Alcohol Ethanol Based Extraction of Cannabis

Alcohol (Ethanol) Based Extraction of Cannabis

Professor DeBacco


Description of Alcohol Extraction Method
Cannabis is thoroughly soaked and rinsed in 95-100% ethanol solution, until sufficient breakdown of solutes has occurred
The plant material is then removed from the mixture and the remaining solution can either be used in tinctures or it is heated at a precise temperature until the ethanol has evaporated.
Once all of the ethanol has evaporated you are left with a dark tar like substance rich in cannabinoids called Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO).



Ethanol Machine Used for Extraction and Distillation


Resulting End Product of Alcohol Extraction
The final product of alcohol based extraction is full extract cannabis oil (FECO), a highly concentrated whole plant extract. This extract can test anywhere from 80-99% cannabinoids depending on the quality of the extraction.
Alcohol based extraction can also be used to make tinctures, will the alcohol solution filled with cannabinoids



Advantages of Alcohol Based Extraction
Cost effective for large amounts
Alcohol extraction can pull a broader range of compounds from the plant than other extraction methods
Can be performed at atmospheric pressure
No risk of leaving toxic residual chemicals in the final cannabis extract.

Disadvantages of Alcohol Based Extraction
Possibility of chlorophyll in the final product, which could result in a bitter taste.
Ethanol has a much higher boiling point than other solvents, which could lead to a longer process
Post processing is extensive, several refinements must be made to the extract before it is consumer ready.
Can be extremely dangerous, significant fire hazard if indoors




Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/198sC...

*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Alcohol Ethanol Based Extraction of Cannabis" can be viewed at... https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UL64...