Cannabis Extraction: A Budtenders Look at the Jewel of the Industry

By: Budtender Jack, Owner & CEO, The Budtenders Ethos, LLC

The legalization movement and burgeoning cannabis culture have accelerated interest in various cannabis products, especially cannabis oil extracts. These concentrated forms of cannabinoids and terpenes serve as the cornerstone for a range of medical and recreational products, offering unprecedented versatility and potency. This guide aims to unpack the intricacies of cannabis oil extractions from a market-centric view.

Fundamental Cornerstones

Two fundamental pillars of being a Professional Budtender, your anticipated learning outcomes and concepts for study are good ways to better know your field, stand out in it, and thereby distinguish yourself from other Budtenders.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Identify & Define cannabis oil extraction products. 
• Describe extraction techniques and implements. 
• Analyze and Discuss the uses for extracts 
• Explain the general difference between extract categories: shatter & Badder; Sauce & Diamonds; CCLR & Live Resin; and Live Rosin & Hash. 
• Synthesize new information about the future of the segment. 

Key Concepts

– Cannabinoids: Active compounds like THC, CBD, and CBN, vital for medicinal and recreational effects.
– Terpenes (Terps): Organic compounds contributing to the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis.
– Solvents: Chemical or physical agents like CO2, ethanol, or butane used for extraction. Carriers. 
– Purity: A measure of how clean and uncontaminated the extract is.
– Yield: The amount of extract obtained from the raw cannabis material. Varies widely by genetics, strain proclivities, pressure, heat, and time. 

The Market Movers: Types of Extract

CO2 Extraction
CO2 Extraction remains the gold standard due to its high efficiency and clean output.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
Less expensive than CO2 but comes with the risk of residual solvents, BHO is highly potent and popular.

Ethanol Extraction
A balance of efficiency and safety, Ethanol Extraction is versatile but may pull out unwanted plant materials.

Rosin 
Solvent-free and straightforward, Rosin is created through heat and pressure.

Ice Water Hash
Utilizes cold water and agitation to separate trichomes from plant material, offering a solvent-free alternative.

Primary Benefits and Uses: Real-World Applications

CO2 Extraction
Ideal for medical-grade tinctures and capsules, offering precise dosing and high purity.

BHO
Commonly found in shatter and wax forms, favored for dabbing due to its potent THC content.

Ethanol Extraction
Used in topical creams and edibles, as it allows for full-spectrum extracts.

Rosin
Popular in vape cartridges, as it’s free of solvents and provides a natural flavor.

Ice Water Hash
Commonly used in artisanal edibles and infused beverages due to its purity and flavor.

Mechanical Genius: Machinery and Tools

CO2 Extraction
– CO2 Extractor: A specialized machine to supercool and pressurize CO2.
– Compressors: Used to maintain CO2 pressure during extraction.
– Collection Chamber: Where the final extract is collected, often with multiple segments for different compounds.

BHO
– Closed-Loop Extraction System: Safely contains butane and minimizes exposure.
– Vacuum Oven: Essential for purging any residual butane.
– Butane Canisters: High-quality butane is critical for clean extraction

Ethanol

– Material Container: Where product is held and contained.

– Heating Element: Hot plate or controllable heat source to evaporate Ethanol.

– Permeable Membrane: Separates trichome-laden Ethanol from non-trichome-laden Ethanol.

Rosin

Press: A tool used to apply pressure and heat to cannabis flowers directly, allowing the pure live rosin to excrete and be collected.

Ice Water Hash

– Micron filter bags: Small bags to progressively filter out different quality materials.

Inside the Lab: Description of the Processes

CO2 Extraction
1. Carbon dioxide is supercooled and pressurized in the CO2 extractor.
2. Pressurized CO2 is pumped through a chamber containing cannabis material.
3. Cannabinoids and terpenes dissolve into the CO2.
4. The CO2 is decompressed, leaving the extract in the collection chamber.

BHO
1. Butane is introduced into the closed-loop system, passing through cannabis material.
2. The butane-cannabis solution is collected in a chamber.
3. The solution is heated gently to evaporate butane, often in a vacuum oven.
4. The remaining extract undergoes further refinement processes.

Tomorrow’s Techniques: Emerging Technology and Novel Approaches

Ultrasonic extraction utilizes high-frequency sound waves to extract cannabinoids and terpenes, promising faster and cleaner results. 

Electrodynamic separation employs electric fields to separate compounds, reducing the need for solvents. These techniques, alongside advancements in AI-driven optimization, signify the next generation of extraction technology

The Horizon: The Future of the Extract and Concentrate Market

The market is ripe for expansion, with cannabis-infused beverages and wellness products leading the way. Companies like Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis are investing heavily in R&D to tap into this burgeoning market.

What’s more, the cannabis extract market is a dynamic and evolving sector that is influenced by various factors, such as consumer preferences, product innovation, regulatory changes, and market competition.

Our Predictions for the Future Demand of Extracts

• The demand for cannabis extracts, especially concentrates, is likely to increase as more consumers seek potent and pure products that offer a variety of effects and flavors. Concentrates are also preferred by medical users who need higher doses of cannabinoids and terpenes for their conditions. According to Cannabis Extract Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report: Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030, the concentrate segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 22.6% from 2022 to 2030.
• The concentrate segment may also mature as more consumers become educated and aware of the different types and methods of extraction, such as solvent-based, solventless, distillation, and rosin. This may lead to more discerning and sophisticated consumers who demand higher quality and consistency from the products they consume. Budtenders may play a key role in educating and guiding consumers on the best products and consumption methods for their needs and preferences. According to Cannabis Extraction: Global Markets, the increasing consumer awareness and preference for solventless extracts may drive the growth of the rosin segment, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.8% from 2022 to 2027.
• The industry may also feel the effects of greater understanding and acceptance of cannabis extracts and concentrates among the general public and the medical community. For the Budtenders and Brand Agents, this may result in more research and development on the therapeutic potential and benefits of cannabis extracts, as well as more innovation and diversification of product offerings. Be prepared to stay abreast of these pieces of wisdom. According to Cannabis Extract Market, the medical end-use segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% from 2022 to 2030, driven by the increasing number of clinical trials and studies on cannabis extracts. The industry may also witness more collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders, such as cultivators, processors, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

Call to Action

Cannabis oil extracts will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the evolving cannabis industry. Understanding the art and science behind these powerful products can turn curiosity into expertise. Whether you have questions, need a mentor, or seek premium extraction services, The Budtenders Ethos, is your go-to resource. If you’re willing to invest in learning and take seriously your expertise development, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

For inquiries, mentoring, or services, visit The Budtenders Ethos. Remember We turn questions into knowledge and curiosity into mastery, so Embrace Enlightenment!