Cannabis concentrates (achieved through cannabis extraction) are among the most popular cannabis products on the market today.
This robust segment of cannabis-product lines commonly found in dispensaries include a number of specific products that are created using a variety of methods.
Potent concentrates can be made in a variety of ways, and often the names given to these products relate to their consistency and appearance.
The following products are commonly found in the cannabis market today.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Concentrates that are made through the use of one of a variety of solvents include:
- Wax, which has the consistency of candle wax
- Shatter, which usually is a golden color and brittle—like the consistency of peanut brittle
- Hash oil, which has the appearance of amber oil
- Crumble, which appears like golden cookie crumbs
- Taffy, which is golden and the consistency of saltwater taffy
- Kief, which appears similar to a powder but consists of the THC-rich trichomes that fall from the surface of cannabis flowers
- Rosin, which has a similar appearance and consistency as hash but is created with a hot cannabis extraction method
Cannabis edibles, topicals, and teas also incorporate concentrates as a key ingredient. Cannabis cooking oils and butters also contain rich amounts of concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Most concentrates are consumed by either smoking them or using a vaporizer device like a vape pen for cannabis oil or a dab rig for wax, shatter, crumble, oil, and taffy.
Cold Cannabis Extraction Methods
Cold cannabis extractions refer to methods of extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants using cold temperatures to preserve the delicate compounds that can be degraded or lost when exposed to heat.
There are several methods of cold extractions.
CO2 Cannabis Extraction
CO2 is considered one of the cleanest extraction methods.
In this process, CO2 is pressurized and cooled in a supercritical state, where it acts as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
The CO2 is then separated from the extract, leaving high-purity concentrate.
Supercritical CO2 extraction can be performed at lower temperatures to preserve sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes.
The method is expensive and intricate but it is worth it in the end to have a non-toxic, high-quality product.
Cold Ethanol Extraction
On the opposite side of clean and non-toxic is the ethanol extraction method. Ethanol is a color-less, flammable liquid.
Cold ethanol is used to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. The plant material is soaked in cold ethanol which dissolves the desired compounds.
The solution is then filtered and the ethanol is evaporated to leave behind a concentrated extract.
Ice Water Extraction (Bubble Hash)
In ice water extraction cannabis buds or trim are mixed with ice water, and the mixture is agitated to separate trichomes from the plant material.
The trichomes, which contain cannabinoids and terpenes are then filtered through a series of mesh screens of bags, resulting in a concentrate known as bubble hash.
Rosin Press
Fresh or dried cannabis flower or hash is placed between parchment paper and subjected to pressure and low heat using a rosin press.
The pressure forces the cannabinoids and terpenes out of the plant material, producing a solvent less extract known as rosin.
These cold extraction methods are popular because they help maintain the integrity of the cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful and potent final product.
Hot Cannabis Extraction Methods
Hot cannabis extraction methods involve using heat to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants.
These methods can be more efficient and faster but may also risk degrading some of the more sensitive compounds.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) Extraction
Crushed cannabis material is soaked in a chemical like ethanol or naphtha. The material gets stirred for about 2-3 minutes. The solvent will dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes.
After the material has been thoroughly soaked it gets strained through mesh or a cheesecloth.
The process is repeated again. Then the solvent mixture is heated to evaporate the solvent.
What's left is a thick, dark oil known as Rick Simpson Oil.
Butane Hash Oil Extraction
Butane hash oil is a relatively new extraction method.
Cannabis material is packed into a tube and butane is passed through it, dissolving the cannabinoids and terpenes.
The butane and extract mixture is then heated to evaporate the butane, leaving behind a concentrated oil.
Hot Ethanol Extraction
Similar to cold ethanol extraction but this process involves heating the ethanol to speed up the extraction process.
The cannabis plant material is soaked in hot ethanol, which dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes.
The ethanol is then evaporated to leave behind the concentrated extract.
Hot Water Extraction
This method is typically used to create cannabis-infused products like teas or broths.
While not as common or efficient as other extraction methods, it can be useful for making mild infusions.
The infusion will have a distinct herbal flavor that may be influenced by the strain of cannabis used.
Adding a lipid source, such as butter or coconut oil, can significantly improve the extraction of cannabinoids, making the infusion more potent.
