The idea of decarboxylating cannabis might sound complicated, but it’s actually simpler than you might think. In fact, to decarb cannabis simply means to heat it up in order to activate the key components and cannabinoids, like THC and CBD.

Knowing how to decarb cannabis is crucial if you want to make your own cannabis edibles or cook with cannabis in general, for example. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know decarbing cannabis.

What Is Decarboxylation?

Let’s start off with a simple definition: what does decarboxylation of marijuana actually mean? Well, decarboxylation, also known as decarbing, is simply a complicated word for heating marijuana to the right temperatures for its key ingredients – like cannabidiol – to activate and have an effect when consumed.

You decarb cannabis without even thinking about if you light up a joint or use a bong, and without this process, cannabis and marijuana products wouldn’t actually be able to provide the effects that we associate them with, like relieving the pain or soothing a stressed mind.

Temperature and Decarboxylation

The key component in decarboxylation is heating. Heat is used to change the chemical structure of some of the compounds inside the cannabis plant, and it’s important to achieve the right temperature and heat the cannabis for the right amount of time, just like cooking food in an oven.

You see, raw cannabis doesn’t usually contain much (or even any) THC. In reality, the plant matter contains certain compounds called cannabinoid acids that are able to be transformed into cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) through the application of heat.

The problem is that if the temperature isn’t high enough, the compounds won’t be activated, but if it’s too high, the compounds could be destroyed! This is why temperature control is key when you decarb marijuana, and experts recommend heating slowly up to and around 230 to 250 °F for best results.

Why Decarbing Cannabis Is Important

So, we’ve seen what it means to decarb cannabis, but why do we need to do this process? Well, as alluded to in the previous section, it’s all about making cannabis more effective and useful for human consumption. It’s perfectly possible to ingest or consume raw cannabis, but you may find that it doesn’t produce much or any effect.

This is because the cannabinoid acids or “inactive cannabinoids” haven’t been activated through decarbing yet. Decarboxylation of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes at high temperatures is basically what powers up the cannabis, making it much more useful and allowing it to have effects and benefits for the user.

How Does Decarboxylation Happen?

From a scientific perspective, decarboxylation in oven or via other means simply involves altering the chemical structure of the matter in question by removing a carboxyl group and releasing carbon dioxide.

There are two main ways in which this can happen: through time or through heat. Heat is the most common method of decarbing cannabis, as the time method can take a very long time to have any effect.

When someone smokes or vapes marijuana, the intense level of heat causes the cannabis to decarb. However, if you’ve got some flower that you want to use for cooking or making edibles, you’ll have to decarb it separately in an oven or using another method.

When Should You Decarboxylate Marijuana?

So, when is the right time to decarb cannabis products from your local Oregon cannabis store? Well, decarbing cannabis is always something that you’ll want to do if you want to feel the intoxicating and psychoactive effects of this plant, as well as its alleged health benefits like pain relief and soothing the sensations of nausea.

You’ll also want to decarb cannabis if you intend to make any sort of cannabis edible or topical products, from cannabis cookies to cannabis skin creams. At the same time, it’s important to note that you don’t need to decarb edibles or topicals bought from your local store, as these should already have undergone decarbing (Contact us for more info if you’re unsure about this).

How Long Does Decarbed Cannabis Last?

Decarbed cannabis can last for quite a while, but it’s best to use it within the first six months after the decarbing procedure. If you wait much longer than that, the THC will start to change its structure and transform into a different cannabinoid, called CBN.

Chemistry of Decarboxylation: THC and CBD

THC and CBD are two of the most important cannabinoids of them all, and they’re both activated via decarboxylation. However, you might be wondering if there’s any difference between THC vs CBD when it comes to how decarbing works or whether you should decarb differently with THC or CBD-heavy strains.

Well, in general, there’s not really much difference between THC and CBD for decarbing, although CBD is able to activate at slightly lower temperatures than THC (closer to 230). So, if you’re decarbing a balanced strain with equal amounts of THC and CBD, it’s best to choose a mid-range temperature of around 230-240 for the best results.

How to Decarb Cannabis at Home?

So, how do you decarb cannabis in your own home? There are several methods available. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common techniques:

Oven (to Decarb Flower)

1. Set your oven to 230-250 F.
2. Grind the flower and spread it on a baking sheet.
3. Put it into the oven for 30 minutes.
4. Remove and leave to cool.

Oven (to Decarb Cannabis Concentrates)

1. Set your oven to 200 F.
2. Place the concentrate on a piece of baking parchment.
3. Cook for 20 minutes.
4. Let the concentrate cool in the oven for a while – it should become quite sticky and syrupy.
5. Freeze it for 10 minutes to make it easier to peel away from the parchment.

