Common Cannabis Extraction Methods
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.