Extraction

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Cannabis processing

Extraction[ɪksˈtrækʃən]

Definition:

The process of converting specific chemicals in raw cannabis for consumption purposes is referred to as extraction. The procedure eliminates the oil present in the cannabis plant’s trichomes and collects the most active components, including THC, CBD, and terpenes.

There are at least three popular methods of cannabis extractions:

  1. Via CO2 – This cannabis extraction extracts CBD (and other phytochemicals) from a plant using pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2). At certain temperatures, CO2 functions as a solvent, less the risks of different extraction methods. While it is safe and effective, one primary concern is that it necessitates purchasing costly equipment to freeze CO2 gas and compress it into a supercritical cold liquid form.
  2. Via hydrocarbons – A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Butane is commonly employed as the principal solvent in hydrocarbon extraction. When mixed with cannabis plant material, the hydrocarbon dissolves the plant’s beneficial components.
  3. Via ethanol – This extraction involves soaking raw marijuana in ethanol to extract cannabinoids. After removing the plant material, the liquid is filtered. Finally, the substance is purged of ethanol.

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