There are all sorts of different ways to enjoy cannabis. For some of us, just smoking is ideal and the most simple way of consuming THC. For others who either don’t care for smoking, are using medicinally or struggle with issues such as asthma, we need to find alternatives. Of course, there are other reasons for extraction, such as making hash. Many smokers believe hash to be one of the most intense methods of taking in THC. There are a number of other extract types, all of which have their own unique uses.
What Are Extracts?
A cannabis extract is essentially a cannabis concentrate created from the terpenes that form on the plant. Sometimes extracts are created to make them easier to consume and sometimes they are created to enhance the potency of the resin. Extracts are made up of minimal plant matter and strive to be essentially pure THC crystals. The extract should have the same qualities as the original strain. Extracting our own resin isn’t recommended as it’s not as simple as it may seem. If it is done incorrectly it can just ruin the plants whilst also being potentially dangerous.
Extract Types
Hash – We may as well start off with Hash, as it is essentially the most famous extract. Hash has been around for centuries and first came about in Morocco, North Africa. Hash is usually extracted with a method known as ice water extraction. This means that if the Hash is not properly dried after the trichomes have been extracted they can go mouldy. Other powdery extracts can be compressed to make hash, as it simply needs to be a solid block of resin. A lot of people prefer hash for its strong effect and enhanced properties, but for some, it is just far too strong.
Kief – This is the most basic of extracts and is pretty much just made up of trichomes. These are the resin crystals that sit on the surface of the plant leaves and buds. Kief is extracted using filtering screens made specifically for extraction. As this product is entirely made up of the THC crystals the THC level can reach up to 60%. Kief is one of the extract types that can be compressed to create hash. Kief can be used in several ways. She can essentially be used as a seasoning, added to coffee or used in tea or butter. She can also be put on top of normal cannabis to add a little extra spice. It is one of the most multi-purpose extracts.
Hash Oil – There are a few different types of hash oil that can be extracted from plant resin.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): This oil is also known as Hemp Oil and by a few other names but is essentially whole plant oil. This stuff can be used in a bunch of different ways as it can be ingested or rubbed straight onto the skin. This oil is often used by cancer patients and others who need something to help dim the symptoms of their illnesses. The primary difference between this and CBD oil is that RSO contains THC.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): This oil gets its name from the simple fact that the main solvent used is Butane. The consistency of this oil depends largely on the heat of the extraction. This particular oil type can have incredibly high THC levels of 80 – 90%. This makes it a fantastic option for non-smoking medicinal users who suffer from insomnia or chronic pain.
Supercritical CO2 Oil: When CO2 is pressurised it becomes a liquid because science is awesome. Using it as an extraction base ensures that the oil is pure and clean before use. It is considered to be the safest and most effective cannabis oil available. It removes the crystals naturally and safely without leaving behind any residue. This extraction method is already used din the main stream for food and drink, so we know it’s pretty darn safe.
Rosin – The Rosin extraction technique has recently started to become one of the most popular techniques in the cannabis community. We would likely recognise rosin from the world of music, as the pine extracted version is used on violin and cello bows. This version uses cannabis terpenes as it’s base and is also a solid lump of matter. This is a safe and simple way to produce high-quality extracts with a decent THC level. The extraction is a lot faster and safer than it might be with products like Kief but has around the same yield and potency.
Dry Sieve – This is another extremely popular solventless method of extraction that is used all over the world. It is similar to kief but in some ways is just the next step up. It is kief that has been refined and filtered until only the trichome heads are leftover. This is also thought to be one of the easiest ways to prepare the makings of hash. The hash produced from dry sieve, also known as dry sift, will be stronger and have a higher purity level without the excess plant matter. Of course, this will reduce the amount of overall matter and will create a smaller amount of hash, but it will be much purer. When this hash is exposed to heat it should melt easily and completely, that’s how we know that it is pure and perfect.
These are all of the primary versions of cannabis extracts, all of which have their uses. These can be perfect for medicinal users who don’t want to smoke, or for anyone who prefers a smokeless high. However, extraction methods can be extremely volatile, difficult and even dangerous so they should not be attempted by novices. Most of these can either be purchased in their extraction form or can be extracted by professionals. Attempting certain extraction methods, especially those using combustible materials, can be very dangerous for us and our plants.
Remember: It is illegal to germinate cannabis seeds in many countries including the UK. It is our duty to inform you of this fact and to urge you to obey all of your local laws to the letter. The Vault only ever sells or sends out seeds for souvenir, collection or novelty purposes.
Make sure you never miss another Vault promo and sign up for our newsletter at http://goo.gl/Bt2Ba2
