With the legalization of cannabis, enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs across the States want to explore the cannabis extract industry. A sort of green revolution is taking place as demand for cannabis products is on the rise, not only for recreational but also therapeutic purposes.
This guide will serve as a reference point for understanding cannabis extraction. We will cover a quick overview of various types of extracts, the methods used to produce them, and the equipment necessary for their creation, also exploring legal considerations.
Cannabis extracts are the concentrated form of the ingredients derived from the cannabis and hemp plant. These extracts are the core ingredient of the cannabis industry. Their potency and versatility make them suitable for producing several kinds of cannabis products.
Broadly, the key component of a cannabis extract can be either cannabinoids or terpenes.
Let’s delve deeper:
- Cannabinoids: The primary active component of cannabis, cannabinoids are the ingredients that result in a psychoactive effect, interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most well-known cannabinoids.
- Terpenes: The aromatic compounds that give cannabis and hemp plants distinctive smell and flavor, terpenes are also responsible for the entourage effect. Terpenes potentially enhance the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids.
What sets cannabis extracts apart from other cannabis products, like flowers and buds, is their versatility of use and controlled potency. Producers can micromanage these extracts’ potency, which is impossible with other forms. Also, products like traditional cannabis flowers can be typically smoked or vaporized, and cannabis extract can be consumed in numerous ways, such as dabbing, vaporization, and topical application.
Types of Cannabis Extracts
The diversity of the cannabis extraction process makes it possible to offer several types of cannabis extracts. While the innovation in the industry is driving the variety, here are the main categories of cannabis extracts:
1. Concentrates: Concentrates, as mentioned, are the most varied category of cannabis extracts. It comprises a wide range of products with different textures and consistencies. It includes:
- Shatter: A glass-like, translucent, and brittle product, shatter has high potency and purity, often containing up to 80% THC. It’s typically consumed through dabbing or vaporization.
- Wax: A softer extract with an opaque consistency, wax is produced through live resin or cure resin extraction.
- Budder: A form of cannabis wax, budder has a creamy, butter-like consistency produced by thoroughly whipping wax.
- Crumble: It can be termed the opposite of budder. Crumble is a dry, crumbly texture wax form that’s less sticky and can have a THC potency of up to 90%.
2. Oils: Cannabis oils are popular for oral consumption, but particularly vaporization. Oils are extracted through simple methods such as rosin press. Here are the most popular cannabis oils:
- CBD oil: Rich in cannabidiol, this non-psychoactive oil extract is popular for its potential therapeutic benefits without any risks associated with THC.
- THC oil: This cannabinoid oil is high in tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a psychoactive cannabis oil used for both recreationally and medicinally.
- Terpene-rich oils: For applications like topicals and edibles, it is essential to preserve aromatic compounds. Terpene-rich oils serve this purpose as they offer unique flavors and potential therapeutic effects.
3. Distillates: Distillates are another form of highly potent cannabis extract produced by highly refining extracts that isolate specific cannabinoids.
- THC distillate: It is the purest form of THC available, often reaching concentrations of 99% or higher. THC distillate is an odorless and flavorless extract that is versatile and suitable for use in various products. Learn more about how THC distillate is made.
- CBD distillate: Similar to THC distillate, CBD distillate is also produced by refining the cannabidiol profile. Given its purity and potency, CBD distillate is the base ingredient for many CBD products. Discover the process of how CBD distillate is made
4. Isolates: Isolates are the purest form of cannabis extract, containing only a single cannabinoid.
- CBD isolate: The crystalline form of pure cannabidiol, CBD isolate has no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It’s often used in pharmaceutical preparations.
- THC isolate: THC isolate offers pure tetrahydrocannabinol without any other cannabis compounds, making it suitable for therapeutical use.
Each of these cannabis extract types offers unique characteristics and potential benefits. Their choice often depends on the desired effects, consumption method, and individual preferences.
Types of Cannabis Extraction
Cannabis extraction methods are as versatile as the product categories. Each cannabis extraction process offers advantages over others, and the selection depends on the quality, purity, and chemical profile you seek from the end product. The primary cannabis extraction methods include:
1. Solvent-based extractions: These methods depend on a solvent to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes for extraction. Depending on the type of solvent used, it can be:
- Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction: The process uses liquid butane as the solvent. The BHO extraction method is chosen to produce high-potency extracts with rich terpene profiles.
- CO2 Extraction: This CO2 cannabis extraction method uses pressurized carbon dioxide in a supercritical state to extract compounds from cannabis. Known for producing clean extracts without residual solvents, it is the most popular solvent-based extraction process.
