Welcome to the world of cannabis extraction, where the best cannabis transforms into a variety of potent extracts. Many methods can improve the natural components found in the plant to produce products with a range of uses and effects. From oils to concentrates, these innovations allow users to discover the best extracts online Canada.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Refinement varies by method: CO2 uses winterization with ethanol, while ethanol filtration removes unwanted compounds like chlorophyll.
- Extraction aims to isolate desirable compounds and remove unwanted ones, like fats and chlorophyll.
- BHO is the most popular method, where manufacturers use butane to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plants.
The Surge of Weed Concentrates in Canada
Weed extracts, valued at approximately CAD 2,400 million in 2022, are projected to reach around CAD 4,200 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.9%. Their potency and adaptability, which provide users with a variety of effects and intake options, are the reasons behind their popularity.
The therapeutic benefits for chronic conditions further drive demand.
The Basics of Creating Different Concentrates
Cannabis extracts are a type of concentrate obtained through chemical extraction processes. Manufacturers utilize a solvent to pull out the active ingredients from the plant and create a more potent and pure product.
Examples of Cannabis Extracts
- Shatter: A brittle, glass-like product that easily snaps into pieces, known for its high potency.
- Wax: A sticky, pliable, with a texture resembling candle wax, rich in flavour and aroma.
- Live Resin: Made from fresh, uncured weed, this extract preserves all the cannabinoids and terpenes for a robust flavour profile.
- Distillate: Highly refined that isolates a specific cannabinoid but results in a nearly flavourless and odourless oil.
The Extraction Isolates Potent Compounds
The process is similar to methods used in decaffeinating coffee, producing vitamins, and creating essential oils. Extraction focuses on isolating desirable compounds, but it also risks pulling in undesirable ones, like fats and chlorophyll. The balance between these depends on the duration and intensity of the process.
Shorter extractions yield fewer desirable compounds but produce cleaner products, while more aggressive methods result in higher yields but require more post-extraction cleanup. It can vary from two to four hours to as long as 24 hours.
Refinement of Initial Solution
The refinement process depends on the initial extraction method.
For supercritical CO2 extractions, the second step is winterization, where ethanol separates pure cannabinoids and terpenes from other byproducts.
In ethanol extraction, which is more polar than CO2 and doesn’t extract plant waxes and fats, activated carbon filtration removes undesirable compounds like chlorophyll and pigments.
Common Methods and Their Process
These are a few processes for making concentrated goods. Every technique has its own special qualities and advantages that can meet the needs of a wide range of customer preferences.
Solvent-Based
Many companies prefer this method due to its effectiveness in isolating potent compounds from cannabis flowers. This method unlocks the full benefits, which can be available in the market as isolated extracts or full-spectrum products.
Common solvents include ethanol, butane, supercritical CO2, and propane, which dissolve and extract the desired elements from the plant.
Common types:
- Butane Hash Oil (BHO): One of the most popular methods. Uses butane to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes. The process begins by passing butane through weed material, which breaks down the trichomes and separates cannabinoids, waxes, chlorophyll, and terpenes. Butane’s low boiling point (-1°C) helps preserve many compounds that would degrade under high heat. After extraction, winterization removes unwanted plant matter like waxes and chlorophyll.
- Propane: Similar to BHO, propane is used instead of butane. Propane operates under higher pressure and has a lower boiling point. Propane is cleaner, though the process is more expensive.
- Ethanol-Based: Begins by grinding weed material to increase surface area. Ethanol dissolves cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. After soaking, it undergoes filtration to separate the mixture from the plant material. Evaporation or vacuuming are methods to remove ethanol.
- Ultrasonic: Uses high-frequency sound waves in a solvent like coconut or olive oil to break down plant cell walls. It’s a fast and efficient method that yields high-quality concentrates with enhanced flavour and potency. This gentle, non-thermal process preserves the integrity of the extracted compounds.
Solventless
Solventless are from mechanically separating the trichomes or resin from marijuana buds rather than using chemical solvents like butane, propane, or ethanol. Mechanical methods include manual agitation (charas), sifting (kief, hashish, dry sift), ice water and agitation (bubble hash), and applying heat and pressure (rosin).
These processes preserve the natural balance of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids from the original flower.
Common types:
- Ice Water Hash: Also known as bubble hash, this method uses ice-cold water and agitation to separate trichomes from the plant. The freezing water makes the trichomes brittle to break off easily. Buds are submerged in ice-cold water and agitated. The frozen trichomes sink to the bottom and are filtered through screens to collect them. The result is a highly potent and pure concentrate.
- Rosin Press: Uses heat and pressure to squeeze oils from cannabis flower, hashish, or kief. The process involves placing the material between two heated metal plates and applying pressure. Rosin press is quick, efficient, and preserves a wide range of plant components.
- Dry Sift: Gently agitated over fine mesh screens to separate trichomes from the weed.
