Noah Vinter
Sulfur is added during the growing process of cannabis as a pesticide or fungicide. However, it can leave a bad taste in the final product, described as tasting like burnt matches or dog ass. There are several methods to remove sulfur from wax, many of which involve dissolving the wax in high-proof alcohol and using copper to react with the sulfur and form crystals that can be filtered out. Other methods include using a short path distiller or applying low heat to change the consistency of the wax.
Removing sulfur from wax without alcohol
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of sulfur taste | Fungicide or pesticide used during the growing process |
| Alternative solvent | Isopropyl alcohol |
| Copper | Use pure copper, such as copper wool or pennies made before 1989 |
| Process | Dissolve the wax in the solvent, add copper, and let it sit at room temperature or in the freezer overnight. The copper reacts with the sulfur and forms crystals that can be filtered out. |
| Other methods | Using a short path distiller, applying low heat to change the consistency, or using it in edibles to remove the smell and taste |
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What You'll Learn
Using a short path distiller
Short path distillation is a process used to purify and concentrate chemicals. It involves heating a substance to evaporate it and then condensing the vapors to recover the purified product. The "short path" refers to the short distance that the vapors have to travel to reach the condenser, which helps to minimize the loss of product.
To use a short path distiller to remove sulfur from wax, you would first need to heat the wax to a temperature where it will evaporate. This temperature will depend on the specific type of wax you are working with. Once the wax is evaporated, the vapors will need to be condensed back into a liquid form. This can be done by using a condenser, which is typically a cooled tube or coil that the vapors pass through.
It is important to note that short path distillation is a specialized technique that requires the appropriate equipment and safety precautions. It may not be suitable for those who are new to distillation or who do not have access to the necessary equipment. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, there is conflicting information on the effectiveness of short path distillation in removing sulfur from wax, so it may not be a guaranteed solution.
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Dissolving in alcohol and using copper
To start, dissolve the wax in 190-proof alcohol. Then, find some pure copper, such as copper wool or a penny made before 1989, and drop it into the dissolved wax. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. You can also leave it in the freezer for the same duration if you prefer.
After 24 hours, remove the copper from the solution. The sulfur will have precipitated out of the solution and onto the copper. Filter the solution to separate the precipitate, and repeat this process until nothing reacts with the copper anymore. You can use MS Syringe Filters, PES 0.22, for this step. Draw up your solution into a Luer lock syringe, twist on a filter, point the syringe straight down, and push down firmly but slowly.
It's important to note that copper pennies may not remove all traces of sulfur, so using pure copper is recommended. Additionally, be cautious when handling the substances and follow safety guidelines to avoid any potential hazards.
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Dissolving in alcohol and using pennies
Step 1: Dissolve the Wax in High-Proof Alcohol
Start by dissolving the wax in a high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. It is important to use high-proof alcohol as it will help to better dissolve the wax and ensure that the sulfur is effectively removed.
Step 2: Add Copper
Once the wax is dissolved, add a piece of copper. Copper wool or copper mesh can be used, but it is important to ensure that it is pure copper and not just copper-plated. Alternatively, you can use pennies that were made before 1982, as they contain 95% copper. The copper will react with the sulfur and form small crystals that can be filtered out.
Step 3: Let it Sit
Cover the mixture and let it sit for some time. It can be left at room temperature overnight, or placed in the freezer for 24 hours. During this time, the sulfur will precipitate out of the solution and onto the copper.
Step 4: Filter the Solution
After the mixture has had time to sit, remove the copper and filter the solution. You can use a syringe filter for this step. This will help to separate the precipitated sulfur from the wax and alcohol mixture.
Step 5: Evaporate the Alcohol
Finally, evaporate the alcohol from the mixture. This can be done by leaving the mixture uncovered for some time, or by using a vacuum chamber if you have access to one. Once the alcohol has evaporated, you will be left with wax that has a reduced sulfur content.
It is important to note that while this method can help remove sulfur from wax, it may not remove all traces of sulfur. Additionally, the process may affect the consistency of the wax. Always exercise caution when handling chemicals and ensure proper ventilation during the process.
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Winterizing with ethanol
Winterization is a technique used to increase the purity, value, and shelf life of botanical oil extracts. It involves the removal of unwanted substances such as lipids, fats, and waxes from the crude extract.
Ethanol is a clear, volatile solvent safe for human consumption. It is used in the winterization process to extract botanical oil. The advantage of using ethanol is that it increases the product's potency by extracting most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and alkaloids in a high percentage. Moreover, ethanol effectively sieves out impurities such as chlorophyll, fats, waxes, and lipids.
