Maximum Yield Cannabis USA October/November 2018 | Page 62

“ As a result of this, additional flavor
and a clearer high can be created
from CO 2 derived concentrates.
Additionally, CO 2 cannabis
extraction results in
higher yields.”
If the alcohol is filtered and purged
(removed) properly though, alcohol-
based concentrates are relatively
safe to consume and make at
home. When utilizing this
extraction method, there’s
little chance of toxic residual
chemicals being leftover
once the final extract is
produced. This method even
allows for extracting
numerous desirable
cannabinoids and
terpenes, which is
one reason why this
extraction method is
commonly used today.
Butane Extraction:
One of the riskiest cannabis
extraction methods is butane
extraction. Although this method
can be performed at home, it can also
be hazardous. For example, butane burns
very easily once it’s in its gas phase. Therefore,
the temperature that’s used must be carefully
managed and controlled because if it’s not, there’s
an elevated risk of the gas exploding.
Overall, analytical testing should always be
performed after a butane extract is created because
butane is very toxic to humans if consumed. This
danger often makes this extraction method less
popular, especially if the extract will be consumed
for medicinal purposes.
Nonetheless, for years, butane extraction has
been commonly used because of its low-running
cost and minimal equipment needed. If you
purchase shatter, budder, or other butane-based
extractions in the future, try buying lab-tested
butane extracts for safety purposes.
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Propane Extraction:
Propane extractions are nearly the same as butane
extractions aside from replacing butane with propane.
Propane extractions create concentrates known as
propane hash oil (PHO) or budder. However, careful
attention and care must occur when completing
this process. Removing as much propane as
possible is essential because the consump-
tion of propane is harmful to consumers’
health just like butane. Therefore, this
method isn’t utilized as much as others
because of this health concern.
Hydrocarbon Extraction:
Lastly, hydrocarbon extraction is known
as the most popular cannabis extraction
method. This method strips different cannabi-
noids and terpenes from the cannabis plant by
using hydrocarbons. One main positive of this
process is it’s clean and leaves behind nearly
no hydrocarbon residue if it’s executed properly.
The end result consists of a highly
concentrated extract, which is then used to
produce hash, wax, shatter, glass, and cannabis
oils. The final extract is not only clean and pure,
but it also contains extremely high levels of
different terpenes and cannabinoids.
Cannabis Extraction Tips
Overall, many cannabis extraction methods
have their own risks, especially if extractors
don’t possess analytical skills and proper lab
equipment to perform the processes safely
and effectively. It’s crucial for extractors to
conduct these methods correctly to ensure
a safe product is produced since it’s for
human consumption. It’s also important for
the extraction results to be reviewed and
confirmed via professional analytical testing to
ensure the extracts are safe to consume.
Hopefully you understand the cannabis extraction
methods used in the past, nowadays, and
projections into the future. So, the next time you
purchase a cannabis concentrate in the future,
consider asking the seller how the concentrate was
extracted. As a consumer, the more information you
have, the better. However, if you wish to make your
own concentrates, don’t forget about the potential
risks and dangers associated with certain methods.
At the end of the day, your health is what matters
most, and if you don’t prioritize it, who will?