THCA cannabis flower has been a popular choice for smoking and vaping for quite some time. However, as the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the interest in various concentrates and forms of THCA.
Getting to know the different methods of THCA extraction can really enhance your appreciation for the products you love.
Whether you’re a long-time cannabis fan or just starting to explore, we’re going to dive into the most common THCA extraction techniques!
Understanding THCA
First, let’s break down what THCA actually is. THCA, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the unactivated form of THC, the compound that gives you that well-known high.
When the plant is heated, THCA transforms into THC through a process called decarboxylation. In simple terms, THCA is the acidic precursor to THC before it gets activated. THCA is legal at the federal level thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
You can find it extracted in various products like tinctures, topicals, capsules, vape cartridges, diamonds, and live resin.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the different methods used to extract THCA.
How To Extract THCa - Common Extraction Methods
Understanding the different ways to extract THCA from cannabis plants is crucial for creating THCA diamonds and pure crystalline THCA. In this section, we’ll dive into two main types of extraction methods: solvent-based and solventless.
Solvent Based Extraction
Solvent extraction methods utilize liquid solvents to draw out THCA from the plant material. Think of these solvents as liquids that dissolve and extract the beneficial compounds from the cannabis.
This approach is favored for its speed and efficiency. Common solvents like butane, propane, and CO2 are typically used in this process. They effectively dissolve the THCA, which can then be purified and concentrated to produce powerful products like THCA diamonds.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction
One of the most popular techniques for extracting THCA is Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction. This method employs butane, a highly flammable hydrocarbon, to extract cannabinoids such as THCA from the cannabis plant.
Here’s the process: First, the cannabis is packed into a tube. Then, butane is passed through the tube, dissolving the cannabinoids, including THCA, and creating a solution.
The next step is to evaporate the butane, leaving behind a cannabis extract known as shatter, wax, or budder. While BHO extraction can produce very potent concentrates, it does come with risks due to the flammability of butane.
Ethanol Extraction
Another method for extracting THCA involves using ethanol, which is a more common and safer solvent.
Here’s how it works: the cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol, which dissolves and extracts the desired compounds. After that, the solution is filtered to remove any leftover plant material and impurities.
Ethanol extraction is recognized for its efficiency and safety compared to other solvent methods.
CO2 Supercritical Extraction
CO2 supercritical extraction is a cutting-edge technique that utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2) in a unique state where it behaves like both a liquid and a gas to extract THCA and other cannabinoids from cannabis.
So, how does it work? The CO2, in its supercritical state, flows through a chamber filled with cannabis material. As it moves along, it dissolves and gathers the desired compounds. When the pressure drops, the CO2 evaporates, leaving behind a pure cannabis extract without any leftover solvents. One of the standout benefits of CO2 supercritical extraction is its precision and control.
By tweaking the temperature and pressure, manufacturers can hone in on specific compounds like THCA, ensuring a top-notch final product. Plus, since there are no solvents left in the extract, there's no need for extra purification steps. That said, CO2 supercritical extraction isn't really meant for small-scale or home use.
It's a complex and costly process, typically reserved for large-scale production facilities. In essence, CO2 supercritical extraction employs a special form of carbon dioxide to obtain pure THCA and cannabinoids from cannabis, resulting in a high-quality, solvent-free product ideal for large operations.
Solventless Extraction
As the name implies, solventless extraction methods steer clear of using solvents. Instead, they depend on physical processes like heat, pressure, and agitation to extract and isolate THCA from the cannabis plant.
Unlike solvent-based techniques that rely on chemicals to pull out compounds, solventless methods are more straightforward and safer. They also maintain the plant’s natural terpene profile, which enhances its aroma and flavor.
Rosin Pressing
Now, let’s explore rosin pressing—a method known for its simplicity and safety in cannabis extraction.
This technique relies on heat and pressure instead of solvents, applying just the right amount of warmth and force to the cannabis plant material or hash.
So, how does it work? When heat and pressure are applied, the resin-producing glands, known as trichomes, burst open. This process releases a concentrated substance called rosin, packed with THCA and other cannabinoids.
Rosin pressing is a favorite among enthusiasts because it yields a clean concentrate without the need for solvents. That said, it can be tricky to get consistent results, and the yield might not be as high as with solvent-based methods.
Dry Sift
Dry sift, known as dry sieving, is a method of extracting THCA without using solvents.
Here’s how it works: You take dry cannabis and gently shake it over a series of screens with progressively finer mesh. The trichomes, which hold THCA and other cannabinoids, are smaller and more delicate than the plant material, so they pass through the screens while the larger bits stay on top.
What you end up with is a concentrated form of trichomes called kief or dry sift. People love dry sift for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness in obtaining THCA. It’s a popular choice because it keeps the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids intact. However, it can be a bit labor-intensive, and the yield might not match that of solvent methods.
Unlike solvent-based extraction techniques that use chemicals to dissolve and extract cannabinoids, dry sift relies purely on mechanical separation through screens. This makes it a natural and solventless way to get those THCA-rich extracts..
Ice Water Hash
Ice water hash, often referred to as bubble hash or full-melt hash, is a fascinating solventless technique that utilizes ice water and a bit of agitation to extract trichomes from the cannabis plant.
