Are you patiently waiting to make your own cannabis edibles – but 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!
Table of Contents
Article Features
- Quick and easy decarb process
- A way to significantly decrease the odor of cannabis
- Want to make it easy? Skip the hard work and have my best-selling premium Bliss Cannabutter delivered directly to your door. Now shipping across the US!
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, tricks, and fully answered FAQs.
What You’ll Need
- Instant Pot: There are many different Instant Pot models available. Just about anyone 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 for THC, CBD, or CBG-dominant flowers.
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 approximately 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot. This will depend on the size of your IP. You want the mason jars ¾ of the way covered with water. Add more water if needed. Do not add too much or go past the rims of the jar.
- Step 5 – Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 40 minutes for the THC flower, 60 minutes for the CBG flower, 90 minutes for the CBD flower, and 180 minutes for the THC flower you want to degrade into CBN.
- Step 6 – After your selected time in minutes has been completed, 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 dark, cool, dry place in an air-tight container for up to 6 months or even longer.
I’ve seen some people store it this way for several years.
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
- THCA → Δ9-THC – bake at 240°F/116°C for 40 minutes
- CBDA → CBD – bake at 240°F/116°C for 90 minutes
- CBGA → CBG – bake at 220°F/105°C for 60 minutes
- Δ9-THC → CBN – bake at 240°F/116°C 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.
Notes and Expert Tips
- Use dried cannabis to start for best results.
- Mason jars are the preferred container to use, but silicone works, too.
- You can use your desired amount of cannabis flower, ranging from 1 gram up to 2 ounces.
- Select your preference for THC, CBD, or CBG-dominant flowers.
- You can purchase them from your local dispensary or purchase hemp flower from my online shop here.
How to Decarb in an Instant Pot
Equipment
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 approximately 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot. This will depend on the size of your IP. You want the mason jars ¾ of the way covered with water. Add more water if needed. Do not add too much or go past the rims of the jar.
- 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.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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.
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.
More Articles You Will Love
Articles & How-To Guides
Easy Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Decarboxylation
Articles & How-To Guides
How to Decarb Kief & Make Edibles
Articles & How-To Guides
How To Use Just Decarbed Cannabis in Edibles
CBD Guides & Recipes
What do I do if my jars start to float before the 3/4 mark?
Great question, Joann! If your jars start to float before the 3/4 mark, you can gently weigh them down with something heat-safe, like a silicone trivet or a small ramekin. This will help keep them in place during the process. Happy decarbing!
How to decar bubble hash in an instapot? Is it the same as flour? Thanks, brian nolting
Hi Brian! You can absolutely follow the same process for bubble hash. Happy decarbing!
Hi,
I’ve also used my insta pot to decarb for edibles, but this time I’m attempting to make infused body butter. I’d like to know what the temp & time table is for Shake or trim. I’d like it to be potent for pain relief. The indica strain I have is Purple Sherbet (28% THC). I intend to infuse coconut oil after decarbing. Aside from time/temp, can I decarb multiple jars at once, how much shake in each jar?
Hi Donna! That sounds like an exciting project! For shake or trim, everything remains the same, aiming for a temperature of around 240°F (115°C) for about 40 minutes should yield desirable results.
Yes, you can decarb multiple jars at once, just make sure they aren’t overcrowded, so the heat can circulate properly.
As for the amount of shake in each jar, a good rule of thumb is to fill the jar no more than ¾ full to allow for expansion and ensure an even decarb.
Happy infusing, and I hope your body butter provides the pain relief you’re looking for!
Dear Emily
My pint jar will not stay up right in the insta pot. They want to float. What do I do to solve this matter. Thank you
Cher henry
Hi Cher. Here are some tips to help:
– Weight the Jars: Keep them submerged by placing a heat-safe object like a trivet on top.
– Reduce Water Level: Use just enough water to reach halfway up the jars to prevent floating.
– Use Silicone Bands: Secure silicone bands around the jars for extra weight and stability.
– Add More Jars: Filling the space with more jars can distribute pressure and prevent floating.
Hope these tips improve your decarbing! Happy cooking!
It really works and allows you to grind the results to a fine powder for fudge and baking.
Thank you for your sharing Margo. We love hearing the experiences of our readers and our readers appreciate it too!
