Raw

Raw cannabis flower refers to buds that have been harvested and dried but not heated, cured or otherwise processed. Raw flower maintains the plant's full spectrum of essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA, the natural biochemical form before decarboxylation into THC and CBD. Consuming raw flower allows ingestion of these compounds.

Raw cannabis can be juiced and blended into smoothies, allowing consumption of unique health benefits absent in traditional activated, decarboxylated cannabis that has been heated. However, raw cannabis is non-psychoactive since the THCA has not converted to THC. Heating triggers decarboxylation and brings out the intended therapeutic effects recreational consumers seek.

Still, some report benefits from ingesting limited amounts of raw cannabinoid acids, terpenes and nutrients through juicing without the high. But levels required for impact may be prohibitively expensive for daily juice. For most consumers, traditional methods of preparing dried and cured cannabis prevail. However, limited raw juice may supplement these methods and provide an altered spectrum of effects.