Cannabis concentrates have become essential in the industry, offering a variety of textures, potencies, and consumption methods. They allow consumers to access products with higher concentrations of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, as well as a richer terpene experience. However, understanding the diversity of concentrates and their production methods can be complex. This article will guide you through the main extraction processes, the types of biomass used, and the final products, based on a precise classification of cannabis concentrates.
1. The Different Extraction Processes
Cannabis concentrates are the result of several extraction processes that directly influence the quality, purity, and use of the final product. There are four main extraction processes.
a) Manual Rubbing (Hand Rubbing)
Manual rubbing is the traditional method for making charas, a form of hashish that originates from mountainous regions like the Himalayas. This technique involves manually rubbing live cannabis plants to extract the resin.
Biomass used: Live plants
Technique: Manual rubbing
Final product: Charas
Charas is a sticky and resinous hashish, known for its potency and rich flavor, often appreciated for its artisanal and traditional nature.
b) Sieving (Sieved)
Sieving is a mechanical extraction method that separates the trichomes from the plant. There are two main techniques in this category:
Dry Sieving: Uses dried resin to produce concentrates like Loose Resin Heads or Full Melt, which are different qualities of hashish depending on the sieve's fineness.
Ice Water Sieving: Uses ice water to separate the trichomes, producing highly pure concentrates like Ice Wax or Full Melt.
Biomass used: Fresh or dried resin
Techniques: Dry Sieving / Ice Water Sieving
Final products: Loose Resin Heads, Full Melt, Beach Sand
This method, particularly the one using ice water, allows for extremely pure concentrates that retain a large amount of terpenes and cannabinoids.
c) Solventless Extraction (Non-Solvent)
This extraction method is very popular among consumers who prefer concentrates without the addition of chemicals. The most common example is Rosin, extracted through hot pressing.
Biomass used: Fresh, frozen, or dried resin
Technique: Hot pressing
Final product: Rosin, Oil for vape cartridges
Rosin is highly valued because it is 100% natural, without the addition of solvents. It retains a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, making it ideal for use in vape pens.
d) Solvent Extraction (Solvent Extraction)
Extraction methods that use solvents are more complex but allow for the extraction of a wide spectrum of active compounds from the plant.
Supercritical CO₂: A method that uses high-pressure CO₂ to obtain terpene-rich concentrates.
Biomass used: Fresh, frozen, or dried resin
Technique: Supercritical CO₂
Final product: Rosin, High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract (HTFSE)
Cryogenic (Liquid Nitrogen): Allows for the extraction of resins at very low temperatures to preserve the quality of the terpenes.
Biomass used: Fresh or frozen resin
Technique: Cryogenic extraction
Final product: Ln2 Hash
Butane/Propane (BHO/PHO): Uses hydrocarbons to dissolve cannabinoids. This method produces concentrates like Shatter or Wax.
Biomass used: Fresh or dried resin
Technique: Butane or propane extraction
Final products: Shatter, Wax, Budder, Crumble
Ethanol/Alcohol (FECO): Mainly used for medicinal purposes to produce full-spectrum extracts that are rich in cannabinoids.
Biomass used: Fresh, frozen, or dried resin
Technique: Ethanol/Alcohol extraction
Final product: FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), Tinctures
2. Biomass Used for Extraction
Depending on the chosen process, the biomass (plant material) used for extracting concentrates may vary. The main options are:
Live plants: Used for extracts like Charas or Live Resin.
Fresh, frozen, or dried resin: Used in most extraction processes, especially for concentrates like Rosin, vape oils, or Shatter.
The choice of biomass directly impacts the quality of the final concentrate. For example, live plants or fresh resins retain more terpenes, enhancing the aroma and overall effect.
3. Final Products of Concentrates
Depending on the extraction process, final products have different textures, concentrations, and flavor profiles. Here is an overview of the main concentrates available on the market:
Charas: A traditional concentrate produced by manual rubbing.
Full Melt, Ice Wax: Extremely pure products obtained through ice water sieving.
Rosin: A solventless concentrate extracted by hot pressing.
Shatter, Wax, Budder, Crumble: A range of products produced through hydrocarbon extraction, each with a different texture and consistency.
FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil): A concentrate rich in cannabinoids, often used for its therapeutic effects.
Each final product is suitable for different uses, whether for recreational consumption via vape pens or for medical use in the form of oils or tinctures.
Conclusion
Understanding cannabis concentrates requires familiarity with extraction methods, the biomass used, and the resulting final products. Each process has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of concentrate often depends on personal preferences, whether in terms of purity, consumption method, or desired effects.
With the various extraction techniques available today, consumers have access to a wide range of products, from artisanal concentrates like Charas to ultra-pure extracts like Rosin or vape oils.
Whatever your choice, it is essential to understand the processes involved in order to choose the product that best suits your needs and expectations.
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