CO2 Extraction versus Butane Hash Extraction (BHO)

Supercritical CO2 Extraction (SCE)
Supercritical CO2 Extraction is quickly becoming the preferred solvent in the Cannabis industry. Despite having a more costly initial setup, CO2 is cheaper than butane, making the system more cost-effective to run. In a closed-loop supercritical extraction system, CO2 is constantly recycled- again, reducing cost. As CO2 is produced by natural means, if it is released back to the environment it does not have a negative impact on the atmosphere, making it a much safer and environmentally responsible choice than BHO. SCE does not require the same explosion-proof facility setup that BHO does, or safety equipment and training for operators to work with.

CO2 is also non-toxic- it is a natural waste product from human bodies and fermentation. Due to this and its gaseous state at atmospheric pressure, all extracts made from SCE are pure and completely clean of any potential toxic or heavy metal residues that can be left behind in BHO. Carbon dioxide is gaseous at atmospheric pressure, removing the need for an extra step to remove the solvent from oil extracts as in BHO.  Although both butane and CO2 are chemically inert, BHO is not a fully oxidized product, meaning that the cannabinoids obtained could continue to change structure and therefore lose the intended effect.

The pressure and temperature parameters of both extraction and separation will greatly influence the composition of our final oil product. The solubility and mass transfer properties of the target material within the solvent CO2 determine the operating conditions for that extraction. The conditions of a SCE system can be manipulated to fractionate desired compounds like terpenes, cannabinoids, waxes and esters out of the oil mixture in differing concentrations. This also provides the opportunity to refuse undesired compounds like chlorophyll from the extract. Manipulation in this manner makes SCE the perfect option for drug manufacturers looking to obtain higher concentrations of different biologically active components.

Uniquely, carbon dioxide has solvency power at a much lower set of extraction parameters in comparison to other solvents, and therefore can extract compounds that usually are degraded at higher temperatures or pressures such as terpenes. Carbon dioxide extracts are accordingly stronger in aroma and flavour and bear a profile that most closely resembles the original plant. These extracts are preferred in market as their scent and flavouring are highly valued by purveyors.

Although BHO products may appear to be easy to make, the underlying risk involved with the extraction process and requirements for a Class 1/Division 1 explosion-proof room are additional factors that Herban Extracts took into consideration. BHO is still a viable extraction methodology, producing an extract that is sought out by some consumers. On the other hand, there has been some impressive technological advancement made with SCE, which provides a cleaner and safer option for operators to process cannabis, with the bonus of being able to produce a full spectrum cannabinoid-rich product with an enriched perceived value.