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What Does Decarbed Weed Look Like? A Guide to Identifying Perfectly Decarboxylated Cannabis
by JARS | December 11, 2024
First, let's get an understanding as to what exactly is decarbed weed. A process known as decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids THC and CBD in the cannabis plant. This is all done by using heat, so essentially when you are a joint or bowl, you are decarboxylating your weed.
But, when it comes to creating your own edibles, tinctures, or topicals at home, the whole decarbing process is more than just a lighter and a bong. Heating cannabis through smoking, vaping or baking, causes a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from the cannabinoid molecules. This makes them more bioavailable and potent. If it's all sounding too fancy, we got it broken down for you here! It just has to happen. In order for you to experience the full effects and get high from consuming weed, it needs to be heated first. Believe it or not, if you just take a raw bud and eat it, you'll not only despise the chewing process, but not feel a dang thing. It doesn't matter if it is top-shelf flower or not. If you have some flower handy and want to dabble into the process of making your own cannabis products, you need to know how to decarboxylate your weed. Lucky for us, we can do it at home! It's probably not the most cost efficient idea for you to put freshly purchased flower into this recipe. This little DIY pot project is perfect for using up that older weed, or all of the smaller nuggets chilling at the bottom of your stash jar. The smaller the nugget the better, and you can even grind it up so that it's more of a flat surface when baking. The most grueling part of the decarboxylation process is honestly waiting for the oven to heat up and do its thing. Around 240°F is the ideal temp for decarbing cannabis without burning off the cannabinoids. You'll want to lay out your little cannabis nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once the preheat chime goes off, slide your baking sheet of weed into the oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. Now, here is where you're craftiness and a little trial and error comes into play. Depending on the amount of flower, the actual temperature, and how long it's being baked, all plays part into the product. All of these can be tweaked, but the most important thing is staying close by and take a lookskee. Try not to actually open the oven door to do a quick check-in, just turn the light on. You will want to open the oven door every 10-15 minutes just to give the tray a little shake. Making sure every part is evenly baked. The oven is the most effective, but not the only method to decarboxylate cannabis. You can speed up the process by using a microwave. Giving it zaps in 2-3 minute intervals. Of course, with anything that's quick and easy, isn't always the best outcome. If you compare weed decarboxylated in an oven compared to a microwave, it's easy to tell the difference. Now we aren't going to stop you from getting a little crafty and whipping up some culinary skills. Quite a few cannabis connoisseurs have successfully decarbed weed using the sous vide method. It's extremely precise and gives a more controlled way to heat all of the weed evenly. There is quite a bit of a technique when it comes to mastering the sous vide method. Since it requires using a machine and vacuum sealer, it's not the first choice for everyone. So, how do you know whether you should give your tray another shake and bake for 10 minutes or take it out and let it cool? Well, it's as simple as looking for the physical changes in the cannabis. The most noticeable factor is the color. As the heat interacts with the cannabis, it will start turning more brown. You'll more than likely notice a toasted aroma compared to the skunky smell of fresh flower. Plus it's going to crumble when you squeeze it between your fingers. As we try to give you a quality answer to 'what does decarbed weed look like', many other questions need to be answered. Here are the answers to those common questions. Whether it's a good or bad thing, yes, your whole house will reek of weed. Go ahead and trying baking brownies and not let the smell fill your home. Actually, if you are looking to experience CBN or CBG at home, you can decarb your weed to maximize these cannabinoids. It's hard to mask the potent smell that baking cannabis gives off. Using ventilation, fans, and opening up a couple windows for the day will help. If you really want to make an effort to minimize the smell, the sous vide method is the way to go. Once the decarbing process is complete, the possibilities are endless! You can use it to create butter, oils, tinctures, topicals, and a variety of cannabis products – if you can dream it, you can make it. You can also just grind the weed into a fine powder and enjoy the decarbed weed as-is, much like other dried herbs. This powder can be sprinkled onto food, incorporated into your favorite recipes such as my cannabis ranch dressing, or placed into capsules for convenient consumption.Understanding Decarboxylation
Preparing Cannabis Flower for Decarboxylation
The Decarboxylation Process
Decarboxylation Methods
Identifying Perfectly Decarboxylated Cannabis
Common Questions and Concerns
Will decarbing make the room smell like weed?
Is the decarboxylation temperature the same for all cannabinoids?
How can I reduce the smell when I decarb weed?
Tips for Working with Decarboxylated Cannabis
Best Questions to Ask your Budtender
Elevate your dispensary visit with these top questions for your budtender. Ask about strain recommendations, potency, terpenes, and effects. Inquire about consumption methods, dosing tips, and the latest cannabis products. Engage your budtender for a personalized cannabis shopping experience.
