THE CANNABINOID EXTRACTION PROCESS
As you’re probably aware, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis. It needs to be delivered to the nervous-system by the cannabinoids. But THC is a hydrophobic oil and, as such, is insoluble in water. when ingested orally, THC is not readily digested by the human body. Instead, it must be extracted into complementary compounds that the body recognizes and is able to metabolize. Marijuana edibles are made, instead, with butters or oils derived from the cannabis plant. This process transfers the THC and other therapeutic cannabinoids into the butter or oil, which can then be used in cooking all sorts of food, such as brownies, cookies, candies, as well as in liquids, such as soup and sauces.
There are several methods by which the inactive ingredients, “cannabinoids” are extracted from the plant material. the extraction of cannabis concentrates is a complex and potentially dangerous process – the methodology required for proper extraction is so precise that individuals who produce cannabis extracts of especially high quality are considered “extract artists.”
The science of cannabis concentrate extraction functions on the solubility of the cannabinoids and other active ingredients of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are not water soluble, so to extract them properly the cannabinoids must be dissolved in a solvent.
Cold extractions- The Cold extraction method sometimes called Chalex in which alcohols such as Pure Grain Alcohol, Isopropyl or Ethanol is used as the Extracting solvent.
There are several methods by which the inactive ingredients, “cannabinoids” are extracted from the plant material. the extraction of cannabis concentrates is a complex and potentially dangerous process – the methodology required for proper extraction is so precise that individuals who produce cannabis extracts of especially high quality are considered “extract artists.”
The science of cannabis concentrate extraction functions on the solubility of the cannabinoids and other active ingredients of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are not water soluble, so to extract them properly the cannabinoids must be dissolved in a solvent.
Cold extractions- The Cold extraction method sometimes called Chalex in which alcohols such as Pure Grain Alcohol, Isopropyl or Ethanol is used as the Extracting solvent.
Alcohol Extraction- when High proof Alcohol of 150 proof or higher is used as the extracting solvent, the higher the purity the better. Most commonly 190 Proof Everclear is used.
Glycerin extractions - Cannabis oils sometimes called "Glycerites". These are herbal extracted oils which usually use pure vegetable glycerin as the solvent instead of alcohol. The advantage is that vegetable glycerin is sweet to the taste, and therefore good to make for children who may have a hard time with the Goldenseal tincture. Most Glycerin extracted oils are taken Sublingually (under the tounge) but Oils such as Canna-Oil (infused canola oil) or Co-Cannaoil (infused Coconut oil) can be used in cooking, such as Soups, Sauces or any recipe that calls for cooking oil.
Butane extraction – A method by which Butane or Propane is used as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids from the plant material. This Method produces a waxy cannabis concentrate called BHO (Butane Hash Oil) also referred to as Dabs, Hash Oil, Shatter, Wax or Honey Oil (although it contains no Honey). This waxy concentrated cannabis extract is made by pushing liquid butane (which liquefies easily) through a tube packed with frosty buds. The resulting solution is a mix of concrete oils, waxes, cannabinoids, terpenoids, and sometimes chlorophyll. These solvents are nontoxic, non-polar and they dissolve oils very efficiently without creating other unwanted byproducts. Butane and propane dissolve all cannabinoids and terpenes (aromatics) with great effectiveness while preserving the integrity of the delicate cannabinoids. This method is very dangerous to produce and can result in Severe burn or even Death.
Hexane- Like butane, hexane is a solvent that can be used for cannabis concentrate extraction. Some interesting information: hexane is completely insoluble in water, it boils at a higher temperature than butane, and is extremely flammable and potentially explosive. Although the general process for hexane extraction is similar to that of butane extraction, it requires significantly more care due to the fact that hexane is considerably more toxic. Residual solvent testing is the safest way to ensure hexane-extracted cannabis concentrates are safe for patient consumption.
Butter based extractions like Cannabutter or Canna-oil. In which fatty oils such as Canola, Butter or Coconut oil are used as the active extractant, in the Extraction process. During the extraction process the mixture is heated to a precise temperature to allow the inactive ingredients (THC-a, and CBD-a) to be converted to the active ingredients: THC, CBC and CBN and bind to the fatty oils.
Co2 Extraction – CO2 extracts, also known as supercritical CO2 extracts or supercritical fluid CO2 extracts, are extremely pure plant extracts produced from a relatively new and highly efficient extraction process. The CO2 extraction process consists of pumping pressurized carbon dioxide into a chamber filled with plant matter. When carbon dioxide is subjected to pressure it becomes "supercritical" and has liquid properties while remaining in a gaseous state. Because of the liquid properties of the gas, the CO2 functions as a solvent, pulling the oils and other substances such as pigment and resin from the plant matter.
