Did you know that our ancient ancestors used to perform solventless cannabis extraction to make tea, tinctures and hash?
In fact, Napoleon and his troops were believed to have introduced hash to Europe. According to historians, hash was once eaten by the people of Arabia circa 900 AD, with the extract’s aphrodisiac and intoxicating properties being widely mentioned in “The Tale of Two Hashish-Eaters” from 1001 Arabian Nights. [1]
Today, science has progressed immensely, allowing budding members of the ever-growing cannabis community to perform solventless extraction safely from home.
Why carry out solventless cannabis extraction?
Even after thousands of years of practice, the motive behind cannabis extraction has not changed – the end result is significantly stronger than the fresh plant matter. Some concentrates are as much as 99% pure! What’s more, dosage can be more easily quantified when compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are extracted.
Types of Solventless Cannabis Extracts
- Hash – Let’s start with one of the most ancient Solventless extracts known to man. Hash can be created by separating the trichomes and plant matter using ice. Once separated and bonded, the product can be dried and pressed into hash. Dry sift is an alternative method that involves pulverizing frozen buds over a screen and pressing the trichomes that accumulate beneath into a hash-like texture.
- Kief – You know those miniscule frosty crystals that cling to the cannabis flower? Well, they are called trichomes. Some people may also refer to them as resin glands. Saturated with active cannabinoids and terpenes, these tiny crystals are highly psychoactive. Once they have accumulated in powder form (use a three-chamber grinder to do this), you’ll have yourself a pile of potent kief.
- Rosin – Similar in appearance to shatter, rosin is the product of bud being applied with heat and pressure. Combined, heat and pressure draw resin away from the plant matter. A solid type of resin with potency levels that may exceed 70% THC, rosin is abundant in cannabinoids and terpenes.
Selecting a Plant Type for Solventless Extraction
To achieve the highest-quality solventless extracts, use well-dried and cured cannabis (unless making a product like live rosin). Think about your desired goal prior to selecting a plant type. For example, opt for cannabis strains rich in CBD if you want to relieve inflammation [2], or try a high-THC strain for pain relief. [3]
Tip: Conduct Solventless extraction with organically-cultivated buds, as this will eliminate the chances of the final product containing chemicals and/or pesticides.
[1] http://www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html