Sometimes, buying cannabis feels like a high-pressure situation. Everyone’s eyes are on you as you scan a seemingly never-ending menu of options and you don’t want to run the risk of looking silly, so you stick to what you know or randomly select something and hope for the best. But there is a better way—just talk to your friendly budtender.
Budtenders are here to help you, especially at JARS. They go through continuous training to have a deep understanding of every product in-store and know exactly how to guide you in the right direction. Whether you want to try a new strain or are curious about tinctures and topicals, these questions to ask your budtender will open new doors for you and your cannabis journey.
I recently smoked [XXXX] and I loved it. Can you recommend anything similar?
Instead of asking your budtender what their favorite product is, give them a little direction as to what you actually like. Everyone has different tastes and needs so their favorites might not be your cup of tea.
For example, let’s say you like to relax at the end of the day with a few bong rips of a heavy Indica-dominant strain. Your budtender, on the other hand, wakes and bakes every day with a strong Sativa-leaning flower. So give them an idea of what you’re looking for and chances are, you’ll discover something right up your alley.
I’ve been curious about [XXXX]. Where should I start?
Whether it’s edibles, vapes, tinctures, or anything in between, this question lets your budtender know you want to try something new but may need a beginner-friendly intro. They’ll be able to show you the best matches to dip your toes into a new pond, like a low-THC flower or a micro-dosed edible.
What kind of product would say is best for [XXXX]?
Both recreational and medical marijuana can be used for an endless number of reasons. Maybe you’re looking to deal with insomnia or stress, boost focus, or just want something chill to kick back with friends—no matter what it is, there is a cannabis product out there specifically targeted to give you the relief you’ve been searching for.
Are there any new products you’re excited about?
JARS gets new products all the time and our budtenders get to check them out before anyone else. They also get to try a ton of cannabis products so when they say there’s a new must-have in town, you trust them. If you’re in the mood to try some of the dopest, cutting-edge cannabis goodies, budtenders are the people you want to ask.
Do you have any good deals going on right now?
We all love a good deal. Our budtenders get it, so it doesn’t hurt to ask if there are any sales or deals going on that particular day. It might encourage you to try an amazing product you’ve never had before or find a good price on something you’ve had your eye on for a long time. Plus, all the money you save can go towards ordering yourself a pizza once the weed starts to kick in.
How do I use this product? Anything I need to know?
Now is the time to clear up any lingering questions you may have, especially if you’re new to cannabis. You might feel silly asking this question, but you never know. Your budtender may have some of the tricks of the trade to help you get the most out of your cannabis experience. Once again, these people are the experts and are here to help. Don’t ever feel like your questions are too big or too small.
Final Takeaways
Above all, budtenders are here to help you and JARS has some of the best this side of the Mississippi (well, anywhere really, but this sounded cooler). Think of them like a friend, not like a scary gatekeeper. No matter what questions you or requests you might have, they want to see you get exactly what you’re looking for. Ask the right questions, like any of our top five above, and our budtenders will take good care of you.
JARS
December 11, 2024
THCV: WHAT IT IS & WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Dive into THCV: Uncover what it is and why it matters. THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in cannabis. Explore its unique properties, potential benefits, and how it differs from THC. Understanding THCV can broaden your knowledge of cannabinoids and their potential impact on health and well-being.
