CONCENTRATE CREATION
In spirit of the season, we must pay our respects to a key phase in the evolution of cannabis concentrates: Solvent-less extraction. In order to explore the history of this unique process, CULTURE took great time to research the underground development of solvent-less extraction.
When talking about gross development and evolution of any industry, it’s often hard to put ego aside as there’s a constant battle for an invisible crown of pride, however, realistically this drive propels innovation and discovery. No matter what your direct role in the cannabis industry may be, it’s important to remain grounded with a simple fact: Creating concentrates is not new, but technology has allowed us to discover new methods of how to make them.
Solvent-less extraction is any extraction method that uses a non-polar or semi-polar solvent. These techniques range from sift, to CO2 and rosin. Though it may seem like bubble hash was mistakenly left off the list, Kyle the captain at Michigan-based extraction company Loyalty Extracts weighs in on one of the biggest controversies in solvent extraction—“Water is a solvent; therefore, bubble hash is not a solvent-less extract.”
While medicinal uses for cannabis date as far back as 2737 BCE, according to Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at Scientific Evidence by Mitch Earlywine, the solvent-less process of sifted hash has also been going on for thousands of years. The process originated in parts of East Asia, making its way throughout India, Nepal, the Himalayas, Afghanistan, Turkey and Morocco dating back as far as the year 100 BCE, where cannabis flowers were rubbed in-between hands to collect the resin glands, producing hand-rolled hashish known as charas. According to journalist Maria Tavernini, who recently wrote on cannabis farmers in National Geographic, charas is still made the same way today.
Medicinally, even the Egyptians were extracting using ether-like substances. Surprisingly enough, despite the country’s current war on drugs, cannabis was even dissolved into some old medicines found in the United States.
With its existence and consumption being nothing new, it’s safe to say that cannabis is never going to go away. But people, no matter what, are always going to look for a stronger product that they can smoke less of in order to feel the same effects. The pursuit of creation and consumption of that concentrated form of the plant comes down to one key factor, the removal of the patient’s need to combust plant material. Beyond obvious health benefits, this gives patients the ability to walk into public not reeking of said product because of vaporization. No matter the direct motivation, development has been unstoppable.
Back in the late ‘60s to early 1970s, the first example Rosin-like extraction process sprung up. This process has since been modified thanks to some incredibly curious hands, like Phil Salazar from SoilGrown Solventless, who is rumored to be of the first to pick up a hair straightener and publicize a flower rosin technique. The thought process is relatively simple, as it’s basically the same process that has been used to extract essential oils from other plants like lavender or peppermint.
Before long, the at-home rosin-tech extraction movement spread, and all around the country, hair straighteners have become the newest tool for extraction. A piece of parchment paper is folded around the bud, while a significant amount of pressure is applied at a low heat setting. The result looks like a halo of oil around the outline of the squished nug. This oil is simply scraped off the parchment and eventually consumed by a patient. Kyle from Loyalty Extracts mentioned the importance of the discovery of this process, “The expansion of concentrates is really the expansion of the glass industry—it’s like a spark—it’s almost like the beginning of the universe kind of thing, but with the culture of weed,” he explained.
While it seems convenient, using a hair straightener seems obsolete in comparison to using pneumatic dual heat-presses. Many of these machines, which were originally used for printing shirts, have been since adapted for extracting concentrates from cannabis. Although they can be pricey, these machines yield more consistent results in a machine that consists of two enclosed heated plates which can be pressed together and pulled apart using a handle. While professional pneumatic dual heat presses can also cost a pretty penny (ranging from$500-$5000+), there are also at-home machines that are affordable for the average at-home extractor (ranging from $100-$400).
When finding the right solvent-less natural extract for yourself, it’s important to consider a few things: Its appearance, its smell, the strain it came from and its meltability. Some people prefer solvent-less extracts because they believe they’re cleaner and more pure in comparison to a product that’s been extracted using BHO, CO2 or alcohol. Others prefer an ice water extractions for their purity and safety. Also, water and ice causes the cannabinoids and essential oils to mechanically separate. This gives the extract a better taste that is high in cannabinoids.
While using solvents to extract cannabis concentrates is still wildly popular among industry-leading concentrate companies, there are various organizations who focus primarily on solvent-less extraction processes. Some of these companies include BAMF Extractions, Cannaisseur Extracts, Clear Concentrates, Essential Extracts, ET Extracts and Tree Sap Xtrax. The pure unrefined flavor and smell of solvent-less extracts makes for a smooth smoke, vape or ingestion, unlike anything raw cannabis has to offer.
As development of the solvent-less extraction process unfolds, understanding the roots and transformation of the concentrate industry will ensure that the purest of heart will have access to safe medicine. Solvent-less extractions will allow even more cannabis users in the future the ability to rely on themselves to make concentrates.
