Terpene extraction is the process of isolating terpenes—aromatic compounds found in plants, particularly cannabis—while preserving their distinct flavors, scents, and therapeutic properties. Terpenes are responsible for the unique aromas of different cannabis strains and are believed to contribute to the “entourage effect,” where they work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance the overall effects of cannabis.
Key Methods of Terpene Extraction:
- Steam Distillation:
Involves passing steam through plant material to vaporize the volatile terpenes. The vapor is then condensed and separated, yielding terpene oils. This is one of the most common methods used for terpene extraction.
- CO₂ Extraction:
This method uses supercritical CO₂ (where the gas is converted into a liquid-like state under high pressure) to extract terpenes without exposing them to high heat, preserving their delicate structures and aromas.
- Hydrocarbon Extraction:
Uses solvents like butane or propane to extract terpenes and cannabinoids together. The solvent is later removed, leaving behind the extracted compounds. This method is efficient but may require further refinement to remove residual solvents.
- Solventless Extraction (e.g., STX 90):
Involves directly distilling terpenes from cannabis biomass without using solvents, preserving the purest forms of these compounds. This process prevents thermal degradation, ensuring the highest quality of extracted terpenes.
In the cannabis industry, terpene extraction is vital for producing full-spectrum products that closely resemble the natural characteristics of the strain, offering consumers a rich, flavorful experience.
Solventless terpene extraction is a method used to isolate and preserve the aromatic compounds (terpenes) from cannabis without using chemical solvents like butane, ethanol, or CO₂. This process relies on mechanical or thermal techniques to extract terpenes while keeping their natural properties intact. It is highly valued for producing pure, uncontaminated terpenes that are free from residual solvents.
- Collection of Biomass:
The process begins by selecting the cannabis biomass, which can include flowers, buds, and leaves. This biomass is rich in terpenes, especially when the plant material is fresh or frozen immediately after harvest to preserve the aromatic compounds.
- Low-Temperature Distillation:
One of the most common techniques used in solventless extraction is low-temperature distillation. In this method, heat is applied to the biomass at carefully controlled, low temperatures. The key is to distill the terpenes before any other extraction processes (like cannabinoid extraction), ensuring that the most volatile and delicate terpenes, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, are captured without being degraded by heat.
The low temperature ensures that the terpenes evaporate without altering their chemical structure, preventing thermal degradation that often occurs in other high-heat extraction methods. These terpenes are then condensed and collected for further use.
- Mechanical Separation:
Another method used in solventless terpene extraction is mechanical separation, which relies on physical force rather than chemicals. A popular technique for this involves pressing fresh cannabis flowers or plant material under heat and pressure to squeeze out terpene-rich oils. This method is similar to rosin extraction, where the plant is pressed to release its natural oils.
- Vacuum-Assisted Distillation:
Some systems, like the STX 90 Solventless Terpene Extractor, utilize vacuum-assisted distillation. This method lowers the pressure in the extraction chamber, which allows terpenes to be distilled at even lower temperatures than usual. By doing so, this technique prevents the terpenes from being exposed to excessive heat, further ensuring the quality of the extracted compounds. The vacuum speeds up the evaporation process without compromising the terpene profile.
- Collection of Terpenes:
After the terpenes have been gently distilled or pressed out of the biomass, they are collected in their purest form. These extracted terpenes are then stored in a way that preserves their integrity, often in sealed, cool containers to prevent oxidation or degradation.
- Reintroduction to Cannabis Products:
The solventless terpenes can later be reintroduced to cannabis concentrates, distillates, or vape cartridges. This reintroduction helps recreate the natural flavor and aroma of the original strain, resulting in a product that offers a “full-spectrum” experience—one that closely mirrors the natural profile of the cannabis plant.
By avoiding the use of solvents and applying gentle mechanical or thermal methods, solventless terpene extraction captures terpenes in their natural, pure form, making it a superior option for manufacturers looking to create high-quality cannabis products with a true-to-strain aroma and flavor.
Terpenes are extremely valuable compounds that give cannabis strains their unique and pungent aromas, as well as attenuate the psychoactive effects of flower, concentrates, and vape pens. Preserving volatile terpenes throughout the extraction and purification process is very difficult, yet terpene content is one of the major criteria by which extracts are judged. The most volatile and aromatic terpenes (mono- and sesquiterpenes) are typically lost to the extraction solvent or thermally degrade in subsequent steps, forming foul-smelling compounds.
Enter the STX 90 Solventless Terpene Extractor. By directly distilling the most valuable aromatics straight from the biomass prior to conventional extraction, these prized molecules can be preserved, and the biomass processed as usual. The terpenes can then be recombined with the concentrates or distillates, resulting in a full-spectrum, terpene-rich product that resembles the original biomass as closely as possible.
- Enhanced Product Quality:
Terpenes are key contributors to the overall sensory experience of cannabis products. By preserving them through advanced extraction methods, you not only enhance the flavor and aroma of the final product, but also create a more appealing product for discerning consumers who prioritize full-spectrum experiences.
- Maximizing Therapeutic Potential:
Terpenes are believed to work synergistically with cannabinoids through what is known as the “entourage effect.” By retaining the most volatile terpenes, you enhance the overall therapeutic potential of your concentrates and vape products, offering a richer and more effective product for medicinal and recreational consumers alike.
- Improved Marketability:
In an increasingly competitive cannabis market, producing terpene-rich products that mirror the original strain’s profile sets your brand apart. Strain-specific terpenes allow manufacturers to maintain a consistent and recognizable product line, which builds consumer trust and loyalty.
- Cost-Effective and Efficient:
The ability to extract terpenes prior to standard cannabinoid extraction is not only efficient but reduces the need for expensive, time-consuming post-extraction terpene infusion processes. The terpenes are captured in their most pristine form without any additional processing or chemical additives, saving time and resources.
- Minimizing Thermal Degradation:
Traditional extraction methods often expose terpenes to heat, causing degradation or loss. The solventless extraction process mitigates this risk by carefully distilling the terpenes at low temperatures, ensuring that even the most sensitive compounds are preserved without compromising their quality.
- Sustainability and Clean Labeling:
Solventless extraction aligns with the growing consumer demand for clean, natural products. By avoiding the use of harsh solvents, the process produces terpene isolates that are free from chemical residues, allowing brands to confidently promote their products as solvent-free, which can be a powerful marketing tool.
- Increased Flexibility for Manufacturers:
Solventless terpene extraction offers versatility to producers who work with a variety of cannabis strains. The flexibility to preserve strain-specific terpene profiles allows manufacturers to fine-tune their product offerings, creating bespoke, high-end cannabis extracts that cater to a wide range of consumer preferences.
