Humans have practiced herbal medicine for thousands of years and the human endocannabinoid systems are evolutionary proof of this. Everyone, whether we enjoy cannabis or not, has an active endocannabinoid system (ECS). And it’s hugely beneficial in keeping our biology in balance. 

The ECS is present in both our brains and bodies. It’s the reason that cannabis has several positive yet varying effects. As well as why 

 and depression, to immunity and epileptic seizures. 

The discovery of the relationship between cannabis and the ECS is still relatively new,  much-needed scientific studies are still required to further our understanding. Here‘s what scientists know about the endocannabinoid system.

“Endo-” is abbreviated from “endogenous.” Which refers to a system that originates within an organism. “Cannabinoid” refers to the plant in which these compounds were discovered: Cannabis.

The ECS is made up of receptors which are located throughout our brains and bodies. It’s involved in the maintenance of several important physiological processes. All of these factors contribute to our health and happiness.

Did you know that the endocannabinoid system isn’t unique to humans? 

 to share this complex cell-signaling system. This is why cannabidiol oil has grown in popularity for pets in recent years, such as 

When was the endocannabinoid system discovered?

Unfortunately, our knowledge of the ECS in humans has been limited. Mostly by the stereotypes associated with cannabis in politics. It’s still difficult to study the ECS due to legal restrictions in several countries, including Australia. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was first discovered in the 1960s and the 

. The first cannabinoid produced by the ECS, however, was only isolated in the 1990s.

Having discovered cannabinoids recently, we still have much to learn about the ECS itself. We haven’t yet determined how it works entirely. However, scientists have discovered key insights into why the ECS might be medically significant.  

What is the endocannabinoid system’s function?

The primary function of the human endocannabinoid system is to maintain 

. This describes the state of balance between your internal physiological systems. The ECS is responsible for regulation of the following body functions:

The ECS responds to changes in our internal environment, which keeps these functions operating in unison. When homeostasis is disrupted, the ECS activates the appropriate bodily response. For example, when white blood cells are being sent to an infected area of the body. 

Once the appropriate action has been taken, balance must be restored by “deactivating” such responses. This is regulated by our Endocannabinoid System as well. 

To understand how all this works, you need to understand the interactions between the components of the ECS. These are the cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and cannabinoids. 

 are chemical constituents of the cannabis plant. Endogenous, or endocannabinoids, are chemically identical to those found in cannabis. These are called phytocannabinoids, meaning they are synthesized in plants. 

, which are also phytochemicals. These are responsible for the unique scent of each of the different 

. Terpene-rich oils are secreted by mature cannabis plants. 

Although terpenes are also found in other fruits and vegetables and like cannabinoids, they also have associated health benefits.  

The function of cannabinoids is to act as neurotransmitters and bind to receptors. This affects the chemical signals received by the nervous system. Which in turn, affects how information is processed by cells throughout our bodies. 

Our body has many receptors. These transport chemical signals between our bodies and brains. Endocannabinoid receptors’ shape compliments both endo- and phytocannabinoids as both have the same structure. 

Our cannabinoid receptors are therefore responsible for transporting cannabinoids to areas where they are needed. However, these receptors also identify areas of imbalance. Subsequently stimulating the production of our own endocannabinoids to attend to the imbalance.

What is the function of the CB1 & CB2 receptors?

The two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the human body are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system - in the brain and spinal cord. However, they are also located in 

CB2 receptors are predominantly associated with the immune system function. These are also located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, unlike CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors don’t seem to cause 

The CB1 receptor is activated by the 2-AG cannabinoid while the CB2 receptor is compatible with both 2-AG and anandamide. Endocannabinoids can bind to either of these receptors. Different effects are experienced depending on the following:

Enzymes present in the body perform an important part in synthesising chemical reactions. These reactions allow your body to perform tasks such as digesting food, building muscle and breaking down toxins. Enzymes also break down neurotransmitters that are no longer needed.

The two major enzymes involved in breaking down endocannabinoids are:

How do CBD & THC affect the endocannabinoid system?

The most famous phytocannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). However, there are many others originating in cannabis.  

As previously stated, phytocannabinoids are readily received by the ECS because they’re chemically identical to our endocannabinoids. Which explains why cannabis alone doesn’t trigger an allergic response.