When you think of cannabis, think of it like your favorite football team: THC and CBD are like the star quarterback and wide receiver duo that get all of the attention, but they’d be nowhere without the team of lesser-known cannabinoids playing alongside them. However, things are beginning to change in the cannabis scene as more and more cannabinoids are getting their time to shine. One minor player that is starting to get some major attention is THCV. Short for tetrahydrocannabivarin, this rare cannabinoid is slowly getting off the bench and becoming a first-string player for its array of potential health benefits. Let’s take a deeper look at what exactly THCV is, its potential wellness perks, and where you can find this elusive little cannabinoid at Jars and beyond. While its name may look similar to THC, THCV provides a variety of pronounced and altogether contrasting effects than its infamous cousin. While it may get you high, it’s going to feel much different than your typical THC-rich high. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences cannabis differently, but generally speaking: THCV is typically known to deliver a clear-headed, stimulating buzz that provides a burst of mental energy. The lucid high THCV provides is good for both medical and recreational patients looking for something to use during the day. Similar to CBD, THCV also shows evidence that it may counteract many of the negative feelings (such as paranoia or an increased heart rate) usually associated with THC. The high from THCV kicks in quicker than the effects brought on by THC, and it also lasts about half as long as the buzz from THC. The fast onset and quick comedown of the high makes it the go-to for weed lovers looking for a short-lived cerebral experience. While THCV does get you high, it does not reportedly give you “the munchies” that famously goes with getting stoned. This cannabinoid is actually known appetite suppressant, but more on that later. A note for vaporizer enthusiasts: THCV has a boiling point of 428 °F (220 °C), so you’ll need to turn the temperature up a little higher than you would THC. Now that you know what kind of high you might expect from this burgeoning cannabis compound, let’s get a little more familiar with the potential health and wellness benefits. Appetite Suppressant: A 2015 study found that at low doses ranging between 5 and 7.5 milligrams, THCV may inhibit your appetite by antagonizing little buttons all throughout our bodies known as CB1 receptors. This may be good for patients focused on weight loss, but THCV should be avoided by users looking to treat appetite loss or certain eating disorders, like anorexia. Aid Diabetes Symptoms: Research shows promise in THCV’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. In fact, in a 2016 study published in Diabetes Care, researchers found that CBD and THCV appeared to help patients with type 2 diabetes maintain tighter glycemic control, which is crucial in preventing chronic complications from the condition. Reduce Panic Attacks: For those that suffer from panic attacks, THCV also appears to curb anxiety attacks in PTSD patients without suppressing emotion. This is also great news for anyone that simply struggles with anxiety in their day to day lives! Protects The Brain: THCV is also neuroprotective, so it is ideal for treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For example, initial studies in Alzheimer’s patients seem to suggest that tremors, motor control, and brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease seem to be improved by THCV. Stimulates Bone Growth: Because THCV may promote the growth of new bone cells, this compound is being looked at as a possible treatment for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. While more research needs to be done for conclusive evidence, the initial promising results for an array of conditions are pushing THCV into the limelight. If you think it might be right for you, consult your doctor or local Jars budtender to guide you to the right products. So you’re intrigued by the effects mentioned above, but aren’t sure where to start your search for THCV-rich strains or products — well we’re here to help! It’s true that most strains of Mary Jane only contain trace, undetectable amounts of THCV, but there are a handful of brands like Heylo Cannabis and Level Blends that have introduced THCV specific products to the market. While we wait for more companies to hop on board the THCV train, here are some useful hints for locating this rare therapeutic gem. Look For African Sativas: Current lab results show that THCV is most abundant in sativas, particularly strains from Africa. Durban Poison is one of the more common high-THCV strains, but other options can be found in our handy Jars strain list below. Ask Your Budtender About Parent Genetics: Having trouble finding a pure African sativa? Plenty of strains have hybridized African genetics that may indicate a higher THCV potential. Xanadu or Madcow for example may express a high THCV content by way of its Durban Poison parent. Request Test Results: Genetics alone can’t arent a foolproof guarantee of a high-THCV content, and cannabinoid contents can vary from harvest to harvest and plant to plant. Ask your friendly Jars budtender for lab-tested strains to get a better idea of how much THCV you’re actually getting. As the popularity of THCV continues to grow, so too does the list of cannabis strains that contain higher concentrations of this medicinal all-star. While these strains can be hard to find, there are a handful that have been specially bred to highlight THCV as a prominent player. Pink Boost Goddess: According to a press release from Flow Kana, this particular strain contains 18.7% THC and 4.24% THCV and is marketed as an ideal product for those seeking to reduce anxiety and suppress appetite while still getting lit. Doug’s Varin: With an aroma of earthy pine and bright citrus, Doug’s Varin delivers a clear-headed burst of mental stimulation that only lasts for a short while, making this cultivar an ideal choice for anyone seeking a short-term high. Pineapple Purps: This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a focused and level-headed high that won’t derail your day for hours on end. With its fruity aroma and tropical taste, it’s worth hunting down for the THCV fan. While THCV may not be the most well-known cannabinoid on the cannabis team, it is definitely the rising star of 2020. Keep your eyes peeled for more from this rare molecule and come into Jars today to try this miracle worker for yourself.THCV Basics and Benefits
Where Can You Find THCV?
