Theo Nash
THC extraction is a process that involves removing the psychoactive element of cannabis from the plant. While professionals often perform this procedure to create legal, safe CBD products, some people may want to try it at home as a DIY project. One method of extraction involves using alcohol, specifically isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, to strip the THC from the plant. This technique is simple, fast, and safe if done correctly, and it can produce a high-quality concentrate. However, it is important to note that alcohol is highly flammable, and these techniques should be performed outside to mitigate risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To extract THC from stems |
| Tools | Mason jar, coffee filter, pyrex glass container, fan, oven, stove, cheesecloth, vacuum oven |
| Techniques | QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol), Soaking, Freezing |
| Alcohol Type | Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, grain alcohol, Everclear, vodka |
| THC Content | 80% shatter, 50%-70% liquid, 20% "Train Wreck" |
| Time | 3 weeks, 3 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, 15 minutes |
| Dosage | 1/4 or 1/2 shots, 1/2 a candy |
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What You'll Learn
Freeze stems and alcohol separately, then combine
Freezing stems and alcohol separately before combining them is an effective way to extract THC from stems. This method is simple, fast, and safe, producing a quality concentrate if done properly. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, it is important to gather your stems and alcohol of choice. For the alcohol, it is recommended to use a high-proof, consumable alcohol like Everclear or vodka. Rubbing alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol, is not recommended for consumption.
Next, place your stems and alcohol in the freezer separately. The freezing process helps preserve more of the THC in the stems. Leave the stems and alcohol in the freezer for at least 12 hours or overnight.
After the freezing period, take your stems and alcohol out of the freezer. Combine the stems and alcohol in a mason jar. The amount of stems and alcohol used can vary, but a general rule is to grind up 1.5 grams of stems for every ounce of liquid.
Once combined, seal the mason jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The shaking helps to infuse the alcohol with the THC from the stems.
After shaking, let the mixture sit in a dark room for several weeks to continue infusing. Occasionally shake the jar to stir up the contents. The longer you keep the jar in the freezer and the more you shake it, the more THC you will extract.
Finally, when you are satisfied with the infusion, it is time to separate the liquid from the stems. Place a sieve or coffee filter over a bowl and pour the contents of the mason jar through it. The liquid that collects in the bowl will have a greenish tint and be infused with THC.
At this point, you can use the THC-infused alcohol in various ways. You can add it to a drink, use it as a tincture, or even cook with it to make edibles. However, it is important to use caution as cannabis-infused alcohol can be very potent. Always remember to follow local laws and regulations regarding the use and consumption of THC and cannabis products.
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Use a QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol) technique
QWISO, or Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol, is a niche extraction method that can efficiently produce cannabinoid-rich extracts from cannabis flower buds, trim, leaves, and stems in a matter of minutes to hours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the QWISO technique to extract THC from stems with isopropyl alcohol:
Preparation
Firstly, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area away from any open flames, as isopropyl alcohol and its fumes are highly flammable. Use only food-grade isopropyl alcohol, as other types can be harmful if consumed.
Step 1: Freezing
Place your ground buds and isopropyl alcohol into separate containers and put them in the freezer for a few hours. Freezing helps to preserve more of the THC.
Step 2: Mixing
Take the containers out of the freezer and pour the alcohol into the jar containing the ground buds until they are fully submerged. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Longer durations may result in more chlorophyll being extracted, giving the final product a harsher taste.
Step 3: Filtering
Place a sieve and a coffee filter on top of a large jar. Slowly pour the bud and alcohol mixture into the jar. Allow the mixture to drip through the filter, which can take up to an hour. Once complete, pour a small amount of alcohol over the buds and into the filter.
Step 4: Evaporation
Pour the filtered alcohol solution into a plate or container and leave it to evaporate. This can take up to 24 hours. The extraction is complete when there is no liquid remaining. Use a sharp object or razor blade to scrape the QWISO extract from the container.
Post-Extraction
The QWISO extract can now be used in various ways, such as vaping, smoking, or adding to edibles. Remember to start with low doses and gradually increase the amount over time to build up a tolerance to the compound.
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Decarboxylate stems, then infuse in high-proof alcohol
Decarboxylation is a scientific method of removing carbon atoms from stems to renew the THC content. This process is necessary before cannabis can be used in any of its forms. While it sounds complicated, the process is straightforward.