These and other plant-based cannabinoids are severely understudied. However, promising results have emerged from what limited research has been conducted.

Medicinal cannabis is still a controversial topic for most governments. Therefore, there have been more studies conducted into Cannabidiol. Which has become hugely popular for its lack of psychoactive properties. 

CBD was introduced to the medical industry as an anti-seizure medication for Epilepsy in children. Since then, it’s been investigated as a treatment option for a range of conditions.  

Cannabidiol doesn’t bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way as other cannabinoids. Scientists are still trying to understand why this is. Some believe that CBD prevents other cannabinoids from being broken down as quickly. Others think that a CBD-specific receptor hasn’t been discovered yet. 

There are pervasive and harmful stereotypes still associated with THC today. The “high” feeling produced by this cannabinoid doesn’t sit well with everyone. It can even cause intense physical and emotional discomfort in high doses. 

More scientific research is needed to explain why some people respond negatively to THC when others don’t. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This is why THC oil can deliver such a wide range of mental and physical benefits. A few specially authorised studies on THC show potential for managing nausea, insomnia and pain.

Not all medical professionals agree on the topic of Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome. Also known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CEDC), the theorised illness is heavily debated. Some medical professionals believe it plays a role with seemingly “untreatable” ailments. 

 collected data from patients with irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and migraine headaches. It was noted that these individuals had lower levels of endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG.

Therefore, scientists theorised the following: 

The jury is still out with regards to the validity of CEDC. In order to prove a definitive correlation, however, much more medical interest is required. 

The human endocannabinoid system in summary

The human endocannabinoid system is not limited to Homo sapiens. The ECS is shrouded in medical mystery, thanks to years of criminalisation of the humble cannabis plant. There are many strides to be made in terms of understanding this system in its entirety.

However, there is more than enough evidence to warrant further research on the topic. What we do know is that the ECS is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis - our body's internal regulatory structure. The ECS consists of three main components: endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and specialised enzymes. 

These work together to monitor changes in the body. They then organise the appropriate physiological response, and return the body to “normal” thereafter. 

It seems we have a lot to thank our endocannabinoid systems for, even without a full understanding. As more governments wake up to the medical potential of cannabis compounds, we can only speculate on the possible insights awaiting us.

What is the Endocannabinoid System and what role does it have keeping our body in balance? In this article, we dive into the ECS and how cannabis interacts with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in our body.


The Endocannabinoid System

 are still being explored. But the compound appears to have many health benefits, including the treatment of osteoarthritis, stress, and old age. It’s also favoured as a general health supplement. 

These benefits are all derived from the close relationship between cannabinoids and the human 

. This system regulates multiple physiological functions and maintains homeostasis, or collective bodily balance.

Aside from promising pioneer trials, there are many testimonials of people using 

, epileptic seizures, and inflammatory illnesses, as well as dermatological conditions. But is CBD oil safe for dogs according to science? 

, also known as CBD, is one of the many naturally occurring chemical compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD is known for its many therapeutic effects and non-intoxicating nature. The well known “high” of cannabis is mainly induced by another cannabinoid called 

 or THC. CBD by itself does not cause any psychoactive effects, and has recently gained notoriety in the medical field due to a wide range of therapeutic properties. 

CBD oil (isolate) is simply the isolated compound extracted from the cannabis plant, removing any other cannabinoids such as THC in the process. By removing the psychoactive components from the product, it should not induce the “high” or make your pet “stoned” when administering the CBD oil. 

CBD oil for pets began when pet-owners noticed improvements, after dosing, in terminally-ill dogs, as well as elderly dogs with deteriorating health. 

CBD treatment for humans showed promise in reduced pain

, improved energy levels, and assisted in digestive issues. People soon considered how CBD used for pain could improve the quality of life in dogs suffering from chronic conditions.  

Although it's still not widely prescribed by vets in Australia, many 

 and clinical trials have already claimed significant improvements in their pet's response to CBD oil.

Although limited, clinical studies for the use of medicinal cannabis on dogs have been conducted. The most promising use case for CBD oil is for the support of osteoarthritis in dogs. CBD has been suggested as a more promising alternative compared to common arthritis treatments such as glucosamine, green-lipped mussel (GLM), hydrotherapy and cold laser.

