Are you patiently waiting to make your own cannabis edibles – but are worried about the smell? Try decarbing in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker! This method keeps odor to a minimum, is super simple to set up, and requires no special equipment. Plus, you can move on to the infusion process directly after, if you want. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get decarbing!

Why You Will Love This Method

If you want to make your own edibles, one of the first steps in the process is decarboxylation to activate CBD or THC.

The traditional method of decarbing involves baking cannabis in a regular kitchen oven, but the strong smell may be too overwhelming for some people.

Decarbing cannabis in an Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and effective method to achieve decarboxylation – without the odor.

The odor becomes trapped when decarbing in the Instant Pot, leaving less smell for you and a more enjoyable decarb process for everyone overall.

My Well With Cannabis Community is always seeking new ways to effectively decarb their cannabis, and this method has been tried and true, with many happy members loving this process.

This guide will discuss how to decarb cannabis using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, along with some expert notes, tips, and tricks, and fully answered FAQs.


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Equipment Notes

  • Instant Pot: There are many different Instant Pot models available. Just about any one will work, you just need the high-pressure setting.
  • Trivet or Steamer Basket: To hold the mason jars upright inside the pot. You need a trivet or a steamer basket, but not both.
  • Mason Jars: To hold the cannabis and keep it dry. Pint-sized jars are perfect.
  • Cannabis flowers: Use your desired amount of cannabis flower, shake, trim, or kief – ranging from 1 gram up to 2 ounces or more. Select your preference of THC, CBD, or CBG dominant flowers. If needed, you can purchase them from your local dispensary or from my online shop here.

Note: a complete list of ingredients with amounts and printable instructions is located in the recipe card below.

The Step-by-Step Process

  • Step 1 – Place your desired amount of cannabis in a mason jar and add a lid to fingertip tightness (not too tight). You do not need to grind the cannabis, just break it up into small, popcorn-sized pieces.
  • Step 2 – Place the jar on the trivet or in the steamer basket.
  • Step 3 – Place the trivet or basket in the Instant Pot.
  • Step 4 – Add 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
  • Step 5 – Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 40 minutes for THC-dominant flower, 60 minutes for CBG-dominant flower, 90 minutes for CBD-dominant flower, and 180 minutes for THC flower you want to degrade into CBN.
  • Step 6 – After your selected time in minutes, carefully, manually release the pressure.
  • Step 7 – Remove the jars and set them aside to cool.
  • Step 8 – Your decarbed flower is now ready to use! Find many different ways to use it below.

Note: complete step-by-step printable instructions are located in the recipe card below.

Storage Instructions

Store decarbed cannabis in a cool, dry place in an air-tight container for up to 6 months, or even longer. Iโ€™ve seen some people store it for several years this way.

A picture of a white counter top with an instant pot in the background focusing on a mason jar of cannabis flowers on a trivet

Choose The Right Decarb Time

Each cannabinoid decarboxylates at a different temperature, so it’s important to select the appropriate time based on the flower you have.

Use this guide to select the decarb time that is right for you.

Decarb Times

  1. THCA โ†’ ฮ”9-THC – bake at 240ยฐF/116ยฐC for 40 minutes
  2. CBDA โ†’ CBD – bake at 240ยฐF/116ยฐC for 90 minutes
  3. CBGA โ†’ CBG – bake at 220ยฐF/105ยฐC for 60 minutes
  4. ฮ”9-THC โ†’ CBN – bake at 240ยฐF/116ยฐC for 180 minutes

How To Use In Edibles

Once you have decarbed your cannabis, it is ready to use in many different ways.

The most simple way is to add ground, decarbed cannabis straight to recipes like a herb or spice, like salt or pepper.

One of the most simple recipes using cannabis this way is the firecracker, but you can also add decarbed cannabis straight to brownies, or savory recipes like ranch dressing.

You can also take this process one step further and infuse the cannabis into butter or oil using the Instant Pot.

Determine The Dose

Want to get a more accurate guesstimate of the potency of your cannabis infusions and extractions? Try my popular edibles dosage calculator. Not sure what your perfect dose is? Learn more here.

