Ethanol is considered one of the best solvents for cannabis extraction.
It is favored for its safety, compatibility, and efficiency.
Ethanol extraction produces consistent results and is easy to recover.
This is crucial for both safety and economic reasons.
Ethanol extraction involves soaking the plant material in ethanol.
The mixture is then filtered.
Finally, the ethanol is evaporated to isolate the cannabis extract.
This method is safe for use in edibles and is compatible with various types of containers.
The Ethanol Extraction Process: 3 Simple Steps
1. Soaking
The process begins by mixing cannabis plant material with high-proof ethanol.
Typically, this is 190-200 proof ethanol.
The mixture is then placed in an ultralow temperature freezer for 24 hours.
During this period, the ethanol effectively separates the soluble components of the extract from the plant material.
2. Filtering
After soaking, the mixture is filtered to remove the plant matter.
This leaves a solution of ethanol with the extracted compounds.
3. Evaporation
The final step involves evaporating the ethanol from the solution to isolate the cannabis extract.
This can be done using a rotary evaporator at room temperature or with modest heat and a vacuum of 50 to 100 mbar.
The ethanol is then condensed and can be reused, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
4 Advantages of Ethanol Extraction
Safety
Ethanol is safer than other solvents like hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons can be highly flammable and toxic.
Ethanol is also safer for consumption, making it ideal for edibles.
Efficiency
Ethanol is a highly effective solvent.
It can extract a broad range of compounds from cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Recyclability
The ethanol used in the extraction process can be recovered and reused.
This reduces waste and operational costs.
Regulatory Compliance
Using high-purity, FCC or HPLC compliant ethanol ensures that the final product meets safety standards.
This minimizes the presence of impurities like heavy metals and other contaminants.
Comparison with Other Methods
Supercritical CO2 extraction is also popular.
It allows for fine-tuning of the extraction process and has no residual solvent.
However, it requires more sophisticated and expensive equipment.
Ethanol extraction is more accessible and can be scaled from lab to industrial levels more easily.
Continue Exploring, Consult Our Experts
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