Mason Jar

1. Preheat the oven to 220 F.
2. Put your ground-up flower in a mason jar and seal it.
3. Place the jar onto a wet kitchen towel above a piece of baking paper in the oven.
4. Cook for an hour, shaking the jar carefully every 15 minutes to spread the cannabis around.
5. Let the jar cool for half an hour before opening.

Sous Vide

1. Grind the flower before you begin.
2. Put it in a bag and seal it shut.
3. Fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil.
4. Put the sealed bag in the water for an hour and a half, trying to keep the temperature around 210. (If you have a sous vide cooker with temperature controls, this is much easier).
5. Remove the bag from the water and let it cool before opening it.

Decarb Machine

1. Power on the machine.
2. Put the flower inside the machine.
3. Activate the machine and wait for it to finish.

Final Thoughts

As we can see, decarbing cannabis can seem strange and complex the first time you hear about it, but it’s actually a simple process and a key part of giving cannabis its unique characteristics. We hope this guide has shown you exactly what decarbing is and how to try it yourself.

CBD products like CBD oil and CBD gummies are becoming more and more people in many parts of the world, but what about CBD for pets? Is it possible to use CBD oil for pets like dogs and cats, and are there any risks or benefits of CBD for animals that you should know about? Read on for the full lowdown regarding CBD for pets.

What Is CBD for Pets?

Before we look in-depth at CBD oil for dogs and CBD for animals in general, let’s begin with the basics. What exactly is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a type of cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring compounds that are found in the cannabis or hemp plant and can also interact with human and animal bodies in various ways.

The effects of CBD can vary, and there are various human-grade CBD products like gummies and oils. In recent times, the market of CBD products for pets, like CBD oil for dogs and CBD gummies for dogs, has started to expand. These products are basically the same as those for humans, but usually have lower concentrations of CBD or other cannabinoids like THC for dogs.

What Forms of CBD Are Available for Pets?

So, if you’re interested in the idea of sharing the benefits of CBD with your pet, what kinds of products can you choose? There are actually quite a lot of different pet-based CBD products, like CBD for puppies in the form of dog treats and CBD for dog anxiety in the form of pet CBD oil. Tinctures and CBD balms are also available for animals.

How to Use CBD Oil for Pets?

When it comes to CBD for dogs and cats, the main product that most people use is CBD oil. But how do you actually give CBD oil to your pet? Here are simple steps to follow:

• Choose the Right Product – To get the best results, make sure you’re using a good quality product. You can find high-quality CBD oil for animals from trusted sellers, like a reliable marijuana dispensary in Portland. Look for products with a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab to show that they have been tested and approved for quality and purity.
• Calculate the CBD Dosage – CBD dosages for dogs will vary based on the size and weight of your dog, as well as the desired effects. Naturally, smaller dogs need less CBD, and higher doses will lead to more noticeable effects, as well as a greater chance of side effects like drowsiness. You can use a calculator to work out the right amount of CBD to share with your pet.
• Administer the CBD Oil – Next, once you’ve worked out the right dosage, you can give the oil to your pet. There are a couple of ways of doing this. Arguably the simplest way is to drop some of the oil directly into your dog’s food, mix it in, and let them eat it. You can also drop the oil with a dropper into your dog’s mouth. Either way, it should start to take effect once it has been consumed.

What Pet Health Problems Might CBD Help Manage?

One of the main reasons why people give CBD to their pets is to help with various health conditions. Studies have shown that CBD is one of the most effective cannabinoids when it comes to managing certain symptoms, like pain, nausea, and anxiety, which is why medical marijuana and CBD products are often given to patients with conditions like cancer and chronic pain.
These same advantages can also apply to animals, and here are some of the main CBD benefits for dogs:

• Pain

CBD is particularly effective at alleviating aches and pains throughout the body. It has been shown that this cannabinoid can ease the body’s experiences of pain, making it more manageable and soothing some of the symptoms of chronic pain conditions. It may therefore be able to help dogs and other pets that are suffering from pain due to conditions like arthritis.

• Anxiety

Anxiety is common in pets, just like it is in people. Many dogs and cats can feel anxious or stressed in certain situations, like when traveling in a car or when hearing loud sounds, like fireworks. CBD may be able to help with this, as it has been shown to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear, promoting a more relaxed and calm state of being.

• Seizures

A lot of pets also suffer from seizures, which may be related to conditions like epilepsy. If your pet has seizures or fits on a regular basis, CBD may be able to help. Studies have shown that CBD could reduce the rate at which seizures occur, so they might become less frequent in your pet if you give them CBD oil or other CBD products.

What CBD Dosage Should Be Used for Pets?

