Solventless extraction produces a distinct profile when compared to solvent-based extraction. The result is a product with a higher purity level than its solvent-based counterpart. Additionally, BHO extraction is less likely to compromise quality due to its ease. The post-production process also adds non-cannabis terpenes to create a more refined finish.
Benefits
Solventless extraction is more cost-effective. Solvent-based extraction processes require high-cost equipment, while California solventless extraction requires only heat and pressure. It means less overhead, which means a higher return on investment for the producer. Solvent-less cannabis concentrates also yield a premium product.
Solvent-free products are a safer alternative for those with respiratory problems and heart conditions. In addition, they produce cleaner and healthier smoke. These products are also more potent than other cannabis oils. Solvent-less concentrates are also less expensive, saving you money in the long run. Solvent-free extractions also contain fewer impurities.
Pure Expression of Original Plant Material
Cannabis distillate is produced by combining a series of extraction methods. The first extraction method involves using CO2 to remove cannabinoids from dried flowers. The second method, known as cold ethanol extraction, uses less solvent and helps retain more cannabinoids. The last step is distillation, which removes residual ethanol from the crude extract oil.
Solvent-based extractions use chemical solvents to extract THC and other cannabinoids. Solventless cannabis concentrates, on the other hand, rely on mechanical processes to extract the resin-filled trichomes without using solvents. As a result, solventless cannabis concentrates have become a popular choice among medical users. Moreover, solventless cannabis concentrates are often marketed as offering a more natural and whole-plant experience than solvent-based extracts.
Solventless cannabis concentrates are better for various applications, including topicals and oral sprays. They have a better aroma and a higher THC content than solvent-based cannabis concentrates. A cannabis connoisseur can typically taste the difference between solvent-based and solvent-less cannabis extracts.
Safety From Residual Solvents
Residual solvents can be harmful to human health and should never be consumed. However, these contaminants can be minimized if a product is sold legally. Licensed dispensaries carry a seal of approval for cannabis products, and third-party testing is crucial to ensure the product is safe for consumers.
Residual solvents are not necessarily dangerous in small amounts, but they must be studied for several years to determine if they pose a risk. Butane, a common solvent in cannabis concentrates, has been linked to lung and heart damage. Residual solvents are leftover chemicals used during the extraction process. These solvents can be ingested or inhaled by users. Therefore, the manufacturers of solventless cannabis concentrates are required to test the final product to ensure it meets safety standards.
Methods of Extraction
Solventless extraction methods can be performed using cannabis flower, trim, kief, and water hash. The quality of solventless rosin will depend on the quality of the plant material. Not all flowers will yield high-quality concentrates, so selecting the right cultivar for your needs is important.
Solventless extraction methods use low-temperature pressure and agitation to break apart cannabinoids. As a result, they are much cheaper to use and scale up as cannabis production increases. Solventless cannabis concentrates originated as hand-pressed hashes. These solventless methods use agitation techniques and machines to separate plant matter and resin.
Ice water extraction is another solvent-free method that can be used to extract cannabis. This method involves submerging cannabis in ice water and mesh bags. The ice helps break apart trichomes, pushing into the bag’s bottom. The resulting extracts can contain 50 to 70 percent THC. Solvent-free products can be pure and safe and used in food and beverage processing industries.
