Ardent Lift Decarb - do you still need to infuse?

[boocoodinkydow]

Anyone get the Levo II? Wonder how its decarb compares to the ardent nova?

Recently ran across a post on a brand x forum from a member that owned both and in his words, the Levo is now a doorstop!

I’ve owned an ardent for almost a year and a half now and find it indispensable. It’s the most valuable, ridiculously priced, poor quality tool in my cannabis alchemy cabinet! Wouldn’t be without it!!

 

[boocoodinkydow]

I take it there aren't a lot of people just straight up eating decarbed flower, then? I've got decarbing odor-free down to a reasonable science but I have less confidence (and kitchen hardware) to try to cook with weed odor-free.

I've been finding my results eating decarbed cannabis (on peanut button on a cracker say) inconsistent in results (like, very, apparent 4-5 hour onset vs. getting pretty high vs. not getting high at all for the same .12g doses) and I'm wondering if there are fundamental reasons why it's better to have it infused, like, it being evenly distributed in a larger volume of food and not some fragments that might digest funny, etc. But then on the other side, I thought there were people who were taking dry cannabis in gelcaps? Which seems like it would be quite similar to just eating the weed. Is there any science on the value of 10mg of THC in decarbed flower in a smoothie differing from that of 10mg of thc in canna-oil in a smoothie?

Until some recent digestive problems, dry herb packed gel caps were my favorite delivery system by far. I found them more potent than any tincture or infused oils I’ve made, proportional comparison.

I simply grind properly decarbed material and moderately pack it into appropriately sized caps, slowly add a few drops of MCT oil, allow it to meld for a few hours and you’re ready to rock and roll! I generally eat it with a spoon of some greasy peanut butter but not sure if it assists with bioavailability.

A word of caution in eating dry herb. Be very anal about removing even the smallest of stems and twigs. They’re covered with microscopic barbs that can become embedded in the lining of your digestive tract and cause some intermediate term discomfort.

 

[sickmanfraud]

Until some recent digestive problems, dry herb packed gel caps were my favorite delivery system by far. I found them more potent than any tincture or infused oils I’ve made, proportional comparison.

I simply grind properly decarbed material and moderately pack it into appropriately sized caps, slowly add a few drops of MCT oil, allow it to meld for a few hours and you’re ready to rock and roll! I generally eat it with a spoon of some greasy peanut butter but not sure if it assists with bioavailability.

How much-decarbed cannabis is in each "dose" and how long are the effects?

 

[boocoodinkydow]

Depending on the size cap used, 60-120 mg of dry weight material. It has to be ground pretty finely to get these quantities in the caps without overly compacting it. I use a cheap coffee grinder with decent results. Leaving the material loosely compacted allows better saturation of oil. I know I’ve got it right when I can add about 10 drops of MCT oil in a size 1 cap.

Effects for me are remarkably long lasting. Mild onset generally occurs within 30-45 minutes with a fairly linear ramp up to a peak at about a 5 hour mark. In some instances, ive felt some lingering mild effects as much as 8 hours later.

Footnote: I’ve been a consistently light medicinal user for about 4 years. A size 1 cap generally sates my needs but rec users may be better served with higher doses. However, a member of another forum used a size 1 cap prior to going to work and became so stoned he had to leave work. When trying new products, probably prudent to choose a situation that would allow for some alone time if necessary.

 

[yeswecann]

As a sort of self-update, I tried two .15g samples of the same decarbed flower, one just mixed into a smoothie and one mixed in after being infused in some oil (given the trivial amount I just left the flower in) and it was markedly more effective on the second run.

Possibly just the extra fat in the second trial? I wonder if you had added equivalent fat to the smoothy…? Any updates on your experiments?

 

[yeswecann]

Recently ran across a post on a brand x forum from a member that owned both and in his words, the Levo is now a doorstop!

I’ve owned an ardent for almost a year and a half now and find it indispensable. It’s the most valuable, ridiculously priced, poor quality tool in my cannabis alchemy cabinet! Wouldn’t be without it!!

What's "poor quality" about the Ardent that you love?

