The use of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes has become widely popular across various states and countries. To provide different forms of cannabis consumption, manufacturers and users alike have turned to modern extraction methods. Understanding the science behind these extraction techniques is essential for a better appreciation of the final cannabis extracts: concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
1. Solvent-based extraction
Solvent-based extraction is a popular method for obtaining cannabis concentrates. It involves passing a solvent through cannabis plant material, dissolving cannabinoids and terpenes into the solvent. After removing the solvent through evaporation, the resulting mixture is the desired cannabis concentrate.
Butane hash oil (BHO) is one common solvent-based extraction method. BHO is made by passing liquid butane through cannabis plant material, often packed in a glass or steel tube. The butane effectively dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes, and the mixture is then collected in a container. Once the butane evaporates, a sticky, amber-colored cannabis concentrate remains – the “hash oil.”
Another common solvent-based extraction method is alcohol extraction. This method often uses ethanol, although other alcohols like isopropanol can also be used. Cannabis plant material is soaked in the alcohol, and after a certain time, the mixture is strained to separate the plant material from solvents and cannabinoids. The solvent is then allowed to evaporate, leaving behind a potent cannabis concentrate. Alcohol extraction is popular for creating tinctures and edibles, as it is generally considered a more “kitchen friendly” technique.
However, solvent-based extraction methods come with their own risks. The solvents used are often highly flammable and toxic, so proper safety precautions must be taken when performing these extractions. Additionally, solvents can leave behind impurities or residues in the final concentrate, which could potentially impact the taste or the safety of the product.
2. CO2 extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a more sophisticated and generally considered safer than solvent-based extraction methods. This involves using carbon dioxide (CO2) in its supercritical state, at high pressure and temperature, as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material.
The supercritical CO2 is able to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes, without the risk of leaving any harmful solvent residue behind. The CO2 process is also tunable, allowing for selective extraction of specific compounds. The final product can be utilized in a variety of applications, like edibles, topicals, and vaporizers.
Butane hash oil and CO2 extractions often result in a higher concentration of cannabinoids compared to alcohol extraction. Therefore, these methods generally produce more potent cannabis concentrates.
3. Distillation
Distillation is a purification process that removes impurities and unwanted compounds from cannabis concentrates. By applying heat and vacuum, the cannabinoids and terpenes are evaporated out of the concentrate, leaving behind undesired components like fats, lipids, and chlorophyll. The evaporated compounds are then condensed and collected, yielding a purer and more potent cannabis concentrate.
4. Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is a necessary step in the production of cannabis extracts – particularly for edibles and topicals. It is a heat-induced process that turns the inactive, acid form of cannabinoids, like THCA or CBDA, into their active forms: THC and CBD.
Decarboxylation occurs naturally when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, as the heat source directly activates the cannabinoids. However, for non-smokable forms, like edibles, decarboxylation must be performed during the extraction process. This typically involves heating the cannabis plant material (or the cannabis extract itself) at a specific temperature and time to ensure full decarboxylation before incorporating it into the desired product.
The understanding of these various cannabis extraction methods helps users and producers alike to appreciate the nuances of the final product – be it concentrates, edibles, tinctures, or topicals. While each extraction method is unique, they all share the same ultimate goal: providing a flavorful and potent cannabis experience.
