Cannabis extracts, also known as cannabis concentrates, are products made from the plant and processed to keep only the most desirable compounds, namely cannabinoids and terpenes while eliminating excess plant material and other impurities. The result is a more potent concentrate of cannabis compounds than traditional flower. These extracts can take many forms, such as butane hash oils (BHO), wax, shatter, budder, rosin, and the famous Rick Simpson Oil. These products are increasingly popular among both medical and recreational users.
Why Use Extracts?
Cannabis extracts provide a more potent and targeted method of consumption than traditional cannabis flower. By isolating specific cannabinoids like THC and CBD, or terpenes, which give the plant its distinct aromas and flavours, extracts can be crafted to provide specific effects, such as relaxation, euphoria, or relief from pain and inflammation.
For individuals who require a higher dose of cannabinoids or prefer not to inhale plant matter, extracts offer an attractive alternative.
Benefits Of Using Extracts
Potency: Extracts are significantly more potent than flower. They can range from 50% to over 90% THC or CBD, while the highest potency of cannabis flower rarely exceeds 30%.
Versatility: They can be used in various ways, including vaping, dabbing, cooking, or as an additive to flower in a joint or pipe.
Discretion: Extracts, especially oils, are often more discreet and convenient than traditional flower. There's usually no lingering smell, and consumption is quick and discreet.
Healthier Consumption: Since extracts eliminate most of the plant matter, there is less combustion and fewer carcinogens are inhaled compared to smoking cannabis.
The Extraction Process
These extracts undergo a meticulous extraction process to isolate the desired compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, while discarding unwanted elements like chlorophyll and plant matter from the end product. Various cannabis extraction methods have been developed to achieve this, each with its own distinct characteristics and benefits.
Solvent-Based Extraction:
Solvent-based extraction techniques employ solvents such as butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2 to dissolve and extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant material. One notable method is Butane Hash Oil (BHO), passing liquid butane through a packed tube containing the plant material. Through this process, cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted, forming a mixture that is later purged of the solvent, resulting in a concentrated product known as BHO.
Another technique, CO2 extraction, utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to selectively extract specific compounds by carefully controlling temperature and pressure conditions. The CO2 evaporates, leaving a pure concentrate of remarkably high quality.
Solventless Extraction:
Solventless extraction methods provide a safer and more natural alternative, showcasing the pure essence of the cannabis plant. The rosin press technique employs heat and pressure to extract resinous trichomes containing cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers or hash. This method yields rosin, a concentrate that can be refined into shatter, wax, or budder, offering an elevated sensory experience.
Another solventless approach is ice water extraction, which produces bubble hash. Here, cannabis is mixed with ice-cold water and agitated to detach the trichomes. The resulting mixture is then filtered, and the collected trichomes are dried, creating a bubble hash of exceptional purity.
Hybrid Extraction Methods:
Hybrid extraction methods integrate solvent-based and solventless techniques to harness the best of both worlds. One of the most prominent examples of this is Ethanol extraction, which utilizses ethanol as a solvent to extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant material. The resulting solution, known as a tincture, can then undergo further refinement through solventless methods such as distillation or winterization. This process removes impurities and concentrates the cannabinoids, producing a final product of exceptional purity and quality.
How To Make Your Own Cannabis Extracts
The process of making your own cannabis extracts can be pretty simple but also requires great attention to safety due to the use of chemicals and equipment. In the interest of simplicity, we'll focus on producing basic cannabis oil, one of the most accessible and versatile extract forms.
Equipment needed:
Cannabis flower
High-proof alcohol (such as Everclear)
Glass jars with lids
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Saucepan
Stove
Plastic syringe or dropper bottles
Protective equipment: Gloves and goggles
A Step-by-step guide:
Decarboxylation: First, we need to activate the THC in the cannabis, a process known as decarboxylation. Grind your cannabis flower, spread it on a baking sheet, and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes. This converts the non-intoxicating compound THCA into THC.
Soaking: Transfer the decarboxylated cannabis to a glass jar and add your high-proof alcohol until the plant matter is fully submerged. Seal the jar and let it sit for a few days, shaking it once or twice daily. The alcohol will act as a solvent, extracting the cannabinoids from the plant matter.
Straining: After a few days, strain the mixture into another jar through your strainer or cheesecloth to separate the plant material. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Evaporation: Pour the strained liquid into your saucepan and gently heat it on the stove. You don't want to boil the mixture but gently simmer it. The alcohol will slowly evaporate, leaving behind the cannabis oil.
Bottling: Once you have a thick, syrup-like consistency, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the oil into your syringe or dropper bottles for easy dosing and storage.
Making cannabis extracts involves handling flammable substances and requires safety precautions. Only attempt this in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or sparks, and while wearing protective gear.
Storing Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency. Light, heat, and air exposure can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the extract's potency and changing its effects. Glass containers with airtight lids are a good option for storage long-term storage, unless you've made shatter, which will most likely stick to the inside of the jar.
Silicone jars and parchment paper also make good vessels for short-term storage,and will accommodate shatter and similar products without causing the problem of sticking. For longer-term storage, an airtight jar placed in a refrigerator or freezer can preserve extracts well. When properly stored, cannabis extracts can retain their potency for up to a year, but they may begin to degrade and lose effectiveness after six months. Regularly check your extracts for changes in smell, colour, or consistency, which can indicate that they're past their prime.
How to Use Cannabis Extracts
Extracts are growing in popularity in the cannabis industry, as they’re incredibly versatile and can be consumed in a number of ways. Some of the most common methods of extract consumption are listed below:
Edibles: Cannabis oil can be easily incorporated into cooking or baking. It can be added to any recipe that calls for oil or butter or used to make capsules for easy dosing.
Tinctures: If your extract is in liquid form, it can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
Topicals: Extracts can also be incorporated into creams or balms and applied topically for localized relief of pain or inflammation.
Vaping or Dabbing: This is a popular method of consumption that involves heating the extract to a high temperature and inhaling the vapour. You'll need specific equipment for this, like a vape pen or a dab rig.
It's important to note that extracts are potent, and it's recommended to start with a small dose and gradually increase until you reach the desired effects. Remember, especially with edibles, that the effects can take up to two hours to fully manifest, so be patient and don't overdo it. Cannabis extracts provide a powerful, versatile, and convenient method of consuming cannabis. Whether you're a medical patient looking for relief or a recreational user seeking a different experience, extracts have much to offer. With some patience and attention to safety, anyone can make their own extracts at home. Just remember to consume responsibly and enjoy the many benefits of this remarkable plant.