Recent double-blind placebo-controlled trials suggest dogs which received daily oral doses of CBD showed a decrease in pain and improved activity. 

In one of the studies, the dogs received 2mg/kg of CBD oil every 12 hours, over a 4 week period. The results indicated there was a significant decrease in pain and increase in daily activity. There were no visible side-effects reported by the owners, with the exception of an increase in alkaline phosphatase during treatment.

The results indicated there was a significant decrease in pain and increase in daily activity

It should be noted however that these trials have only been conducted on a small number of dogs, so more conclusive data may be required.

Evidence for using CBD for controlling seizures in dogs are also limited, but some studies have suggested it could be useful in reducing the seizure frequency

. However, the results also noted the improvements were only seen in dogs who were also given traditional anti-seizure medication at the same time.

As the name suggests, hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant. Therefore little to no cannabinoids such as CBD exists in the final product. Hemp seed oil is usually extracted using a cold pressing method to remove the oils from industrial hemp plant seeds. 

Although the therapeutic properties of CBD may not be present, hemp seed oil is known to be packed full of nutritional benefits. Hemp seed oil is filled with omegas, antioxidants and healthy plant cholesterol which can help support inflammation, immune system and improve skin and coat quality.

difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil

 when considering medication for your pet. Both have different uses, side effects and legality. Always check the product label for the active ingredients before administering any medication for your little friends.

 in another article. For pet use in Australia, it’s a similar story. CBD is currently a schedule 4 drug, which means it will require a prescription from your vet. 

As medical cannabis is still relatively new in the medical field, knowledge around cannabinoids is still limited. You may have trouble finding a vet who is familiar with CBD or are opened to prescribing it for your pets. However, as the numbers increase for human medicinal cannabis prescription, we are starting to notice more clinics and vets prescribing CBD oil for animals.

Dogs respond differently to certain cannabis compounds compared to humans. Additionally, some essential oils that are added to human-intended products can be toxic to dogs. It’s vital that the components are regulated and safe for canine consumption.

If you’ve managed to get a valid prescription for your veterinarian, the sourced CBD products should be from a certified lab. You can rest assured the quality of CBD oil has been tested and verified.

If you do decide to source your CBD oil from “alternative” sources, you should always do your due diligence on the company and product. 

CBD labels should be transparent about the product’s contents. Companies should also be willing and able to share information with you about the source of their plants. In addition to how they were grown. 

CBD is conventionally removed from plants using chemical solvents. Solvent-less methods such as Supercritical CO2 Extraction, however, are often preferred. As the latter doesn't use chemicals to strip the plant of its natural material, there’s no risk of residual solvents. These can be carcinogenic or contain certain neurotoxins. 

A third-party Certificate of Analysis or lab tested results is vital in your product choice as it impartially identifies the final product’s exact contents. Including minor cannabinoids, their concentrations and any residual chemicals. 

Trials using 2mg of CBD oil per kilogram of body weight showed no visible side effects in dogs being treated for osteoarthritis. 

There was, however, a slight increase in alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the liver during CBD treatment. This may interact with heart medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other veterinary medications. 

Higher concentrations of cannabidiol may cause diarrhoea and other mild side effects. However, overall, current studies suggest CBD appears to be as safe for dogs as it is for humans. 

As mentioned earlier, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis and may cause unwanted reactions in dogs. It is important to ensure the CBD oil administered to your pets contains little to no THC content, as dogs are known to be extra sensitive to THC.

Once again, always check the labels or lab tested results for the CBD and THC content. Ideally Cannabidiol (CBD) should comprise 98% or more of the total cannabinoid content.

CBD oil can either be applied directly into your pets mouth or simply by adding drops to their food. 

For maximised absorption, drop the oil onto your finger and gently apply it to your dog's gums. You can also drop it underneath their tongue if they allow it. Although a bit messy, this allows the CBD to bypass their digestive system and absorb directly into their bloodstream.  

CBD oil should be gradually introduced to your dogs and incorporated into routine for the most consistent long-term results. As dosage can vary depending on a variety of factors such as weight, age and severity of the condition, it is best to consult with your vet on the correct amount to administer your pet.

