What the Heck Is Decarboxylation? (And Why It Matters)

Decarboxylation is a key process that changes the texture and effects of cannabis extracts. During this stage, thick, sticky wax—similar to tar—turns into a smoother, oilier substance. It’s still sticky, but much more fluid and easier to work with.

This transformation is essential to make the extract usable for vaping, eating, or applying topically. What’s happening on a chemical level is the conversion of THC-A (a non-psychoactive compound) into THCΔ9—the compound that creates the “high.” Heat triggers this conversion, unlocking the psychoactive potential of the cannabis.

In the photo, you can see us removing the wax from the baking sheets fresh out of the extraction machine and loading it into a jar. From there, it goes into the decarboxylation phase—where the real magic happens.