Cannabis Extraction Methods
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Cannabis extraction methods are the techniques used to separate the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the cannabis plant and turn them into a concentrated form that can be used for various purposes, such as edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and dabbing. Cannabis extraction methods can be classified into two main categories: solvent-based and solventless. Solvent-based methods use chemical liquids, such as ethanol, CO2, butane, or propane, to dissolve the cannabis compounds and then remove the solvent to obtain the oil. Solventless methods use heat, pressure, or ice water to separate the trichomes from the plant material without using any chemicals. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding yield, potency, quality, flavor, equipment, and safety. In this chapter, we will compare and contrast the different methods of extracting cannabis oil from the plant material, such as sieving, butane, CO2, ethanol, and rosin.
Sieving
Sieving is one of the oldest and simplest methods of cannabis extraction. It involves rubbing or shaking the dried cannabis plant over a fine mesh screen to collect the kief, which is the powdery and sticky resin glands that contain most of the cannabinoids and terpenes. The kief can then be compressed into hash or used as it is. Sieving is a solventless method that does not require any equipment or safety measures. However, it also produces a low yield and potency of cannabis oil compared to other methods. The quality and flavor of the oil depend on the quality of the plant material and the size of the screen.
Butane
Butane is one of the most popular solvents used for cannabis extraction. It involves passing liquid butane through a tube filled with cannabis plant material to extract the oil. The butane is then evaporated using heat or vacuum to leave behind a thick and sticky oil known as butane hash oil (BHO). BHO can have various consistencies depending on the temperature and pressure used during extraction and purging, such as shatter, crumble, budder, wax, or honeycomb. Butane is a highly flammable and explosive solvent that requires specialized equipment and safety measures. It can produce a high yield and potency of cannabis oil with a wide range of terpenes and flavors. However, it can also leave behind residual solvents that can be harmful to health if not properly purged.
CO2
CO2 is another common solvent used for cannabis extraction. It involves using supercritical CO2 (a state where CO2 behaves like both a liquid and a gas) to extract the oil from the cannabis plant material in a closed-loop system. The CO2 is then separated from the oil by lowering the pressure or temperature. CO2 extraction produces a clear and pure oil that can be further refined into different products, such as distillate or isolate. CO2 is a non-flammable and non-toxic solvent that does not leave behind any residual solvents. It can produce a high yield and potency of cannabis oil with minimal degradation of terpenes and flavors. However, it also requires expensive and sophisticated equipment and trained operators.
Ethanol
Ethanol is another solvent used for cannabis extraction. It involves soaking the cannabis plant material in ethanol (a type of alcohol) to extract the oil. The ethanol is then evaporated using heat or vacuum to leave behind a dark and viscous oil known as Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). RSO can be used as it is or further refined into different products, such as tinctures or edibles. Ethanol is a relatively safe and cheap solvent that does not require specialized equipment or safety measures. It can produce a high yield and potency of cannabis oil with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, it can also extract unwanted impurities, such as chlorophyll, waxes, lipids, and sugars that can affect the quality and flavor of the oil.
Rosin
Rosin is one of the newest and most popular methods of cannabis extraction. It involves applying heat and pressure to the cannabis plant material (such as flower or bubble hash) to squeeze out the oil. The oil is then collected on a parchment paper or a silicone mat. Rosin is a solventless method that does not require any equipment or safety measures other than a rosin press (a device that applies heat and pressure). It can produce a high yield and potency of cannabis oil with a rich terpene profile and flavor. However, it can also degrade some of the cannabinoids and terpenes due to high temperatures.
