Cannabis or marijuana has come a long way from being considered an illegal drug. As research unveils more therapeutic uses of the plant, cannabis extracts have gained popularity for their various medical benefits. Here is an overview of some commonly used cannabis extracts and what you need to know about them.
Different Types of Cannabis Extracts
While cannabis flower contains a variety of active compounds, extracts concentrate and strengthen these beneficial components. Let's take a closer look at some popular types of cannabis extracts:
Hashish/Kief: One of the earliest forms of cannabis extract, hashish is made by pressing kief (trichomes cut from cannabis flowers) into solid blocks or balls. It has a higher THC concentration than raw marijuana but can vary greatly in potency depending on the strain and extraction process.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): A potent concentrate made using solvent extraction to draw active compounds out of dry cannabis flowers. The sticky oil contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids for medical uses but requires caution due to its strength.
Cannabis-Infused Coconut/MCT Oil: Combining cannabis decarboxylation with coconut or MCT oil extraction produces a carrier oil steeped with therapeutic compounds. These can be consumed orally or topically for relief from various symptoms.
Cannabis Tinctures: Made by combining cannabis flowers or concentrates with high-proof alcohol or glycerin to dissolve active agents into a liquid formulation. Sublingual doses allow for quick absorption via oral mucous membranes.
Distillate: An extremely concentrated extract that has undergone multiple cycles of extraction and distillation to remove unwanted plant matter, chlorophyll, and other impurities. The end result is a pure cannabis concentrate in either oil or crystalline form.
Live Resin: A full-spectrum concentrate capturing cannabis plant terpenes, cannabinoids, and other beneficial compounds using a flash freezing process before starting extraction. This preserves volatile natural flavor and fragrance profiles known as the "entourage effect".
Cannabis Extract Production Methods
There are various methods used to extract cannabinoids and other components from cannabis plants to produce concentrated oils, waxes, shatters, and other extracts. Understanding their differences can help select the right product:
Solvent Extraction: Butane hash oil (BHO), propane hash oil (PHO), or ethanol extraction uses solvents like butane, propane or ethanol to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. The solution is dried to separate cannabinoid-rich resin from the solvent.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Pressurized carbon dioxide in a "superkritcal" fluid state allows for selective extraction of target compounds without using flammable solvents. This gentler process preserves volatile terpenes for "full-spectrum" concentrates.
Rosin Tech: Applying heat and pressure directly to cannabis flowers forces cannabinoid-rich resin glands to the surface for collection. No solvents are needed, resulting in potent "solventless" extracts known as rosin.
Cold Water Extraction: Steeping cannabis plant parts in ice water and agitation separates trichomes and active compounds into a supernatant liquid layer that can be refined into pure extracts.
Alcohol Extraction: Similar to tincture production, soaking cannabis in high-proof alcohol at specific temperatures maximizes solubility of targeted compounds into a purified concentrate.
Medical Uses and Benefits of Cannabis Extracts
As cannabis research continues to expand, new therapeutic uses are being found for some of the plant's most concentrated extracts:
Pain Relief: High cannabinoid concentrates are effective for treatment of chronic pain from various conditions when administered orally, topically, or via tinctures/vaporizers.
Appetite Stimulation: THC and CBD extracts improve appetite and curb nausea, making them helpful for conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and loss of appetite from other illnesses.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cannabinoids like CBD block inflammatory processes without psychoactive effects, showing promise for arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and general inflammation.
Neuroprotective Effects: Studies link cannabis extracts to reduced symptoms of PTSD, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases through modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
Anti-Anxiety/Antidepressant: Certain cannabinoids relieve stress and lift mood by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain's reward pathway. This may benefit mental health issues.
As scientists continue unlocking the entourage effects of whole-plant cannabis extracts, their therapeutic range is likely to expand even further. When administered properly, they provide notable medical benefits with few side effects.
Regulation of Cannabis Extracts
With increased legalization, governments are working to establish quality control standards for regulated medical and recreational Cannabis Extract. Here's a brief look at how cannabis extracts are regulated:
Testing Requirements: Most legal states mandate purity and potency testing to screen for contaminants, ensure accurate labeling of cannabinoid content, and flag unsafe microbial/chemical levels.
Labeling Regulations: Product labels must specify strain type, extraction method, and percentage of major cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This allows for informed dosing by both patients and consumers.
Packaging and Transportation: Special safety packaging and tracking systems are required when transporting, distributing or selling cannabis extracts due to their potency and flammability in some forms.
Age Restrictions: A minimum age of 21 is typical to purchase cannabis extracts either medically or recreationally depending on local laws. Strict controls prevent accidental ingestion and youth access.
Medical ID Requirements: In medical programs, extracts are only available with doctor approval shown via registry identification card or recommendation to treat a qualifying condition.
Potency Caps: For now THC limits apply to some extracts in certain recreational states for public health reasons as research develops on optimal concentrations.
Proper regulation seeks to balance accessibility with safety measures as cannabis extracts continue gaining prominence as an alternative treatment option. With growing acceptance also comes responsibility to oversee quality, informed use and community wellbeing.
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