Can You Decarb and Infuse at the Same Time?

When it comes to infused cannabis products like edibles and pre-rolls, the process can be more time-consuming. This is mainly because two separate processes occur: decarbing and infusion. But can you decarb and infuse at the same time?

You may wonder if you are looking to save time. So, read on as we explore it in this article.

Can You Decarb and Infuse at the Same Time?

Decarboxylation (decarbing) and infusion are two separate processes when it comes to cannabis preparation. The only way both processes may overlap is when adding cannabis to a hot drink, like tea.

The heat from the hot water will decarboxylate the cannabis while at the same time infusing it into the drink. Otherwise, both processes cannot be done simultaneously; they can be combined one after the other to save time. 

You may infuse your product right after you decarboxylate the cannabis. Decarboxylation is crucial if you seek to convert the inactive compounds THCA and CBDA into their active forms, THC and CBD.

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How to infuse decarbed cannabis

After decarbing the cannabis and transforming the inactive compounds into active forms, you may infuse it into products like butter or oil. You may use the cannabis butter or oil to make edibles or infused pre-rolls.

The infusion time may be different depending on what you intend to infuse. However, it is important to remember that the longer you leave the decarbed weed to infuse, the more potent the product will be.

Dispensaries usually make and offer infused pre-rolls, which means there is a need for larger production. To produce large quantities of infused pre-rolls, dispensaries use automated solutions like our infusing machine.

Can you decarb and infuse oil at the same time?

Temperature and time

When decarbing cannabis, it is crucial to keep in mind the temperature and time. As decarboxylation occurs through heat, when decarbing cannabis to use for an infusion, it should be done at lower temperatures over a longer time. This is to preserve the quality of the cannabis flower.

The ideal temperature to decarb is between 200 and 245 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 to 40 minutes. If you decarb the cannabis at higher temperatures, you risk burning off the THC and CBD and altering the flavor.

The time required to infuse the decarbed cannabis varies depending on whether it is added to butter or oil. For example, to infuse butter, all you need to do is melt the butter on a stove and add the decarbed weed.

Once combined, let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, and after it is done, strain it, and you will have cannabis butter. If you want to make cannabis oil, you may infuse decarbed weed into olive, coconut, and even avocado oil.

Chemical reactions

Decarboxylation is a necessary process for any form of cannabis to work. If the THCA and CBDA remain inactive, you cannot use any of their properties.

Cannabis flowers contain these compounds in inactive forms, meaning until heat is applied, they will not provide any psychoactive properties. When smoking cannabis, they are activated due to the heat; with infusion, it is important to decarb the flower first.

The decarb process converts the inactive compounds into the active THC and CBD. You may then infuse them into butter, oil, etc.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Kemedo

Compatibility

As we mentioned, the only way for both decarbing and infusion to overlap is by adding cannabis to a hot drink like tea or coffee. In this case, the conditions are perfect for both processes to occur simultaneously. The heat of the water decarbs and infuses the drink.

Conclusion

So, can you decarb and infuse at the same time? The only time the processes occur simultaneously is when the cannabis flower is added to a hot drink. Otherwise, the cannabis must be decarbed first before infusing it into the desired product.

Ensure your cannabis products are properly decarboxylated before infusion to optimize their strength and effects. This might maximize the pre-rolls potency and effects when consumed.