Boiling Weed: Myths and Realities of Getting High

Curious about whether you can boil weed to get high? It’s a question that often pops up in discussions around cannabis use and preparation methods. While it’s a tempting idea, science tells us that boiling weed through water won’t achieve the desired psychoactive effects. Let's dive into the science behind this, explore the correct ways to prepare weed, and clarify some common misconceptions.

Understanding THC and Its Properties

The active psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, is a lipid soluble substance. This means that it isn’t easily soluble in water. When you mix oil and water, the oil does not mix with water; instead, it separates. This is because THC is hydrophobic—it repels water and is more inclined to mix with fats.

The Boiling Myth and Science Behind It

So, can you boil weed and get high? The answer is no. Boiling water at 212°F (100°C) at standard pressure is not enough to activate the THC. For THC to become psychoactive, it needs to go through a process called decarboxylation, which typically requires temperatures around 250°F (121°C).

Infusing THC Through Lipid Substances

Since THC is lipid soluble, it can be effectively infused into a variety of fat-based substances. These are the common ones used for infusing THC:

Butter Olive oil Coconut oil Milk Peanut butter

The saturated fats in these substances will absorb THC more effectively than unsaturated fats. For instance, butter is a popular choice for making cannabutter, which is regularly used in edibles like cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.

Common Misconceptions and Realities

Realistically, there are several reasons why boiling weed in water won’t work:

No activation of THC: Boiling at 212°F does not reach the necessary temperature to activate the THC. Abuse of the plant: Boiling weed in water would effectively waste the plant material, which could have been smoked or vaped for a more direct high. Ineffective use of the compound: THC needs to be bound to a fat-based carrier to be absorbed into the body, which boiling in water cannot achieve.

Recipe: Making Cannabutter

If you're looking for a better method to get high from weed, making cannabutter is an excellent choice. Here’s a simple recipe:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add your desired amount of ground cannabis and stir gently. Continue to simmer for about 30-45 minutes, ensuring that you don’t let the mixture come to a boil to avoid burning it. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar to remove any residue and debris. Let it cool and store in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

While boiling weed in water won’t get you high, there are viable and effective methods to prepare THC for ingestion. Making cannabutter or using it in cooking is a proven way to enjoy the psychoactive effects of THC. It's always crucial to follow safe and effective practices to make the most of your cannabis consumption.