Pet owners across Australia are reporting positive developments after giving their dog CBD oil. They are attributing the improvements in their pets’ conditions to the incorporation of consistent CBD doses into their dogs’ daily diet.

CBD-rich cannabis oil is known to support some medical conditions and boost your pet’s overall wellbeing when taken regularly. However, medicinal cannabis is still a new contender in the Australian medical industry. Getting access to legal and lab certified CBD oil is still surrounded by red tape, with many researchers and vets still uncertain on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

We are beginning to see a surge in medicinal cannabis prescriptions for humans in recent years, we can only hope the same will happen for animal prescriptions.

CBD oil can help support a range of medical conditions in dogs. We discuss the therapeutic properties, side effects, legality and other points to consider when administering CBD oil for your pets. 

CBD oil for dogs: Guide for Australian pet owners

CBD oil for dogs

If you’ve grown your own cannabis, you’ll know there are many ways to influence the way the plants grow as well as the quality of the flowers and the 

In all plants, even some of the fruit we eat, plant growth regulators (PGR) can significantly increase the weight, and therefore worth, of a harvest. Unfortunately, it does not ensure quality. 

The use of these chemicals in both legal and illegal cannabis crops is difficult to regulate. Which poses potential health risks to unknowing cannabis users.

Truth be told, the majority of Australians still rely on illegal and unregulated cannabis - whether for medical or recreational purposes. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the signs, and effects, of PGR marijuana.

Plant growth regulators are synthesised chemicals that mimic the natural hormones of plants. Commonly used for growing fruit, these can produce favourable characteristics by triggering a specific physiological response. 

PGR chemicals are often used in food, although in regulated low concentrations. These results are more attractive traits to the consumer: in cannabis terms, this means large, dense-looking flowering heads.

Although there are natural alternatives, the synthesised versions produce greater results and are the obvious choice for growers looking for quick and weighty harvests. 

Often compared to steroids for plants, acting PGRs are classified according to the broader functions:

PGRs affect the growth of cannabis flowers. In high enough concentrations these will leave traces present in the buds which eventually will be cured and smoked. 

Combustion transforms them into actively toxic chemicals that are dangerous in unregulated concentrations. Some of the most commonly used PGRs in Australia are:

All three PGRs are plant growth retardants in which they increase the density of the cannabis flowers by slowing down the growth in other areas of the plant. For example, the growth of stems and leaves may be hindered when using PGRs in order to direct more energy for the buds. One big downside of using PGR for cannabis is the production of natural 

 is significantly reduced, therefore producing a less potent final product.

One big downside of using PGR for cannabis is the production of natural terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD and THC is significantly reduced

Out of the three, Paclobutrazol or PBZ, is the most prevalent in Australia’s underground cannabis market. PBZ in cannabis is used to increase the weight and density of cannabis flowers, and largely responsible for the dense, thick buds covered in red-orange pistils - often lacking any visible glistening trichomes.

Apart from producing lower quality cannabis flowers, synthetic PRGs are known to contain toxic chemicals which are dangerous for human consumption. 

In the 1980s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified Daminozide as a “probable human carcinogen”. Due to the potential to cause cancer in high doses, Daminozide was banned for food use in 1989, leading to several recalls in the agricultural industry.

The EPA also raised similar concerns for Paclobutrazol. When combusted, PBZ is chemically transformed into molecules called nitrosamines. Found in cigarettes, these are not only identified carcinogens, but they’re also associated with liver damage and male infertility.

Has Australia banned plant growth regulators?

PGRs such as Paclobutrazol, Daminozide and Chlormequat Chloride (CC) are not banned by the Australian government. However, manufacturers of products that include these and other chemicals are required to register with the Australian Pesticides Authority. 

You can find an inventory of products that make use of these 

. Unfortunately, despite recognisable dangers associated with the ingestion of their byproducts, there is still a lot of research required to understand what amounts are safe for cannabis in particular.

It’s also impossible to regulate the use of plant growth regulators in cannabis in an underground industry. For those who don't have access to lab grown medicinal cannabis, chances are you may have encountered some black market products with at least one of these chemicals involved. 

PGR vs no PGR: how to tell the difference 

Until recreational cannabis is legalised across the country, quality regulation standards for the industry won't be adequately enforced. Therefore, you can only arm yourself with enough information in order to recognise PGR cannabis so you can ultimately avoid it. 

