7.1 Processing cannabis

Cannabis processing offers numerous possibilities for producing various products with medical, recreational, and industrial applications. Here are some of the most important processing methods and the resulting products:

1. Extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes

a. CO2 extraction

  • Description : This method uses supercritical CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
  • Products : Highly purified extracts such as cannabinoid isolates, full-spectrum oils, waxes, and shatter.
  • Advantages : No solvent residues, high purity and precision.

b. Solvent extraction

  • Description : Use of solvents such as butane, propane or ethanol to extract the active ingredients.
  • Products : BHO (Butane Hash Oil), Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), Tinctures, Concentrates.
  • Advantages : Efficient extraction, but requires careful removal of solvent residues.

c. Rosin pressing

  • Description : Mechanical extraction by heat and pressure without the use of solvents.
  • Products : Rosin, a highly concentrated, solvent-free extract.
  • Advantages : Clean and safe, without chemical solvents.

2. Manufacture of consumer products

a. Edibles

  • Description : Infusion of cannabis extracts or cannabutter in food.
  • Products : Brownies, cookies, gummy bears, chocolate, drinks.
  • Advantages : Discreet consumption, longer lasting effect.

b. Tinctures and oils

  • Description : Alcohol or oil-based extracts for sublingual administration.
  • Products : CBD oil, THC tinctures, full-spectrum cannabis oils.
  • Advantages : Easy dosage, rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.

c. Topicals

  • Description : Cannabis-infused creams, ointments and balms for external use.
  • Products : Pain creams, skin care products, massage oils.
  • Benefits : Topical application for pain and inflammation relief without psychoactive effects.

3. Smokable products

a. flowers

  • Description : Dried and cured cannabis flowers for direct inhalation.
  • Products : Pre-rolls, loose flowers.
  • Advantages : Traditional form of consumption, fast effect.

b. Concentrates

  • Description : Highly concentrated cannabis extracts for dabbing or vaporizing.
  • Products : Wax, Shatter, Live Resin, Budder.
  • Advantages : Higher concentration of active ingredients, more intense effect.

4. Vaporizable products

a. Vape cartridges

  • Description : Pre-filled cartridges with cannabis oil for vaporizers.
  • Products : THC and CBD vape cartridges.
  • Advantages : Discreet, easy to dose, less harmful than smoking.

b. Dabs

  • Description : Use of special vaporizers (dab rigs) for highly concentrated extracts.
  • Products : Shatter, Wax, Rosin.
  • Advantages : Very potent, immediate effect.

Summary

Cannabis processing opens up a wide range of possibilities, from consumer products like edibles and concentrates to industrial applications and medicinal preparations. Each method and product has its own advantages and applications, catering to the diverse needs of consumers.