types of material (kief, leaves, trim, flowers) has different time/temp reactions for optimal decarb.

 

[Aunty Edna]

I just ran ran 30gs at 110°c for 90 mins. It sure is crispy. That was straight from the water cure bucket too so dripping wet to start with.

 

[Corgy]

We know already that different types of material (kief, leaves, trim, flowers) has different time/temp reactions for optimal decarb.

Sure, water content and density.....if it's even Steven's, the chemical reaction remains the same. I assume that one guys leafs, trimmings, etc., won't be quite the same as the next guys, so how to fit that myriad of variables into anything "resembling" science..... Is a good subject for eternal academic debate.....

In the paper Pop posted, this jungle of annoying irritants that reduce the energy efficiency of the reaction is discussed in the latter part in detail.

 

[NotAllThere]

Thanks for posting the graphs, Corgy. That first one is also on https://skunkpharmresearch.com/decarboxylation/ , a pretty interesting article.

Using a pizza stone for temperature stability (don't remember who posted it and i'm too lazy to go back and look, thanks) looks like a great idea.