High THCV Cannabis Strains
Bottom Line
JARS
December 11, 2024
How To Talk To Your Parents About Legal Cannabis
Approach the conversation about legal cannabis with your parents using these steps. Educate yourself about cannabis laws and facts, choose an appropriate time and setting, be open, honest, and respectful, address concerns, and provide reliable resources. Foster understanding and communication for a productive discussion. Now that the pandemic is (sort of) over it’s time to fly back home and spend time with your parents after over a year of being away. And if anything, these long months apart has taught us that time is one of the most valuable things we have—so is now a good time to talk to your parents about legal cannabis? Let’s get one thing clear: your parents know what’s up. They’ve been around the block, they remember Rock N’ Roll, Ronald Reagan, and Rick James (hello! what else could the song Mary Jane be about??). They know about weed, they’ve probably even smoked weed at least one time at a party. And it would probably come as no surprise to them that you smoked weed and watched a lot of Spongebob over quarantine. But just because they know the deal doesn’t mean that weed has helped them lately. Your parents are getting older, which is actually a great reason to talk to them about medical marijuana. But how you ask? In this article, we’ll give you all the juicy details on how to talk to your parents about legal cannabis and how it may be able to help them in their daily life. I think we can all agree that Boomers and Generation X could afford to have some chill in their lives. Whether they’re a free-loving flower child or a straight-laced businessman, chances are your parents have spent their entire lives working way too hard. So let’s face it. Their bodies hurt. Ask your parents how their bodies are feeling lately. Most likely, they’ll tell you something hurts. Our parents take anti-inflammatories like Advil daily, they drink alcohol to ease their aching bones at night, or addiction-prone opioids to deal with pain the “traditional way”—but things are beginning to shift. Nowadays, we’re seeing adults over 65, who make up 2.9% of the population, are sparking up because weed has a good reputation for helping people simply feel better. If you live in a state (like Michigan or Arizona) where you are able to legally purchase topicals, we suggest gifting your parents a cannabis-infused topical that may be able to relieve some of those aches and pains—think of it like offering them a little getaway in a jar. But if your parents are retired and are not partaking in weed, they could be missing out on some amazing leisure time. If your family likes The Weather Channel and Seinfeld reruns, they’re about to like them a whole lot more. Even though medical marijuana is not a big deal to us, our parents probably know that weed is technically classified as a schedule 1 drug (along with heroin and ecstasy), and it’s still illegal on a federal level. According to this scheduling, weed is thought to be more addictive than Ketamine and Xanax, but all of my stoner friends can confirm that this is just not the case. Every day 38 people die from overdosing on prescription opioids. Meanwhile, ZERO people have died from getting stoned to the bone, eating snacks, and going on a very nice walk. So respectfully tell your parents to put that in their pipe and smoke it. And remember that the United States used to deem alcohol and desegregation illegal. Can you imagine? As of May this year, the use of medical cannabis products is legal in 36 states and 4 territories, and the laws are changing all the time for good reason. Medical marijuana may be able to a slew of conditions, including pain and stress management. Plus, communities that legalize pot and free up the police force to concentrate on actual crime are on the path to being more anti-racist. Sure, some people are sticklers for the rules. But most states have decriminalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. And according to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, fewer than 8% of people in the US think that marijuana should be totally illegal (and those people who are not in favor of legalization are likely to be over 75, white, and Republican...arguably they could stand to spark up a doobie more than any of us). No problem. They don’t have to get lit to reap the benefits of pot, thanks to a little something everyone has been talking about called cannabidiol, or CBD for short. CBD is great for any cannabis newbies. It has many of the same potential wellness benefits as THC without the psychoactive effects that can be overwhelming or intimidating to someone that is new to the weed game. Although weed seems to be more effective when there are both THC and CBD components present (this is referred to as the entourage effect), THC is not necessary. Especially for someone who is getting started, or re-acquainted with the sticky-icky. There are many CBD-infused edibles, tinctures, capsules, and balms available, and are specifically known to help people get a good night’s sleep, something all of us could use a little more of. And if you don’t know where to start, just ask your friendly and knowledgeable JARS budtender for some good parental recommendations. They get questions on behalf of parents all the time, and they’ve probably helped their own parents find some relief. We hope this guide has helped you figure out exactly how to talk to your parents about legal cannabis. Now that you know it might not be as big of a deal as you thought, what are you waiting for? Encourage them to talk to their primary care physician about medical marijuana to get a bonafide referral from someone with an M.D. and figure out what kind of medical marijuana products might be right for them. And remember, if they are not receptive or have a vendetta against the devil’s lettuce, and hate that you are talking to them about weed, you can always blame some article you read that told you to try and get your parents high. We don’t mind being your scapegoat. But, if they are interested, we challenge you to smoke with your parents and listen to all of their favorite music for extra credit. Even though it might seem like that is an impossibility, you would be surprised how many parents are happy to open up and share a smoke with their kid. It’s definitely a vibe.How Weed Can Help Your Parents
But isn’t weed illegal?
Okay, but my parents don't want to get high.
