There are several ways to obtain cannabis oil. Solventless methods at solventless concentrate bay area can be safer than other methods. Butane extraction, for instance, can lead to toxic fumes. Rosin extraction is another solventless method. Cost can be another issue. If you’re a beginner in the cannabis industry, it’s essential to know how to choose an extraction method that’s right for your needs.
Butane Extraction is Dangerous
Butane is present in many consumer products, including e-cigarettes, cooking spray, and flavor extracts. However, this substance is not necessarily safe for human consumption. It is flammable, and a single spark can ignite a butane fire. To avoid this danger, only use butane that has been quadruple-refined.
Butane is a highly toxic chemical, and improperly purged butane can lead to serious health issues. In a recent study, butane was linked to a form of a rare and lethal disease called chemical pneumonitis. In addition, butane has been blamed for hundreds of fires and explosions involving solvent-based hash oil operations. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are related to poorly designed in-home butane extraction kits.
Butane can accumulate quickly indoors, and even the slightest spark can ignite it. As a result, butane extraction is banned or severely restricted in several states. In New York, for example, operators must apply to the state before beginning their extraction processes.
CO2 Extraction is Safer
CO2 extraction is a safer extraction method than solventless extraction. CO2 is naturally present in all living things and is a good choice for extracting most edibles and waxes. However, using this method requires special lab equipment and training. It may not be the right solution for every application, but it is generally considered safe for most cannabis products.
The CO2 extraction process is a little more complicated and costly, requiring a larger extraction volume. However, it is becoming an increasingly popular method for large-scale processing. CO2 oil extraction systems can increase efficiency and safety, while CO2 can be recycled between extractions. While CO2 is a safer solvent than ethanol, the extraction process still entails some risks. For example, solvents can be dangerous in high concentrations.
Rosin is a Solventless Option
Solventless rosin is a newer product on the cannabis market. This alternative to solvent-extracted concentrates is highly potent, clean, and retains the terpenes intact. Due to these qualities, many people think that rosin is the superior choice over solvent-extracted concentrates. Whether you want to make edibles, tinctures, or capsules, rosin is a great choice.
Making rosin is relatively easy and does not require any chemicals. Instead, the cannabis nugs are heated and pressed in a rosin press, where the heat helps to release the resin. This plastic resin is then squeezed using a press to release the cannabis’ active ingredients. Because rosin is solvent-free, it’s the safest way to extract marijuana products.
Another advantage to solventless extraction is that it doesn’t require the use of flammable solvents. Solvents can easily cause a fire in a lab due to user error, insufficient ventilation, or improper storage. Moreover, solvents have a significant environmental footprint. Rosin is an ideal alternative to solvent-based extracts because it can be manipulated to achieve the desired texture and consistency. For example, it can be used to mimic the properties of wax, shatter, and crumble.
Cost of Equipment
Solventless extractions are much cheaper than traditional methods. An industrial rosin press can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, while solvent-free methods can be made at home for as little as a few hundred dollars. Solvent-free methods are also more convenient, requiring less expensive supplies and equipment. Because solvents are toxic and flammable, solventless extractions also pose less risk to workers.
Solventless extraction methods also have fewer startup costs, which can help businesses save hundreds of thousands of dollars. But while solvent-free products are cheaper than BHO, the lower yields result in a more extended payback period.
Return on Investment
There are several factors to consider when determining the return on investment when using solventless extracts. One of the most important is the maturity of the market. If the market is new, demand may be low. However, as markets mature, demand usually increases. Thus, a competitive advantage may be had by starting early. Early market entry will help create brand awareness and improve relationships with buyers. In addition, early adoption will help build demand.
As demand for solventless extracts increases, brands are investigating ways to increase production. This article examines the factors cannabis operators should consider when expanding production to include solventless products. It also discusses how to plan for growth once production has begun. Since most businesses do not jump from boutique production to high-volume production in one go, it’s essential to understand how to prepare for growth.