No pyrolysis — oil heated to 320–445°F (160–230°C), just enough to aerosolize. 70–90% terpene survival vs 30–50% combustion. Closed system — no sidestream loss.
Decarboxylation
Bioavailability when eaten
~8%
Bioavailability
275 mg
THC Absorbed
1–2 hrs
Onset
6–8+ hrs
Duration
Liver converts Delta-9 to 11-OH-THC — 1.5–7× more potent (conservatively 2×). Crosses blood-brain barrier more efficiently.
Cost Per mg THC
How far each dollar goes
6.85¢
Combustion
6.29¢
Vaporization
0.70¢
Decarb
To match flower THC
Cost
1 bag flower (decarbed)
$25
4.35 vape carts
$223 (8.9×)
12.63 joints
$243 (9.7×)
Decarboxylation gives ~9× more THC per dollar than combustion or vaporization
Benefits to Decarboxylating
Decarb wins: more potent, longer lasting, cheapest per unit
Method
Psych. Equiv.
Combustion (14 g)
532 mg
Vaporization (1 g × 4.35)
326 mg
Decarboxylation (14 g)
551 mg (2×)
21.3
Combustion units / $1
6.4
Vaporization units / $1
22.0
Decarb units / $1
Decarb Methods
Oven vs Instant Pot vs Sous Vide
°F (°C)
Oven
IP
SV
Temp
220–245 (105–120)
~240 (~115)
~203 (~95)
Stable
±20 (±11)
±2 (±1)
±0.1 (±0.05)
Time
30 min
3 hrs
1–4h
Convert
~97%
95–100
Varies
CBN
Med
V. Low
Negl.
Terps
Low
High
Best
Odor
Bad
None
None
Also valid: “90 at 90” — 195°F (90°C) / 90 min (wider CBN margin)
Ways to Enjoy
Once decarbed, just eat it — the options are endless
Method
Notes
Edibles
Mix into butter, oil, or honey
Capsules
Pre-dosed, discreet, portable
Tinctures
Under tongue for faster onset
Drinks
Coffee, tea, smoothies
Sprinkle
Directly on food — already active
Start low (5–10 mg). Wait 2 hours before re-dosing. Effects last 6–8+ hours.