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Notes and Expert Tips

  • Use dried, non-decarbed, cannabis to start.
  • Mason jars are the preferred container to decarb cannabis in.
  • You can use your desired amount of cannabis flower, ranging from 1 gram up to 2 ounces.
  • Select your preference of THC, CBD, or CBG dominant flowers.
  • You can purchase them from your local dispensary or purchase hemp flower from my online shop here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Decarbing cannabis in an Instant Pot can be brand new to even the most seasoned cannabis consumer, so here are some of the most common FAQs I get asked about decarbing cannabis in an Instant Pot from my Well With Cannabis Community.

How well does this method mask the smell while decarbing?

Decarbing in an Instant Pot produces significantly less than other traditional methods. You will barely be able to smell it, which is why so many people love it!

How long will the decarbed cannabis stay good for?

At least 6 months in a cool, dry place in an air-tight container. I’ve heard of it being stored for up to several years in the freezer. Just know that aged cannabis can cause THC to degrade into CBN.

What are some ideas on how to use decarbed cannabis?

You can use it in many different ways! You can turn it into cannabutter or any type of cannabis oil and use it in so many different recipes.

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More Decarb Articles You Will Love

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Take your edibles to the next level…

My Edibles Made Easy Online Cooking Course will teach you how to easily make cannabis edibles and topical recipes at home. This step-by-step video course will teach you how to infuse, extract, and create edibles with many different product types – all from the comfort of your own home.

A picture of a white counter top with an instant pot in the background focusing on a mason jar of cannabis flowers on a trivet

How to Decarb in an Instant Pot

4.78 from 72 votes
Decarbing in an Instant Pot keeps odor to a minimum, is super simple to set up, and requires no extra special equipment. Plus, you can move on to the infusion process directly after, if you want.

What You Need  

Instructions 

  • Place your desired amount of cannabis in a mason jar and add a lid to fingertip tightness (not too tight). You do not need to grind the cannabis, just break it up into small, popcorn-sized pieces.
  • Place the jar on the trivet or in the steamer basket and place the trivet or basket in the Instant Pot.
  • Add 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot.ย 
  • Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 40 minutes for THC-dominant flower, 60 minutes for CBG-dominant flower, 90 minutes for CBD-dominant flower, and 180 minutes for THC flower you want to degrade into CBN.
  • After your selected time, carefully release the pressure.
  • Remove the jars from the pot and set them aside to cool.
  • Your decarbed flower is now ready to use. Move on to the infusion process or find many different ways to use it in the post above.
Do you have a question or need help?Join hundreds of members inside private Well With Cannabis Community for help, support, and to share your edible creations!

About Emily

Hi, I’m Emily Kyle and I teach people just like you how to use cannabis to find joy, enhance productivity, improve relationships, and naturally support your overall health and wellness.

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Recipe Rating




48 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have an 8qt instant pot and 4 cups of water doesnโ€™t even cover the bottom. The first time I used this recipe, I filled to halfway up the pint sized mason jar and the jar started floating. I took enough out so it didnโ€™t float and it was only about 1/4 of the way up the jar. Both ways my cannabis still decarbed and allowed me to make delicious, potent edibles.

  2. Hi Jessica. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us! It’s great to hear that despite a bit of a hiccup with the water level, you were still able to successfully decarb your cannabis and make some potent edibles. Sometimes you have to improvise and adjust on the fly!

    It’s important for our readers to know that the water level can vary depending on the size of the Instant Pot and the size of the mason jar you’re using. The key is to ensure the jar doesn’t float and that it’s not touching the bottom of the pot directly to prevent cracking due to heat.

    Thank you again for your feedback. It’s really helpful for our readers who may encounter similar issues. If you try any other recipes or techniques, don’t hesitate to share your experiences. Happy cooking!

  3. Hi. I’m considering decarbing my flower to CBN but am concerned about leaving my pressure cooker on High for 3 hrs. Tried googling how long is safe but just gives me info for Crock-Pot temps. Just want to make sure I have the info correct before I attempt this. Afraid of explosions.๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks.

  4. Hi Anya. I understand your concern about leaving your pressure cooker on high for an extended period of time while decarbing your flower. Safety is always a top priority, and it’s essential to have accurate information before attempting any cooking method. I couldn’t find specific information regarding how long is too long for a pressure cooker, so I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer directly. I wish I had more information to provide, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek guidance from the manufacturer. Stay safe and enjoy your cooking adventures!

  5. Hi Ken. Thank you for your feedback. Your kind words and support mean so much to us!