How Do You Know If Wax is Decarbed?

When it comes to edibles, cannabis concentrates (particularly wax) work well since you can simply boost the strength without losing flavor.

 Eating dabs without proper decarboxylation means that they won't necessarily provide the desired outcome because raw cannabis concentrates contain THCA, which needs heat to convert into the psychoactive THC.

But how does the process work, and how do you know if wax is decarbed? We’ll answer these questions and display the signs for decarbed wax so you can maximize its flavor and effects.

What Concentrates are Already Decarboxylated?

CO2 oil, Distillate and RSO / FECO are concentrates that are decarboxylated.

 However, concentrates like budder, crumble, shatter,  Kief, Live resin and rosin are NOT decarbed by the process of making them. They contain mostly THCa. They must be decarbed for edible use.

How to Decarb Wax?

The decarbing process is easy to do at home.

Start by baking your concentrates on a prepared baking sheet in a preheated oven at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, just like you would with regular flower. You may need to decarb for longer or use slightly higher temperatures depending on the sort of concentrate you are using.

Decarboxylate concentrations in a water bath as an alternative. Place a Pyrex dish in a pot of boiling water and check the temperature using a thermometer to ensure it does not reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Decarb for around 30 minutes after dropping your concentrates within.

How to Tell if wax Is Decarbed Enough?

Depending on the method you use, it might not look all the same. For oven decarbing, The change of color and pretty "glassy" looking are usually the best signs to ensure the process is over. 

Color change: the wax should look light brown - going from golden/yellow to amber/brown  during decarbing.

Texture: It becomes less sticky and more runny or glassy once decarbed.

Bubbling stops: During heating, raw wax bubbles as CO₂ is released — when bubbling slows or stops, decarb is likely complete.

How to make cannabis oil with Decarbing wax?

After the wax is decarbed, THC is active and can be used for making cannabis oils or edibles. 

Decarbing concentrates will cause them to thicken when they cool, which sometimes makes them even more challenging to work with.

If you want to cook with your decarbed concentrate immediately, stir it into your fats while it’s still hot because it will be much easier to mix.