This will depend on the type of pet that you have, as well as its size and weight. In general, bigger and heavier pets like large dogs will require more CBD than smaller animals. In general, a basic dosage rule to follow is as follows: use around 1mg to 5mg of CBD for every 10 lbs of body weight. It’s best to start off small with low doses and increase gradually over time. You can also consult with your vet for expert dosage recommendations.

How Can I Tell if CBD Is Helping My Pet?

Since pets can’t speak to us, it’s hard to know how they’re feeling and whether or not the things we do are actually helping them. So, how can you tell if CBD is working or not? The best way is to observe your pet closely. You may be able to notice some changes in their behavior to indicate how they’re feeling.

If your pet has seizures regularly, for example, it should be easy to see if they have fewer seizures after you give them CBD. Similarly, if you’re using CBD for anxiety in dogs, watch your dog to see if they relax and sleep or if they continue to show signs of stress like panting and pacing around.

The Bottom Line

Research and studies show that CBD can help with various pet health conditions, from pain to stress. More research is needed to find out more, but it’s clear that this ingredient can be of benefit to some animals, just like humans. If you’re interested in learning more about how CBD can help your furry friend, contact us and speak with your vet.

One of the most interesting things about the cannabis plant is its versatility. There are lots of different cannabis products out there and many ways for people to consume cannabis, and cannabis extracts like rosin and resin can offer some of the most intense and effective experiences.
But what exactly is the difference between live resin and rosin? And how do rosin vs resin compare to one another? In this live rosin vs resin guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about these two cannabis concentrates, including definitions, how to use rosin vs resin, and our view on which product is better.

What Does It Mean When Rosin and Resin Are Live?

When talking about rosin and resin, you might hear people refer to these extracts as “live”, but what does that actually mean? Well, in simple terms, live rosin or resin concentrates are those that have gone through the extraction process using very fresh plant matter. This is different from non-live or standard concentrates, which are extracted from the dried flower.
Why would it be better to extract a cannabis product like rosin or resin from freshly harvested plant material? Well, experts say that using live or fresh plant matter results in extracts that are more flavorful and aromatic. Not only that but it’s also said that live rosin and resin contain higher levels of cannabis terpenes.

Rosin vs Resin: The Difference

So, what’s the difference between live resin and rosin? How do these two products compare? Well, rosin and resin do have some obvious similarities. They’re similar forms of cannabis extracts that are potent in nature. However, the main difference between them is their extraction method.
Resin is extracted using chemical solvents, which may include the likes of butane or propane, while rosin production is different; with cannabis rosin, a rosin press is used to extract the concentrate, without the use of any kind of solvent. So, if you’re looking for solventless extracts, rosin is the way to go.
Another big difference between rosin vs resin is the speed at which they can be produced. Due to the use of solvents, it’s actually a lot faster to extract resin compared to rosin. In fact, if you look at a typical hour of work, it’s possible to extract 20x more cannabis rosin than resin.

What Is Live Resin?

Live resin is a kind of cannabis extract that is made with the aid of solvents like butane. The solvents are passed over the plant matter at high levels of pressure in order to draw out the extract, which is a kind of sticky, yellowish liquid. The liquid then dries into an amber-colored concentrate.

How Do You Use It?

The most popular method of resin consumption is dabbing. This involves the use of a dab rig to use very high temperatures to essentially vaporize the resin before it can be inhaled. Other methods include the usage of a portable vaporizer, and it’s even possible to add resin to joints or to top off some flowers in a bong or pipe.

Why Is It Popular?

A lot of people enjoy resin due to its very rich and intense taste and aroma, as well as the powerful effects it can produce in small quantities. It’s also generally quite affordable when compared to other extracts, like rosin.

Resin Production, Characteristics, Flavor

Resin production always involves the use of solvents, so it can be tricky to do at home. The final product is bright, colorful, and quite soft, being almost sugar-like in its texture due to its unique terpene profile. It also has an intense flavor profile, especially when made with live plant matter.

What Is Live Rosin?

Live rosin is similar to resin in many ways, as it’s also an extract and has similar color and usage methods. However, it’s slightly different, as no solvents are used in the extraction process. Instead, simple pressure and heat are used to draw this extract out, resulting in a final product with an amber color that can vary in consistency and may be sold in wax, badder, shatter, or taffy forms.

How Do You Use It?

Rosin is used in the same way as resin. The most popular and common way to consume it is with a dab rig which heats the extract and vaporizes it. You can also use other vaporizer devices to inhale this extract, or you can sprinkle some rosin in with your flower when preparing pipes or joints.

Why Is It Popular?

Many people enjoy the versatility of rosin, as well as its pure and intense nature. It can be very aromatic and enjoyable to use, although it is more expensive than resin and is often considered more of a luxury cannabis product by people who consume cannabis.

