# Cannabis Extraction Methods: From Flower to Concentrate
The art and science of cannabis extraction has revolutionized how we experience the plant. At Dr. Greenthumb's, we appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into transforming quality flower into premium concentrates. Understanding these processes helps us all appreciate the complexity behind every dab, cartridge, and extract.
The Foundation: What Is Cannabis Extraction?
Cannabis extraction is the process of separating cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable compounds from plant material. Think of it as concentrating the essence of the flower - taking what makes cannabis special and creating a more potent, refined product.
The goal isn't just potency, though. Quality extraction preserves the flavor profiles and aromatic compounds that give each strain its unique character. Whether you're working with an earthy OG or a citrusy sativa, the extraction method can make or break the final product's taste and aroma.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction: The Clean Machine
Supercritical CO2 extraction has become the gold standard in the industry, and for good reason. According to Cannabis Business Times, "Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered one of the safest and most efficient methods for cannabis extraction, producing high-quality concentrates without residual solvents when performed correctly."
This method uses carbon dioxide in a supercritical state - where it acts as both a liquid and gas simultaneously. The CO2 passes through cannabis material, dissolving cannabinoids and terpenes. When the pressure is reduced, the CO2 returns to gas form and evaporates, leaving behind pure concentrate.
How CO2 Extraction Works
The process happens in several stages:
1. **Preparation**: Cannabis flower is ground and loaded into extraction vessels
2. **Pressurization**: CO2 is pressurized to its supercritical state (around 1,100 PSI and 88°F)
3. **Extraction**: Supercritical CO2 flows through the plant material, dissolving target compounds
4. **Separation**: The CO2-extract mixture moves to separation chambers where pressure is reduced
5. **Collection**: Pure CO2 evaporates, leaving concentrated cannabis extract
The beauty of CO2 extraction lies in its tunability. By adjusting temperature and pressure, extractors can target specific compounds. Lower temperatures preserve delicate terpenes, while higher pressures can pull more cannabinoids.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Power and Precision
BHO extraction remains popular among processors seeking potent concentrates with robust flavor profiles. As MJBizDaily notes, "Solvent-based extraction methods including butane hash oil (BHO) and ethanol extraction can produce potent concentrates but require proper ventilation and safety protocols due to flammable solvents."
The BHO Process
BHO extraction involves passing liquid butane through cannabis material in a closed-loop system. The butane dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes, creating a solution that's then purged of solvent through heat and vacuum.
The process typically follows these steps:
1. **Loading**: Fresh or cured cannabis is packed into extraction tubes
2. **Solvent wash**: Liquid butane flows through the material, dissolving target compounds
3. **Collection**: The butane-extract mixture is collected in a separate vessel
4. **Purging**: Heat and vacuum remove residual butane, leaving concentrated extract
5. **Finishing**: Additional processing may create different textures (shatter, wax, budder)
Safety First
BHO extraction requires serious safety measures. Butane is highly flammable, making proper ventilation and explosion-proof equipment essential. Professional operations use closed-loop systems that recycle solvents and minimize exposure risks.