Final Thoughts
JARS
December 11, 2024
Best Ways to Seal a Blunt: Tips and Tricks for a Tight Roll
All of the best ways to seal a blunt starts with the wrap you choose. You can go with brands like Backwoods for a classic earthy-tobacco flavor. Or if you're looking for a more smooth ride, Swisher Sweets have several options.
Wraps are the best when they are fresh right out of the package. With cigarellos that have tobacco in them, you have to split them open. If you have a good brand, you can easily split the wrap with your fingers. Otherwise, for the perfect, crisp split is done by using a blade. As long as you are rolling on a sturdy surface. Some would say that the rolling technique itself is the entire art of blunt smoking. It's not something you can do just ok. A simple misstep can ruin the whole blunt completely. Now, you can go for the "classic" technique, which is just filling the wrap, tucking and rolling. The "Philly" roll is more known and often seen with the pre-roll joints you get from JARS. The philly technique involves tucking in the wrap edges as you roll, leaving an extra tight finish. The key is to practice, practice, and do a little more practicing. Try different wraps, papers, and even different grind consistencies. When rolling your blunt, the last thing you need is a dry, stale, wrap. You want the wrap to be wet and moist. It makes it way more flexible and easier to work with. Real OG's just slather their saliva on the wrap, but if you are sharing with friends, a couple drops of water on your hands will be safe. Here's the part anyone can master. Adding marijuana to the wrap. It helps to hold the wrap in one hand and shape it into a U-shape using your fingers and thumbs. Add your ground flower pinch by pinch. Not filling it up too much so that it's bursting at the seam. To finalize the perfect blunt, use both hands and gently roll the wrap back and forth. You want to keep the weed evenly distributed and compact. You can use your fingers to keep the flower packed down or sometimes wraps will come with a poking stick. The wrap is going to be sticky once it's moist so that it seals the blunt together. Make sure that you check the seam along the side of the blunt to make sure it's all the way wrapped. There will be times that you have a little more spit than needed. Flicking your lighter and running the flame up and done along the seam will speed up the drying process. There are plenty of easy to take your standard blunt roll up a notch. Just by adding a little something extra. Stuff a bit of kief or hash into the center before sealing it up. Or try adding a line of concentrate - that'll really take your sesh to new heights. Once you get the basics down you can move on to more advanced blunt rolling techniques. This one's all about creating a visually stunning blunt. You start by rolling the wrap into a tight spiral, then carefully packing the flower into the center. Takes a bit of practice, but the end result is a beautiful, swirling blunt that's a true work of cannabis craft. For a unique look and smooth draw, try twisting the end of your blunt wrap. Just pinch and twist the last inch or so to create a tight, tapered tip. Looks slick and helps prevent any weed from falling out. Sometimes you want a more delicate, refined blunt experience. Roll it skinny, my dude - just a small amount of flower packed into a thin wrap. Perfect for savoring those premium nugs or when you want a more mellow buzz. Take a page out of the joint rolling playbook and go for the classic cone shape. Start with a wider base, gradually tapering towards the tip. Gives you a nice, even burn and makes for easy lighting. For maximum airflow, try poking a few small holes down the length of your blunt wrap before sealing it up. Helps ensure a smooth, consistent draw with no canoeing. Since the foundation of mastering the perfect blunt is the rolling paper of choice…. The quality starts here. Different brands offer different qualities of materials, tastes, and textures. These are a few good examples. The OG tobacco blunt wraps - Backwoods, Swisher Sweets, Dutch Masters, etc. The classics that started it all. Authentic tobacco flavor, but not the best choice for the health-conscious. Then you got your hemp wraps - RAW, Juicy Jay's, Game. All-natural, tobacco-free options that still give you that classic blunt experience. Great for the more environmentally-minded stoners. Speaking of vegan and organic, there are some killer plant-based wraps out there too. Elements, Republic Papers, and OCB all make awesome 100% vegan blunt options. No animal products, just pure plant power. And if you really wanna get fancy, you can even find CBD-infused wraps these days. Companies like Hemper and Elevated Rolling are doing some cool stuff in that space, offering a nice little cannabinoid boost. Of course, you can't forget the cannabis leaf wraps - that's taking it to a whole other level. Grab yourself a nice, cured fan leaf or even a rose petal and use that as your blunt base. Uber-fresh and flavorful. Honestly, the options are endless. It's all about finding the right balance of flavor, burn, and sustainability that fits your personal preferences.Mastering the Roll
Sealing Methods for a Blunt
Advanced Rolling Techniques
The Spiral Roll
The Twisted Tip
The Pinner Blunt
The Blunt Cone
The Perforated Blunt
Choosing the Right Rolling Papers
JARS
December 11, 2024