The same GMP scientific process we use to generate our full spectrum extracts is also utilized while developing, purifying and preparing our distillate and isolate cannabinoids for derivative products. Conventional chemistry lab style principles and benchtop lab equipment are used to produce highly purified isolations of cannabinoids that large, high-throughput “Wiped Film” devices cannot achieve. Purer isolated cannabinoids result in purer derivative products. Impurities from competitors’product can contain high percentages of alternative cannabinoids and left over flavors that might not work with everyone’s system.
Are CO2 cartridges full spectrum? Are CO2 cartridges full spectrum? Many manufacturers are advertising a “Full Spectrum” CO2 cartridge, made by extracting the terpenes first with a subcritical liquid CO2 process. After these are extracted a second “Super Critical” vapor CO2 high pressure extraction process extracts the Cannabinoids (THC). These two fractions are reintroduced and make a flavorful product for vapor pens.
When talking about processes and products, it is important to note that the most authentic experience comes from using the product on a heated vaporization device. If a product was flavorful, complex, and authentic it would be both dabbable (heated desktop device) and portable (could be used in a portable vaporization device).
Our HTFSE is used in all processes. It is the finest dabable product found on the market today, and it is used in cartridges, blended with purified cannabinoids, and is the flavor in our crumbles.
It is rather telling that CO2 formulations (even those touted as “Full Spectrum”) are not products to be dabbed. They exist as formulations for cartridges.
Distillates and other Derivative Products. CO2 cannabinoid extractions are full of waxes and plant cell based impurities. These are typically removed through ethanol winterization and removal. Ethanol cannot be completely removed from oleoresins without distillation. If a CO2 product was carried to distillation, it would be called a distillate. CO2 extractors typically do not move to the distillation step as there is some belief that a CO2 extracted cannabinoid that has been winterized in alcohol is a more authentic complex product.
That is wrong. A CO2 cannabinoid extract contains many botanical impurities. Those are that are winterized, trade in impurities for ethanol, but the removal of impurities is not complete unless the product is distilled. The terpenes extracted through Subcritical Liquid CO2 extraction are typically more monoterpene weighted. These are not balanced complete extractions. If they were, they would also contain the cannabinoids. It’s clearly obvious that an extraction method that needs to split its technique into two different results, and also needs a secondary solvent for purification IS NOT FULL SPECTRUM. These are half extractions with further separation events.
I prefer “Solventless” products, because they don’t contain chemicals, they are all-natural and more connected with the true flavors of cannabis.
The purpose of a concentrate (extract included) is to enhance flavor and remove foreign material. In the age of rogue manufacturers, it's safer to avoid products with unknown practices.
The entire field of BHO extractions has improved, but still doesn’t carry the same medicinal and flavor performance of a full spectrum bubble hash. Although hash does carry with it a distinct uniform flavor profile, a consumer can quickly evaluate by appearance it’s quality. BHO products can be more vague, (look good/taste horrible, look horrible/taste great) qualities about them.