Methods of Extracting THC With Alcohol

There are several methods to extract THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, using alcohol. Some common methods are:

1. Open blasting: This method involves submerging cannabis in a high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear, and heating the mixture to evaporate the alcohol and leave behind the extracted THC.
2. Closed loop extraction: This method involves using a machine that separates the THC from the cannabis using alcohol as a solvent in a closed system. This method is considered to be safer and more efficient than open blasting, but it requires specialized equipment and a greater level of skill to operate.
3. Cold alcohol extractions: This method is similar to the Open Blasting method, but it is done at very low temperatures to reduce the risk of combustion and extract greater quantities of THC.

It is important to note that all these methods require proper safety and handling precautions and should only be done by trained professionals.

Open Blasting Extracting of THC with Alcohol

Open blasting is a method of extracting THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, using alcohol as a solvent. The process involves submerging cannabis in a high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear, and heating the mixture in order to evaporate the alcohol and leave behind the extracted THC.

The cannabis is typically placed in a container, and the alcohol is poured over it. The mixture is then heated, typically using a double boiler setup, to a specific temperature. The alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the THC and other cannabinoids. The process is then repeated several times to extract as much THC as possible.

The extracted THC can be used to make various products, such as tinctures, edibles, and topicals.

It is important to note that open blasting requires proper safety and handling precautions and should only be done by trained professionals. Additionally, open blasting may result in some loss of terpenes, which are responsible for the unique aroma and taste of cannabis.

Closed Loop Extracting of THC with Alcohol

Closed-loop extraction is a method of extracting THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, using alcohol as a solvent. It is considered to be a safer and more efficient method than open blasting.

The process involves using specialized equipment, such as a closed-loop extractor, to separate the THC from the cannabis. The cannabis is placed in one chamber of the extractor, while alcohol is added to another chamber. The two chambers are then connected and the alcohol is circulated through the cannabis to extract the THC. The alcohol is then cycled through a series of filters to remove impurities, and the purified THC-alcohol solution is collected in a separate chamber.

The alcohol is then evaporated off, leaving behind a highly concentrated extract of THC. The extracted THC can be used to make various products, such as tinctures, edibles, and topicals.

Closed-loop extraction allows for more precise control of the extraction process and can result in a higher yield of THC. It also reduces the risk of fire and explosion, as the process is done in a closed system. However, closed-loop extraction requires specialized equipment and a greater level of skill to operate.

Cold alcohol extraction

Cold alcohol extraction is a method of extracting THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, using 99% alcohol as a solvent. It is similar to the Solvent-based infusion method, but it is done at low temperatures to reduce the risk of combustion.

The process involves adding ground cannabis to a jar containing cold alcohol and letting it sit for a few minutes not days. The mixture is then filtered to remove the plant material, and the alcohol is evaporated, leaving behind a THC-infused alcohol. This alcohol can be used to make various products, such as tinctures, edibles, and topicals.

The cold alcohol extraction method is considered to be less effective than other extraction methods like Closed Loop Extraction and Open blasting as it generally results in lower THC yields. It’s relatively easy to do and can be done in a home setting with minimal equipment, but it also requires proper safety and handling precautions and should only be done by trained professionals.

It is also important to note that the cold alcohol extraction method may result in some loss of terpenes, which are responsible for the unique aroma and taste of cannabis. Additionally, cold alcohol extraction may not completely remove all impurities, which can affect the quality of the final product.

What tools do I need to do alcohol THC extraction at home?

The tools needed to perform a solvent-based infusion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from cannabis using alcohol include:

1. Ground cannabis: The starting material for the extraction process.
2. High-proof alcohol: A common alcohol used for this method is Everclear, but other options include ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
3. A jar or container: To hold the cannabis and alcohol during the infusion process.
4. A strainer or filter: To separate the plant material from the infused alcohol after the infusion process is complete.
5. A heat source: To evaporate the alcohol and leave behind the infused THC.
6. A thermometer: To monitor the temperature during the evaporation process.
7. A collection container: To collect the infused alcohol once the evaporation process is complete.

It is important to note that proper safety precautions should be taken when handling the alcohol and performing the extraction process. It is also important to use food-grade alcohol and avoid using rubbing alcohol or other non-food-grade alcohol.

Steps:

The steps to perform a solvent-based infusion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from cannabis using alcohol at home include:

1. Gather materials: Collect the necessary materials such as ground cannabis, high-proof alcohol, a jar or container, a strainer or filter, a heat source, a thermometer, and a collection container.
2. Grind the cannabis: Grind the cannabis to a fine consistency to increase the surface area exposed to the alcohol.
3. Combine the cannabis and alcohol: Place the ground cannabis in a jar or container, and add the high-proof alcohol. Make sure the cannabis is completely covered by alcohol.
4. Infuse: Allow the mixture to infuse for 2-3 days. Shake the jar or container once a day to ensure proper infusion.
5. Strain the mixture: Use a strainer or filter to separate the plant material from the infused alcohol.
6. Evaporate the alcohol: Use a heat source to evaporate the alcohol, making sure to keep the temperature below 150°F (65°C) to prevent combustion or burning. A thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature.
7. Collect the oil: Once the alcohol has been evaporated, collect the oil in a separate container.