I have been using the Insta pot for Decarboxylation & infusions. My issue has to do with Decarboxylation time to convert THCA to THC with the Time set to 40 minutes at High Press.
I got distracted and didn’t get back to the Insta pot for over an hour. At that time I discovered that the Keep Warm button had not been deselected. I don’t know what temp is when Keep Warm is on
I’m worried that the conversion was to long & I have created CBG rather than THC.
Any ideas?
Hi Robert. The “Keep Warm” function typically maintains a temperature much lower than what’s required for decarboxylation, which means the THC didn’t continue to convert at the full rate. The extended time may have impacted the potency or quality slightly, but not hugely unless it was left for hours. I suggest to carefully monitor the effects of this batch compared to previous ones. If anything, you’ll have more CBN which creates a bit more sleepier effects.
I read that the instant pot gets up to 250 degrees. How can that work for decarboxylating for THC? I thought it was 240 for 40. Thanks for clarifying!
Hi Farrah. You’re correct that the typical temperature for decarboxylating THC is around 240°F for about 40 minutes. The Instant Pot can reach up to 250°F, which is slightly above the optimal decarboxylation temperature. However, this slight increase in temperature will effectively decarboxylate your cannabis without degrading the THC, as long as you closely monitor the time. Hope this helps!
Can you do this with Kief?
How much would you have and would the temp be different?
Can’t wait to try this!
Absolutely, CJ! Using kief for your infusion can be a fantastic choice. The amount you use may vary based on how much you have, but the temp and and time would be the same. Here’s a guide for decarbing Kief specifically. Enjoy your decarb journey! 🌿
I have a 80grams of more THC type flower. Can I decarb half at 40 min then the other half at 180min to get more CBN?
Then mix it together when infusing?
I’m using the pressure cooker and Mason jar method.
Last time made it,I went 45min. The cannaoil I made was very potent. But it did little to releave pain.
Hey there, Rob! Decarbing half for 40 minutes for THC activation and the other half for 180 minutes for CBN conversion and then mixing them together for the infusion sounds like a great approach. Remember, potency doesn’t always correlate with pain relief, so adjusting the cannabinoid profile and ratio could make all the difference. Keep up the exploration and let us know how it turns out! 🌿
Hello, I followed the recipe and overall it went well and I like this method more than using the oven, but I did get some moisture in the jars. Should I have tightened them more? Or other solution? I let them dry several minutes in front of a fireplace and it helped but not sure of the impact. Thank you for your thoughts and guidance 🙂
Hi Tara. The lids should only be finger tight and it is likely the moisture isn’t from the water, but rather the moisture from the flower that tried evaporating out during decarb. I like to leave my flower sitting out to dry prior to decarb to prevent this from happening. Happy decarbing!
Does the amount of water change based on the size of the instant pot? Or does 4 cups work for all sizes?
Hi John. The amount of water can vary depending on the size of the instant pot. Ultimately, you want to make sure you have enough water so the jar is submerged halfway, but not floating. I hope this helps!
Hi! Using the standard oven method, you can create a CBD result by decarbing a THC flower for a longer period of time. Can this be accomplished in an IP? If so, how long should I cook it? Thanks in advance!
Hi there, Tereigh. You cannot create CBD by decarbing THC flower for a longer period of time, just CBN. You need CBDA present to decarb and achieve CBD. Therefore, no, this will not work in an IP. Unless you are trying to go for CBN, in which case 180 minutes is the recommended time 🙂
When decarbing THC can I do a natural pressure release or will that turn it in to CBN?
Hi Mike. During the extended time it takes for natural pressure release, the THC will continue converting, but not fully to CBN. You’ll experience some conversion, but not all. Honestly, it may be minimal and worth experimenting with to see how you like the final results.
hi! I have some leftover shake from a grow a few years back. Not sure what the dominant flower is, how long should I decarb?
Hi Mimi. Do you typically grow CBD or THC? I would decarb based on that. 😊
I need help 🙂 I have tried this method x2 and my bud is coming out incredibly dark, burnt looking. The first time was 1.5 grams and the 2nd was 3.5 grams. (I would assume using such a small amount the first time could explain the dark color)
My product usually has smallish buds, so I only broke down the larger ones so they were pretty uniform, compared to your photos, I would say my buds are smaller than popcorn size. I did not use the grinder, I used my hands.