Identifying PGR plants will require a keen cannabis eye and critical nose. You’ll also need to know what to look for in high-quality organic cannabis. You can use these physical markers to help you identify the presence of PGRs in your cannabis. 

The easiest way to tell if your cannabis was grown using plant growth regulators is by judging its appearance. 

The visual traits of any cannabis crops vary depending on the strain and growing conditions. Therefore, it’s not surprising that most PGR buds can pass as another successful indoor harvest.

A few visual indicators of PGR cannabis include:

While judging the appearance of a cannabis flower is the most obvious way to guess how it may have been grown, there are other factors to consider. 

It’s important to note that certain cannabis strains, such as 

 and other indica strains tend to naturally produce dense buds with generous amounts of pistils and terpenes. There are also many cannabis strains with naturally occurring orange pistils.

Chemicals such as Paclobutrazol are used to increase the weight of cannabis flowers and imply increased quality. Unfortunately, they inhibit the production of beneficial cannabinoids, trichomes and terpenes which will significantly decrease the satisfaction of your session. It will also leave you with some unpleasant side effects, without the added risk of carcinogenic toxins in the worst-case scenario.

PGRs are a profitable short-cut in a largely unregulated industry that dictates price according to weight, and quality according to aesthetics. Without decriminalising recreational cannabis nationally, there’s no way to regulate the amounts of chemicals which eventually end up being consumed by Aussie consumers. 

PGR or plant growth regulator grown cannabis contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to humans. We explain how PGRs effect the cannabis plant and how to visually identify PGR grown buds.

PGR cannabis: what is a plant growth regulator?

Cannabis plants produce cannabinoids which have been used by humans for thousands of years. What is lesser known is that these cannabis compounds in its raw form do not actually have any noticeable effect on humans without being “decarboxylated” first. This is why cannabis plants are not generally consumed raw.

 with heat is essential to induce the psychoactive effects when consumed. This heating process is known as decarboxylation (aka decarbing).

There is a bit of chemistry which goes into the decarbing process - and also a lot of contradicting information on the topic. This makes it difficult to understand how you can decarboxylate cannabis in a way that is safe and effective.

If this all sounds too technical, don’t feel intimidated. We’ll take you through the important parts of decarboxylating cannabis, as well as mention a few methods to decarboxylating your own dried flowers at home. 

Decarboxylation is the process in which the cannabinoids in cannabis such as THC are activated.

In its raw form, cannabis does not contain high concentrations of active compounds such 

. Instead, there are higher concentrations of their chemical precursors known as 

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)

Only through drying, curing or heating the cannabis flower, will the THCA and CBDA be converted into THC and CBD. This process of converting cannabinoids into its non-acidic counterparts is also known as decarboxylation.

Even though trace amounts of THCA are converted to THC in dried and cured cannabis, it is not enough to have any significant psychoactive effects when consumed. To speed up the process and ensure most of the THCA are converted into its psychoactive THC form, heat is required.

Without this chemical transformation, our bodies would simply eliminate the cannabinoids without producing any effect. Decarboxylation is not only necessary for making various 

 and smoking cannabis. Although with the latter, the cured flowers are decarboxylated through combustion. 

Combustion happens at temperatures much higher than vaporization, which causes some of the terpenes and cannabinoids to be lost in the process. This is why edibles or vaping often deliver a more profound therapeutic effect than smoking joints, pipes or bongs.

The key ingredient of this process is heat. Too little means that the chemical bonds will not break down. Too much heat and you’ll burn the cannabinoids before they can be consumed. Either way, the end result is a combination of disappointment and wasted cannabis.

The second most important factor in decarboxylation is time. In the event of smoking a joint and using a 

, the chemical transformation takes place very quickly and at higher temperatures. Cured cannabis requires at least 45 minutes to decarb, depending on your chosen decarboxylation method.

Although this is obviously still effective, it does not compare to the fuller concentration of cannabinoids which result from decarbing at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period of time. This is another reason why edibles seem more potent than other forms of cannabis.

No one wants to waste their precious herbs - especially if you’ve spent months carefully growing and curing your own crops. As complicated it seems, now that you understand the basics of decarbing cannabis it can be easy to do at home.