 

[boocoodinkydow]

The base is loose, the top is ill fitting and requires a little fiddling to make “latch” properly, the questionable products in the “silicone” lid, I often have to hit the switch multiple times before it turns red,.... at this price point, I would have expectations of an almost bulletproof product. The heart of the unit seems to be a simple off the shelve electronic control module readily available for a few $$, a rudimentary heat sensor and a short length of nichrome heating element.

Now that I’ve picked it to death, as I stated earlier, I consider it one of the most important tools in my cannabis apothecary cabinet. If, or when, it craps out I’ll have replacement on the way before sundown!

 

[mixchu69]

If they ever found an alternative to the silicone lid, I would purchase this. No tin foil modifications.

 

[boocoodinkydow]

If they ever found an alternative to the silicone lid, I would purchase this. No tin foil modifications.

It seems to be a hit or miss which I find a bit confusing. There have been clients receive smelly and non-smelly lids from the inception of the company until present day. I just can’t believe that it’s a situation of misconception from either camp.

I wouldn’t let the possibility of getting a smelly lid stand in my way of purchasing one. As long as it took mine to dissipate I feel that the culprit is integral to the composition rather than a substance on the surface. Repetitive heat cycles is what remedied mine.

If I ever do buy another and hit the smelly lid lottery again, I think I’d heat it several times in an oven or such or possibly even boil it for extended periods.

The aluminum foil isn’t a bad remedy in the interim. May not seal quite as well but hasn’t been a problem. Bottom line, however, it guiles me to have to take such remedial steps with such an obviously overpriced item.

 

[Whisper]

Glad to hear your opinion on the Ardent, because it sounds like a great ideal. Too bad, they just are putting out what sounds like a crappo product. It seems that if they can't even get the lid right, what's up with that?
I dislike using my oven, for obvious reasons. I have close neighbors on one side, that enjoy sitting outside. Somewhat of a problem, you know? Guess I will continue to take my chances..

 

[boocoodinkydow]

Glad to hear your opinion on the Ardent, because it sounds like a great ideal. Too bad, they just are putting out what sounds like a crappo product. It seems that if they can't even get the lid right, what's up with that?
I dislike using my oven, for obvious reasons. I have close neighbors on one side, that enjoy sitting outside. Somewhat of a problem, you know? Guess I will continue to take my chances..

Granny’s ol’ mason jars are a great remedy for the smell and, no, they won’t explode. Prior to receiving my Nova, this was my normal procedure. Be advised, however, those jars are insanely insulative and steps should be taken to compensate for this fact.

Place the open empty jar in the oven and preheat to 250f. Using an oven mitt, quickly remove jar, fill with prepped herb, seal it and put back in the oven for 45 minutes. After the oven is cut off, allow the jar to remain within for 30 minutes or so or until the oven cools down a bit. When you remove the jar, allow it to cool to approximate ambient temp without opening it. Now, place the still unopened jar in the freezer for a few hours. This causes the atomized terpenes, cannabinoids and other smelly stuff to recondense with virtually no smell.

Try it, you’ll like it!
BCDD

 

[Whisper]

Dude, you rock! This granny, has mason jars.

 

[boocoodinkydow]

Dude, you rock! This granny, has mason jars.

Go, Granny, go!!

 

[Whisper]

 

[boocoodinkydow]

Granny’s ol’ mason jars are a great remedy for the smell and, no, they won’t explode. Prior to receiving my Nova, this was my normal procedure. Be advised, however, those jars are insanely insulative and steps should be taken to compensate for this fact.

Place the open empty jar in the oven and preheat to 250f. Using an oven mitt, quickly remove jar, fill with prepped herb, seal it and put back in the oven for 45 minutes. After the oven is cut off, allow the jar to remain within for 30 minutes or so or until the oven cools down a bit. When you remove the jar, allow it to cool to approximate ambient temp without opening it. Now, place the still unopened jar in the freezer for a few hours. This causes the atomized terpenes, cannabinoids and other smelly stuff to recondense with virtually no smell.

