Mastering Cannabis Extraction: Common Methods Explained

Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis processing techniques, such as BHO extraction, ethanol extraction, and cold water extraction, are proven solvent-based and solventless methods to produce cannabis extracts.

Developing cannabis products to meet global market demands requires comprehensive knowledge of the standard cannabis extraction methods. To facilitate this understanding, we have created a guide to acquaint you with the different ways to isolate cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable compounds from raw plant materials.

All cannabis extraction methods fall into two categories: solvent-based and solventless extractions. Before we explore the individual processing techniques and the advantages and nuances that differentiate each method, let us first examine the differences between the two main extraction techniques.

Solvent-Based vs. Solventless Cannabis Extraction

Solvent Based Cannabis Extraction

Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based extraction methods use alcohol, carbon dioxide, butane, or other chemicals to dissolve the cannabis trichomes and produce high-potency extracts. ⁤⁤Once the compounds have been separated, they evaporate the solvent using a vacuum chamber and pump to achieve a concentrated resin. ⁤⁤This purging process leaves behind nothing but preserved cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabis Extraction: Solventless Extraction

Solventless Extraction

Solventless extraction techniques do not resort to chemical solvents. Instead, they rely on agitation methods, water, heat, and pressure to melt or separate the trichomes from the plant material. These procedures yield a cleaner and purer extraction and can be executed manually or mechanically.

Common Cannabis Extraction Methods

Cannabis Extraction: Solventless Extraction

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol extraction stands as a reliable and proven technique for processing cannabis, particularly suited for large-scale operations. Its adaptability to cold and warm temperatures ensures consistent performance, delivering premium isolate and distillate products.

This approach uses ethanol, a versatile solvent commonly found in food-grade applications. Ethanol, recognized for its use as a preservative and as a critical component in alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, demonstrates remarkable efficacy in cannabis extraction.

This method efficiently dissolves and separates the trichomes from the hemp biomass by leveraging ethanol's properties. However, ethanol's affinity for water-soluble compounds results in higher amounts of undesirable elements, necessitating additional purification steps.

Various evaporator systems can remove the ethanol solvent after extraction, leaving behind a concentrated, flavorful ethanol-based product. However, alternative methods may be more suitable for those seeking full-spectrum products rich in terpenes.

BHO Extraction

Also called hydrocarbon extraction, butane hash oil (BHO) extraction produces full-spectrum products with high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. It maximizes the low boiling point of butane, allowing extractors to use low temperatures during the process and preserve more valuable compounds.

Although one of the most popular and efficient extraction methods, butane is also the most dangerous. It is highly flammable, so explosion risks are high, especially when done outside a lab setting. However, with closed-loop systems, BHO extraction has become less hazardous.

This extraction technique is not only efficient but also versatile. Propane, another hydrocarbon, can be used as an alternative solvent, and extractors can create various solvent blends of butane and propane to produce an array of cannabis concentrates, such as live resin, HTFSE, and shatter.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Of the three solvent-based cannabis extraction methods we have listed, carbon dioxide extraction is the environmentally friendliest and most non-toxic. It is even used to produce beer, coffee, tea, and fruit extracts.

This technique uses carbon dioxide heated beyond its critical temperature and pressure thresholds, resulting in a supercritical fluid possessing characteristics of gas and liquid. In its supercritical state, carbon dioxide effectively removes the desirable compounds from the cannabis plant before undergoing evaporation and condensation, returning to its liquid form ready for reuse.

This process creates a supercritical extract that has a smooth, buttery consistency. However, it is incapable of yielding a full spectrum of terpenes. Due to its physical limitations, carbon dioxide extracts only a small amount of terpenes, with the rest destroyed or left in the plant material.

Cold Water Extraction

Cold water extraction, or ice water extraction, is a solvent-free method to break down trichomes and extract desired compounds from cannabis. It is a safe process suitable for both home and commercial settings due to its lack of toxicity and flammability risks.

This extraction method involves immersing the cannabis plant in a vessel containing a mixture of ice, water, and biomass. The cold water facilitates the easy separation of trichomes, which are then filtered through multiple micron bags to isolate the desired compounds. This process yields concentrates with THC levels ranging from 50% to 70%.

Rosin Pressing

Another safe and risk-free solventless extraction technique is rosin pressing. This method involves applying low heat and pressure to the biomass to melt and extract a dark, viscous oil known as rosin.

Once extracted, rosin can be incorporated into tinctures, topicals, edibles, and other products. Additionally, fresh frozen cannabis buds can be used in this process, resulting in live rosin known for its enhanced flavor and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Extraction

cannabis buds

What is the best method of extraction for cannabis?

Your choice depends on the desired end product, safety considerations, and available equipment. For instance, BHO extraction is most suitable if you want full-spectrum concentrates. If you want chemical solvent-free products, rosin pressing or cold water extraction is ideal. Moreover, solventless methods are preferable regarding safety, whereas skillful extractors must perform solvent-based extraction in a lab setting that complies with safety standards.

Is propane or butane better for cannabis extraction?

Both propane and butane are excellent solvents, but they have some differences that can affect your choice. Butane is more soluble and can extract more compounds from the cannabis biomass. However, propane has a lower boiling point, which allows it to operate at lower temperatures and preserve more terpenes and flavor.

Is butane or ethanol better for cannabis extraction?

BHO extraction results in higher yields. Butane, a non-polar solvent, can efficiently dissolve trichomes but requires a specialized closed-loop system for safety. On the other hand, ethanol extraction still produces high-purity extracts using proper techniques and only needs regular equipment, such as a soxhlet extractor or a rotary evaporator.

What chemicals are used in cannabis extraction?

The most popular chemical solvents are carbon dioxide, ethanol, butane, and propane. Remember that the choice of solvent and extraction method significantly impacts the quality and safety of the final cannabis extract.

For your cannabis extraction needs, TLD offers premium quality extraction supplies and equipment. If you need assistance, contact our expert team at 1-800-733-2522, email, or message us via live chat, available on our website.

Sources:

https://blog.lunatechequipment.com/the-5-most-common-cannabis-extraction-methods

https://infinitabiotech.com/blog/cannabis-oil-extraction-methods/

https://jcyounger.com/5-most-common-cannabis-extraction-methods-in-2020/

https://www.prospiant.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cannabis-oil-extraction/what-is-cannabis-oil-extraction/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg_tskoauUM

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