Exploring the Evolution of Cannabis Extraction

Understanding the distinctions between the two primary subcategories—solubilized extracts and extracts prepared without solvents—is necessary to investigate the two opposing sides of the extraction coin. The most common type of extract worldwide is hash, which includes sieved, water-based, and hand-rubbed variations.

Fremont, CA: One of the most significant and most contentious categories in the cannabis market is extractions. First, there are two primary groups: solvent-driven extractions, sometimes called extraction artists and solventless extractions.

Understanding the distinctions between the two primary subcategories—solubilized extracts and extracts prepared without solvents—is necessary to investigate the two opposing sides of the extraction coin. The most common type of extract worldwide is hash, which includes sieved, water-based, and hand-rubbed variations.

Hash

With hash, the process is more akin to separation than extraction; one of the previously described methods is used to separate the trichome head from the stalk. In solvent-based extractions, the trichome heads are divided into a homogenized whole with a viscosity more akin to thick oil by mixing the biomass with the solvent.

The primary attribute that distinguishes extracts is the collection and separation of the trichome head, which houses the terpenes and cannabinoids, from the plant material. These divided trichome heads are sometimes finally pressed in the classic hash method, which releases the oil and homogenizes it into a single piece of hash.

It's different from butane hash oil (BHO), where the extractor separates the oil before allowing it to crash out. Terpenes and THC combine to generate a bath for the THC-A crystals. This chemical process splits The oil into the sauce and the diamonds.

The Development of Extracts

First, solvent extractions were far riskier and frequently required expensive, large-scale equipment than hash-based extracts. Before legalization, obtaining significant quantities of solvents was also quite challenging. The marketed bubble bags or ice-o-later kits began with the introduction of the naughts and were the first mass-produced extraction device or technique.

Because of this, hash was the most widely used extraction method until the early 2000s, when butane hash and distillate gained popularity due to medical marijuana legislation. During this time, closed-loop BHO extraction systems began to emerge, increasing the safety and acceptance of that type of extraction.

The risk associated with producing solvent-based extractions and the possibilities of residual solvents are the main arguments against them. However, one may counter that your oil would indeed be solventless at that point if a lab test revealed there were no solvents in it. In the meantime, no chemicals were utilized during the separation process when using expected hash or solventless extracts.

Traditional hash was first prepared by either hand-rubbing or sieving. The hand rubbed was typically creamier and darker, with an oilier, more slippery feel. The material that was sieved was usually somewhat drier and resembled compressed sand. Because of its high oil content, the sieved hash was sometimes extremely greasy and uniform.

Throughout its lengthy history, hash and extracts have developed into a wide variety of unique products and methods of manufacture. It will be interesting to watch what new developments in the extraction industry arise as cannabis legalization gains pace around the world.