Comparison of Cannabis Extraction Methods
| Method | Type | Solvent/Tools Used | Pros | Cons | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Water (Bubble Hash) | Cold | Ice, water, mesh bags | Solventless, safe, preserves terpenes | Labor-intensive, lower yield | Beginner |
| Dry Sift (Kief) | Cold | Screens or sifters | Simple, inexpensive | Can contain plant material | Beginner |
| Rosin Press | Hot | Heat, pressure, parchment paper | Solventless, high quality, terpene-rich | Requires press, small yields per press | Intermediate |
| Ethanol Extraction | Cold/Hot | Food-grade ethanol | Effective, scales well | Flammable, needs purging, expensive equipment | Expert |
| Butane Hash Oil (BHO) | Cold | Butane, closed-loop system | High potency, popular concentrates (shatter, wax) | Highly flammable, requires professional equipment | Expert |
| CO₂ Extraction | Cold | Supercritical CO₂ machine | Very clean, scalable, safe when controlled | Expensive, requires specialized equipment | Expert |
Safety Considerations
Working with cannabis extraction can be rewarding but also dangerous if not done properly. Always remember:
- Ventilation: Perform solvent-based extractions in well-ventilated areas with explosion-proof equipment.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Use gloves, eye protection, and heat-resistant clothing when handling hot presses or solvents.
- Fire Safety: Keep fire extinguishers nearby when working with flammable solvents.
- Emergency Plan: Know what to do in case of a spill, fire, or inhalation accident.
What You’ll Need for Home-Friendly Methods
- Ice Water Extraction (Bubble Hash): Buckets, ice, clean water, bubble bags (various micron sizes), spoon or paddle, drying surface.
- Dry Sift (Kief): Pollen boxes, sifting screens, clean flat surface.
- Rosin Press: Rosin press or hair straightener, parchment paper, collection tool.
These methods are generally safer for beginners because they avoid volatile solvents.
Why Choose One Method Over Another?
- Cold Methods (Ice Water, Dry Sift, Rosin): Best for preserving terpenes, resulting in flavorful and aromatic concentrates. Ideal for those who value taste and aroma over maximum yield.
- Hot/Solvent Methods (BHO, Ethanol, CO₂): Often produce higher yields and stronger concentrates, making them popular for commercial or medical use. However, they require more advanced equipment, higher costs, and professional skill to perform safely.
Glossary of Common Terms
- Shatter: A glass-like cannabis concentrate, often high in THC, made using solvent extraction.
- Wax: A softer, opaque concentrate with a crumbly or buttery texture.
- Kief: The resin glands (trichomes) that fall off dried cannabis, collected via sifting.
- Bubble Hash: A concentrate made using ice water extraction, named for the way it bubbles when smoked.
- Rosin: A solventless concentrate created by pressing cannabis with heat and pressure.
Visual Learning
Adding images or video tutorials of extraction processes can help readers understand the differences more clearly. Visual step-by-step demonstrations are especially useful for beginners learning home-friendly methods like rosin pressing or ice water extraction.
Legal Disclaimer
Cannabis extraction laws vary greatly by state, province, and country. Always check your local regulations before attempting any form of cannabis extraction. Some methods may be illegal to perform at home, even for personal use.
Summary
Cannabis concentrates provide a powerful cannabis experience. There are a wide variety of concentrates, and each has its following of loyal devotees.
Some concentrates are best left to experts with professional extraction equipment, while others can be made safely at home.
Enroll in CTU today to learn how to make cannabis concentrates like a pro!
Karen Getchell
Karen gained expertise in developing training programs and technical documentation as a Senior Editor at Cisco Systems. She began her journey in cannabis as a patient, searching for a way to heal herself. When she perfected a method for making cannabis oil, other patients began to seek her out. An early adopter of CBD medicine, she started her CBD-infused-products business in 2014. Over the last two decades, Karen has taught hundreds of patients and caregivers how to select strains, infuse oils, and extract cannabinoids.
When she isn’t teaching cannabis cooking classes, Karen works as a cannabis business consultant, writes for online cannabis publications like Cannabis Training University, Leafly, and Weedmaps, and runs a CBD-infused-product business.
Jeff was involved in an accident where he endured a traumatic brain injury. He had a week-long stay in ICU where brain surgeons 
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