Decarboxylation is a heat induced molecular change that is unique to cannabis infusions. The “decarb” process activates the cannabinoid molecules in cannabis that allow this molecular chain to bind with our brains’ cannabinoid receptors. Decarboxylation releases the full potential potency to be used for tinctures, salves, baking or even simple oral ingestion. All of the medicinal and psychoactive properties are now readily available after the decarboxylation stage is complete.
The decarboxylation process endures a simple heat over time equation to activate the dried flower for infusion. It should also be noted that the process of drying and curing fresh flower partially decarboxylates the wanted properties of the plant but this process is only partial and literally takes years when done naturally. For a truly activated flower top to be properly decarboxylated it must have the heat catalyst and an exact time for the decarboxylation to finish. There are literally hundreds of combinations of heat temperatures over different times. For example you could decarboxylate at 293F(145C.) for exactly 6.5 minutes but not a minute longer or the molecular activation starts to degrade leaving you with less and less potency and possibly scorching the freshly crushed flower. A lower temperature over a longer period of time is the way to go.
So, the raw, dried flower or bud needs to be activated via decarboxylation but what can you do with decarboxylated cannabis? Decarboxylated cannabis could be used for infusing coconut oil to be used for either medicinal or recreational needs. Decarboxylated material could also be infused into butter for making edible items such as cookies or squares. The infusion process itself is an entirely different time vs. temperature ratio and can be done with coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, canola oil and more. Each oil is unique and some accept infusion better than others but they all accept infusion.
Decarboxylation removes a part of a molecule which in turn affects the final potency by as much as 15% due to the final weight of the original decarb’d batch being less than when it started. Fun fact!
To easily understand decarboxylation think about the instantaneous combustion in a pipe or bong, the cannabis is instantly decarboxylating as you inhale and it only takes milliseconds for it to absorbed by the human body. Holding it in your lungs actually does nothing except deprive you of oxygen. Another fun fact!