- Hand-Pressed: An ancient technique where weed is rubbed between the hands to form a ball of resin.
Different Marijuana Extracts Online
Want to experience different forms and great taste of marijuana products? GrassLife offers some selection of solvent-based and solventless options.
Hash
Hashish comes from the resin of a plant rich in THC; it is dried and pressed into small blocks and smoked.
| Aspect | Moroccan Love Hash | Captain’s Pink Hash | Full Melt Hash – Space Cake |
| Quantity | 1g and 3g | 1, 3, 7 grams | 2g |
| Type | Solid | Solid | Liquid |
| Strain | Indica | Indica | Indica |
| Effects | Chronic fatigueInflammation | PainNausea | Chronic PainDepression |
| Flavour | EarthySpicy | Sweet vanilla candySkunkEarthy | SweetSpicy nuttyPungent herbs |
| Price | $17.00 | $15 | $30 |
CBD Tears – Full Spectrum CBD – 1ml
The CBD Tears – Full Spectrum CBD – 1ml is an innovative formulation that contains a blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (never exceeding 0.3%).
Why you should check it out?
- Improved Relief: Works better for mood, anxiety, and pain.
- Stronger Effects: Trace THC boosts anti-inflammatory and pain-relief benefits.
- Easy Dosing: The 1ml size makes it simple to measure and use daily.
Budder – White Widow – 2g
Budder – White Widow – 2g provides a potent dose that delivers a quick and intense high. The smooth texture of the budder allows for easy dabbing. Its Sativa-dominant profile and moderate THC content ensure a balanced result.
Quality Control and Safety
Lab testing is essential for securing the safety and accurate potency of the products. Reliable testing helps verify that these items are free from harmful contaminants and accurately labelled regarding THC and CBD levels. Some guidelines to look for regarding the levels and terpene profiles:
- Look for clear percentages to understand the product’s potency.
- Look at total THC, which includes THCA, giving a better idea of how strong the product is.
- Review terpene profiles
- Consider ratios because a balanced ratio can provide a milder experience, while higher levels offer stronger effects.
- Ensure the product has a lab report from a trusted third-party lab for safety and accuracy.
- Choose products with clear and easy-to-understand lab results.
How to Use Best Extracts Online Canada
Different cannabis concentrates require various consumption methods. Some are simple, like vaporizing, while others, such as dabbing, are more complex.
Vaporizing
A popular method due to its portability and discretion. Vape pens heat the extract to its vaporization point so you can inhale cannabinoid-rich vapour instead of smoke.
Vapourizing offers rapid absorption through the lungs for immediate relief. Many vape pens are designed for specific products, such as shatter or wax, while others use vape liquids or oils in refillable cartridges.
Dabbing
Involves applying a small amount of extract to a heated surface using a dab rig equipped with a nail or bucket. Dabbing delivers potent and flavourful vapour. It consists of very basic steps:
- Heat the nail and allow it to cool slightly
- Apply your extract while inhaling through the rig.
Adding to Flower
A common practice for boosting potency. You can top your bowl with extract before smoking, but be cautious, as it may cause flare-ups. Alternatively, you can mix it into joints or blunts.
Infusing Edibles
Infusing edibles allows you to incorporate cannabinoids into foods and drinks. To preserve potency, add it after cooking, as high heat can degrade cannabinoids. Using decarboxylated makes sure that you receive the desired psychoactive results.
Buy Concentrates from A Reliable Source
Concentrates and extracts undergo various extraction and refinement methods to create highly potent solutions. They come in multiple forms, each with different consistencies and effects on users. These powerful products allow individuals to manage their medical symptoms more effectively and enable relief with smaller amounts instead of having to smoke cannabis every few hours.
GrassLife stands out as the best weed dispensary. We prioritize quality and transparency so customers receive potent and safe goods. Our commitment to education and customer service empowers consumers to make informed choices when buying from us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will manufacturers know if there is no residual solvent left?
Independent third-party laboratories conduct tests to identify and quantify any residual solvents in the extract. These labs use gas chromatography (GC) or mass spectrometry (MS) to analyze the samples and ensure they meet safety standards.
How to decide if a product is safe?
To minimize risks associated with solvents, consider using solventless options. If you choose a solvent-extracted product, the safest option is to buy from a regulated producer.
Regulated producers use high-quality solvents that reduce the risk of contaminants like benzene and xylene in the final product. They also employ proper equipment to remove solvents.
Is it advisable to create your own concentrated product at home?
A solventless procedure is the only method suitable for making cannabis concentrates at home. It doesn’t require specialized equipment or lab tests for purity. While you can create hash at home, nothing compares to a product made by an expert.
Professionals have the right tools to achieve better, more precise results, saving you time and effort. Purchasing from a reliable source allows you to immediately enjoy high-quality products without the hassle of making them yourself.