- Ethanol Extraction: Ideal for large-scale production, this method uses ethanol to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes. This method may extract chlorophyll, requiring additional processing.
- Hexane Extraction: Hexanes are used to isolate desired non-polar compounds like THC. This method is less common due to safety concerns regarding handling hexane.
2. Solventless extractions: A class of cannabis extraction processes that don’t use chemical solvents, these methods rely on physical processes to separate trichomes from plant material.
- Ice Water Extraction: Plant material is agitated in ice water, causing trichomes to separate. The mixture is then filtered through progressively finer screens.
- Dry Sieve Extraction: In this method, cannabis plants are carefully dried and gently agitated over fine screens to separate trichomes.
- Rosin Pressing: In this cannabis extraction process, heat and pressure are applied to plant material to squeeze out resinous sap.
3. Modern extraction methods: With the innovation in cannabis extraction, some modern extraction methods have emerged.
- Ultrasonic Extraction: This method uses sound waves to agitate a solvent and cannabis mixture, enhancing extraction efficiency. In the absence of heat, it can also extract volatile compounds.
- Microwave-Assisted Extraction: A faster alternative to traditional methods, it uses microwave energy to heat the solvent and cannabis mixture, speeding up the extraction process.
Depending on the production scale, regulatory requirements, and available resources, any of these cannabis extraction methods can be chosen.
Equipment and Tools for Making Cannabis Extracts
For commercial production of cannabis extracts, you will need specialized equipment. Companies like Root Sciences offer highly efficient and specialized equipment to ensure high-quality, safe, large-scale operations.
Here are the most common equipment and tools essential for various cannabis extraction processes:
1. Extraction Machines
These are the machines designed to facilitate large-scale cannabis extract production. The most common types of extraction machines include:
- Closed-loop extraction systems: These are used for solvent-based extractions (BHO, CO2). They are called closed-loops because they allow solvent recovery, which can be recycled into the system for use.
- CO2 extraction machines: Designed for the supercritical CO2 extraction process, these machines offer precise pressure and temperature control.
- Rosin presses: An industrial version of a traditional mechanical press, a rosin press is a hydraulic or pneumatic press used for solventless rosin extraction. Learn more about how rosin is made.
2. Filtering Equipment
Filtering is a key step in the cannabis extraction process. Depending on the extraction method, the following filtering equipment may be required:
- Vacuum pumps: These pumps create a vacuum for filtration and purging processes.
- Buchner funnels: Buchner funnels are essential for filtering extracts to remove plant material and impurities.
- Filter papers and screens: These are used in various sizes and materials at different stages of filtration.
- Molecular sieves: Mostly used during filtration to remove moisture and other impurities from solvents and extracts.
3. Storage Containers
At every step of the cannabis extraction, storage containers are needed to safely contain the plant material, solvents, distillates, etc.
- Airtight, light-resistant containers: These containers preserve the quality and potency of extracts by avoiding oxidation or degradation.
- Silicone containers: Most commonly used for storing sticky cannabis concentrates.
- Glass jars: These are used to store larger quantities of extracts or infused products.
4. Safety Gear
Like other equipment, safety gear is also essential throughout the extraction process. You must have:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All individuals involved in the extraction process must wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
- Fume hoods: To ensure proper ventilation when working with solvents and avoid accidental inhalation of chemicals and vapors.
- Fire suppression systems: If you are working with flammable solvents such as hydrocarbons, you must have fire suppression systems installed.
- Gas detectors: To monitor air quality and detect potential leaks in solvent-based systems, gas detectors must be installed.
Find the Ideal Equipment for making Cannabis Extract
Safety Considerations while Extracting
Safety is paramount in the cannabis extraction process. The materials and equipment involved in the process can pose significant risks if not handled properly.
Implementing strict safety protocols is mandatory for protecting workers from potential hazards. It also ensures product quality and purity while complying with legal and regulatory requirements. Here are the possible hazards to manage to prevent accidents that could damage equipment or facilities:
- Solvent Handling: At every step of the solvent extraction process, there is a risk of inhalation. Many solvents can be harmful if inhaled, while others can cause irritation or be absorbed through the skin. Appropriate containers in well-ventilated areas must be used depending on the class of solvent used.
- Explosions and Fires: Flammable solvents like butane and ethanol are highly flammable and can create explosive atmospheres. Your electrical equipment must be rated for use in potentially explosive environments. Furthermore, it would help if you mitigated static electricity risks that can ignite flammable vapors.
- Contamination: Improper handling or equipment cleaning can lead to contamination of the products. Establishing protocols for maintaining a contamination-free environment is necessary.