There is no specific method for decarbing cannabis. Unfortunately, there is a lot of contradicting information available on the internet, and it can be difficult to tell which way is best to go about it. 

Depending on what tools and utensils you have available, you’ll be able to choose different decarboxylation methods. The most basic components you’ll need for decarboxylation are:

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to lightly break up the cannabis flower before proceeding with decarboxylation. By doing this, you are increasing the surface area of plant material exposed to heat. This results in a more even roasting and fuller effects. 

Be careful not to grind up your herb into pieces that are too small, though, as this may result in the plant material burning before decarboxylation even has a chance to occur. 

We’ll take you through a few different methods of decarbing cannabis shortly. First, let’s discuss the importance of choosing the right temperature for decarboxylation.

The right temperature for decarbing cannabis

Did you know that cannabinoids decarboxylize at different temperatures? Understandably, this adds a little bit more to consider when choosing your decarbing temperature.  

It’s also important to note that some ovens are more powerful than others. Both the temperature and the amount of time needs to be adjusted accordingly.

Although decarboxylation occurs at different rates in different cannabinoids, using a temperature setting above 150 degrees celsius will cause most of the plant’s compounds to denature after 30 to 45 minutes. 

Therefore, when decarbing hybridised cannabis strains, the general rule of thumb is to heat the flowers at a temperature between 100 and 140 degrees for at least 45 minutes. You may require some wiggle room depending on your heat source, but generally, you can leave your cannabis to sit for up to 6 hours depending on your method of decarboxylation. 

THCA generally begins to decarb at 100 degrees, where CBDA requires about 10 degrees higher to release its cannabinoids. This is important to keep in mind when dealing with cannabis strains which are either THC or CBD dominant.

You’ll know that the cannabis is decarboxylated when it is a light brown colour. You’ll also be able to smell the rich and sweet aroma of activated terpenes.

There are definitely more ways to decarboxylate cannabis yourself, but these are the most widely used methods. Although the equipment, time frame, and the amount of attention may vary, each of these methods produces a strong vapour that will travel. If you’re not looking to hotbox your own home, keep lots of windows open for ventilation.

Decarbing cannabis on the stove (Cannabis-infused oil)

Decarbing your herb directly into an oil base is a great method for cooking with cannabis. Because activated cannabis is fat-soluble, they will move from the plant material into the oil or butter directly. 

The general rule when measuring out the oil-to-cannabis ratio is 1:1. However, if you have a less potent strain of cannabis you can increase the amount of oil to encourage a greater extraction. If your cannabis is on the stronger side, you can use slightly less oil to create a stronger end result. Feel free to modify our recipe portion sizes below as long as you have a close to 1:1 oil-to-cannabis ratio.

The tools needed for this method are a medium-sized pot and a sieve or piece of cheesecloth to strain out the larger plant material. With this method, the finer your herbs are ground the better. As long as you don’t let your mixture burn, the cannabis is not at risk of being scorched.

With the stove-top approach, you do need to make sure that you keep an eye on your mixture. You can use a variety of oil types, ranging from butter to coconut oil, but you need to keep in mind that some oils heat up much faster than others. 

You will need to let the mixture simmer (not boil) for 3 to 6 hours to achieve a full decarboxylation. Regular checking and stirring will help your herbs infuse better, as well as prevent uneven heating. Once this is complete, simply strain out the oil and substitute it in any recipe for an automatic cannabis-infused dish, snack, or dessert.

This is one of the most widely used methods of decarboxylation. However, it is quite far from the most scientific. Not only do different ovens generate different amounts of power, but they all fluctuate slightly throughout the cooking process.

This method requires the oven to be preheated as close to the desired temperature as possible.  Preheating will ensure there are minimal changes in temperature between the beginning and end of the decarbing process. It also requires you to monitor your cannabis while it’s cooking to prevent burning. This can usually be avoided if you’re more familiar with your appliance.

For this method, you will need a container for your cannabis such as a tray lined with parchment paper or tin foil and covered tightly with another sheet of foil on top. This helps stabilise the temperature as well as prevents scorching your herbs. You can also use an oven-proof mason jar to catch the tasty vapour and avoid excess waste. 

Top tip: by slightly crumbling your bottom layer of parchment or foil, you will create space between the hot baking tray and the herbs, which can prevent uneven heating and burning.

