Vivian Marlowe
THC oil made with alcohol is commonly referred to as hash oil, honey oil, or Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). It is created by using alcohol as a solvent to strip away THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, resulting in a potent substance that can be used in various ways. The process involves mixing high-proof food-grade alcohol with cannabis, followed by straining and evaporating the mixture to obtain a thick, oily, and resinous extract. This extract, known as hash oil, has gained popularity due to its versatility and potency, with a small amount going a long way. It can be consumed orally, vaporized, smoked, dabbed, or even applied topically, depending on the desired effect and user preference. However, it is important to note that the production and consumption of THC extracts should be approached with caution and in accordance with regional laws and health considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hash oil, honey oil, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), cannabis extract oil, shatter |
| Base Alcohol | Food-grade high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol, Everclear, Spirytus, or isopropyl alcohol |
| Process | Wash cannabis in alcohol, filter out plant matter, evaporate alcohol |
| Consistency | Depends on the amount of cooking; less cooking results in a more liquid consistency, while more cooking makes it harder/waxier |
| Uses | Can be eaten, vaporized, smoked, dabbed, or used for topical applications |
| Storage | Store in the fridge; cold hash oil is almost solid until it's warmed up |
| Precautions | Alcohol is highly flammable, especially high-proof alcohol; do not evaporate indoors or near an open flame or spark |
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What You'll Learn
THC alcohol extraction methods
The process of THC alcohol extraction involves using alcohol as a solvent to strip the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids away from the plant matter. The simplest method is to make an alcohol-based tincture, where cannabis is soaked in alcohol at room temperature for several weeks. The longer the cannabis is soaked in alcohol, the thicker and more oily the tincture becomes. This method of extraction is generally considered safe, fast, and effective.
There are several types of alcohol that can be used for THC extraction, including ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and Everclear. Ethanol is a common choice as it is considered safe for human consumption and is effective at removing residual solvents from the final product. It is also possible to use high-proof grape alcohol or any other type of high-proof alcohol meant for human consumption. However, it is important to note that isopropyl alcohol and Everclear can be toxic at certain levels, so many in the cannabis community shy away from using them.
One popular method of THC alcohol extraction is the QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol) technique. This method involves washing the cannabis in isopropyl alcohol, filtering out the plant matter, and then evaporating the alcohol. The longer the alcohol is cooked, the more the texture of the final product will change. Less cooking results in a more liquid consistency, while more cooking makes the product harder and waxier.
Another technique for THC alcohol extraction is the Soxhlet method, which involves boiling, condensing, and cooling the ethanol. This warm ethanol is then used to soak the flower material, resulting in a quick process with minimal residue. This technique is typically used for making smaller batches of cannabis oil. Additionally, the Soxhlet method can convert THCA into THC, activating the chemical compounds in the cannabis.
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THC tinctures
To make a THC tincture, you will need cannabis, alcohol, and some basic equipment. The first step is decarboxylation, or "decarb", which involves slowly cooking the cannabis to activate the THC. This can be done in an oven at temperatures between 220-240°F (104-116°C). The cannabis should be ground or broken down to increase the surface area, and it is ready when it turns into a dark, tar-like substance.
The next step is to mix the decarbed cannabis with a high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol, Everclear, or isopropyl alcohol. The mixture should be stirred and stored in a dark place for at least three weeks. The longer it sits, the more potent the tincture will be. Finally, the mixture is strained to remove the plant matter, leaving a liquid tincture that is ready for use.
It is important to note that THC tinctures are very potent, and caution should be exercised when consuming them. The effects may take longer to feel compared to other methods, so it is recommended to start with a small dose and increase gradually. Additionally, alcohol is highly flammable, so it is crucial to take proper safety precautions during the extraction process.
