What are cannabis extraction methods?

Cannabis extraction methods have evolved significantly and include a variety of techniques:

1. Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction: This method involves using butane as the solvent to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The resulting product is often referred to as "shatter," "wax," or "budder" based on its consistency and appearance. After extraction, the butane is purged typically by applying heat to ensure that no residual solvent remains in the final product. Despite its popularity, there are concerns about safety and residual solvents 1.

2. CO2 Extraction: Regarded as a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly method, CO2 extraction uses supercritical carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This method avoids the use of harsh chemicals and yields a purer product. CO2 extract is often used in edibles and other cannabis products due to its cleanliness 1.

3. Ethanol Extraction: This technique involves using ethanol as a solvent. It is praised for its efficiency and safety, particularly when food-grade ethanol is used. This method can produce highly concentrated cannabinoids while being considered safer than butane extraction 1.

4. Dry Ice Extraction: This is a safer DIY extraction method that involves shaking or mixing cannabis in a bucket with dry ice to freeze the trichomes, which are then sifted through a mesh bag. This technique produces a powdery resin known as kief, which can be pressed into hash.

5. Rosin Press: The rosin technique uses heat and pressure to squeeze the oils out of the cannabis plant material. This method doesn't require solvents, making it one of the safest and most environment-friendly extraction methods. The result is a solvent-free product that can be consumed safely.

6. Oil Extraction: Some small-scale producers use oils like olive oil or coconut oil to extract cannabinoids through a slow cooking process. This method is generally used for making cannabis-infused products for personal use rather than for creating concentrates.

7. Cold Water Extraction: Similar to dry ice, cold water extraction uses ice water to harden the trichomes on the cannabis plant. The mixture is then agitated and strained through bags with varying micron levels to isolate the trichomes and make hash 2.

These methods offer various advantages in terms of purity, safety, and environmental impact. Each method has its specific use case depending on the desired product type and quality.