It's pure chemistry, it's not placebo.

THCA -> THC (decarboxylation) occurs at room temperature, but much more efficiently at hot, sub-vaporization temperatures

The efficiency of heating(activating) depends on how well the cannabis was cured and how much THCA it has before you smoke it.

The heat of the flame should cause this process to occur, but I believe it also destroys some molecules. I just can't find an article.

This is most important when making green dragon because it is the only time the cannabis is heated, whereas smoking and cooking involve heat.
Snorbel Reviewed by Snorbel on . Have you ever activated your weed? Well... there is a lot of discussion about this subject. Several threads teaches how to increase the potency of the weed, activating (decarboxilating) it in the microwave or in the oven. Several people (including myself) tried it and reported positive results. But there is also people who says thats only placebo effect, or even pure BS. So, what do you think? Rating: 5