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Everything you need to know about making cannabis extracts like hash, oil, shatter, and wax. Learn about the different extraction methods and what makes each one unique.
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Introduction
Cannabis extraction is a process of separating the parts of the cannabis plant that are desirable from the plant material that is not. The end goal of most cannabis extractions is to produce a potent, safe, and delicious product that can be used in a variety of ways.
There are many different ways to extract cannabis, but most methods can be divided into two categories: solvent-based extraction and solventless extraction. Solvent-based extractions use a solvent, such as ethanol or CO2, to separate the desirable compounds from the plant material. Solventless extractions use mechanical or chemical processes to achieve the same goal without using any solvents.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right method for your needs. In this guide, we will cover the basics of how to make cannabis extracts using both solvent-based and solventless methods.
The Different Types of Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts are made by extracting the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desired compounds from the cannabis plant. This can be done using a variety of methods, but the most common method is using solvents. The type of solvent you use will determine the type of extract you end up with. Let’s take a look at the different types of cannabis extracts.
CO2 Oil
CO2 oil is one of the newer ways to extract cannabis. It uses a machine called a supercritical CO2 extractor, which turns CO2 gas into “liquid CO2”. This liquid then acts as a solvent to strip the THC, CBD, and terpenes from the plant material.
The advantage of this method is that it is much cleaner and safer than using Butane or other chemicals. CO2 is also a natural gas, so it leaves behind no harmful residues.
The downside of this method is that it is very expensive, and the machines are complicated to operate. This means that CO2 oil is usually only found in high-end dispensaries.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a full-extract cannabis oil intended for oral ingestion. It is named after Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical marijuana activist who claims to have cured his own skin cancer with a homemade cannabis oil.
RSO is typically made with indica strains of cannabis and has high levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. Some people believe that RSO can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including cancer, although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
To make RSO, the cannabis plant material is soaked in a solvent, such as grain alcohol. The resulting mixture is then evaporated to remove the solvent, leaving behind a thick, dark oil that contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
RSO is typically taken orally by placing drops under the tongue or adding it to food or drink. It can also be applied directly to the skin. Some people prefer to make their own RSO at home, but it is also available for purchase from some dispensaries.
Hash Oil
Hash oil, also called honey oil or cannabis oil , is a potent cannabis concentrate that packs a powerful punch. Although its exact composition and potency vary depending on the method used to produce it, hash oil typically contains a high concentration of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces the characteristic “high” feeling associated with smoking cannabis.
Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the oldest and most popular ways to consume cannabis. They’re easy to make and can be taken in a variety of ways, including orally or sublingually (under the tongue). You can also add tinctures to drinks or food.
To make a tincture, you’ll need cannabis flowers or trim, high-proof alcohol like vodka or everclear, and a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Start by grinding your cannabis and adding it to the jar. Then, pour in enough alcohol to completely cover the plant material. Tightly seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks (the longer you let it steep, the more potent the tincture will be).
After two weeks, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or coffee filter and discard the plant material. Pour the tincture into a clean glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place. Tinctures will last for several years when stored properly.
To use, start with a low dose (1-2 drops) and increase as needed. Tinctures can be taken orally or placed under the tongue for quick absorption into the bloodstream. They can also be added to drinks or food.
The Benefits of Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts are a great way to get the most out of your cannabis. They are highly potent and can be used in many different ways. Extracts can be taken orally, used topically, or even smoked. Cannabis extracts can also be used to make edibles, tinctures, and other cannabis products.
Health Benefits
Cannabis extracts offer many of the same benefits as smoking cannabis, but without the harmful effects of smoke. Cannabis extracts can be taken orally or applied topically, and are available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, oils, salves, and edibles.
Extracts can be made from both marijuana and hemp plants, and can contain a variety of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Cannabis extracts are thought to provide relief from a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. They may also be effective in treating cancer.
There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the use of cannabis extracts for medical purposes. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these products.
Pain Relief
Cannabis extracts offer many potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis extracts may be effective in treating various types of pain, including:
-Inflammatory pain
-Nerve pain
-Chronic pain
-Muscle pain
-Joint pain
Cannabis extracts may also be effective in treating other conditions that commonly cause pain, such as migraines and fibromyalgia. In addition to alleviating pain, cannabis extracts may also help reduce inflammation, which can further relieve pain and improve overall health.