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Hash oil
The use of alcohol as a solvent in the extraction process offers several advantages. Firstly, it is simple, fast, and safe to perform, resulting in a high-quality concentrate. Secondly, the potency of the alcoholic drink used affects its extraction capacity, with higher-proof alcohol having a greater ability to extract THC. Additionally, the terpenes (flavours) in the alcohol can enhance the potency of the final product.
When making hash oil with alcohol, safety precautions are crucial due to the high flammability of alcohol, especially high-proof varieties. It is recommended to perform the extraction outdoors and avoid evaporation near open flames or sparks. The Source Turbo extractor is a device that can be used to safely recover and reuse the alcohol during the extraction process.
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Isopropyl alcohol vs ethanol
Isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are both short-chain alcohols with relatively low polarity, which makes them popular solvents for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes (plant oils).
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or IPA, is a sedative-hypnotic agent with sedative effects on the central nervous system (CNS). It is often preferred over ethanol for cannabis extraction because it is a nonpolar solvent that does not co-extract chlorophyll, which can make the product taste like grass. It also has a high vapor pressure and low surface tension, so it evaporates and distills quickly, leaving zero oil traces.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a colorless, almost odorless liquid with the chemical formula Ch3COOH and a molar weight of 46.1. It has a flash point of 120°C and an explosive limit in the air of 2.5 to 12 vol%. Ethanol is a polar solvent, which means that it will also extract water-soluble substances like chlorophyll and alkaloids.
Safety
Both isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are highly flammable, especially the high-proof varieties, and should never be evaporated indoors or near an open flame or spark. Isopropyl alcohol contains more toxic substances than pure ethanol, which should not contain any toxins. However, studies have shown that ethanol is genotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic, with no lower limit of intake that can protect against these harmful effects. In contrast, isopropyl alcohol is neither genotoxic, carcinogenic, nor teratogenic.
Extraction Process
The extraction process is similar whether using isopropyl alcohol (QWISO) or ethanol (QWET). The plant material is agitated in a sealed jar with the alcohol for a short time, from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. The mixture is then strained to separate the alcohol extract from the plant matter. When using isopropyl alcohol, the mixture should be stirred for 20 seconds before straining, and when using ethanol, the mixture should be stirred gently to ensure that everything is well-soaked.
While isopropyl alcohol is often preferred for cannabis extraction due to its efficiency and the fact that it does not co-extract chlorophyll, ethanol is a safer option in terms of toxicity.
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THC oil health benefits
THC oil, also known as hash oil, honey oil, or Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), is a popular method of consuming THC, especially for medicinal users. It offers an effective and safe alternative to smoking cannabis, with fewer negative side effects.
THC oil has been shown to have several health benefits. Firstly, it can provide pain relief for a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain, which affects over 50 million people in the USA alone. Unlike opiates, which are commonly used to treat acute pain, THC oil does not have serious debilitating side effects and is less addictive.
THC oil can also increase appetite and reduce nausea and vomiting, making it beneficial for cancer patients, HIV sufferers, and those with eating disorders. Additionally, it has been found to stimulate general brain growth through the activation of CB1 receptors, although more research is needed to confirm this.
For those seeking the medicinal benefits of THC oil, it is important to consult a doctor to determine a safe and effective treatment plan. It is also advised to check local laws to ensure THC consumption is legal in your area. While THC oil is generally safe, it can have negative interactions with other drugs, and high doses may cause temporary grogginess. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and seek medical advice if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
THC oil made with alcohol is called hash oil, honey oil, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), or Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO).
The process of making THC oil with alcohol involves three basic steps: washing the cannabis in alcohol, filtering out the plant matter, and evaporating the alcohol. The longer the alcohol is cooked, the more the texture will change. Less cooking evaporates less alcohol, resulting in a more liquid consistency. More cooking makes the oil harder and waxier.
High-proof food-grade alcohols such as ethanol, Everclear, Spirytus, or high-proof grape alcohol are commonly used to make THC oil. Ethanol, also known as drinking alcohol, is considered safe for human consumption and is the active agent in alcoholic drinks.
