This is a time when every individual is keen to know about the extraction process and concentration of cannabis flower whether they are dabbing or not. This is the world of every cannabis and hemp enthusiast.
Hash is not an alien concept to the cannabis enthusiast but the process of extraction has transformed a lot over the last few decades.
Process of Extraction.
Cannabis concentrate has various ways of being extracted but the main two preliminary methods involve solvent based and the solventless process of extraction.
Solvent-based extraction.
Solvent-based processes of extractions are very close to what they sound like; a chemical compound like butane, ethanol, carbon dioxide, or propane is used to liquefy the plant and take out the cannabinoids and terpenes carefully.
It is like those science experiments that were performed in school. Here two different kinds of chemicals are used to make one solution. Or just think of it like a common solvent like the remover we use for nail polish–where we remove the paint keeping the nail intact.
The two chemicals that are mostly used are butane hash oil and CO2 oil.
Co2 oil: The oil concentrates are generally produced with CO2, and they are thick as well as liquid. This is an easy process as it does not need an extremely high temperature to extract the oil.
The process generally helps in retaining more terpenes, which helps to keep the pure flavor and the exotic aroma. Oil concentrates are every now and then referred to as CO2 oil and are most commonly used in vape containers and throwaway vapes.
Butale hash oil: In this type, butane oil is used to extract the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes from plant materials. This method can be very dangerous due to the highly inflammable characteristics of butane.
Solventless extractions.
These type of extractions does not use any kind of chemicals. Rather they use physical methods like applying pressure and putting the plant at a certain temperature to extract the concentrate or filtration.
The difference in the technique of solvent extractions is that there are different types of solvents that are produced. This adds a craft to it due to the handcrafted process of extraction. The methods can be different, but the sole purpose is to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes without causing any damage to them.
Types Of Concentrates
Solvent-based concentrates
Distillate oil: Distillate oil can frequently be referred to as a simple extract, which basically means that a high level of terpenes is preserved throughout the process. This oil can remain to be refined to hold only the THC or CBD compounds, in which this unadulterated form often produces slightly to no flavor.
Distillates are often used in vape pens and containers where terpenes are put into the oil to add flavors and effects to the cannabis strains. They can similarly be used to produce edibles like brownies and other condiments.
Shatter: it is a dark amber-colored concentrate made from the extraction of BHO hydrocarbon. Many experts believe it to be the purest form of concentrate. It is a candy-like sticky and hard substance.
Wax: It is very similar to shatter, but it is a lot softer and gooier in texture. It is also very sticky to the touch. It is a yellowish-gold concentrate that might require a tool for dabbing because of the stickiness, like a vape or dab rig.
Crumble: This is a solid and waxy concentrate, often known as honeycomb wax. During the extraction, increasing the heat and regulating the moisture level gives a dry texture to it. There are a lot of processes after the extraction which is needed for the collection of the runny oily substance that helps it to regain the honeycomb structure for the crumble.
This solid concentrate makes it a better option for adding to blunts and joints. The texture is good for beginners as well.
Live Raisin: this type of concentrate is made by freezing the plant materials to keep the flavor profile intact. This process of extraction lets the terpenes preserve much likely to a live plant. The material appears to be shiny and has a gold-to-amber color to it.
But mostly, it is known for its strong flavors and aromas.
Solvent-less concentrates
Rosin: Like every other concentrate which is solventless, it is formed by putting pressure and heat on the flower or the buds. This creates a texture that is thick and syrup-like and has a deep yellow color to it. It keeps the terpenes and aromas intact.
Budder/Badder: It is also known as batter. This concentrate gets its name from the texture it has. It is a solventless oil formed by manipulating rosin, and then heat is added to get the batter-like texture. The texture is very creamy and has a great smell to it.
Hash: this is made by collecting and then putting a lot of pressure on the trichomes to the resin glands. It is close to the marijuana flower, but due to the high concentration of cannabinoids, it becomes more potent.
Conclusion
The world of concentrates and extracts may seem fuzzy and overwhelming, but it is a worthwhile exploration for those who are keen to know about the facts and not just the experience it gives after smoking.
Author Bio:
Hanna Flores is a passionate blogger. She loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences with the world through blogging. Hanna Flores is associated with Essay Writing Guides, The Parents Magazine, The Pets Magazine, Gossipment, The Sports Mag.