What is rosin extraction

What is rosin extraction?

Rosin extraction is a solventless method used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis or hemp. 

This process involves applying heat and pressure to the plant material, which causes the resinous sap to be released. 

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. **Preparation**: 

    The cannabis flower, kief, or hash is placed into a rosin filter bag.

2. **Pressing**: 

    The filled bag is then placed between two heated plates of a rosin press.

3. **Extraction**: 

    Heat and pressure are applied, causing the resin to ooze out of the plant material.

4. **Collection**: 

    The extracted rosin is collected from the parchment paper used to catch it.

The result is a high-quality concentrate that retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering a pure and flavorful product. 

This method is popular because it doesn’t require any solvents, making it a safer and cleaner option.

What is the equipment needed for rosin extraction?

Here’s a rundown of the essential equipment needed for rosin extraction:

1. **Rosin Press**: 

    This is the main piece of equipment. It consists of two heated plates that apply pressure to the plant material. 

    There are manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric rosin presses available, each offering different levels of control and ease of use.

2. **Rosin Filter Bags**: 

    These bags hold the cannabis flower, kief, or hash during the pressing process. They come in various micron sizes to filter out plant material while allowing the resin to pass through.

3. **Parchment Paper**: 

    Used to collect the rosin as it is pressed out. It’s important to use high-quality, non-stick parchment paper to ensure easy collection and minimal waste.

4. **Heat-resistant Gloves**: 

    These protect your hands from the high temperatures of the press plates.

5. **Collection Tools**: 

     Tools like dabbers or scrapers are used to gather the rosin from the parchment paper.

6. **Pre-press Mold**: 

    Optional but useful for compacting the plant material into a uniform shape before pressing, which can help improve yield and consistency.

7. **Temperature and Pressure Gauge**: 

     Some advanced presses come with built-in gauges, but having separate tools can help monitor and control the extraction process more precisely.

What are the ideal temperature and pressure settings for rosin extraction?

The ideal temperature and pressure settings for rosin extraction can vary depending on the type of material you're pressing and the desired outcome. 

Here are some general guidelines:

Temperature Settings

- **Flower Rosin**: 180°F to 220°F (82°C to 104°C) for 60 to 180 seconds.

- **Bubble Hash or Dry Sift**: 140°F to 200°F (60°C to 93°C) for 90 to 300 seconds.

Pressure Settings

- **Flower Rosin**: 600 to 1000 psi (pounds per square inch).

- **Bubble Hash or Dry Sift**: 300 to 800 psi.

Tips for Optimal Results

- **Lower Temperatures**: Preserve more terpenes and result in a more flavorful product but may yield less rosin.

- **Higher Temperatures**: Increase yield but can degrade some terpenes, affecting flavor and aroma.

Experimenting with different settings can help you find the perfect balance for your specific material and desired results. 

What are the differences between flower rosin and hash rosin?

Flower Rosin

- **Source Material**: Made from cannabis flower buds.

- **Appearance**: Typically lighter in color, ranging from light yellow to amber.

- **Flavor and Aroma**: Retains a full spectrum of terpenes, offering a rich and complex flavor profile.

- **Yield**: Generally lower yield compared to hash rosin, as the flower contains less resin.

- **Pressing Conditions**: Requires higher temperatures (180°F to 220°F) and pressures (600 to 1000 psi).

Hash Rosin

- **Source Material**: Made from bubble hash or dry sift, which are concentrated forms of cannabis trichomes.

- **Appearance**: Often darker and more translucent, ranging from amber to dark brown.

- **Flavor and Aroma**: Can be very potent and flavorful, but may have a different terpene profile compared to flower rosin.

- **Yield**: Typically higher yield than flower rosin, as hash is more concentrated in resin.

- **Pressing Conditions**: Requires lower temperatures (140°F to 200°F) and pressures (300 to 800 psi).

Summary

- **Flower Rosin**: Offers a full-spectrum experience with a rich flavor but lower yield.

- **Hash Rosin**: Provides a potent and flavorful concentrate with higher yield but may have a different terpene profile.