Understanding extraction methods, processes, and approaches along with their effect on the cannabis plant.
Solvent Extraction
The plant is soaked in a solvent such as grain alcohol, butane, or propane.
Following full saturation the solvent is evaporated, leaving only concentrated THC
or CBD rich oil.
Positive: Lower equipment costs
Positive: Ideal for preserving terpenoids
Negative: Time-consuming process
CO2 Extraction
CO2 is forced through the plant by a series of chambers that control temperature and
pressure.
The cannabinoids separate into different chambers, the extractor then chooses which
different properties to include.
Positive: Yields more product
Positive: Decreased material losses
Negative: Higher equipment expenses
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum extract products contain every cannabinoid present in the cannabis
plant.
Whole plant derived products, including terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and
amino acids.
Isolate
Contain only one cannabinoid, which is completely separated from other
compounds in the plant.
Cannabinoid isolation decreases the overall bioavailability and absorption of cannabis
properties.
The Entourage Effect
When cannabis is smoked or vaporized, our bodies take in hundreds of botanical compounds. Each of which provides their own unique benefits and effects to our bodies. Their behaviour changes in the presence of other compounds, known as “The Entourage Effect”.
THC and CBD concentration, combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes present in a particular plant can drastically change the ‘high’ one might experience when consuming cannabis. Similar to how one’s mood might change in different social settings, cannabis also has drastic changes with different properties present in the plant.