The cannabis has now been decarboxylated and ready for use in your favourite cannabis-infused recipe. 

cannabis decarboxylation with pressure cooker

This quick and easy method involves using a pressure cooker to heat the cannabis for decarboxylation. What’s great about this method is that it doesn’t require you to constantly monitor the temperature of the water. All you have to do is find an airtight, heat-proof container like a mason jar, break up your cannabis and let your pressure cooker do its thing.

Note: As pressure can build up inside the mason jar, make sure the lid is fitted on loosely. (finger tighten - turning a few times but not fully secured)

That’s it! Your cannabis has now been decarboxylated and ready for use.

Decarboxylation may seem intimidating at first, especially considering that there is very little hard evidence to back up the perfect time and temperature. The good news is it doesn’t take a scientist to do some DIY decarbing. Trial and error are the best way to find the method that works for you.

Once you have perfected your cannabis decarboxylation techniques, make sure you check out our 

 recipes for some cannabis-infused inspiration!

Cannabis decarboxylation is required in order to have any noticeable effects on humans. This article explains how decarboxylation works and some methods on decarbing at home.

Cannabis decarboxylation explained

Shatter is a cannabis concentrate that is often confused with similar varieties of concentrates. It looks a lot like fossilised amber and can easily break or “shatter” when handled. Aside from this characteristic for which it’s named, there are a few steps of processing that uniquely increase the shatter’s overall quality, flavour, and shelf-life.

Like other concentrates such as budder, crumble, vape juice, and wax, shatter begins as butane hash oil (BHO). Once all remaining solvents have been removed, you’re left with a product that’s heated into a golden purified 

 vapour. This is far more potent than the smoke of a dried flower. Many recreational and 

 consumers are turning to concentrates for this reason.  

Before diving into this new branch of cannabis culture, it’s worth keeping in mind that this form of cannabis is a bit too intense for some. It’s also important to be aware of how these extracts are made. Since the ingredients involved can be dangerous, it’s best to know your batch was made by a professional.

Shatter by definition has a smooth, molten glass-like consistency which snaps and breaks when handled. Shatter's texture is primarily what visually sets it apart from other concentrates. In chemical terms, the difference between shatter concentrate and others involves how the molecules are distributed and settled after extraction has taken place. 

the difference between shatter concentrate and others involves how the molecules are distributed and settled after extraction has taken place

With other concentrates such as wax and crumble, individual particles are jumbled together after extraction. This traps air between the particles and blocks light from reflecting through the final product. These types of processes result in a lighter and cloudier golden colour and softer textures which give the individual product types their different names.

In the case of shatter, the same molecules are manipulated in a way that doesn’t interfere with the more natural texture or consistency of the original extracted product. This allows the particles to bind together in neat, even layers.

Once the shatter is solidified, it has a rich golden colour similar to honey and a glass-like texture. Due to the uniformly-layered particles, this form of concentrate is more brittle than others. 

This chemical layering of molecules acts as a purification process that has earned shatter a place above other BHO concentrates. Shatter’s chemical composition allows it to be stored for longer periods of time. Although it is more distilled than other BHO concentrates, the effects of shatter are still largely similar to its concentrate cousins. 

Are there risks to solvent-based extraction methods?

Butane is a highly flammable solvent that is used to strip cannabis plants of their essential oils in an effort to isolate and preserve the plants’ vitamins, lipids, and cannabinoids. Other solvents such as CO2 and propane can also be used for this process, however, butane is the most commonly used. 

 allows the chemicals to evaporate, leaving the full spectrum of 

 and other healthy cannabinoids in their most pure and concentrated form. If done incorrectly, larger traces of chemical solvents can be found in the final product. For this reason, eating shatter is not advised.

These chemical solvents are dangerous to work with and should not be made by anyone but a professional. In large amounts, these can be toxic and have a serious effect on your health. 

Not only do you want to avoid the risk of dealing with potentially flammable compounds, but improper removal of residual solvents can pose a long-term risk.

Shatter is a form cannabis concentrate created by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Find out more on the extraction process and how shatter can be consumed. 

Cannabis Education

The Endocannabinoid System

CBD oil for dogs: Guide for Australian pet owners

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