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    Home » Articles & How-To Guides

    How To Decarb In An Instant Pot » No Smell Method!

    Published: Sep 11, 2021 · Modified: Nov 28, 2022 · Written by Emily Kyle · This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    4.8 from 61 votes
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    Graphic stating how to decarb in an instant pot, no smell method with a image of an instant pot and two mason jars

    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!

    Graphic stating how to decarb in an instant pot, no smell method with a image of an instant pot and two mason jars
    Table of Contents Expand
    1. Features
    2. Why You Will Love This Method
    3. Stock Your Canna Kitchen
    4. Equipment Notes
    5. The Step-by-Step Process
    6. Storage Instructions
    7. Choose The Right Decarb Time
    8. How To Use In Edibles
    9. Notes and Expert Tips
    10. Frequently Asked Questions
    11. More Decarb Articles You Will Love

    Features

    • Decreases odor significantly
    • A quick and easy process
    • No special equipment needed aside from the IP
    • Want to decarb AND infuse right in the same jars? Check out this simple guide for making cannabutter or oil in an Instant Pot.

    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.


    Stock Your Canna Kitchen

    A picture of Emily Kyle's Bliss Cannabutter.

    Skip the hard work and have perfectly dosed, delicious, pure Bliss Cannabutter delivered directly to your door! Shop Now →


    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. I’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.

    • THCA to THC → bake at 240° F for 40 minutes
    • CBDA to CBD → bake at 240°F for 90 minutes
    • CBGA to CBG → bake at 220°F for 60 minutes
    • THC to CBN→ bake at 240°F 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.

    How to Determine The Dosing

    Want to get a more accurate guesstimate of the potency of your cannabis infusions and extractions? Try our popular edibles calculator!

    Not sure what your perfect dose is? Learn more here.

    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.

    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
    A picture of Emily Kyle in a cannabis garden.

    Join thousands of like-minded cannabis lovers from across the world inside a censor-free forum where you can explore the health benefits of cannabis and truly learn what it means to live Well With Cannabis →

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    Edibles made easy course mockup

    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.

    Learn more and enroll today →

    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

    Author: Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP
    4.79 from 61 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.
    Print This Guide Pin for Later

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Trivet
    • Mason Jar

    What You Need
      

    • 3.5 ounces cannabis flower, buds, trim, or kief

    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. 
    • 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!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kristen

      June 01, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      How long would you decarb trim ?

    2. Emily Kyle

      June 01, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      Kristen, 40 minutes for THC dominant flower, 90 minutes for CBD dominant flower 🙂

    3. Patricia Sarisky

      July 30, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      Very good post. Keep out the good work.

    4. Emily Kyle

      July 31, 2022 at 3:47 am

      Thank you so much, Patricia!

    5. Kasey

      August 23, 2022 at 9:24 am

      Will using my instant pot to decarb cannabis make my ring stink, or affect future meals taste? As lots of instant pot users have experienced, for some meals you need different rings so that your banana bread doesn't end up tasting like Indian food! Wondering if the canna will be string enough to make me want to have a new ring handy 🙂

    6. Emily Kyle

      August 23, 2022 at 11:08 am

      Hey Kasey 🙂 I personally have not noticed a strong taste or smell left on the ring - especially when using a mason jar. I hope this is the same experience for you!

    7. Jen

      October 04, 2022 at 7:46 am

      How do you know if you've overcooked your buds? My pressure cooker allows me to choose 12 psi as the highest setting, and I wasn't sure whether to choose 12, or 10.5...the buds were a little dark when decarbed (used 12), so I'm hoping I didn't ruin them.

    8. Emily Kyle

      October 04, 2022 at 10:33 am

      Hey Jen! A little color change is normal, going from green to light or dark brown is OK. I don't think you would have ruined them 🙂

    9. T_T

      December 30, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      If you recall, when breaking it up after decarboxylating was it super brittle and not sticky or would you say moderately brittle while still getting your fingers a little sticky? I did 3.5g in a 4oz mason and am not sure it's done enough because I expected it to be more browned and less sticky.

    10. Emily Kyle

      December 31, 2022 at 11:29 pm

      Hello T_T. I have never broken the flower up after the decarb process, only before. However, I don't base my decarb success on the color change; I just trust the time and temperature to take care of the process 🙂

    11. Sarah

      January 01, 2023 at 11:26 am

      I already grounded my bud. Will it be ok? I mean I feel like it should be in theory but you definitely have more experience in the decarboxilating area than I. TIA

    12. Renée from Team EKN

      January 03, 2023 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Sarah! Yes, it is okay to decarb flower that has been ground up. 😊

    13. Chanel

      January 16, 2023 at 3:34 am

      Hello!

      If using this method to decarb kief should the pressure cooking time be shortened?

      Same when using less cannabis, should a lower quantity have a shorter cook time, or does that not apply since its an instant pot ( like when cooking rice, the time doesn't change based on the amount of rice)

      Thank you!
      Best,

    14. Renée from Team EKN

      January 17, 2023 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Chanel. For kief, 30-35 minutes of decarb time is good. Regardless of the amount of cannabis used, cook time remains the same.
      Here is Emily's guide on decarbing kief: https://emilykylenutrition.com/how-to-make-edibles-with-kief/ I hope this helps!

    15. Shane Lucas

      January 31, 2023 at 4:16 pm

      What size mason jar did you use I have 6quart trying to figure out what oz size I need

    16. Renée from Team EKN

      February 01, 2023 at 9:42 am

      Hi Shane. 16oz pint-size jars are perfect.

    17. Heidi

      February 06, 2023 at 3:50 pm

      We’ve been working to decarb our buds in the instapot and traditionally do it on high pressure for 40 mins. Is there a “rule” against re-doing or adding additional time if you think it’s necessary?

    18. Renée from Team EKN

      February 07, 2023 at 11:58 am

      Hi Heidi. There is no rule to follow. If you feel your bud isn't decarbed enough, feel free to run for extra time. If anything, you will have more of a sleepy effect from your final product.

    19. Nicole

      March 12, 2023 at 4:21 pm

      Hello,
      My instant pot took all but 10 minutes of the cooking time before the timer started. So it was actually only under pressure for 10 minutes. Is the 30 minutes prior still working the process? Or do I need to decarb for 40 minutes under pressure?

    20. Renée from Team EKN

      March 13, 2023 at 2:39 pm

      Hi Nicole. How long did it take to build up pressure before the cooking time started? Is there a change in the color of your buds? You'll want a little color change, going from green to light or dark brown. You can always run another decarb cycle if you don't think it did enough. Worse thing to happen is it becomes a little more sleepier of a product.

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