Solvent-based extraction, which has been known and practiced for several years, is quick and easy to perform. The process is always the same and involves placing the plant material in alcohol so that the trichomes dissolve in it.
What are the risks associated with this alcohol-based extraction technique? We'll tell you everything in this article.
What types of alcohol can be used to extract CBD?
To extract CBD using alcohol, two types of alcohol are often used: isopropyl alcohol and ethanol. In most cases, ethanol (undenatured) is considered much safer for one’s health.
When isopropyl alcohol is used, the process is called QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl). However, if ethanol is used, it is called QWET (Quick Wash Ethanol).
It is recommended to always perform a quick wash and to avoid directly heating the alcohol and plant material in order to extract as many cannabinoids and terpenes as possible. This is because alcohol is a polar solvent. As a result, if the washing process takes too long or if direct heat is applied, water-soluble substances—such as chlorophyll—will also be extracted.
As a first recommendation, it’s best to use plant material that’s as dry as possible. You can dry it the traditional way, but you can also dry it in the oven at 90°C until the buds crumble between your fingers.
At the same time, the decarboxylation of the weed will take place, and the cannabinoids will lose their acidic form and become psychoactive—without you needing to vaporize or burn them to feel their effects.
It should be noted that most people who use this technique rely much more on ethanol because it is less toxic (especially in small quantities).
The Risks of Extracting CBD Using Ethanol or Other Alcohols
Although solvent-based extraction is ideal for oral use, it does carry certain risks that are important to highlight.
First and foremost, it should be noted that the alcohol extraction method is dangerous because it is flammable. As a result, it can produce harmful vapors. It is therefore important to handle it with care to prevent any accidents.
In addition, when CBD is extracted using alcohol, it is possible that the plant’s chlorophyll may also be extracted.
This compromises the quality of the final product and gives the extracted product a bitter taste. As a result, this extraction technique significantly reduces—or even completely eliminates—all the therapeutic effects contained in the CBD extract.
Because this method can damage terpenes, it is best used to produce CBD isolates.
On the other hand, although this extraction technique is less expensive and accessible to both individuals and professionals, it does not completely eliminate solvent residues from the resulting extract.
Ultimately, the method of extracting CBD using ethanol and other alcohols offers many advantages.
However, it poses significant risks. That is why some people choose not to use it to extract CBD from the hemp plant and prefer, for example, the CO₂ extraction method.
