THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE DECARBOXYLATION PROCESS IN THE PRODUCTION OF QUALITY FULL-SPECTRUM CANNABIS EXTRACT FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES

Mihail Aleksandrov, Emilija Janevik Ivanovska

Abstract

Cannabis is now one of the most thoroughly studied and analyzed plant materials. More than 100 cannabinoids have been isolated and identified in cannabis along with the primary psychoactive component, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (?9-THC). In addition to ?9-THC, there are other components of cannabis that are medically beneficial. For example, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) can moderate or influence the psychoactive effects of ?9-THC. The raw cannabis plant consists of cannabinoids in their acidic form. When someone states that cannabinoids are in their “acidic form”, they are referring to the chemical structure of the compound itself. A cannabinoid in its acidic form has a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached. While tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, it does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, it binds with other cannabinoids receptors in the endocannabinoid system. When THC is not decarboxylated, it is THCA. Although THCA possesses therapeutic effects, like anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities, it is not in its most beneficial or psychoactive form. Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (-COOH) and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). The two main catalysts for decarboxylation to occur are heat and time. High CBD strains tend to decarboxylate a bit slower than those with high THC content. Decarboxylate high CBD strains by baking them for 15-20 minutes at 149°C and decarboxylate high THC strains by baking them for 10-18 minutes at the same temperature (149°C) in the oven. Full decarboxylation may require more time to occur. It is important to keep tight temperature control applying cannabis to various technological applications. While heat is needed to decarboxylate the acids into the active form of cannabinoids our bodies can use, extreme temperatures can destroy many of the important plant materials that contribute to positive health outcomes, like terpenes.

Pages: 119-128