How to Extract Terpenes
Let's dive into the art of capturing the essence of cannabis through effective terpene extraction. In this guide on how to extract terpenes, we'll explore the various methods used to extract these aromatic compounds, crucial for the distinct flavors and scents of cannabis. Whether you're new to terpene extraction or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will provide straightforward, step-by-step insights into extracting these essential elements from cannabis.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma of different cannabis strains. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds using the formula (C5H8)n, meaning they are biosynthetic building blocks. They are compressing more than 30,000 compounds.
Although terpenes alone do not get you “high” in the traditional sense when in synergy with other cannabinoids, they may further enhance the psychoactive effects. Alone, terpenes may only produce slight psychoactive effects, such as calming and relieving effects on the body. However, the benefits of the terpenes will depend on the type of terpene found in the cannabis plant. Some may make you relax and have pain relief benefits, while other terpene types may help with providing positive mental health benefits.
There are a variety of terpenes found in cannabis, and they are classified into three groups: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes, each terpene offering different effects and aromas to the cannabis strain.
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How to Extract Terpenes
Extracting terpenes involves carefully selecting plant material, appropriate extraction methods, and setting up suitable equipment and workspace.
Preparation for Terpene Extraction
Starting with high-quality plant material known for its richness in terpenes is a fundamental and crucial step in terpene extraction. This could include fresh herbs, flowers, or specific strains of cannabis known for their high terpene profiles. Harvest at the right time to maximize terpene content.
Proper drying and curing might be necessary, depending on the plant material. Cannabis, for example, is often dried and cured before extraction to enhance the concentration and preservation of terpenes.
Types of Terpene Extraction Methods
Considering different extraction methods based on the plant source, there are sovlent and solventless extraction methods.
Most popular solventless extraction method
Cold press extraction
Cold press extraction is a popular solventless method for preserving terpenes without the need for any chemical dissolutions. Cold pressing involves specialized machinery that exerts pressure on the plant material without generating much heat.
Cold pressing involves placing the cannabis plant or plant parts in a spike-filled container and puncturing them slowly. Utilizing centrifugal force, cold press machines aid in separating the oil from the remaining plant pulp and liquid.
Cannabis trichomes, the tiny resin glands where cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated, are not as amenable to mechanical pressing under high temperatures since the terpenes degrate at extremely high temperatures. For that reason, it’s best to use heated plates where you can control the temperature, and we cannot point out enough that to avoid the loss of terpenes, you need to go with cold press extraction (an extraction method usually occurring at temperatures between 130°F to 170 °F).
The process involves applying pressure to the plant material, potentially yielding a raw extract that might require further refinement to isolate terpenes.
The essential oils released during this process are collected and bottled, ready for use in their pure form or as additions to various products, particularly when combined with carrier oils like jojoba or argan oil.
Most common solvent terpene extraction methods
Steam distillation
Steam distillation, a traditional method for extracting terpenes, involves carefully controlling low thermal and pressure conditions. This technique, which is not limited to terpene isolation, finds use in applications like petrochemical refining.
During extraction, selected cannabis material is placed over boiling sterile water to create vapor pressure, causing terpenes to release. The vapor is then condensed in a cool chamber, turning it back into a liquid form and allowing an accessible collection of terpene extracts.
This controlled process preserves the chemical compounds in terpenes by avoiding high temperatures and pressure. Stream distillation makes the process more accessible, stable, and safe as it is one of the simplest methods without harming the quality of the product.
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Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction involves using a solvent like ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons to dissolve and extract terpenes from the plant material. Solvent-based methods require careful handling due to the use of flammable or potentially hazardous materials.
Proper removal of solvents post-extraction is crucial to ensure the purity of the extracted terpenes. Solvent-based methods can often yield higher concentrations of terpenes than steam distillation but may require more complex setups and precise control of parameters.
Standard solvent-based methods include:
Hydrodistillation
Hydrodistillation is another conventional method that uses water or steam to extract bioactive compounds, primarily essential oils. This technique involves covering the plant material in water before longer distillation times and is helpful for some resins, spice powders, and chopped roots or bark.
Hydrodistillation requires specific equipment. Hydrodistillation is often carried out using a Clevenger apparatus or a simple steam distillation setup. In the Clevenger apparatus, sample mixed water is boiled to evaporate volatile components.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction involves using CO2 above its critical temperature and pressure, giving it gas and liquid properties. The CO2 is pressurized and heated, passed through the plant material to extract terpenes, and then depressurized to separate the extract.
Operates under lower temperature and pressure than the supercritical method, ensuring more delicate terpenes are not damaged. Like supercritical conditions, the conditions keep CO2 in a subcritical state, resulting in a slower extraction process but better preservation of certain terpenes.
Quality Control and Preservation of Terpenes
After extracting terpenes in fine concentrates, each created concentrate undergoes lab testing to ensure the already-made concentrate is pure without any contaminants. By utilizing gentle extraction methods and maintaining a controlled environment with optimal temperature and pressure, you ensure the preservation of terpenes' delicate flavor and aroma profiles.
Minimizing exposure to light and oxygen during extraction is also crucial to maintaining the integrity of these valuable compounds.
Maintaining consistent quality standards is also fundamental for building a reputable market presence and fostering consumer trust in terpene extraction processes.
Proper Storage
Then, it’s time for the last hurdle– properly storing them. Swiftly transitioning to proper storage post-extraction contributes to preserving terpenes' delicate flavor and aroma profiles. It’s of utmost importance to store the concentrates in dark containers devoid of direct light and heat. Humidity control plays a pivotal role in maintaining controlled levels and preventing degradation or unwanted condensation within storage containers. Optimal storage practices involve employing containers that minimize air exposure, like glass or stainless steel.
Remember, exposure to direct light, heat, or air will almost definitely degrade the cannabis extract.
Implement a monitoring routine to safeguard terpene integrity. Regular checks for changes in aroma or consistency become essential indicators, offering insights into potential degradation. These meticulous storage measures contribute to the longevity and quality of preserved terpenes.
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Conclusion
Understanding how to extract terpenes effectively is crucial for anyone looking to harness the full potential of these aromatic compounds. Throughout this guide, we've explored various methods and desired outcomes.
From the precise control of CO2 extraction to the traditional approach of steam distillation and the specific applications of cold press extraction for particular plants, the choice of method plays a pivotal role in determining the quality and profile of the extracted terpenes.
Key considerations like starting with high-quality plant material, maintaining a clean and controlled extraction environment, and using appropriate storage techniques are fundamental in preserving the integrity and potency of terpenes.