In this method, the cannabis is immersed in ice water and stirred around. The trichomes, being denser, detach and settle at the bottom. Once collected, the hash is dried and sorted based on its purity and quality.
Ice water hash is well-known for its impressive potency and purity, as well as its ability to maintain the plant’s natural terpene profile, making it a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.
Innovative THCA Extraction Techniques
While the previously mentioned methods are effective, the cannabis industry is always on the lookout for new techniques that enhance efficiency, purity, and yield. Here are some intriguing new approaches to THCA extraction:
Ultrasonic Extraction
Ultrasonic extraction is an innovative technique that employs high-frequency sound waves to pull THCA and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
In this process, the plant material is placed in a solvent, and ultrasonic waves are introduced. This creates cavitation, which is the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles in the solvent.
The cavitation effect helps break down the plant cell walls, allowing for a more efficient extraction of the desired compounds. Ultrasonic extraction is praised for boosting yield, cutting down extraction time, and using less solvent compared to traditional methods.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is another cutting-edge technique that merges microwave heating with solvent extraction. In this method, the cannabis plant material is combined with a solvent and subjected to microwave radiation, which rapidly heats the solvent and extracts the desired compounds, including THCA.
MAE is more eco-friendly and energy-efficient than traditional methods, as it shortens extraction time and reduces solvent usage. The quick heating and pressure fluctuations from microwave radiation can also enhance yield and selectivity.
Post-Extraction Processing
Once THCA is extracted, the journey doesn’t stop there. Most extraction methods leave us with an oil after the solvent has been removed. This cannabis oil is packed with plant lipids, and may also contain chlorophyll, waxes, fats, terpenes, THC, and other cannabinoids.
To boost purity and potency, we need to do a bit more processing to eliminate those plant lipids and waxes, ultimately leading to cleaner, more potent THCA crystals.
Two key steps in this process are winterization and decarboxylation.
Winterization
Winterization plays a vital role in getting rid of unwanted fats, waxes, and lipids from the crude extract. These elements can compromise the purity and overall quality of the final product.
In the winterization process, the extract is combined with ethanol and then chilled to temperatures below -20 °C (-4°F). The cold causes the fats and waxes to freeze, clump together, and separate from the mixture, making it easy to filter them out.
This step is essential for producing a clear, more concentrated THCA that not only looks better but is also more potent and easier to consume.
Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is another important step that follows THCA extraction. This process involves heating the extract, which transforms THCA into THC, the psychoactive compound that gives you that high. We decarboxylate because THCA doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects until it’s converted into THC.
This step is crucial for any cannabis product intended for recreational or medicinal use that relies on the psychoactive properties of THC. During decarboxylation, keeping a close eye on the temperature is essential to ensure that THCA is converted effectively without degrading the cannabinoid.
Where To Buy THCA Products Online?
When you’re ready to try high-potency THCA products, remember that your experience is only as good as your chosen supplier!
Bay Smokes is the best place for high-quality THCA products for newbies and old-timers.
We have THCA concentrates in all forms! THCA Diamonds, THCA Live Resin, THCA Sugar Diamonds, and THCA vape carts.
All products are lab-tested to ensure they meet high purity and potency standards and are contaminant-free.
We also wholesale THCA products if you want to stock up or resell. Try BaySmokes Extracts and Dabs for a potent cannabis experience! Our customer support team is here to help you with questions and help you navigate our products.
FAQs
Does THCA get you high?
Yes, THCA gets you high when heated, like smoking or baking edibles, as the heat turns it into THC, which is Psychoactive.
What is live resin?
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants to preserve the complete terpene profile. Live resin is known for its flavor and aroma and is used to make high-quality vaporizing carts and dabs.
What’s the best solvent for THCA extraction?
The best solvents for THCA extractions are butane (BHO extraction), ethanol, and supercritical CO2.
How is THCA extracted from cannabis?
THCA can be extracted from cannabis using various methods, solvent-based (e.g., BHO, ethanol, CO2 supercritical extraction) and solventless (e.g., rosin pressing, dry sift, ice water hash).
The process involves separating the THCA-rich trichomes or resinous compounds from the cannabis plant material, often using solvents, mechanical agitation, or heat and pressure, and then a purification method to remove impurities.
What solvents are used for THCA extraction?
Some common solvents for THCA extraction are butane (for BHO extraction), ethanol, and supercritical CO2. Other solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol and hexane, are used in certain extraction processes or for post-processing steps like winterization.
How do I make my THCA more potent?
To make your THCA more potent, you can focus on optimizing the extraction system and purification methods.
This can involve adjusting temperature, pressure, and solvent ratios during extraction and using methods like winterization or chromatography to remove impurities and concentrate the THCA.
Is Delta 9 and THCA the same?
No, Delta 9 and THCA are not the same. THCA is the precursor to Delta 9 THC, and THCA converts to Delta 9 THC through decarboxylation, which can happen through heat or light exposure.
Is THCA natural or synthetic?
THCA is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant, not synthetic or man-made. It is found in the plant’s trichomes (resin glands).