Extracting the resinous trichomes of a cannabis plant is the most important part of making cannabis extracts, such as hash, shatter, or wax. The cannabis extraction system goes a long way in determining the quality and consistency of your final product.
The method you choose will depend on various factors like budget and availability of equipment.
Here are five common methods you can use at home:
Butane Extraction/Honey Oil
The term “honey oil” came about because the residual butane from this type of extraction gives the extracted resin an amber color similar to honey.
This is the most dangerous method for extracting cannabinoids because it involves flammable butane and ether, resulting in explosions.
Butane extraction is illegal in many areas, so make sure you know your local laws before making honey oil at home.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction
This method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure in an environment where the temperature is below freezing. SFE is known for its ability to extract THC, CBD, and other plant lipids in addition to cannabinoids.
The result is a full-spectrum extract that contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, in addition to fatty acids. SFE is also a clean extraction method that avoids any residual solvent residue.
This extraction method requires specialized equipment, so it is more costly than traditional methods and is generally used by large manufacturers of concentrated cannabis products.
Water Extraction
Water extraction is the most common method of cannabis extraction for concentrates.
The quality of the end product is nearly always superior to other methods, especially when the extractor removes chlorophyll and other plant matter from the extract.
Water extraction includes a variety of modern techniques, including pressurized CO2, ultrasound, and winterization.
Plant material is grown in hearty soil using seeds from retailers like Zamnesia. Once mature, the cannabis material is cut and ground into a fine powder, mixed with water, and processed through an extraction device using solvents such as vegetable oil, alcohol, or butane.
Alternatively, the whole process can be done without any solvents by using supercritical fluids instead.
Ethanol Extraction
Ethanol extract is a great option for making potent edible marijuana products, like cannabis-infused butter or oil.
It’s also going to be the most cost-effective solution (although it will take more than just ethanol to make potent edibles), so it’s best for those on a budget.
The only downside to ethanol extraction is that it can be dangerous if done improperly. Ethanol itself is flammable, and there’s always the risk of an explosion if heat is applied while distilling the ethanol out of your cannabis material.
This method works best with dry sieve materials, meaning you need to purchase kief first before attempting this extraction method.
If you don’t have access to a sieve box or grinder, try using a food processor or blender to break up your material into small chunks before placing it in the freezer for 24 hours.
Bottom Line
There are many methods used to extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, such as CO2 or butane extraction, that allow for effective separation of Cannabinoids from the rest of the plant.
It is important to understand these techniques and their associated (such as gas capture) when preparing your marijuana for extraction, whether in a lab or your home kitchen.
You will reduce your risk of having to throw out products that have too much residual plant material, and you will also be able to use less “solvent” to get the required potency of your products.
