Different Types of Cannabis Extraction Methods
Cannabis extraction methods use a solvent such as butane, propane, ethanol or CO2, use no solvent at all (rosin press, ice water hash, dry sift), or distill or press out the terpenes alone. They differ in yield, cost and safety, and butane is the method tied to burn injuries.
These extraction methods involve removing the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material and turning them into a concentrated form that can be used in different ways. There are three main categories of extraction methods: solvent-based, solventless, and terpenes.
In Florida, only licensed medical marijuana treatment centers may process marijuana, so this is background, not a how-to.
Solvent-based Extraction Methods
Solvent-based extraction methods involve using a solvent to extract the active compounds from the cannabis plant material. The solvent dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, creating a concentrated oil or wax. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated cannabis extract.
Examples Of Solvent-based Extraction Methods
Solvent-based extraction is used to pull many compounds from plants, not only cannabinoids. Here are some examples of solvent-based extraction methods:
Hydrocarbon Extraction
Hydrocarbon extraction involves using hydrocarbons such as butane or propane to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This method is efficient and can produce high yields of concentrated cannabis extract. However, it can also be dangerous: explosions and burns are documented, with 29 patients admitted to a single Colorado burn center for butane hash oil burns in 2008 to 2014.
Ethanol Extraction
Ethanol extraction involves using ethanol to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This method is safer than hydrocarbon extraction but can also be less efficient as ethanol can extract unwanted plant material and chlorophyll, affecting the final product’s flavor and quality.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. CO2 is non-flammable, which removes the fire risk of butane, and it leaves no solvent behind. CO2 extraction can produce high yields of cannabis extract but can also be expensive as it requires specialized high-pressure equipment.
Solventless Extraction Methods
What is Solventless Extraction
Solventless extraction methods involve extracting active compounds from the cannabis plant without solvents. These methods avoid solvent residue entirely, although contaminants in the plant itself, such as pesticides or heavy metals, can still end up in the extract.
Types Of Solventless Extraction Methods
Rosin Press
A rosin press uses heat and pressure instead of a solvent. The cannabis plant material is placed between two heated metal plates, and pressure is applied, causing the active compounds to melt and stick to a collection surface. The Rosin Press is easy to use, does not require any solvents, and can produce high-quality cannabis extract.
Ice Water Hash
Ice water hash, or bubble hash, involves using ice water to separate the trichomes, which contain the cannabinoids and terpenes, from the cannabis plant material. The cannabis plant material is agitated in ice water, causing the trichomes to separate and sink to the bottom.
Dry Sift
Dry sift involves using a sieve or screen to separate the trichomes, which contain the cannabinoids and terpenes, from the cannabis plant material. The cannabis plant material is agitated on the screen, causing the trichomes to separate and fall through the screen. The trichomes are then collected and dried, producing high-quality cannabis extract.
Terpene Extraction Methods
Terpenes are a type of organic compound that is responsible for the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis. Researchers are studying whether terpenes have medical effects, including NIH-funded studies of pain, but those effects are not established in people. Terpene extraction methods isolate and concentrate these compounds from the plant.
Benefits Of Terpene Extraction
Extracted terpenes are used to restore flavor and aroma to concentrates. Some researchers think terpenes may change how THC and CBD act, which is the entourage idea, but a 2021 pain review said clinical studies are still required.
Whatever the method, check the THC CBD ratios on the label of any cannabis product you use.
Types of Terpene Extraction Methods
There are several different terpene extraction methods, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.
Some of the most common terpene extraction methods include:
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is a popular terpene extraction method that uses steam to extract terpenes from the plant. The steam is then passed through the plant material, which causes the terpenes to evaporate. The steam is then cooled, which causes the terpenes to condense and separate from the water.
Hydrodistillation
Hydrodistillation is a process similar to steam distillation, but water is used to extract the terpenes from the plant material instead of using steam. The plant material is placed in a distillation flask, and water is added. The mixture is then heated, which causes the terpenes to evaporate and separate from the water.
Expression
Expression is a terpene extraction method involving the plant material’s mechanical pressing to release the terpenes. This method is commonly used for citrus fruits but can also be used for cannabis. The plant material is placed in a press, and pressure is applied to release the terpenes.
Comparison Of Extraction Methods
The choice of the cannabis extraction method depends on the desired end product and available resources.
Terpene extraction is a targeted method for producing concentrated flavor and aroma. However, this method only extracts terpenes, not other desirable compounds such as cannabinoids. Therefore, it is usually combined with other cannabis oil extraction methods to produce a full-spectrum product.
Solvent-based extraction can produce many types of concentrates. This method can remove undesirable compounds, such as chlorophyll, which can affect the taste and quality of the final product. That is one reason solvent extraction belongs in licensed, inspected facilities rather than at home.
Solventless extraction makes concentrates without chemical solvents. The product is still a high-THC concentrate and carries the same cautions. However, it can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of plant material to produce a small amount of concentrate.
Contact us to learn more about the medical marijuana card process in Florida.
Conclusion
Each of these methods has its unique benefits and drawbacks. The choice of method depends on various factors, such as the type of plant material, the desired yield, and the available cannabis extraction equipment.
Whatever the method, extraction belongs in licensed, tested facilities; in Florida, processing marijuana is limited to licensed treatment centers.