Try it, you’ll like it!
BCDD

OOPS, of all the attributes that age has taken from me, I miss my memory most of all! It’s been more than a year and a half since I’ve used this method. Last night, a friend and I were reminiscing over our pre-Nova decarb experiences. He reminded me that upon opening the jar after the freeze cycle there was in fact a significant odor. The smell isn’t recognizable as cannabis even to experienced users, however. My friend equated it to a raunchy fart left in a closed car on a hot midsummers day here in the Deep South! And I can’t disagree with the analogy!

No odor during the process if you’re using a good lid but be forewarned; it will probably be prudent to discreetly open the jar in an exterior area. Also, discard the lid after a single use as prying the lid open after the freeze cycle generally damages the seal.

Forgive an old mans impaired memory.

BCDD

 

[Whisper]

Mission has been successfully completed. I also read more. Everything worked out well. Thank you

 

[boocoodinkydow]

Mission has been successfully completed. I also read more. Everything worked out well. Thank you

That’s great. Glad to hear it!

 

[jeffp]

relating to the infusion aspect of this thread, has anyone checked out Ardent's silicon concentrate and infusion sleeve? If so how does it compare with infusing with a Levo or MBM? If the sleeve results in a good infusion, the ability to both decarb and infuse with the Nova to me is an ideal solution.

 

[sickmanfraud]

relating to the infusion aspect of this thread, has anyone checked out Ardent's silicon concentrate and infusion sleeve? If so how does it compare with infusing with a Levo or MBM? If the sleeve results in a good infusion, the ability to both decarb and infuse with the Nova to me is an ideal solution.

I can't compare the NOVA infusion to the MBM or Levo. I can tell you I love my NOVA.

I used the NOVA to decarb and I have used the infusion sleeve twice.

What I did was to decarb 12 grams of cannabis, 6 grams each Sativa and indica.

After the decarb I removed the sticks and stems and I ground the cannabis flowers into Dust.

I used the infusion sleeve I added the cannabis and 1/4 cup oil and1 tsp lecithin mixed it up and put it into the NOVA for a second session to infuse.

These edibles were the strongest I ever made even though I have made the same things before without the Nova.

If anyone is interested I did the following:

The recipe called for 1 cup of oil or butter. I had 1/4 of cannabis-infused coconut oil I substituted 3/4 cup of very ripe bananas for the "missing" oil.

Then I added it to the regular recipe found on the back of a package of chocolate chips. Instead of cookies I put it into a 9x13 pan and cut it into 24 pieces when finished.

I have made edibles before but these, with the Nova kicked me in the face.

 

[jeffp]

nice.. and thanks for the reply. my very initial results have been good but not as amazing as what you're describing or what i've experienced with the MBM but I'm sure it's a matter of fine tuning. I love the simplicity of this one unit for both decarbing and infusing and also the small batch factor. MBM had announced that it would release a smaller "mini" version a few years ago but I've not yet seen it.

I've been experimenting using butter with the Nova with the silicon insert and it's quite nice. I simply spread a bit on bread and have it as light toast. Nothing fancy but it's tasty and it's effective.

 

[Schlumples]

Granny’s ol’ mason jars are a great remedy for the smell and, no, they won’t explode. Prior to receiving my Nova, this was my normal procedure. Be advised, however, those jars are insanely insulative and steps should be taken to compensate for this fact.

Place the open empty jar in the oven and preheat to 250f. Using an oven mitt, quickly remove jar, fill with prepped herb, seal it and put back in the oven for 45 minutes. After the oven is cut off, allow the jar to remain within for 30 minutes or so or until the oven cools down a bit. When you remove the jar, allow it to cool to approximate ambient temp without opening it. Now, place the still unopened jar in the freezer for a few hours. This causes the atomized terpenes, cannabinoids and other smelly stuff to recondense with virtually no smell.