First, preheat your oven to 220 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius). As the oven warms, take your stems and spread them carefully over a foil-lined roasting pan. Place the pan in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 180°F (80°C). This won't decarb the stems; this step is to draw out excess moisture. Once the stems are out of the oven, seal them in a glass jar and store them in the freezer for a few hours.
Next, take your high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear or vodka) and pour it into the jar with the stems. The alcohol should cover the stems. Seal the jar and shake vigorously. The longer you keep the jar in the freezer and the more you shake it, the more you will extract.
When you're ready, simply take a big mason jar and place a screen on top of the opening, then place a coffee filter on top of the screen. Filter all the alcohol back into your jar. Place the jar back in the freezer and let it sit for up to several months, adding new stems as desired. This infused alcohol can be used as a base for cocktails or tinctures.
It's important to use caution when consuming cannabis-infused alcohol, as it is very potent and can amplify the intoxicating effects. Always grind the stems into a fine powder before infusing, and consider using milk or butter to help the THC attach more easily.
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Grind stems, then soak in alcohol for three weeks
To extract THC from stems using alcohol, you can follow these steps:
First, break apart your stems by hand and discard any leftover plant matter that is not a stem. Then, grind the stems until they become a fine powder. The finer the powder, the more surface area the alcohol will be able to cover, which will increase the effectiveness of the extraction.
Next, place the ground stems into a mason jar. Fill the jar with a high-proof alcohol such as Everclear, or isopropyl alcohol. The amount of alcohol used should be enough to fully submerge the ground stems. Seal the jar and place it in a dark room or a freezer for at least three weeks. Occasionally shake the jar to stir up the contents. The longer you keep the jar in the dark/freezer and the more frequently you shake it, the more effective the extraction will be.
After the three weeks, you can then place a screen on top of the jar opening and place a coffee filter on top of the screen. Filter the alcohol back into a separate jar. The alcohol should now be infused with THC.
From here, you can use the alcohol in a variety of ways. For example, you can pour the alcohol onto a flat surface and wait for it to evaporate, leaving behind small, THC-rich chunks. Alternatively, you can use the alcohol to create cannabis-infused tea or coffee.
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Wash cannabis in alcohol, then filter and evaporate
Wash Cannabis in Alcohol
Firstly, it's important to note that alcohol is highly flammable, so all of the described techniques should be performed outside.
There are various methods to wash cannabis in alcohol, depending on the desired outcome. For example, if you want to make cannabis-infused alcohol, you can simply decarboxylate your stems in an oven or a decarbing machine and then place them into high-proof alcohol. The concoction can then be left to sit for several months, with new stems added as desired.
If you want to make a concentrate, you can use the QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol) technique. This involves breaking apart your nugs by hand and discarding the stems. The nugs are then distributed in an even layer in an oven-safe dish and left in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 180°F (80°C) to draw out excess moisture. Once the nugs are dried, seal them in a glass jar with isopropyl alcohol and store them in the freezer for a few hours.
Another method is to soak the stems in alcohol for an extended period. This can be done with rubbing alcohol, but it is not recommended as isopropyl alcohol is not meant to be consumed. Instead, high-proof alcohol like Everclear can be used. Place the stems and alcohol in the freezer for 12 hours. The alcohol will not freeze, but the stems will, preserving more of the THC.
Filter
After washing the cannabis in alcohol, the next step is to filter out the plant matter. For the QWISO method, this involves taking the buds and alcohol out of the freezer and pouring the alcohol through a coffee filter and back into the jar.
For the stem infusion method, pour the alcohol and stems through a sieve into a bowl to strain out the stem remnants.
Evaporate
Finally, the alcohol needs to be evaporated. For the QWISO method, a fan can be used to blow onto the mixture until all the liquid evaporates. This can take over 3 hours, but it is recommended to wait a full 24 hours before using the product.
For the stem infusion method, the liquid should be poured onto a flat surface and left to evaporate for up to 24 hours. What remains will be small, THC-rich chunks.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest method to extract THC from stems with alcohol is to soak the stems in high-proof alcohol like Everclear for an extended period.
The stems should be soaked in alcohol for at least 12 hours, and up to three weeks for a deeper high.
After soaking, pour the alcohol and stems through a sieve into a bowl to separate the liquid, which will have a greenish tint.
The alcohol should be left to evaporate naturally, which can take up to 24 hours. The remaining substance will be THC-rich.
Yes, it is important to note that alcohol is highly flammable. All extraction techniques should be performed outside or in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, ensure that cannabis cultivation and usage are legal in your region. It is also recommended to decarb the stems before extraction to enhance the THC content.
