Ethanol Extraction

An ethanol extraction is a solvent-based extraction method used to pull cannabinoids and terpenes out of plant material using ethanol (an alcohol) as a solvent. In an ethanol extraction, cannabis plant material is soaked in alcohol to dissolve and separate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter. Then, the solution is filtered to remove the leftover plant particles. This process leaves behind a cannabinoid and terpene-rich liquid that is then purged to evaporate all of the alcohol out, leaving behind concentrates like wax or shatter. However, after the purge, ethanol-based extracts can be further refined into edibles, topicals, tinctures, or oils like Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) or FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil). Ethanol extraction is favored for its ability to produce full-spectrum extracts that retain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant material.