Canna-Extracts Pt. 2

Salutations

The first book recording extraction techniques was Cannabis Alchemy: The art of modern hashmaking written by D. Gold in 1973. It detailed the technique for creating concentrates using liquid solvents, such as ethanol, isopropyl etc.  This also detailed a product described as s sticky oil with a dark honey consistency made with pure alcohol and activated charcoal.

Fast forward another 30 years to the 2012 High Times Cannabis Cup which, for the first time included a new category for concentrates.  Ambitious breeders had realized there was an ability to capture a massive increase in flavor / aroma, as well as potency by using higher grade solvents and even liquid Co2.  A breeder called Budderking in BC was taking home a lot awards for his Budder tech.

Budder was described as a waxy, potent goo with extraordinary sensory properties.  Made using a proprietary system using alcohol, he described leaving a pan of glass like extract on the counter in front of a window- and slowly it changed from the heat and exposure to air into this amazing new substance that tasted even better than before.

Often used in making medical grade extracts is n-Butane. Used to strip the best parts from the flowering plants with a hyper cooled gas. As it warms into a liquid it starts to evaporate leaving the cannabis materials behind.  This sticky liquid is then "purged" in a vacuum state heating it and further removing any of the remaining solvent particles.  This is extremely dangerous and is done in lab environments with extremely high safety procedures.  Highly clean end product when produced right,

Different temperatures and terpene count can change the end product from anything like a hard amber substance that can Shatter like glass to a waxy half-liquid known as sap.  Modern techniques are utilizing living, or un dried plants to capture the absolute most of a plants terpene structure and CBD molecules to create a variety of Live Resins, Rosins ( plants pressed and heated under hydraulic force ) and full spectrum Terp "Sauces" focused on everything flavorful a plant can produce.

The technique and skill to create these craft batches of concentrates is immense and only perfected by true cannabis artisans.    As of this writing on Nov 2 2018 they are 100% illegal to sell or purchase.  Although you are technically allowed to make your own concentrates- I would suggest until the law makes these widely available before ordering illegal products at this point. Only another 350 days or so.

But keep your ear to the ground for "Farmers Markets" opening up, some of the craftier locals might share some of their home made concentrates if you're into unregulated product.

I would be greatly amiss if I didn't warn you about how strong many of these can be.   Like- psychedelic levels of paranoia, euphoria or dizziness.   Even with veteran smokers- take a little sample- and wait.  And don't plan to drive for a while either.