Try it, you’ll like it!
BCDD

Hey, I did this recently albeit very slightly differently. This was my first time trying it, and making coconut oil afterwards (also using mason jars in a crockpot). I'm pleased with how it came out, but I am curious if you would suggest that I do it differently next time, because where I differed from your process was I did not put it in the freezer afterwards and my oven was closer to 240F. I also did it a little longer. 1.5 hours for one batch, because it was hemp only and I read that CBD needs a longer decarb. And on the 2nd batch I did 1.5 hours but added the THC bud after 30 minutes so that it was decarbed for an hour. I also shook the jars every 15 minutes.
Then I took the jars out of the oven and allowed to cool for 20 minutes or so before adding oil and placing in the crockpot for 4 hours.

The herb wasn't nearly as brown as ABV. In times where I have decarbed in the past it came out just like ABV. Those times it was just in a baking dish covered with foil for 30-40 minutes at 250F. This was a darkened green, very slightly brown. But this oil is pretty potent considering I only used 10 grams per cup of coconut oil. So I am happy with my first oil, but curious if the decarb could have been better. Do you think my process was sufficient? Is that freezer step only needed to minimize smell?

 

[sickmanfraud]

Hey, I did this recently albeit very slightly differently. This was my first time trying it, and making coconut oil afterwards (also using mason jars in a crockpot). I'm pleased with how it came out, but I am curious if you would suggest that I do it differently next time, because where I differed from your process was I did not put it in the freezer afterwards and my oven was closer to 240F. I also did it a little longer. 1.5 hours for one batch, because it was hemp only and I read that CBD needs a longer decarb. And on the 2nd batch I did 1.5 hours but added the THC bud after 30 minutes so that it was decarbed for an hour. I also shook the jars every 15 minutes.
Then I took the jars out of the oven and allowed to cool for 20 minutes or so before adding oil and placing in the crockpot for 4 hours.

The herb wasn't nearly as brown as ABV. In times where I have decarbed in the past it came out just like ABV. Those times it was just in a baking dish covered with foil for 30-40 minutes at 250F. This was a darkened green, very slightly brown. But this oil is pretty potent considering I only used 10 grams per cup of coconut oil. So I am happy with my first oil, but curious if the decarb could have been better. Do you think my process was sufficient? Is that freezer step only needed to minimize smell?

Unless I misunderstood you, you are decarbing hemp/cannabis in jars?

I think you would get a better decarb and even stronger results if the cannabis were not in jars during the decarb.

If the smell is an issue than the NOVA is definitely for you.

 

[YayVap]

I guess I lucked out too regarding the stinky lid. I use the silicon sleeve to infuse and it has no smell either. I have to say my Nova is solid. Nothing feels cheap or loose. Some of the complaints crack me up. The cap is a pretty common design that I'm pretty sure is used so the heat pressure doesn't build up. I figured out how to put mine on I'm sure most people can too. Roughly $100 after discount code which are everywhere. It's not inexpensive but MickeY D value meals cost $8 and are gone in 10 minutes. A lot of us have $300 vapes that do what we can do with a lightbulb but my Nova does decarb and infusion for me simply and pretty dang discretely. One piece does both for me but i admit I make pretty small batches. It's one item I don't feel I overpaid for or was wasteful for me. I think it was money well spent for me and I don't often feel that way. The Levo seems really nice but I can't spend that kind of loot myself. But my needs are just mine. Other people get what they like too.

 

[Dreamerr]

I bought a nova recently and I already can’t stand the customer service or the fb pages. They won’t even let you post and ask questions. I came back to old faithful right here. I don’t get why they won’t let owners discuss and troubleshoot. The stupid customer service sent me to a dumb video which didn’t help.

I decarbed two grams of bud. I then wanted to make cookies. I don’t have the silicon sleeve as it’s in back order. I took an anchor 6 ounce shot glass which I read many use. I put in two tablespoons of butter which is two ounces and two ounces of infused coconut oil. That is a total of four ounces of liquid in the six ounce glass. I added the two grams which I ground up fine and it didn’t move the liquid up at all.

I set the machine to run and it ran for about two hours and twenty mins. When I opened it up the glass had overflowed and the silicon cap had oil as well as the cup of the machine. The question is, how do we know the fill capacity without overflowing? Ardent did answer me except to say only run it for an hour, but that doesn’t answer the question. Four ounces doesn’t seem like a lot to me. I will say the infusion was really strong and the cookies knocked three people out, lol.