Rosin Production, Characteristics, Flavor

Rosin production doesn’t involve the use of solvents, so it can be easier for people to try at home. The final product may vary in consistency, usually appearing quite soft and creamy in texture. It usually has a flavor and aroma just like the original plant material used to make it.

Rosin vs. Resin: Which One Is Better?

So, when it comes to rosin vs resin, we can see that these extracts have a few things in common, as well as some clear differences. Which one is best? Well, it’s possible to make arguments in favor of both live rosin vs resin.
Rosin has the advantage of being made in a solvent-free way, for example, but resin is much more accessible and affordable for buyers on a budget. Ultimately, the right option for you will depend on your tastes and needs.
If you’d like to learn more about cannabis extracts, the team at your local marijuana dispensary in Portland is ready to help. Contact us today with any questions.

Generally, when people think of CBD products, we consider items like CBD gummies, drops, or capsules. However, CBD topicals have recently earned themselves a place on the map and have gained popularity.

Offering a different solution to ingesting CBD, these creams, lotions, and ointments provide individuals relief from various ailments and make life a little simpler. So, let’s look at cannabis topicals, what they offer, how they help, and how to use them.

What is CBD Topical?

CBD or Cannabidiol is the key compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. When looking at CBD vs. THC, the CBD compound combines with the cannabinoid receptors found naturally in our bodies and helps to alleviate symptoms like pain, inflammation, and stress. However, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the substance found in cannabis plants responsible for getting people high.

Topicals, which typically refer to lotions, creams, balms, ointments, and essential oil, are types of CBD treatments that individuals apply to their skin to treat skin conditions, pain, and inflammation. Since these topical creams are made using CBD and not THC, they won’t cause people to feel high.

How Does Topical CBD Work?

Our bodies have a natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) that produces natural cannabinoids and make up the cannabinoid receptors in our skin. This system regulates functions in our bodies like moods, appetite, memory, and pain responses.

When you apply CBD topicals to your skin, the CBD lotions or cream allow the cannabinoids to be absorbed through your skin and connect with the cannabinoid receptors near the site of discomfort, providing pain relief.

Can Topical CBD Make You Tired?

Research shows the likelihood of CBD topicals for pain or other ailments entering your bloodstream is unlikely. While edibles like gummies or CBD oil tinctures are easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth and stomach lining, topical creams do not have the same effect. As a result, while edibles can make you feel drowsy, topicals do not have the same effect and should not make you feel sleepy.

How to Use Topical CBD

When using CBD topicals for pain, inflammation, arthritis, or other skin conditions, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide what type of topical treatment you want to use. There are several options here, including creams, lotions, ointments, oils, and balms. Next, you’ll need to decide where to apply the topical CBD. Typically, the best place to apply the cream or ointment is direct to the affected area, especially if you use CBD creams to treat cuts or insect bites.

Once you know where to apply the topicals, rub a small amount onto the area. Then, leave it to soak in.

What are the Benefits of CBD Topicals

When comparing THC vs. CBD topicals, you’ll find there are several CBD topical benefits. Firstly, these topicals rarely offer pure CBD and nothing else. As a result, they offer a host of benefits, like adding moisture to your skin. However, CBD offers various benefits, including:

• Treatment of Skin Conditions – Research has shown that CBD ointment can assist in alleviating the symptoms and inflammation associated with Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne.
• Treating Inflammation – People can rub CBD creams into the skin to help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.
• Treating Insect Bites – Some CBD topical benefits indicate that applying CBD cream or balm to insect bites or stings can reduce pain and itching.

Which Topical CBD Is Best For You?

Topicals containing CBD come in various forms. So, let’s review a few to see which would offer the best solution for you.

• CBD Lotions

CBD creams and lotions typically have a water-based formula that spreads more easily and quickly absorbs into the skin. As a result, these topicals are ideal for larger areas. For example, CBD lotion makes an excellent choice if you are looking for a treatment for muscle pain in your back and neck.

• CBD Patches

CBD patches offer a slow release of higher concentrations of CBD, making them ideal for people with more significant pain or symptoms they are looking to alleviate. Additionally, having a patch means you won’t need to continually apply the topical, offering greater convenience.

• CBD Balms

CBD ointment and balms offer a thicker application with a higher concentration of CBD oil. As a result, these topicals absorb more slowly into the skin but provide longer-lasting effects. As a result, these options are excellent for treating bites or arthritis.

Is Topical CBD Safe While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Using new products with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding is advisable. CBD topicals are no different. Further, since there is so little research into the effects of CBD on pregnant and breastfeeding mums, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against using CBD topicals during this period.

We run the leading Marijuana dispensary in Portland and have a wide selection of premium CBD topicals to assist you with various skin and muscular conditions. So, to find out more, contact our dispensary today.