Rules of Extraction

Where Do Concentrates Come From?

 

By: Jamie Solis

Seven-ten is celebrated by connoisseurs devoted to OIL (710 backwards and upside-down), which is a term used synonymously with wax, shatter, tincture, concentrates, dabs, budder, hash, etc. Although they are often grouped together, not all concentrates are created equally. In fact, there are many ways to strip the trichomes off the cannabis sativa plant, and it all starts with the extraction process. CULTURE is prepared to answer the unknowns by describing some basic extraction processes that use solvents like butane and isopropyl alcohol, as well as solvent-less ice water. We will also highlight which steps account for the end products differing between oil, wax and shatter.

SOLVENTS

Although popular, using flammable solvents like butane, hexane, ethanol, naphtha or isopropyl alcohol to extract cannabinoid, terpene and terpenoid rich resin can be downright dangerous, especially when it is done by amateurs in makeshift laboratories. There is a risk of explosion even if manufacturers take the necessary safety precautions, the product heeds a serious health risk of toxicity if any residual chemicals are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with skin. Basically put, leave the hash making to the professionals who use Class 3 edible solvents and properly purge the product from contaminants.

Butane and isopropyl alcohol are both solvents that are commonly used. Extraction of resin using butane starts by the manufacturer forcing butane through the cannabis material, stripping the plant matter of rich and essential cannabis oil.

Using isopropyl alcohol to separate extract from the plant typically starts by freezing the plant matter and alcohol. If the producer’s goal is simple honey oil, then one option is to pour the alcohol into the cannabis material and let it sit for a long period of time. (If the oil is going to be worked into wax or shatter later on, then they would probably rinse the cannabis with alcohol for about 30 seconds.) Following this, the maker will strain the plant matter from the alcohol mixture and evaporate the alcohol out from the concentrate. Whether the solvent used is butane, isopropyl alcohol or many other options, the end result should be honey oil, also known as BHO or hash oil. From here, the next step can be purging the oil, but there are additional steps to follow for a more refined wax or shatter.

Whipping the oil using various processes that typically involve heat will transform it into wax, also known as budder. This process adds some air into the substance, allowing for a more user friendly concentrate. Still high in terpenes, budder is flavorful and has about 70 percent THC.

If properly executed, a second extraction process of the oil will remove any unwanted substances like water and fats, and the result will be shatter, which is also called glass. With a smooth texture and clarity, shatter has over 80 percent THC.

SOLVENT-LESS

Ice water extractions have one of the best reputations for purity and safety. Unlike with solvents, water and ice cause a mechanical separation of the cannabinoids and essential oils. The resulting ice wax will have the appetizing flavor of the crystals you’re extracting instead of plant materials like chlorophyll. On top of an amazing taste, the cannabinoids in any batch of properly executed ice wax consistently test in the high 70s- low 80s.

While the process of extraction is key, it is also essential to start with high quality product, especially when it comes to making hash using ice water. This is because you can run low quality cannabis product using solvents and still get a decent product. However, in order to make the top of the line ice wax, it is necessary to start with top of the line, organically grown material that is free from molds, pests, mildews, fungicides, pesticides, etc.

Often we’re so quick to get our hands on whatever concentrate is out there, we’re not paying attention to the class of waxes, oils and shatters going into our bodies. Be sure to demand only the best, because there are people working to perfect extracting only the best from the adored cannabis sativa plant.

 

Originally published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3979-rules-of-extraction.html

A New League of Dab Gear

A New League of Dab Gear

Taking the Glass Art World by Storm

By: Jamie Solis

Photo Credit Jordan Cinnamon


Glass pieces intended for cannabis consumption have not always been accepted by the sophisticated art scene. This avenue of glassblowing wasn’t recognized for its level of skill and precision until recently, as remarkable pieces of art that also serve as intricately stylized dab rigs sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

An ever-expanding love for concentrates is inflating the caliber of glass rigs and bettering dab nails. If you’re anxious to drop some serious cash on your collection, July 10 is the perfect excuse to secure everything from designer pieces to electric nails. Let’s highlight some great artists and accessories to look for this holiday.

