Cannabis can become more potent by heating it in a microwave; this process is called decarboxylation. Although heating marijuana in the microwave might save time, it is not advised because it may be dangerous. This is due to the fact that marijuana tends to burn faster in the microwave.
Research has demonstrated that marijuana has a number of therapeutic effects that may help treat a variety of medical conditions. Many states, including the US, have legalized marijuana use for medical purposes when a person has a medical condition that marijuana can treat. In order to include cannabis in their medical regimen, patients only need to obtain an online medical card.
Can microwaving weed increase its potency?
A stronger high can come from heating marijuana in a microwave. The reason for this is that certain cannabinoids and their precursors, like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), can be activated by heating marijuana in a microwave. This process will therefore change acidic, inactive cannabinoids into active ones, such as THC and CBD.
However, due to its association with intoxicating effects, THC is the main cannabinoid of interest if you want to get high. The traditional cannabis “high” is not produced by other cannabinoids, such as CBD. Because THC-containing strains are more likely to contain the precursor compounds of this cannabinoid, choosing one is recommended.
But even though heating a cannabis flower in the microwave can save time, it’s not the most effective way to decarboxylate marijuana. This is due to the fact that this process could go horribly wrong very quickly and destroy the finished product.
Impact of Microwaving Weed
By decarboxylating, or decarbing, the compounds in the plant material, microwave cooking can change the effects of the material. To put it another way, it has the ability to convert one compound into another, and the new compound usually has more potent effects. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is converted, for instance, to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
When cannabis is heated to high temperatures—between 100 and 120 degrees Celsius—this process takes place. This process is expedited by the heat, which is beneficial. This process can still happen naturally without heat, but depending on how the weed is stored, it may take several weeks to months.
Since THCA cannot produce the traditional “high,” it is generally regarded as inactive, even though it may have some therapeutic benefits suggesting it can interact with the human body. The intoxicating effects of cannabis can be guaranteed by converting THCA to THC.
It’s crucial to store the marijuana properly after heating it for an extended period of time. Compounds like THC can break down due to improper storage and overheating, which reduces the product’s effectiveness. After decarboxylation, marijuana should always be stored in an airtight container, away from heat and light.
How to Decarboxylate Weed Using a Microwave
Unfortunately, there are no official instructions for using a microwave to heat or decarb cannabis. There are a few things you can try to avoid marijuana burning too quickly in the microwave, even though it is a pretty dangerous practice.
Some users advise, for instance, heating marijuana in the microwave for up to ninety seconds. To make sure it doesn’t burn, you could, however, divide this time into 30-second intervals and watch it carefully.
While heating the marijuana, you could alternatively place a glass of water in the microwave. By doing this, you can stop the weed from burning and drying out too much.
Lastly, to increase the consistency of decarboxylation, make sure the weed is evenly distributed on a flat tray or plate in the microwave.
If you don’t think it’s safe to microwave marijuana, you can bake it at a low temperature.
An MMJ doctor should also be consulted for advice on how to use marijuana safely so as not to aggravate existing medical conditions or cause new ones. You will learn about the legal aspects of cannabis use in your state and how to use it safely from a doctor.
The Ending Words!
Weed may become more potent and possibly more intoxicating when microwaved. However, bear in mind that it can burn quickly in the microwave, so you’ll need to watch it closely to make sure it doesn’t get destroyed.
