Mason Delacroix
The process of extracting THC from cannabis using alcohol is called decarboxylation. This involves heating the cannabis to activate it, converting the raw forms of THCA and CBDA into their active forms of THC and CBD. The resulting mixture is called a tincture. The process is generally considered simple, fast, and safe, and can be done using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. However, there are some concerns about the flammability of the alcohol vapour and liquid during the process, as well as the possibility of burning off THC if the temperature is too high. The recommended temperature for evaporation is below 340°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cannabis extractions with alcohol | Simple, fast, safe, and produce a high-quality concentrate if done properly |
| Cannabis tincture | A concentrated alcohol-based cannabis extract, often referred to as "Green Dragon" |
| Cannabis tincture recipe | 190-200 proof food-grade ethanol or 190-proof Everclear alcohol |
| Decarboxylation | The process of heating cannabis to "activate" it; converts raw forms of THCA and CBDA to their active forms of THC and CBD |
| THC burn-off | Starts at 340°F |
| Evaporating alcohol | Can be done naturally or using equipment like an instant pot eater bath, vacuum oven, or vacuum purge kit |
| Grain alcohol | Usually 95% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
THC extraction methods
One popular method is ethanol extraction, which can be done in hot, cold, or room-temperature conditions. The cannabis is soaked in ethanol, the plant material is removed, the liquid is filtered, and the alcohol is evaporated. This method is efficient for processing large batches of cannabis flower. A similar method involves using isopropyl alcohol.
Another method is dry-sieving, which produces a powder-like Kief with a potency of approximately 35-50% THC. This involves beating dried cannabis against a mesh screen to force the trichomes to separate and fall off. The product can then be pressed into hashish or mixed with dried flowers. This procedure is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it is not popular on an industrial level.
Water extraction is another option, producing a similar potency of THC to the dry-sieving method. This involves placing the cannabis plant in a mesh bag, immersing it in ice water, and stirring to remove the trichomes.
Other methods include ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and CO2 extraction. The latter involves passing supercritical CO2 over the cannabis, which extracts plant waxes and oils. The CO2 then goes into a condenser and turns into a liquid that can be filtered and used again. This method is expensive but produces higher yields and less material is lost.
Business and Alcohol Licenses: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Decarbing weed
Decarboxylation occurs through heat and time. The high temperatures when smoking and vaporizing instantly decarboxylate compounds in weed, making them immediately available for the body to absorb. However, decarboxylation for edibles is done at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to keep cannabinoids and terpenes intact when infused. Terpenes are volatile and will evaporate at high temperatures, leaving undesirable flavours and aromas.
The ideal temperature range to decarb cannabis falls between 220°F and 240°F. This range allows cannabinoids to activate properly while minimising the risk of degrading other compounds, such as terpenes. The weed should be heated for between 30 and 60 minutes, but it is important to continuously check on the weed to ensure it doesn't burn. The weed is done when it turns a light golden brown with a crumbly, dry texture.
To decarb weed, first, grind the weed to increase the surface area and create an even consistency. Then, spread the ground cannabis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Preheat the oven to between 220-240 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven. The middle rack will ensure an ideal decarboxylation temperature, as ovens are hotter at the top and cooler at the bottom. Bake the weed for between 30 and 60 minutes, stirring the weed a few times throughout the baking process to promote even heating. Once the weed turns a light golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool before handling or using it in recipes.
It is important to note that decarbing weed is a low and slow process, and the dry heat of an oven is best for achieving this. A microwave should not be used because the temperature cannot be controlled.
Alcohol-Related Crashes: Who Pays the Price?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Evaporating alcohol
Methods
There are several methods to evaporate alcohol from a tincture. Some of these include:
- Using a vacuum oven or a vacuum purge kit (although this can be expensive)
- Using a mini crockpot or instant pot eater bath
- Allowing the alcohol to evaporate naturally
- Building your own airflow evaporation system
Factors Affecting Evaporation
When using increased airflow to evaporate the alcohol, the two most important variables are airflow amount and surface area in contact with the airflow. Warmer air will also evaporate alcohol faster than colder air, although warmer air generally has increased levels of humidity which can slow down the evaporation process.
Precautions
It is important to note that if you use too much heat during the evaporation process, THC can begin to burn off at 340°F. Additionally, if you are using an oil-based tincture, the crockpot method will not work.
Nighttime alcohol sales: a recipe for disaster
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cannabis tinctures
To make a tincture, you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis flower, before choosing to make either an alcohol-based or oil-based tincture. For an alcohol-based tincture, you will need to use a high-proof grain alcohol such as Everclear, which has a high alcohol content and purity, and is odourless, flavourless and colourless. The higher the alcohol percentage, the more effective it will be at dissolving the plant's compounds. To make the tincture, cover the cannabis with alcohol in a Mason jar, and store it in a dark place for at least three weeks, shaking the jar once a day. After three weeks, strain out the flower and you will be left with a tincture.
If you are making an oil-based tincture, you can use a neutral oil such as MCT oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Combine the oil and decarboxylated cannabis and leave it to infuse for three to five weeks in a cool, dark place, turning the jar once a day.
It is important to note that heat and light can adversely affect cannabinoids, so tinctures should be stored in airtight, dark glass containers kept at room temperature or below.
Unknowingly Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a heat source
Another option is to use a vacuum oven, although this equipment can be expensive. Alternatively, a vacuum purge kit can be used, which requires heating the extract to approximately 40°C.
When using a heat source, it is important to avoid temperatures above 340°F, as THC can begin to burn off at this point. One user reported using an instant pot eater bath to evaporate the alcohol, maintaining a temperature of around 180°F.
It is also possible to bake the tincture in an oven at 230°F for 30 minutes to an hour. However, leaving it for longer than an hour can cook away the active compounds.
For those seeking a more discreet method, a slow cooker or crockpot can be used on low heat to evaporate the alcohol. This method may be suitable for those creating the tincture in a shared living space or with children or pets around.
The Mystery of Ethyl Alcohol: Pure or Mixed?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the alcohol will evaporate during the cooking process, reducing the volume and leaving behind a thick, black, sticky substance. This black oil is FECO or your medicine.
The easiest way to evaporate the alcohol is to place the tincture on something and allow the alcohol to evaporate off naturally.
It is best to use either 190 to 200-proof food-grade ethanol (aka ethyl alcohol) or 190-proof Everclear alcohol. Both are strong natural solvents that will effectively strip and separate the desired cannabinoids from the plant material.
If you want to preserve the THC, do not heat above 340°F as this is the temperature at which THC begins to burn off.
