Cannabis concentrates are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover the various benefits they offer. One of the most popular methods of extraction is hydrocarbon extraction. This process uses an organic compound to extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of concentrates that are made with hydrocarbon extraction including shatter, budder, live resin, and more!
Hydrocarbon Extractions
Hydrocarbon extraction refers to cannabis concentrates extracted using an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. The most common hydrocarbons used in cannabis extraction are butane and propane. Butane extracts are commonly referred to as BHO or butane hash oil and propane extracts are called propane hash oil or PHO.
Most extraction artist these days use a blend of butane and propane, most commonly 80% butane, 20% propane. Both these hydrocarbons have benefits in the extraction process that can aid in the extraction and in creating the desired extract type. Propane has a lower boiling point that butane, making it quicker and easier to recover than butane. This means it requires less heating and vacuum in the recovery process.
Boiling points also can affect the consistency of the concentrates. Propane, or a propane high blend is typically used to create softer extracts like budder. Since propane has a much lower boiling point, it does a better job than butane at preserving terpenes, but does not extract as many cannabinoids. This is because terpenes have a lower boiling point than cannabinoids. Terpenes are a liquid consistency, and cannabinoids are more solid. So now we know that butane creates harder, higher potent extracts, and propane makes softer, more flavorful extracts.
Types of Hydrocarbon Extracts
Shatter is a hydrocarbon extract that has a hard, glass-like consistency. It is extremely potent and has a high THC content. As we just learned, shatter would be made using butane extractions.
Budder, on the other hand, has a creamy, butter-like consistency and often has terpene added to enhance flavor and aroma.
Live Resin also typically includes added terpenes but is made with fresh frozen plant material instead of dried, resulting in a stronger aroma and flavor profile.
Other hydrocarbon extractions include crumble, sap, honeycomb, and rosin. Crumble has a crumbly texture and is easy to handle. Sap is sticky like syrup and often very high in THC content. Honeycomb has a honeycomb-like texture and is often very high in both THC and terpenes.
What makes hydrocarbon extractions different?
The differences in finished hydrocarbon extracts is achieved through a number of variables. As we discussed, the type of hydrocarbon used in extraction can help dictate what type of consistency and flavor profile is achieved. Butane for hard potent extracts, propane for soft flavorful extractions. Second, how the product is finished has a great deal to do with what extract is produced. Finishing methods can be as simple as putting it into a vacuum oven to recover the butane or propane, or can be very complex. Extracts like diamonds and sauce are more difficult and often require the “tek” of a veteran extractor.
Another important component is the hydrocarbon extractors used to make the concentrates. The quality of the machine can be the difference in mediocre and exceptional. H&H produces hydrocarbon extractors for the extraction artists who want to make top quality products. Features like double jacketed solvent tanks allow processors to run at cryogenic temperatures. Molecular Sieve columns remove water from your butane or propane. Jacketed material columns ensure that the material and solvent are kept cool throughout the extraction process.
These are just a few features that make H&H’s hydrocarbon extractors the best in the industry. Whether you’re new to hydrocarbon extraction or you’re a seasoned BHO extraction artists, our line of hydrocarbon extraction systems are designed with you in mind. Reach out to us today to find out more, and check out our blog page for additional information on BHO, extraction labs, hydrocarbon and extractors.