Collectible Rigs

To get your hands on a perfect sculpture by one of the best glassblowers, it’s becoming customary to either attend a gallery showing or find a reputable collector. Let’s explore some of the elite whose creativity and knowledge are advancing the image of this zealous craft.

Tubes of glass have a way of transforming into something unfathomable when two distinct artists share a single vision. Chow Glass (@chow_glass) has called both Oregon and Southern California home, and he is quickly gaining a following, especially for his collaborations. He’s known for making ridiculous pieces with the well-known designer hailing from JapanAquarius (@Aquariust). The first collab of this duo is the red tube topped with a grinning devil who seems eager to welcome even the heaviest of dabs. A second work by the pair exudes the same dark ambiance as the first, with a skull topping this handheld rig. A common theme for Aquarius is his bold figures, whether they are skeletons, eyeballs or anything creepy. This multipurpose work is also a wearable pendant—jewelry, dab rig and décor.

Originally from Massachusetts, this fine artist makes skillful pieces that don’t look dabbable at first glance. Joe Peters’ (@joepetersglass) work is recognizable because he has a distinct color palate, and his subjects are usually nature-inspired. You’ll know one of his signaturesan appropriate and appetizing obsession with honey. On torontohemp.com, a sick collaboration piece between Joe Peters and Germ (@germlion) called Honeycomb& Bees Rig is extremely pricey but it is still on the inexpensive side of this fine art. The degree of realism he brings to glassblowing is unfathomable, so it’s going to cost you. It was rumored on instagram that his collab piece with Elbo Glass (@elboglass) was sold for up to $25,000.

Leading glassblower JRed (@jredglass) currently resides in the state of Washington. The functionality of his gorgeous glass sets high standards. Using bold and bright colors, his technical pieces are eye catching, and common themes include owls with hypnotizing eyes, funky ducks, psychedelic octopuses and more. You could say JRed is where cartoon meets creature. Insanely complex circular patterns are also in character to his work, whether they are part of glass animals or one is protruding off a more standard style rig. His use of clean lines and geometric patterns pushes the envelope, making his rigs not only collectible, but valuable as well.

Recyclers

We are fanatic about good looking glass, but there are more important qualities to a great dab rig as companion to its beauty marks. Nobody wants to cough their brains out when taking a dab, because it’s painful and embarrassing. Thankfully, a recycler makes dabs more enjoyable, because they can be strong yet mellow. An ingenious improvement on the single filtering system, a recycler does exactly as its name implies, looping your hit through the water more than once. By increasing the contact between the water and vapor, the hit is cooled significantly. Also, no matter how hard you inhale through this piece, water will not end up in your mouth. Top of the line recyclers can cost you a pretty penny in today’s glass industry. Ski Mask and Hitman created a fantastic double barrel recycler that is only $1,200 at www.highpriorityglass.com.

Dab Accessories are Heating Up For 710

Seize the Blasting Stream of Fire

Igniting a blowtorch indoors has the ability to turn off even the most seasoned of stoners. There is now a safer option for dabbers—electricity! Electric nails have many benefits, but most importantly you get to set the nail at the desired temperature, and it is kept at a consistent level. This means you don’t have to wait between dabs, making it perfect for social settings. Electric nail devices range in price from around $250 and up, and they are well worth the investment. Often compatible with the rigs you already own, you’ll find yourself dabbing more discreetly, conveniently and safely in no time.

 

 

Go Domeless

If you haven’t heard about domeless nails by now, then you may be wasting your time with last seasons’tools. A domeless nail allows you the convenience of downsizing to one simple and effective rig, because it eliminates the glass dome that typically encloses vapor around the nail. The new generation of nails allows the operator to inhale vapor through singular or multiple holes in their differing setups. The evolution of nails over the last couple years has led to some that are compatible with various sized rigs. This makes it the absolute companion to all your pieces.

This 710, take our advice and impress your friends by securing an expensive piece of art that will serve as your newest dab rig, and don’t forget all the necessary accessories. It will be a relative expense for a lifetime of beauty and bliss.

 

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3981-a-new-league-of-dab-gear.html