A Breakdown of All Cannabis Extract

As a cannabis operator, it's important to understand the different extraction methods used to produce cannabis concentrates. Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should be aware of. In this blog post, we'll give you a breakdown of the most common extraction methods so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your business.

What is Cannabis Extract?

Cannabis extract is a concentrate form of the cannabis plant, produced through careful extraction processes. Obtained from the flowers, leaves, and stems of both hemp and marijuana plants, cannabis extract can take on a variety of forms such as waxes, oils, shatters, and budders, that all contain varying levels of raw cannabinoids and terpenes. 

The cannabinoids in the extracted cannabis are usually more potent than found in dried flower - allowing for greater therapeutic effect with smaller doses. Different extraction processes are used to preserve compounds and produce purer concentrates without any additional substances such as propylene glycol or butane - which can be dangerous when consumed.

Extracts come in two main ways for consumers to purchase. Oils are mainly used in vape cartridges meant to fit on concentrate vaporizer batteries. Wax and shatters are sold in glass jars to be used in dab pens and wax pens, along with a traditional dab rig. Whatever the consumer preference may be, cannabis extracts provide a range of different options for users looking for a greater experience from their cannabis consumption.

Extraction Methods

Extraction is the key process for obtaining the concentrated form of valuable compounds from the cannabis plant. Depending on the application, solventless techniques or solvent-based techniques are used. 

Solventless

Solventless extraction methods include freeze drying, distillation, expression and more. CO2 extraction is a safe solvent-free method which heats carbon dioxide rapidly to extract essential compounds from plant material at low temperatures. 

Solvent-based

BHO (butane hash oil) is a solvent-based extraction method that involves extracting solvents such as butane over plant material to obtain the components of the plant. The resulting extract has high concentrations of THC and CBD which must be carefully removed before consumption procedures can begin in order to meet regulations.

As technology advances and extraction knowledge progresses, new solventless methods such as water vapor filtration will continue to be explored while traditional BHO methods keep improving as well.

Different Types of Cannabis Extracts

There is currently mixed classification of extracts, i.e badder from one company might be called sauce at another. Here we have compiled a list of the most common extracts found on the market.

Diamonds

Diamonds, also known as THC crystals, are a high potent, concentrated form of THC. The extract is made with solvents and put through a refining process. The resulting form is a white or yellow tinted crystalline structure, hence the extract's name.  

Sauce

Sauce is another solvent-based extract. It is known for its robust flavors due to the high level of terpenes in the extract, with its sticky, liquid consistency giving the extract its name. It is sometimes combined with diamonds to create an even potent product.

Live Resin

Live resin is a solvent-based extract that uses cannabis plants frozen right after harvest. The use of frozen plants allows for a strong THC content and intense flavors. Live resin has a consistency somewhere between sauce and wax, and is extremely sticky. The extract varies in color from a dark yellow to almost white. 

Live Rosin

Live rosin is a solventless extract, and like live resin it uses fresh cannabis that has been frozen. The rosin oil is extracted from the frozen plants using heat and a rosin press. This extract is typically more expensive since it is made by hand.

Badder

Badder is normally a blonde color and has the consistency of whipped cake batter. It is sometimes referred to as a HTFSE or High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract due to its highly potency. The extract is made using solvents, heat, and air pressure.  

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is an extract also known as water hash or ice water hash because of the way it is extracted. The process uses frozen water to separate the natural compounds from cannabis so they can be gathered together in one place. The resulting hash extract can be used in a dab rig or sprinkled on top of a bowl or in a joint.

All these compound options provide an array of potencies and experiences for avid cannabis users.

Benefits of Selling Cannabis Extracts

Selling cannabis extracts can represent an immense opportunity for people in the industry. Extracts have a far larger output than traditional flower, offering the potential to reach a larger audience and consequently increase revenues. Additionally, since extract-based products are discreet, consumers enjoy access to cannabis without drawing unwanted attention. 

Extracts also generally have higher levels of yield – meaning they require significantly fewer resources (time, energy, space) to produce. Selling extracts is thus typically more economical in comparison to selling flower alone, as it is well-suited for bulk production with fewer of the associated costs.

Drawbacks of Selling Cannabis Extract

While selling cannabis extracts has many benefits, it also comes with a few drawbacks. For one, the product often needs to be made in an environment that strictly adheres to health and safety regulations, under the oversight of qualified experts. Many government agencies have implemented heavy regulations on the production of cannabis extract, making it difficult for private companies to have access to reliable production techniques and sustainably-sourced ingredients. 

Those selling extracts as a stand alone do not necessarily know what hardware will be used to smoke their product. Different heating elements can alter the extract's taste and overall performance. Placing extracts within trusted hardware is the only way the extract operator will be in control of what the final product and smoking experience is like.

Additionally, due to the unique nature of cannabis products and the lack of knowledge many consumers have when it comes to such products, companies are hard-pressed to educate their potential customers on proper use and potential side effects. Failing to do so can result in decreased customer satisfaction as well as potential legal consequences for companies if certain risks associated with using cannabis extracts aren't made clear enough. 

Ultimately, any company looking into selling cannabis extracts should go into the process knowing that there are multiple serious considerations that must be taken into account.

FAQs About Cannabis Extract

Cannabis extract has become increasingly popular in recent years for its medical and recreational applications. With so many people using this type of product, it is important to have a trusted source where you can find reliable FAQs about cannabis extract. Knowing the correct dosage, side effects, purchasing laws and regulations, and potential risks associated with using cannabis extract allows individuals to make informed decisions before using any product related to it. 

Exploring these topics allows people to feel informed and empowered as active participants in obtaining the desired use of cannabis extract. Although it is important to do your own research on the risks involved with extraction products, gaining background knowledge through exploring FAQs helps increase your understanding of the best practices associated with their use.

Extract Explanation

Cannabis extract is a complex topic with many facets to consider. This blog post aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of what cannabis extract is, the different types available, how to make your own, the benefits and drawbacks of using it, and some frequently asked questions. We hope that this information will help you make more informed decisions about whether or not using cannabis extracts is right for you. If you have any questions or would like help finding the best cartridge option for your cannabis operation, don't hesitate to reach out to S10 Labs' hardware experts.