Best Practices for Safe Extraction
Here are some steps that producers can take to ensure safety:
- Proper Training: Staff involved in cannabis extraction should undergo comprehensive safety training with regular refresher courses to keep up with the latest safety protocols and regulations.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employees should only enter a facility or handle solvents with appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, safety goggles or face shields, and fire-resistant clothing.
- Facility Design and Equipment: Proper ventilation systems, explosion-proof electrical equipment, and emergency shutdown systems will ensure quick response to potential hazards.
- Regular Equipment Maintenance: Implement routine inspections and maintenance of all extraction equipment to address any equipment malfunctions or irregularities proactively.
Prioritizing safety in every aspect of the cannabis extraction process is essential for workers’ protection, product quality, and the integrity of the operations.
Quality Control and Testing
The cannabis industry is as competitive as any other, with stricter quality and compliance requirements. Rigorous quality control measures and comprehensive testing protocols are essential to ensure compliance and maintain consumer trust and product efficacy.
Types of Testing:
Broadly, all testing methods used for cannabis extracts can be classified into three categories:
- Potency Testing: A quality check evaluates the quantity of compounds like THC and CBD in the product. Potency testing includes cannabinoid profiling (measuring cannabinoid concentrations). Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Gas Chromatography (GC) is used for potency testing in the cannabis industry.
- Contaminant Testing: The process tests the presence of residual solvents like butane, ethanol, or CO2. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used for contaminant testing. Among other contaminants tested are pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants.
- Terpene Profiling: It involves analyzing the types and concentrations of terpenes in the cannabis extract using Gas Chromatography (GC).
Certifications and Regulations
To gain trust and ensure their cannabis extraction processes are following industry standards, producers should obtain certain certifications. It can also be a compliance requirement in your jurisdiction.
- ISO 17025: It is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. This certification demonstrates that the producer has the technical competence and the ability to produce precise and accurate test results.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): It is a set of regulations for consistent quality in production. Implement it in your facilities to ensure products are produced according to quality standards.
- Labeling Requirements: Labeling requirements may exist depending on the state where you operate. It mandates accurate display of test results on product labels as required by law. This information may include potency, major cannabinoids, and absence of contaminants.
Quality control is mandatory for producing safe, consistent, high-quality cannabis extracts.
Uses and Applications of Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts have a wide range of applications not limited to only recreational purposes but also medical and industrial. The versatility of cannabis products has contributed to the rapid growth of the industry.
Here’s an overview of the various uses and applications of cannabis extracts:
- Medical Applications: From pain management to skin conditions, cannabis products are finding their applications for several applications. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC can interact with body systems, facilitating pain management, epilepsy treatment (e.g., CBD for Dravet syndrome), managing anxiety disorders, and cancer-related symptoms.
- Recreational Uses: CBD-dominant extracts are actively used for relaxation without psychoactive effects. These extracts are also used for mood elevation, enhanced sensory experiences, and increased creativity and focus. Lately, cannabis is also finding its place as an alternative to alcohol in social settings.
- Industrial Applications: Cannabis extracts with a high terpene profile are used in edibles and beverages. Lotions and creams for localized pain relief using cannabis oils. Also, tinctures and sublingual products use distillates to produce fast-acting oral drops for various uses.
The diversity of cannabis extract applications demonstrates the impact these products can have on health, wellness, and everyday life.
Legal Considerations
Depending on your location, you must consider the legal framework surrounding cannabis extracts as it varies significantly across different countries and even within regions of the same country.
- International Laws
Cannabis in any form is classified as a controlled substance under international drug control treaties by the United Nations Conventions. However, individual countries have varying levels of compliance with and interpretation of these treaties.
In 2020, the WHO recommended countries reschedule cannabis and its extracts to reflect their medical utility. This can potentially influence future international policy. - US Federal and State Laws
Under the federal law, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance. It makes cannabis extract illegal under federal law. However, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC.
As of 2024, many US states have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use. However, these states have no standard implementation, and regulations vary widely. Note that interstate commerce of cannabis extracts remains prohibited, even between legal states. - Canadian Laws
Since 2018, cannabis extract has been legal nationwide in Canada for both medical and recreational use. However, producers must comply with specific potency, packaging, and distribution regulations. - European Union Laws
No EU-wide legislation on cannabis exists. Member states can set their policies. Many EU countries allow CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.2% THC. However, there is a significant variation in regulation among these countries, too.
Conclusion
The cannabis extract market is diverse, with several factors to consider. As demand for these extracts is growing among users for recreation, medical, and other uses, producers can grow their business like never before. However, the production of cannabis extracts involves complex processes that require careful attention to safety, quality control, and legal compliance.
