DR. FREE ADVICE
Rosin Tech
WRITER
Pressing Out The Gold
ANNABIS CONCENTRATES and the
extraction methods used to manufacture them are currently very popular, and a source of some debate among both medicinal and recreational cannabis users. One method, an old botanical extraction technique using heat and pressure, is currently seeing a resurgence in popularity. Rosin Technique or Rosin Tech is a doit-yourself, safe and easy way cannabis users can make their own concentrated hash oil at home, without using of expensive equipment or toxic solvents. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the technique. Heat and pressure applied to the cannabis for just a few seconds releases cannabinoid and terpenoid rich oil from the capitate-stalked glands on the plant. A flat-iron or hair straightener, parchment paper, and cannabis flowers are all that is required for this simplest of extractions. A stainless steel or titanium skillet dab tool can be used to collect the rosin droplets from the parchment paper, and a 4x4 square of silk screen, or a 25 micron pressing screen can be used when extracting rosin from concentrates such as ice water hash.
The amount of rosin one is able to extract from flowers is small (about a 10% return) in comparison to amounts attainable from concentrates such as ice water hash, with a 15
MATERIALS • Hair straightener or flat iron – preferably with a titanium surface and digital temperature control that will go as low as 200°F. A tee shirt press can also be used. • Non-stick parchment paper, preferably non-bleached, cut into 4x4 to 4x8 sizes. • Skillet or Dab tool • Filtering screen - a 25 micron drying screen or a piece of silk screen material, 4x4 – 4x8 • Cannabis - flower, trim, ice water hash (4-1 star), or any cannabis material containing oil.
- 40% return. The amount and quality of the rosin return depends on the amount of resin in the original material, the temperature, the amount of pressure applied, and the length of
DR. KIMBERLY FREE, ND
time the pressure and heat are applied. Low temperature and high pressure applied for a shorter duration yields the greatest return. Rosin, by definition, is the product of resin heated to vaporize out the volatile oils (essential oils) or terpene components. Industrially, rosin is derived from numerous plants, especially conifers. Pine rosin, distilled from pine tree resin, is used on violin and other string instrument bows to assist string contact when playing. Rosin is also used to make soap, inks, food coloring, adhesives, and varnishes. Historically, cannabis rosin has been used by both the ancient Egyptians and the Scythians. The definition is important here, as cannabis users from both medical and recreational worlds, seek the flavor and healthful properties of the terpenoids in cannabis. Terpenoid content can be retained within the cannabis rosin by using lower heat during the extraction process. Using higher temperatures will reduce the terpenoid content and result in rosin that is similar to cannabis CO2 oil in consistency and flavor.
PROCEDURE • Set temperature on flat iron. For flowers, good results are seen around 300°-320°F. For ice water hash, good results are seen with temperatures as low as 220°-230°F. The lower the temperature, the more terpenoids will be retained.
Place pouch in the crease of the folded parchment paper.
• For flowers – place 0.2 to 0.5 grams of cannabis into the crease of the folded parchment paper.
For flowers, 3-5 seconds is sufficient. A sound of sizzling will be heard, meaning oil is being released and evaporated. Release the pressure when you first hear the sizzle.
For trim or hash – place cannabis material onto the filter screen and wrap it tightly around the product, keeping the filter one layer thick. Twist the rest of the screen material tightly to securely contain the cannabis, as if in a small tight pouch.
• Place parchment paper containing the cannabis product between the blades of the flat iron and press as hard as you can.
For hash, 4-5 seconds is sufficient. A sizzling sound is not always present with the hash. • Remove parchment paper and cannabis from heat source and open
the parchment paper. Tiny droplets to a small puddle of golden oil will be left on the parchment paper. •Repeat this process with the same piece of cannabis or hash another 2-3 times on clean areas of the parchment paper or on a new piece. • Collect the oil drops with a skillet/ dab tool or a razor blade. The parchment paper can be placed in a refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to harden the oil and make it easier to remove. • The oil gathered can be readily used as an inhalable, or stored for later use as an edible, topical or tincture ingredient.
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