I have an instant pot duo, and used high pressure for 40 min. Once the 40 min elapsed, I vented and then opened the cover. Both instances the bud turned out very very dark brown, much darker than I usually get in the oven. Is this okay? I would hope it will be okay since I know the instant pot temperature should not have surpassed 240 degrees fahrenheit
Hey there Tootie,
I’m really sorry to hear that your first couple of attempts at decarbing didn’t turn out as expected. It can be a bit tricky to get right, especially when you’re just starting out. But don’t worry, we’ll figure this out together!
Firstly, it sounds like you’re doing everything right in terms of the amount of bud and the size of the pieces. However, using an Instant Pot can be a little different than traditional stovetop methods. The pressure cooking might be causing the bud to darken more than usual.
While a darker color doesn’t necessarily mean your flower won’t work, it could indicate that your bud is getting a bit overheated, which might affect the taste or potency. Remember, we’re aiming for a light to medium brown color, similar to toasted spices.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Reduce the cooking time: Try reducing the cooking time to 30 minutes instead of 40. This might help prevent the bud from getting too dark.
2. Try a Natural Release: Instead of venting immediately after the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally. This slower cooling process might help protect your bud from sudden temperature changes that could cause it to darken.
3. Monitor the Temperature: While the Instant Pot shouldn’t surpass 240 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s still a good idea to monitor the temperature if you can. This will help ensure it’s not getting too hot.
Remember, making edibles is part science and part art. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the method that works best for you. But don’t get discouraged! With a bit of patience and persistence, I’m confident you’ll get it.
Please let me know how it goes if you decide to give it another try. I’m here to help if you have any more questions or concerns!
Thank you for this awesome recipe. I have been using a pressure cooker to decarb my thc flower for a few years and I don’t know how I ended up picking a 30 minute cook time. I make canna butter and have had good results. Question: will increasing my time to 40 minutes result in a better thc canna butter, stronger result? Thank you
Hi Scott. With 30 minutes decarb time, it is not likely that all the cannabinoids have converted. Adding another 10 minutes to that, for a total of 40 minutes, will increase the conversion of cannabinoids resulting in a better, stronger cannabutter. Happy infusing!
A heads up and a question. I screwed up and it’s my bad. I wanted to decarb both Thc and cbd dominant flower. Using the instant pot, I put in the four cups of water and ran the forty minute decar process for t h c. Can I let the machine cool for a while, added about another cup and a 1/2 of water and put the CBD flower in, and stupidly set it for a 180 minutes (thc-cbn) rather than the 90 it should have been. 4+ cups is apparently not enough for 180 min and I may have killed my IP ( I won’t say what happened so as to not scare off any IP lovers). SO…can I use the overdone cbd to make anything or have I wasted some of my grow?
Hi Marilyn. I’m sorry to hear about your mishap with the decarbing process. It’s hard to say how potent your flower is without lab results, so experimenting is essential, if you want to know the effects. It is likely that you have mostly CBN, but with the extended time, some may have burned off completely. I’m not sure of the remaining benefits for using in edibles at this point, but it’s definitely worth trying as a topical! Let us know what you try. I’d love to hear the results. Good luck!
First, your website is an invaluable tool for beginners in the up-and-coming home cannabis prep, cooking, and information I never thought I would need! Thanks for this. My question is how to effectively clean the insta pot after decarb. Do you only use your pot for decarbing (probably) or do you perhaps have a best method for cleaning to eliminate the lingering smell?
Hi LT. Cleaning your Instant Pot after decarbing can indeed be a little tricky due to the lingering smell. One effective method is to wash the removable inner pot, lid, and sealing ring with warm, soapy water. It’s also safe to put these parts in the dishwasher for most machines. For the sealing ring, which tends to hold onto odors, you might want to consider having a separate one specifically for cannabis cooking. Lastly, running a steam-clean cycle with vinegar or lemon water can also help neutralize any remaining odors. I hope this helps. Enjoy your culinary experiments!
Thank you, this is a great method for a larger amount of weed.
Hi Ken. Thank you for your feedback. Your kind words and support mean so much to us!
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.😉 Thanks.
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!
This sounds awesome. I have a ninja foodi, will this process be the same?
Hi Nathan. Yes, the process is the same. Happy Decarbing!
I have an 8qt instant pot and 4 cups of water doesn’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 didn’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.
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!
Great article! Do my flowers need to be dry before I put them through the process? They’ve been hanging a few days so far.