Anxiety Relief
Cannabis extracts can offer relief from anxiety for some people. Cannabis oil has been shown to reduce anxiety in animal studies, and human studies have found that it may be effective in treating social anxiety disorder. CBD, a compound in cannabis, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to Make Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts are becoming more and more popular as people learn about their many uses and benefits. They can be used to make a variety of products, including edibles, topicals, and tinctures. Extracts can also be used to make your own cannabis products at home. In this article, we will show you how to make cannabis extracts.
CO2 Oil
CO2 oil is one of the most popular types of cannabis extracts. It’s made using a closed loop extraction process that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent. CO2 is a supercritical gas, which means it’s in a state between liquid and gas. This makes it the perfect solvent for extracting cannabis oil because it can be easily controlled and doesn’t leave behind any unwanted residue.
To make CO2 oil, cannabis material is first placed in a chamber where it is exposed to high pressure and temperature. This causes the CO2 to turn into a liquid, which dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter. The solution is then passed through a filters to remove any solid plant matter. The result is a golden brown oil that contains a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
CO2 oil can be used in a variety of ways, including vaporizing, dabbing, and adding it to edibles. It can also be used to make other cannabis products like topicals and tinctures.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
RSO is a specific type of cannabis extract made famous by Rick Simpson. The method for making it is simple:
-Start with lower quality cannabis. Make sure it is dry and grind it up well.
-Mix the ground cannabis with an equal amount of alcohol, by weight.
-Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes.
-Pour off the top layer of liquid, being careful not to lose any of the trichomes (the small, shiny crystal glands that contain most of the plant’s cannabinoids).
-Add a new portion of alcohol and repeat the process until you have extracted all the cannabinoids from the plant material. This will usually take 3-5 washings.
-Evaporate the alcohol using a water bath or a rotary evaporator. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area as the fumes from evaporating alcohol can be dangerous.
-Once all the alcohol has been evaporated, you will be left with a thick, dark green oil. This is your RSO!
Hash Oil
Hash oil is a concentrated form of cannabis that contains many of the plant’s resins and terpenes – in particular, THC and CBD. Hash oil can be consumed in several ways: smoked, inhaled, or used as an edible oil.
Hash oil is made by separating the resins and terpenes from the cannabis plant using either a solvent (usually butane or ethanol) or CO2. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a potent concentrate that can range in THC content from 30-80%. The end product can vary in consistency from a thick, oily liquid to a hard, brittle solid.
There are several methods for consuming hash oil, but one of the most popular is to use it as an ingredient in cannabis edibles. Hash oil can be added to virtually any food or drink recipe that uses fat or oil as an ingredient (such as salad dressing, mayonnaise, brownies, cookies, etc.), and it will infuse the dish with THC. Another popular way to consume hash oil is to smoke it using a vaporizer or water pipe.
If you’re interested in trying hash oil, be sure to purchase it from a reputable source that lab-tests their products for potency and purity. Start with a small dose (1-2mg THC) and increase gradually as needed.
Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the simplest and most popular ways to make your own cannabis extracts. They’re also incredibly versatile, as they can be used in a wide variety of ways.
To make a tincture, you’ll need:
-A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
-Cannabis trim or bud (1 ounce)
-High-proof alcohol (enough to cover the cannabis)
The first step is to decarboxylate your cannabis. This is critical, as it will ensure that your tincture is potent. Preheat your oven to 240 degrees F, and spread your trim or bud on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Once it’s done, let the cannabis cool before grinding it into a fine powder.
Next, add the ground cannabis to your jar, and pour in enough alcohol to cover it completely. Tightly seal the jar, and give it a good shake. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking it once a day.
After two weeks have passed, it’s time to strain your tincture. Place a coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth over a clean bowl, and pour the tincture through it. Once all of the liquid has been strained, discard the solids and transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle with a dropper top. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed learning about how to make cannabis extracts. As you can see, the process is not difficult, but it does require some care and attention to detail. With a little practice, you will be able to produce high-quality extracts that are perfect for use in any number of cannabisedibles or topicals.
