If you cook with cannabis that has not been decarboxylated, you will likely not feel the typical effects of getting high. This is because the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exists in its non-psychoactive acidic form, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), in raw cannabis. THCA needs to undergo decarboxylation to become psychoactive THC.
CBDA dominant acidic forms of the cannabis plant are best activated by decarboxylating thereby converting CBDA (acidic) to CBD (cannabinoid). When activated, CBD bioavailability becomes a non-intoxicating health resource for you. You should decarboxylate CBD Dominant Flower before incorporating it into your recipes to provide maximum health benefit results.
The decarboxylation process unlocks the bioavailability of cannabis. This means, your body will process decarbed cannabis with maximum health potential. If you consume raw cannabis that has not been decarboxylated, you will still receive health benefits, but the benefits will be less effective and may only provide minimal results for your health needs.
When you cook with raw cannabis THC Dominant Flower that has not been decarboxylated, you may still benefit from other non-psychoactive compounds such as acidic properties of CBDA and various terpenes. These compounds can have therapeutic effects like pain relief and relaxation but won’t produce the euphoria associated with THC.
To ensure you experience the psychoactive effects of THC when cooking with cannabis, you should decarboxylate it before incorporating it into your recipes. This typically involves heating the cannabis at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time, as described in the previous article. Once the decarboxylation process is complete, you can then use the activated cannabis in your cooking, and it will produce the desired psychoactive effects when consumed.
Consuming raw cannabis that has not been decarboxylated can still provide potential health benefits, especially for inflammation and autoimmune diseases, but the effects may differ from those of decarboxylated cannabis. The beneficial compounds in raw cannabis, primarily found in their acidic forms (e.g., THCA and CBDA), can have therapeutic properties without causing the psychoactive effects associated with decarboxylated cannabis.
Here’s how raw cannabis may help with inflammation and autoimmune diseases:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: THCA and CBDA, in their raw forms, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in some studies. It may help reduce inflammation in the body without the intoxicating effects of THC. This could be particularly useful for conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases.
- Immune Modulation: Some research suggests that cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA may modulate the immune system. While more research is needed, there is potential for these compounds to help regulate an overactive immune response, which is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases.
- Terpenes and Other Compounds: Raw cannabis also contains a variety of terpenes and other phytochemicals that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds can work in synergy with cannabinoids to provide health benefits.
It’s important to note that the therapeutic effects of raw cannabis are still an active area of research, and individual responses can vary. While some people report benefits from consuming raw cannabis, it may not be as well-studied or consistently effective as decarboxylated cannabis for certain conditions.
If you’re interested in using raw cannabis as a dietary supplement for its potential anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating properties, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or medical cannabis specialist. They can provide guidance on dosing, safety, and potential interactions with other medications or treatments you may be using for your autoimmune disease or inflammation.
Additionally, always ensure that your cannabis is sourced from a reputable provider and grown without the use of harmful pesticides or contaminants, as the safety and quality of the plant material are essential considerations for therapeutic use.
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