Hi Melissa. We recommend fully drying and curing your cannabis prior to decarbing and using it for edibles. Without drying, the product will contain extra moisture, which can throw off your recipes. Without curing, the cannabis will have a strong plant/hay taste. Curing helps finish off buds, improving their taste and smell as the chlorophyll breaks down and removes the freshly cut lawn/hay-like odor and taste: the less chlorophyll, the better tasting the final product. I hope this helps!
Hi I love this site and what you do! I also love the dairy free recipes and option and I can’t wait to try this with flower, but I did want to ask if there’s a way to adapt this method to use concentrate like live resin?
Hi Mona! It makes us so happy that you find our site resourceful! ? We haven’t experimented with the decarboxylation of concentrates in an Instant Pot. The jar that concentrates usually come in are too small for a water bath and most likely not rated for pressure cooking. If you figure out a technique, let us know!
Great post! I added 4 cups of water however with the use of a trivet the jar now sits outside of the water. This could be due the size of my one pot. Should there be enough water to come in contact with the jar? If so, by how much, 1 inch?
Hi Chrystal. There should be enough water to reach about halfway up the jar, but not too much water that causes the jar to float.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe. I only have 2 questions. #1 When using a trivet/basket, which is best, silicone or metal? #2 Could the product be used immediately or should I let it rest, after cooling? Thank you so much.
Hi Vicky. You can use either silicone or metal trivet/basket and you can use your decarbed product immediately, but you will need to wait a few minutes for the jar to cool down enough to be handled. Happy Decarbing! ?
I use coconut oil instead of butter and I want a very sleepy product. I put it in a brownie and take it at bedtime. How long should I Decarb it for
Hi John. You’ll want to decarb your THC-dominant flower at 240º for 180 minutes. This process converts THC to CBN, which is known as the “sleepy” cannabinoid. You can read more about CBN here: Sleepy CBN Oil Recipe + What is Cannabinol (CBN)
Can I use two 4 ounce canning jars instead of one larger one?
Hi Jessie. Absolutely! Make sure to leave a little space on top for air flow. ?
I love your instant pot technique and use it all the time. I’d like to switch from flower to THCa Diamonds due to the cleaner taste/smell and for better dosage control.
Do you have any experience decarbing THCa diamonds in an instant pot?
Hi Andrew. We haven’t experimented with the decarboxylation of concentrates in an instant pot. If you experiment, let us know how it goes! ☺️
I cannot find anywhere on the Instant Pot site what the temperatures are for the various settings on the IP (low-medium-high) I’m concerned about losing terpenes etc using the IP to decarb. Do you have any more details please?
Hi catmum. Here are approximate temperatures for the various settings on the Instant Pot, but may vary by model.
Sauté: 212°F to 400°F (100°C to 200°C)
Low: 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C)
Medium: 212°F to 220°F (100°C to 105°C)
High: 239°F to 244°F (115°C to 118°C)
Pressure Cook: 240°F to 250°F (115°C to 121°C)
Yogurt: 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C)
Warm: 145°F to 165°F (63°C to 74°C)
Keep Warm: 145°F (63°C)
I hope this helps!
Can you use this method to decarb wax for edibles? Would I just put the little jar inside the mason jar and follow the rest of the directions?
Hi Jay. We haven’t experimented with the decarboxylation of concentrates in an instant pot. I don’t think you could use the jar the concentrates usually come in because they’re probably not rated for pressure cooking. The jar may be too small for a water bath as well. If you experiment, let us know how it goes! ☺️
Greetings.
Most calculators tell us that there is about 10% loss of potency when the thc is decarbed. If AI continue cooking to get CBN is there any further loss or can I rely on the 10% to still be accurate?
Good Morning Steve. The 10% loss is still accurate with CBN conversion.
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?
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.
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?
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.
What size mason jar did you use I have 6quart trying to figure out what oz size I need
Hi Shane. 16oz pint-size jars are perfect.
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,
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!
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
Hi Sarah! Yes, it is okay to decarb flower that has been ground up. ?
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.
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 🙂
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.
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 🙂
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 🙂
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!
Very good post. Keep out the good work.
Thank you so much, Patricia!
How long would you decarb trim ?
Kristen, 40 minutes for THC dominant flower, 90 minutes for CBD dominant flower 🙂