To winterize with ethanol, follow these steps:
- Mix ethanol, a high-proof alcohol within the 190-200 proof range (95-100% alcohol concentration), with the botanical extract in a ratio of 10ml ethanol to 1g of extract.
- Place the mixture in a freezer and allow it to chill for approximately 24 hours. The low temperature causes the waxes to solidify and precipitate out of the solution, enhancing their separation.
- Perform vacuum filtration using a vacuum pump, Buchner funnel, and filter paper. Adjust the temperature of the funnel and filter paper to match the temperature of the mixture to prevent the re-solubilization of fats.
- Use filters with high and small micron sizes to effectively remove both large and small fat particles. Pre-wet the filter paper with cold ethanol, set up the sieving apparatus, and apply a vacuum to filter out the fats. Replace clogged filter papers as needed.
- After filtration, separate the ethanol from the oil by boiling the golden oil on a hotplate until it reaches a thicker viscosity. The boiling point of ethanol is 78.5°C under atmospheric pressure.
- Once the ethanol evaporates, you are left with a purer, high-quality product known as Full Extract Botanical Oil (FECO).
It is important to note that ethanol is highly flammable as a solvent or vapor. Therefore, ensure that you are winterizing in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
Additionally, when performing winterization, the amount of solvent used is crucial. It is recommended to use the minimal amount of solvent needed for your compound to dissolve effectively.
By following these steps, you can effectively use ethanol for winterization to remove unwanted substances and increase the purity and quality of your botanical oil extracts.
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Using a vacuum pump
First, it is important to understand the role of a vacuum pump in this process. The vacuum pump is used to create a vacuum environment and facilitate the removal of sulfur from the wax. The pump sucks out evaporated butane or other solvents from the chamber, leaving behind the wax. To ensure the highest quality results, it is recommended to use an oil-free pump, as oil-sealed pumps can increase the risk of oil leakage, potentially contaminating and ruining your product. Diaphragm pumps are an excellent choice for this application as they are oil-free, easy to maintain, highly resistant to corrosion, and capable of producing the desired vacuum levels.
Before using the vacuum pump, you will need to prepare the wax. This involves dissolving the wax in a suitable solvent, such as high-proof alcohol or iso alcohol, and using heat to facilitate dissolution. A heat plate or a work light can be used for this purpose. Additionally, you may want to add filtration media such as copper wool or pure copper pennies (produced before 1982, as they have a higher copper content) to help capture the sulfur. The copper reacts with the sulfur, forming crystals that can be filtered out.
Once the wax is dissolved and any filtration media is added, you can start the vacuum pump. Connect the pump to a vacuum chamber or a vacuum oven, ensuring that all connections are secure and airtight. Place your dissolved wax solution inside the chamber or oven, following the specific instructions for your chosen equipment. Turn on the vacuum pump and adjust any necessary settings to achieve the desired vacuum level. The specific temperature and duration of this step may vary depending on the equipment used and the amount of sulfur present in the wax. Always refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
During the vacuum process, it is essential to monitor the system closely. Ensure that the vacuum level is maintained and that the wax is heated evenly. Depending on your setup, you may need to stir the wax periodically to prevent localized overheating or uneven evaporation. Additionally, be mindful of potential oil leakage from the pump, especially if you are using an oil-sealed pump. A ball valve between the pump and the chamber can help mitigate this risk by allowing you to isolate the pump when it is not in operation.
Finally, once the desired vacuum level and temperature have been maintained for the appropriate duration, release the vacuum carefully. This may involve following specific procedures for your equipment, such as opening a stopcock valve or using a backfilling method. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for safe handling. After releasing the vacuum, you can retrieve your wax, which should now have significantly reduced sulfur content.
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Frequently asked questions
A:
One way to remove sulfur from wax without using alcohol is to use a short-path distiller. You can also use a vacuum oven to purge the alcohol after filtration.
A:
Sulfur is used by some farms to combat issues with pests. It is added during the growing process as a pesticide or fungicide.
A:
Sulfur has a unique taste and smell, often described as tasting like burnt matches or smelling like a stinky fart.
A:
Some people suggest using pennies made before 1989 along with isopropyl alcohol to remove sulfur from wax. However, others disagree, stating that pennies do not remove all of the sulfur and can be a waste of time.
A:
Copper reacts with sulfur and forms small crystals that can be filtered out. This process is similar to winterization, but instead of freezing, copper is added and left to sit at room temperature overnight.
