The idea of microwaving weed has been debated for years. Some claim it’s a quick way to dry cannabis, others believe it enhances potency, and some smokers swear that putting a blunt in the microwave makes it burn better.
But what does microwaving weed do in reality? Does it actually improve your cannabis experience, or are you just wasting good flower?
Curious about the claims, I personally tested these methods to see whether microwaving weed is worth it. After multiple trials, I can confidently say: it’s not the best idea. The results were inconsistent at best and completely ruined the weed at worst.
This guide explains exactly what happens when you put weed in the microwave, the potential risks, and better alternatives for drying, decarbing, and preparing cannabis.
Why Do People Microwave Weed?
People attempt to microwave weed for three main reasons:
1. Quick Drying
If weed is too fresh or sticky, some believe a weed microwave trick can dry it out instantly.
2. Decarboxylation
THC is only psychoactive after heat exposure, and some think microwaving can activate it faster for edibles.
3. Improving a Blunt or Joint
Some smokers claim a microwave joint before smoking burns slower and smoother.
While each idea has some logic behind it, the effectiveness of microwaving cannabis is questionable. After personally testing these claims, the results were underwhelming—and in some cases, completely ruined the weed.
Does Putting Weed in the Microwave Make You More High?
Theory
One common belief is that microwaving weed enhances potency by activating more THC, leading to a stronger high. The idea is that heating the cannabis releases more cannabinoids, making it more psychoactive.
Reality
Through multiple tests, I found that microwaving does not make weed stronger—it actually does the opposite.
- THC begins to degrade at 300°F, and microwaves often exceed this temperature in certain spots.
- Uneven heating can burn off cannabinoids, reducing potency instead of increasing it.
- Microwaving too long ruins terpenes, which contribute to the entourage effect that enhances the high.
Verdict: Microwaving Weed Will NOT Get You Higher
If anything, microwaving can weaken your weed rather than making it stronger. If you want a better high, focus on proper decarboxylation and using high-quality strains.
What Does Microwaving Weed Do?
1. Does Microwaving Weed Dry It Out?
Theory
The idea is that microwaves heat water molecules inside the cannabis, causing moisture to evaporate quickly, drying the bud.
Reality
When I tested this method with freshly picked and slightly damp buds, the results were far from ideal:
- Uneven Drying – The outside was crisp and brittle, while the inside remained moist and sticky.
- Loss of Terpenes – The bud lost its aroma and flavor, making it taste harsh and unpleasant.
- Overheating Risk – Just a few extra seconds in the microwave led to burnt, unusable weed.
Verdict: Avoid Microwaving Weed for Drying
Microwaving cannabis is not an effective way to dry it. It damages the terpenes and creates an uneven texture, negatively affecting the smoking experience.
Best Alternative for Drying Weed
Instead of microwaving, try:
- Air-drying the buds naturally in a dark, cool space for a few hours.
- Oven drying at 200°F (93°C) for 10-15 minutes for a controlled and even drying process.
2. Can You Decarboxylate Weed in the Microwave?
Theory
Decarboxylation is the process of converting THCA into THC, making cannabis psychoactive. Since heat is required, some believe microwaving weed can quickly decarb cannabis for edibles.
Reality
When I microwaved ground cannabis to see if it could effectively decarb, I ran into several major problems:
- Uneven Activation – Some areas were visibly burnt, while others remained unchanged.
- Lost Potency – THC starts degrading above 300°F, and microwaves often exceed this temperature in certain spots.
- Weaker Edibles – The final infused product was less effective, meaning THC had been wasted.
Verdict: Do Not Microwave Weed for Decarboxylation
Microwaving is not a reliable method for decarbing weed. The inconsistent heat damages THC, leaving you with less potent edibles.
Best Alternative for Decarbing Weed
For proper decarboxylation, use an oven:
- Set the temperature to 220-240°F (104-115°C).
- Bake cannabis for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- For precision, use a sous-vide method or a dedicated decarb device.
Effects of Microwaving Weed
Microwaving weed can cause several negative effects, including:
1. Loss of Potency
THC begins breaking down at 300°F, and microwaves often exceed this temperature, destroying valuable cannabinoids.
2. Uneven Heating
Microwaves heat substances inconsistently, so some parts of your weed overheat while others stay raw, leading to wasted cannabinoids.
3. Ruined Flavor and Harsh Smoke
Terpenes, which give cannabis its flavor and aroma, are sensitive to heat. Microwaving weed burns off terpenes quickly, leaving it tasteless and harsh.
4. Fire Hazard
If you microwave a blunt in the microwave with metallic elements, sparks and fire hazards become a real risk.
My Experience Microwaving Weed
I tested all three claims—drying, decarbing, and improving a blunt’s burn—to see if microwaving weed actually works. The results were disappointing:
- Microwaving did dry out fresh weed, but unevenly—the outside burned while the inside stayed damp.
- Decarbing in a microwave destroyed THC rather than activating it.
- A blunt in the microwave didn’t improve the burn, and overdoing it made the wrap brittle.
After multiple tests, it’s clear that microwaving weed is an unreliable method that can ruin potency, flavor, and burn quality.
Final Verdict: Should You Microwave Weed?
If you’re wondering what does microwaving weed do, the answer is: not much good. It’s not an effective method for drying, decarbing, or improving a blunt.
The risks outweigh the benefits, and there are better, more reliable ways to prepare cannabis.
Best Alternatives to Microwaving Weed
If you need to dry, decarb, or fix your weed, here’s what actually works:
- For drying: Air-dry your weed naturally or bake it at 200°F for 10-15 minutes.
- For decarbing: Use an oven at 220-240°F for 30-40 minutes.
- For fixing a blunt: Use a humidity pack or rehydrate with a damp paper towel.
Microwaving weed may sound like a shortcut, but it’s not worth ruining your bud.
