What is CBD decarboxylation?
The fresh cannabis plant, in particular the Cannabis Indica and Cannabis L. Sativa varieties, contains a form of CBD which has no effect on our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and which therefore does not allow us to appreciate the soothing, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of cannabidiol.
To activate CBD, you must therefore “heat” the cannabis to around 120° C, because the heat removes a carboxyl group (-COOH) from CBDA to convert it into CBD.
How do we decarboxylate CBD to activate it?
CBD can be decarboxylated at home, with additional methods, or using advanced industrial processes to guarantee the purity of the cannabinoid obtained at the end of the chain.
At home, everything happens in the kitchen, in the oven! We spread the finely chopped cannabis on a baking tray and heat it at a controlled temperature, between 105 and 120° C depending on the type of cannabis, for a period of 30 to 60 minutes. Decarboxylation is generally uniform and does not burn the plant.
In the industrial sector, precision and control are decisive to decarboxylate a large quantity of CBD and ensure the purity of the result. Growers use professional “decarboxylators” that can process large quantities of cannabis while optimizing the preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes. These machines precisely regulate temperature, time and angle of exposure for complete CBD activation.
Other producers favor solvent decarboxylation, in a low-temperature process, particularly to manufacture products with high CBD concentrations (such as cannabidiol resin and wax).
What is non-decarboxylated CBD used for?
Non-decarboxylated CBD, or CBDA, is not without interest. Indeed, even if its bioavailability is lower, it displays anti-inflammatory effects and seems to have anti-nausea effects. However, this substance is little studied, and its side effects are not precisely known.
CBD, which is therefore decarboxylated CBDA, has been the subject of hundreds of studies (at least). It is legal in many countries (including France) and does not present a risk of abuse or addiction according to the World Health Organization. Very well tolerated by humans and mammals, it develops anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and above all relaxing effects, which makes it a molecule of choice for:
- Calm mild to moderate pain;
- Fight against insomnia and paradoxical sleep disorders;
- Limit daily stress and anxiety;
- Calm inflammation, whether on the skin, muscles or joints.
For all these reasons, we have chosen to offer you a catalog full of good CBD products, without CBDA!
