Creating cannabis extract is a definite case of choose-your-own-adventure with a seemingly endless combination of techniques, materials and results. We’ve talked about how to use a simple hair straightener as a rosin press but many of our readers prefer solvent-based methods and have asked us how to make BHO or use other forms of alcohol extraction without a professional lab set up. Today, we’ll dive into Cannabis Extract Techniques 101 with 3 basic ways to make a quality marijuana extract using solvents in a non-commercial setting. NOTE: Working with solvents can be risky business so we recommend that you approach all of the techniques described below with the utmost caution. Also, since solvents are highly flammable, the cannabis extract processes should all be conducted outside in well-ventilated areas to reduce risk.

Method 1: Using High Proof Isopropyl Alcohol to Make Cannabis Extract

You'll Need:

• A significant amount of trim (chef’s choice but 3 ounces should be sufficient) NOTE: all sticks and stems should be removed prior to this process
• Isopropyl alcohol (high proof/percentage – above 90% - the purer, the better)
• Glass storage jar
• Plastic mixing spoon
• Straining bag or strainer
• Glass bowl
• Electric rice cooker

NOTE: Full process should be conducted outside in a well-ventilated area.

1. Pour the isopropyl alcohol into the glass storage jar
2. Pour your trim into the jar with the alcohol and mix well using your plastic mixing spoon – you should spend approximately 10 minutes mixing
3. Position your straining bag or strainer over the glass bowl and strain the mixture so that the trim is separated from the isopropyl alcohol and the alcohol drains into the bowl
4. Pour the alcohol into the rice cooker (again, this should all be done outside in a well-ventilated area away from heat and flame). Heat the alcohol on low heat for several hours, stirring frequently, until the alcohol has burned away.
5. Use an oil syringe (preferably a Luer lock syringe) to collect the remaining cannabis extract.

To make sure that your isopropyl alcohol has fully evaporated, you can stick a paper clip into the product to get a bit of extract on the tip, then hold a lighter up to the tip. If it sparks, there’s still a significant amount of solvent in the product that needs to be burned away. Also, if you find that the resulting cannabis extract is too sticky, you can pop it into the freezer for a few minutes. This will help you to peel it away.

Method 2: How to Make BHO with Ethanol Extraction

You'll Need:

• A significant amount of trim (chef’s choice but 3 ounces should be sufficient) NOTE: all sticks and stems should be removed prior to this process
• A kettle
• Metal baking tray
• Pyrex tray
• Butane with the highest purity possible (methanol and high proof ethanol are perfect examples)
• Glass extraction tube
• Scraper tool
• Parchment paper

NOTE: Full process should be conducted outside in a well-ventilated area.

1. Use your kettle to boil some water
2. Pour your boiled water into the empty metal tray
3. Carefully place your empty pyrex tray into the metal tray of boiling water, taking care not to get any of the water inside the pyrex tray
4. With your trim inside of the glass extraction tube, position the tube over your pyrex tray and strain the ethanol, methanol or other high-quality solvent of your choice through the tube so that the resulting liquid drips into the pyrex tray
5. The heat from the water in the metal tray will begin to boil the solution inside of the pyrex tray
6. When the liquid has burnt off, use your scraping tool to scrape your BHO onto parchment paper

To make sure that your ethanol, methanol or other solvent of your choice has fully evaporated, you can stick a paper clip into the product to get a bit of extract on the tip, then hold a lighter up to the tip. If it sparks, there’s still a significant amount of solvent in the product that needs to be burned away. One way to remove excess solvent with this method is to take the cannabis extract on the parchment paper and place it over a stove top on low heat, stirring it to release the gases from the bubbles in the wax.

Method 3: Making THC or CBD Extract with a Coffee Machine for Filtration

You'll Need:

• A significant amount of trim (chef’s choice but 3 ounces should be sufficient) NOTE: all sticks and stems should be removed prior to this process. Also, a high CBD strain should be used if your aim is to create CBD extract.
• Chilled ethanol
• 2 x glass mixing bowls
• Plastic stirring spoon
• Strainer
• Electric coffee machine
• Electric rice cooker, water distiller, or pan and hot plate

NOTE: Full process should be conducted outside in a well-ventilated area.

1. Pour the trim into one of the glass mixing bowls
2. Quickly yet carefully pour the ethanol into he bowl with the trim, adding just enough to completely submerge the cannabis
3. Use your plastic stirring spoon to mix the solution for about 3 minutes
4. Position your strainer over the second glass bowl and separate your trim from the ethanol by pouring the mixture into the bowl through the strainer
5. Add a new coffee filter into your clean coffee machine
6. Position your empty glass bowl at the bottom of your coffee machine and begin to slowly pour your solution into the coffee filter so that it filters down into the waiting glass bowl. You should do this in shifts, replacing your filter each time to make sure its adequately strained
7. Pour the filtered ethanol into your rice cooker, water distiller or pan on hot plate. Heat appropriately for volume of solution
8. Once the cooking is complete, pour the collected solution into a clean glass bowl and place at the base of your coffee machine, heating for approximately 24 hours to burn away the remaining ethanol

To make sure that your ethanol, methanol or other solvent of your choice has fully evaporated, you can stick a paper clip into the product to get a bit of extract on the tip, then hold a lighter up to the tip. If it sparks, there’s still a significant amount of solvent in the product that needs to be burned away.