Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
Hydrocarbon
BHO extraction involves using butane or propane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and other compounds from cannabis plant material, resulting in highly potent concentrates such as shatter, wax, budder, crumble, sauce, and oil for vape cartridges. It is also referred to as closed-loop extraction or simply BHO. It is relatively efficient and cost-effective compared to some other extraction methods. However, one of the drawbacks of this method is the potential safety hazards associated with handling butane, a highly flammable and volatile solvent.
Carbon Dioxide
CO2
CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material, producing a clean and potent concentrate known for its purity and consistency. CO2 extraction produces cannabis concentrates without the use of potentially harmful solvents, making it a safer option for both extractors and consumers. The CO2 extraction method can be used to make CO2 oil, which is often used in vape cartridges, full-spectrum extracts and crude oil for further refinement. However, it often requires expensive equipment and expertise, making it less accessible to smaller-scale operations.
Rosin Pressing
Heat & Pressure
Rosin pressing is a solventless extraction method that involves applying heat and pressure to cannabis plant material, causing the trichomes to burst and release their oils, resulting in a highly potent and flavorful concentrate known as rosin. Finished products include flower rosin, hash rosin and live rosin. Rosin pressing is prized for its simplicity, safety, and ability to retain the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavors without the need for solvents.
Used for RSO
Ethanol
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent cannabis extract known for its high THC content and potential therapeutic effects. It’s typically made using a solvent like ethanol. To create RSO, finely ground cannabis is soaked in ethanol to dissolve the cannabinoids and other compounds. The mixture is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated off, leaving behind a thick, dark oil. RSO is often consumed orally and is believed to have potential medical benefits, although further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Solventless Hash
Dry Sift
Pressed hash, also known as hand-rolling hashish, is a traditional method of producing hash by manually separating trichomes from cannabis flowers. In this method, mature cannabis plants are gently rubbed or rolled between the palms to dislodge the resinous trichomes. The collected resin is then carefully hand-pressed into blocks or balls, resulting in hashish. This labor-intensive process has been practiced for centuries in regions where cannabis cultivation is prevalent, such as parts of the Middle East and Asia. Rolling hash produces a product with a distinct texture, flavor, and potency profile.
Bubble Hash
Ice Water
Solventless hash extraction methods, such as ice water extraction and dry sift, involve using mechanical agitation to separate trichomes from the cannabis plant material without the use of solvents, resulting in a clean and natural concentrate. The process involves mixing the cannabis material with ice-cold water, causing the trichomes to become brittle and break off.
The mixture is then agitated, usually by hand or with mechanical tools. The trichomes sink to the bottom and can be collected using fine mesh screens. The collected material is then dried and pressed to form hash.