Cannabis extractors are very popular these days, as they can allow you to get the most from your buds without spending too much time in a smokeshop. However, what exactly are they, and how do they work?
CO2
CO2 cannabis extraction is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bay area solventless-based methods. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for people looking for a more pure product.
CO2 is a non-flammable, chemically inert, and inexpensive solvent. It dissolves plant materials like a liquid.
The process of extracting cannabis using CO2 requires specialized equipment. As a result, professionals often use this type of extraction. However, it can be expensive. In addition, it is difficult to purchase the equipment outside of legal cannabis states.
Supercritical CO2 (Sc-CO2) extraction is a recent advancement in the cannabis concentrate industry. This method allows you to adjust the ratio of dissolved compounds.
As a result, you can create custom-designed CO2 oils with a wide array of compounds. These can include terpenes, cannabinoids, and other elements shown to provide therapeutic effects.
Ethanol
Using ethanol in cannabis extraction is an option that offers many benefits. Ethanol is a powerful solvent that dissolves most of the molecules in plants.
This versatile solvent works on water and fat-soluble compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and chlorophyll. It also has the advantage of being a non-polar solvent.
However, if you’re thinking about using ethanol in your following cannabis extract, you might want to consider some of the drawbacks. For one, it can be a bit difficult to remove chlorophyll. Another downside is the cost.
There are several different types of ethanol extraction methods. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common:
The Soxhlet technique involves soaking the plant in a solution of ethanol. This method can be effective at extracting THCA, which is a polar compound. However, it’s best suited for small-batch production.
Hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon extraction is a method used to isolate and concentrate cannabinoids and terpenes. It is a solvent-based extraction technique that uses a volatile liquid like butane or propane as a solvent.
Although the extraction process is relatively simple, a few factors affect the final product. One crucial factor is the temperature. However, since the boiling point of hydrocarbons is lower than the boiling point of other solvents, little or no residue is left after the extraction.
Several different types of hydrocarbon extraction equipment are available. The most common uses are butane and propane, but there are others.
Hydrocarbon extraction has become popular over the past few years to refine cannabis. Although it is not ideal for home use, this process is a good choice for extracting highly potent CBD and terpenes.
Solventless
For those unfamiliar with solventless cannabis extraction, it is the process of separating trichomes from plant material using pressure and water. This can be done with a rosin press, mechanical separator, or combination. This method aims to produce a sift of high-quality, full-spectrum cannabinoid concentrate.
However, it is essential to know that although these methods are less hazardous, they require more training and safety protocols. Some contaminants can include heavy metals, mold, and pesticides. During extraction, unwanted compounds are held back by micron filtration bags.
One of the most common methods of solventless cannabis extraction is the rosin press. A rosin press combines heat and pressure to extract terpenes and resinous oils from cannabis. Rosin has a distinct flavor and potency.
Terpene-rich concentrates
Terpene-rich concentrates are typically available for a higher price than standard cannabis concentrates. Although terpenes are not lost during extraction, the process requires extra work to produce a quality product.
To create terpene-rich concentrates, many different processes are used. Some extractors use a process known as Short Path Distillation. This method purifies the cannabis extract and removes any residual compounds.
Other solvents can be used to extract terpenes from the plant. Butane is one of the most commonly used. However, its relative non-polarity means that it does not remove water-soluble compounds. Propane Honey Oil is a less common form of butane extraction. It is more expensive than butane.
Full-spectrum concentrates
Full-spectrum concentrates from cannabis extractors are gaining popularity. They may be better than distillates or isolates for some consumers. However, they are more expensive. In addition, depending on the extraction method, they can affect your health. Fortunately, lab tests can help determine the exact compounds in a full-spectrum extract.
A full-spectrum extract contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes in a plant. These substances interact to create a synergistic effect that gives users more relief. The effect is called the entourage effect.
There are two main types of full-spectrum concentrates. One is made from plant lipids, while the other is made without. Both contain a high concentration of cannabinoids.
