Cannabis Oil Extraction in Ethanol

 

The extraction process to obtain cannabis oil with ethanol (EtOH) or with the simple ethyl alcohol commonly available as food alcohol at 95-96% produces a very concentrated extract that contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and some flavonoids.

 

Therefore a total Extraction of the active ingredients present in Cannabis. The average yield of the extraction of this cannabis oil is 20%; therefore, from 10 grams of Cannabis, you can obtain 2 grams of Cannabis Oil.

The procedure is very simple, and you don't need to be a chemist to do it; however, you need to be very careful not to use open flames. The extract's concentration process requires the evaporation of the solvent of the EtOH; therefore, a heating process of the extract is necessary.

 

Given that EtOH, as well as its fumes, is flammable, the solvent evaporation process must be carried out in a well-ventilated environment on a very common electric hot, better if with settings for temperature and time. Remember to buy high-quality ethanol extraction equipment for CBD only.

 

Necessary material:

• Good quality cannabis (the quality of your Cannabis affects the quality of your final extract).
• Food grade ethanol 95-96% (available at any liquor store or supermarket).
• Glass or ceramic jars
• Filter paper, drip coffee filters, or any inert material (tissue) to remove plant material from your extract.
• Electric plate

 

Process for producing cannabis oil in ethanol:

You can use 5 grams of Cannabis and 200 ml of EtOH to make two extractions (the solvent volume can vary according to needs).

After subsequent experiences, it is recommended to carry out the extraction phases in the freezer, using Cannabis and EtOH stored separately, but both in the freezer.

 

Grind the Cannabis ("finger" or with a grinder, although I prefer "finger") and then store it in the freezer overnight. In a separate container, place the volume of EtOH to be used in the freezer.

 

Extraction

The next day you can proceed with the Better Ethanol Extraction.

1st extraction: 5 grams of Cannabis with 100 ml of EtOH, possibly in the freezer and stirring for 30 minutes. Once the first extract has been obtained, filter the liquid with filter paper or a cotton napkin. Keep the extract in the freezer and recover the Cannabis for the second extraction.

2nd extraction: 5 grams of Cannabis with 100 ml of EtOH in the freezer and stirring for 30 minutes. Once the second extract has been obtained, filter the liquid with filter paper or a cotton napkin.

Combine the 1st extract with the 2nd extract, place them in the freezer and prepare for the EtOH evaporation phase.

 

Evaporation

Different strategies can be used for the evaporation phase, remembering that EtOH has a boiling point of ~78°C.

Place the container with the total extract in a water bath (~98°C) in a well-ventilated room (or outdoors) using the electric plate as a heat source.

 

If you have a temperature control device available, you can opt for slower evaporation, for example, at 50°/60°C.

 

If you want to recover some EtOH, you can have fun with a simple vapour collection and condensation system.

 

As the EtOH evaporates, you will notice the very viscous and sticky concentrated extract.

 

If the procedure has been carried out correctly, the weight of the extract should respect the proportions mentioned above.

 

The concentrate is almost petroleum-dark amber, with a very intense aroma and flavour. Collect the extract and store it in syringes or edible capsules (for ease of use) and place them in a container in the dark or wrapped in aluminium foil, etc., in the fridge at 4°/6°C.