There are many benefits of going solventless, including that it is safer, cheaper, and better for the environment. This extraction method also allows brands to differentiate themselves from competitors. If you’re a home grower, solventless extraction is an excellent choice because it can save you time, money, and material. Plus, you can smoke the finished product without worrying about health risks.
Solventless extraction is Safer
Solventless extraction has many benefits for both you and the environment. For one thing, these extracts contain fewer impurities and require less labor. They’re also safer because they use no dangerous gases. This increased safety makes solventless extraction increasingly popular. However, you might still have questions about how to use the extracts safely. The answer to these questions depends on your product and how you want to use it. If you want to use it safely, you should ensure you know the precautions you need to take.
Another advantage of solventless extraction is that it doesn’t require a license, while solvent-based extraction often requires type 6 or 7 licenses. This is mainly due to safety concerns, as solvent-based extractions create high concentrations of volatile organic compounds. High levels of VOCs in the air can cause respiratory irritation, liver damage, and even certain cancers.
It is Cleaner
The demand for solventless products such as bay area solventless soared after the vaping crisis in 2019, which was blamed on chemicals found in vape pens. The additives were linked to dozens of deaths and over two thousand hospitalizations. According to Aaron Nino, the director of production at Camp, a division of Nevada cannabis retailer The Source, the sales of solventless products tripled after the crisis. In addition, the concentrated cannabis industry is expected to grow 17.6% from 2020 to 2021 in the five states that have legalized recreational use.
Solventless methods are cleaner, safer, and more efficient. They are also more cost-effective. They require fewer resources and can be easily managed, especially with a trained technician. The lack of butane reduces the risk of explosion, which can be life-threatening if the extraction process is not done correctly or carried out by inexperienced hash makers. However, solvent-based extraction methods require businesses to invest more money in safety protocols. This means solvent-based extraction facilities must be equipped with blast-proof C1D1 rooms to ensure worker safety.
It is More Affordable
Solventless extraction is more affordable for a variety of reasons. It is also safer for operators. There is no risk of spills or flammable solvents. The extraction process is also faster and more reliable. However, the initial costs are higher, and the operator must undergo intensive training. Furthermore, volatile solvents such as butane are often used.
The cost of solventless products is lower than hydrocarbon concentrates, but they can still be pricey. The price of hydrocarbon concentrates has dropped by about 50% in the last three years, but the price of solventless products is still $100 per gram in many markets. These price drops are mainly due to consumer demand, which is changing the economics of extractors. According to Darwin Millard, chief science officer of cannabis ingredients manufacturer Final Bell Corp., demand for solventless products has increased by more than three times in the last two years.
It Allows Brands to Stand Out as a Brand
The cannabis edibles market has already been saturated, and it’s essential to distinguish yourself from your competitors with a unique and enticing product. Solventless extraction techniques provide a safer work environment for extractors. They also reduce the need for strict health and safety regulations. And because solventless methods use less solvent, they can produce products of high aesthetic quality. But solventless production facilities also face unique challenges regarding temperature control. The cold water and ice needed for solventless extraction at scale can require a specialized water service.
Solventless edibles are a rising trend in the cannabis industry. Though many skeptics are still skeptical about the technology, more ingestible products made with solventless ingredients are now on the market. The concentrated cannabis sector is expected to increase by 17.6 percent by 2021 in the five states where cannabis is legal.
It is More Environmentally Friendly
Solvents are an ongoing source of environmental concern, and one of the main goals of green chemistry is to reduce the number of solvents used in chemical production. The appropriate choice of solvent is crucial for the sustainability of chemical processes. Researchers have extensively researched green solvent technologies, but most examples are based on using already widely-used solvents.
Solventless extraction uses a minimal amount of solvent, resulting in less waste. This method also produces fewer impurities.
